Even though we don’t use carving knives all the time, it remains to be a thing of beauty that’s essential in any home. When you need a thin, long, and sharp blade to do your carving, there’s no other knife on the market that will perform better. Fortunately, there are a lot of choices.
But how do you find the best carving knife to suit your needs? There are many things to consider and many options to go through. But don’t let this overwhelm you. To help you make a wise choice, this article can help you out. From a review of the best products available now to a comprehensive buying guide, we’ve got you covered!
- Features to consider in Good Carving Knives
- Top 10 Best Carving Knives 2023
- 1. Mercer Culinary Genesis 10-Inch Forged Carving Knife
- 2. Update International (KGE-07) 12" Forged Granton Edge Carving Knife
- 3. DALSTRONG Slicing Carving Knife
- 4. Ergo Chef Prodigy Series Meat Slicing and Carving Knife
- 5. MAIRICO Ultra Sharp Premium 11-inch Stainless Steel Carving Knife
- 6. Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 8-Inch Slicing/Carver Knife
- 7. ZYLISS Carving Knife with Sheath Cover
- 8. J.A. Henckels International Classic 8-Inch Stainless-Steel Carving Knife
- 9. Victorinox Cutlery 8-Inch Carving Knife
- 10. Tuo Cutlery 9 inch Slicing Carving Knife
- Guide to Buying the Best Carving Knives
- Conclusion
Features to consider in Good Carving Knives
Sharp and straight edge
What use would a dull knife be to you? The best carving knives would have sharp and straight edges to make cutting easier for you. This feature is extremely important so that you can use the knife to carve and slice different types of meat.
You should never have to struggle especially if you want to produce nice, clean cuts. Therefore, you should choose a carving knife with a sharp and straight edge to make it a lot easier for you in the long-run.
Durable blade
Durability is also another important feature. If you want to use your carving knife for a long time, make sure you find one that’s sturdy and strong. Typically, carving knives with high-carbon blades are the most dependable ones in terms of durability. Generally, the material of the knife would determine its durability so choose carefully. Try to find out all you can about the knife, even the material of the blade and the handle.
Rounded or pointed tip
Consider whether you’d prefer a carving knife with a rounded or a pointed tip. This would depend on how you plan to use the knife. If you plan to carve cooked meat, fish or poultry, then a rounded tip would be good enough for you. There are plenty of options to choose from in terms of carving knives with rounded tips.
But if you plan to use the knife to cut raw meat, then you should consider one with a pointed tip. These knives have a sharp tip which means that you can use it to slice or carve tougher types of meat. So, think about your own needs so you can determine what you need.
The right balance
The right balance will also define the carving knife’s quality. This is because a well-balanced carving knife will make any cutting action a lot easier. The best carving knives available won’t have too much weight on either the handle or the blade. They would be perfectly balanced so that you won’t feel awkward while handling them.
Top 10 Best Carving Knives 2023
1. Mercer Culinary Genesis 10-Inch Forged Carving Knife
Editor’s Rating:
Value for money
When it comes to carving knives, you want to get great value for your money. With its price, you’re getting excellent value for your money with this knife. It’s made with high-quality steel from Germany which means that it has excellent edge retention and sharpness. The carving knife is also easy to grip so you can comfortably handle it while carving and slicing.
Blade
You can’t go wrong with this knife because of its superior blade. In fact, the blade is one of the knife’s best features. The high-carbon material resists stains and discolorations. It’s made with precision-forged construction for improved durability and strength. The knife’s blade also has an edge that’s taper-ground for easier honing, added stability, and a sharpness that will last for a long time.
Handle
The knife’s Santoprene handle has an ergonomic design that provides you with superior comfort. The handle’s non-slip grip won’t break down even when exposed to extreme temperatures and different substances in the kitchen. This means that you can use it for different tasks and in different conditions. It also has a bolster which offers excellent balance so you can handle the knife better while cutting.
Pros
- A professional-quality carving knife that's durable, efficient, and comfortable.
- The blade is sharply-tapered and generously-sized making it ideal for cutting different types of meat.
- It's fully-forged and polished by hand.
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons
- It's not entirely rust-proof.
2. Update International (KGE-07) 12" Forged Granton Edge Carving Knife
Editor’s Rating:
Sharpness
This feature will surely excite carving knife enthusiasts out there. The blade of this knife is sharp making it one of the best carving knives. It’s able to cut through several types of meat easily so you can come up with perfectly-sized slices each time. Also, because of the sharpness, you can use it to cut through almost everything effortlessly. From raw to cooked meat, you won’t have any trouble using this knife.
Value for money
When you consider the price, the knife will prove its worth. If you do a lot of carving and slicing at home, then this knife is the one for you. It’s an affordable product without compromising on quality. Still, because of its efficiency when it comes to cutting, this carving knife is an excellent investment.
Blade and handle
The knife has a blade with a Granton edge that’s forged and made of durable material. This will ensure the longevity of the knife, and that means that you will be able to keep on using it for years to come. On the other hand, the handle is both slip-resistant and durable. It’s a hand-honed carving knife with a rounded tip making it perfect for slicing up meat, fish, poultry, and more.
Pros
- The forged carving knife has a Granton edge.
- The handle is both slip-resistant and very durable.
- Also, the handle has a contoured shape to make it easy and more comfortable to hold.
- It's great for cutting different kinds of meat.
Cons
- The carving knife isn't totally rust-proof.
3. DALSTRONG Slicing Carving Knife
Editor’s Rating:
Sharp
We’ve mentioned how sharpness is one of the most important features of carving knives. You’ll love this carving knife as it is part of the brand’s top-notch range. Aside from having a beautiful design, it also has more than 60 layers of steel in the blade. It’s a sharp knife which retains its sharpness for a long time. Because of this, it’s ideal for any slicing or carving task you need to do.
Blade
Made with technology that’s cutting-edge and with outstanding craftsmanship too, this carving knife will surely impress you. The blade is of premium materials with an edge that has been hand-polished. It also has a flexible blade technology which makes cutting tasks quicker and more satisfying. With this knife and its superb blade, you’ll find cutting, carving, and similar tasks becoming a whole lot easier.
Design
Just handling this lovely carving knife will show you that it has a quality feel and a satisfying heft. It has a comfortable handle with a grip that will ensure optimum maneuverability and comfort. It’s also polished and laminated to make it more sanitary. It’s one of the best carving knives in terms of design and efficiency.
Pros
- Has a hand-sharpened edge to maintain the balance of resilience and sharpness.
- Includes an end cap made of stainless steel to add distinction and counterbalance.
- It's easy to clean and has a BPA-protective sheath.
- The handle has an ergonomic shape for maximum grip, maneuverability, and comfort.
Cons
- Some customers aren't satisfied with the sharpness of the blade.
4. Ergo Chef Prodigy Series Meat Slicing and Carving Knife
Editor’s Rating:
Blade and Handle
This is the ultimate carving knife for your kitchen. It has a super blade and handle which are actually the major parts of the carving knife. The blade has an edge that’s precision-ground so you can make slices of meat which are perfectly thin. It has a full-tang right in the handling for improved balance and comfort. The handle even has a TPR non-slip grip for better control.
Notably, Ergo Grip guarantees the sharpness and quality of their knives, and encourages customers to get in touch for a replacement if they do happen to receive a dull blade.
Design
This carving knife has a unique design on its blade. It has clever ground ovals which are hollow to create air pockets while cutting. This design helps prevent the blade from sticking to the food that you cut. It also produces less friction to allow for easier maneuverability. With this knife, cutting becomes a whole lot easier.
Efficiency
The efficiency of the knife comes from the handle with an ergonomic design. This NSF-tested carving knife provides both comfort and the right balance to make carving and slicing effortless. It has a long and narrow shape with a sharp edge to ensure optimum cutting performance. You can use it to slice meats, sandwiches, cakes, and more.
Pros
- The edge of the knife is precision-ground, so, you can slice meat thinly and perfectly.
- Has a TPR grip, non-slip handle for comfort and control.
- Sharpening the entire blade is easy.
- The knife is narrow and long in shape for optimum cutting performance.
Cons
- Some claim that the knife is quite dull.
Editor’s Rating:
Blade
The blade of this carving knife performs impeccably. This is a huge benefit because the blade is the main part of the knife. It’s made with a professional design and of excellent quality. The length of the blade is the most desirable at least according to the professionals. It’s made of premium stainless steel, and you can use it to carve different types of meat.
Design
Here’s another excellent feature for you. The carving knife is also ergonomically-designed. It has a weight distribution that’s well-balanced, and the handle will perfectly fit your hand. The design allows for versatility as it’s long enough to cut through meat and other types of food. Because of the design, you won’t feel fatigued while you’re performing your cutting tasks.
Versatility
As we’ve mentioned, carving knives are essential in any kitchen. Since this one is quite versatile, you’ll get excellent value for your money. You can use this carving knife on all types of meat as well as for slicing fruits and veggies. This versatility makes the carving knife highly superior and well-sought after. So if you’re looking for a versatile tool, then you will love this knife.
Pros
- Has a long blade that's ultra-sharp and highly-precise.
- Professionally-designed and made from high-quality materials.
- Versatile carving knife with a safe, comfortable design.
- Comes with a full money-back guarantee.
Cons
- Some claim that it's not as sharp as they want it to be.
6. Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 8-Inch Slicing/Carver Knife
Editor’s Rating:
Design
Aside from its superior performance potential, the carving knife also has a great design. As you can see, this lovely knife comes in a traditional design with its wooden handle. The blade’s edge was carefully manufactured with the Taper Grind technology which allows it to stay sharp for a long period. It has three compression rivets made of brass to hold the handle to the blade securely for stability and safety.
Blade
The next standout feature of this knife is its blade. The carving knife’s blade has a long, thin shape and you can use it to slice and carve cooked meat. It’s of high-carbon stainless steel that’s completely resistant to stains and rust. Aside from being sharp, the blade is also well-balanced because of its full-tang construction.
Handle
Finally, the handle is pretty amazing too. These days, most carving knives now come with ergonomically-designed handles, and this is no exception. The handle looks classy, and it’s made of solid walnut. It’s securely attached to the blade which makes the whole knife more stable and a lot safer to use. So aside from giving the classic appearance, the handle makes the knife perform better too.
Pros
- Has a classic design with a lovely wooden handle.
- The blade is long and thin to make it easier to carve meat.
- Has an ergonomic handle as well as a blade that resists stains and rust.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- The handle is rough.
7. ZYLISS Carving Knife with Sheath Cover
Editor’s Rating:
Size
The size of this carving knife sets it apart from others. Unlike most knives out there, this one is relatively smaller and more lightweight. This makes it perfect for carving small or medium-sized cuts of poultry, fish, and meat. The size also makes it very useful in filleting and slicing smaller portions from raw meat. Of course, it’s also easier to clean and store because of its handy size.
Blade
Aside from the durable material, the blade also comes in two different formats. You can choose the raw blade or the one which has a non-stick, colored resin coating. This will help reduce the friction as you cut through the meat. The blade doesn’t just look great but, it’s very effective too. Since there are two different options, you may choose which one will fit right into your kitchen’s design.
Handle
You can’t go wrong with a superior handle. This carving knife has a rounded handle made of rubber. This provides a grip that’s non-slip which will allow you to hold your knife securely and control it effectively. The handle also comes in a lovely blue color whether you choose the knife with the raw or colored blade.
Pros
- It's ideal for carving poultry, fish, and meat.
- The handle allows for control, precision, and comfort.
- Made with high-quality materials and modern methods of products.
- Comes with a warranty that's good for 5 years
Cons
- The material of the blade isn't rust-proof.
8. J.A. Henckels International Classic 8-Inch Stainless-Steel Carving Knife
Editor’s Rating:
Forged
This is a forged carving knife that’s of German steel and made in Spain. It’s not machine-made which is very appealing to a lot of people. They believe that forged knives have a higher quality than those produced by machines. Merely holding the knife will make you feel great about your purchase. It even comes with a bolster which makes the knife more durable and which provides it with perfect balance.
Blade
With the blade of this carving knife, you will experience confidence each time you cut. The blade has a fine edge which allows for precise cuts, and it’s also honed for its sharpness to last for a long time. With this carving knife, you’ll be able to serve your meat beautifully each and every time. Cutting different types of meat will become a lot easier because of this knife’s blade, so it’s the one for you to consider.
Size
This is another knife with a strategic size. Just like the other carving knives with smaller sizes, this one will serve you well. You can use it to make finely sliced meat easily. Also, because it’s quite small, it doesn’t take much effort to handle the knife for carving and slicing jobs. It’s a moderately-priced carving knife which is perfect for those who have smaller or narrower hands.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe carving knife that's perfect for ham, roasts, and poultry.
- The carbon steel material is stain-resistant and hot-drop forged for improved durability.
- Has a handle that's triple-riveted around a full tang.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- It's fairly light and quite expensive
9. Victorinox Cutlery 8-Inch Carving Knife
Editor’s Rating:
Blade
This carving knife has a stamped blade. This means that it’s made from a piece of cold-rolled steel then cut into shape, ground, tempered, then finally sharpened. It’s lighter than a forged blade, and it’s easier to maneuver. The stamped blade performs as well as a forged one without the added weight.
Straight edge
The blade also has a straight edge. In fact, most knives from the brand have either a fine or a straight edge. Because of this kind of edge, it’s perfectly tapered, and it doesn’t have any serrations. Therefore, it’s designed to make clean cuts without shredding or tearing. The blade’s edge will make your cutting action more effortless even when you cut through different types of meat.
Handle
Just like the blade, the handle of this knife is also stamped. This feature is quite unique to knives from this brand. The knife has a patented Fibrox handle which is highly-valuable in the knife industry. The handle is slip-resistant, textured, and has an ergonomic design. It will provide you with the comfort and balance you need for your cutting jobs.
Pros
- Makes carving different kinds of meat easy with a continuous stroke.
- The blade's material allows for maximum edge retention and sharpness.
- Has a bolsterless edge that's easy to sharpen.
- Also, has a patented handle with an ergonomic design.
Cons
- Some customers claim that the blade doesn't stay sharp for very long.
10. Tuo Cutlery 9 inch Slicing Carving Knife
Editor’s Rating:
Design
Just looking at the knife’s design will make you feel good about your purchase. The lovely carving knife comes from the Ring Series of the brand. The handle has rings, and the blade has a beautiful Damascus pattern which runs all throughout the blade’s length. Aside from being beautifully-made, the steel material of the blade is nitrogen-cooled to ensure an ultra-sharp edge which will last for a long time.
Blade
Speaking of the blade, it’s made of imported steel from Japan. The blade’s core is of Damascus stainless steel that’s combined with high-carbon soft steel. This makes the blade resistant to rust and wear. It will provide you with an optimum cutting performance for a long time while maintaining its sharpness.
Handle
Here’s another impressive knife with an ergonomic handle. It’s made with a combination of innovative technology and traditional craftsmanship. The handle is military-grade, durable, and it’s impervious to moisture, heat, and cold. It’s also hand-polished and allows for optimum hand control. All these features make for an excellent knife with a high-quality handle. Combined with the blade, this carving knife will surely serve you well.
Pros
- Made of high-carbon stainless steel from Japan which is also used for making professional-grade knives.
- Stainless and comes with excellent resistance to corrosion.
- The surface of the blade combines high-performance and elegance.
- Has a cutting angle of 12-15-degrees for easy maintenance and superior performance.
Cons
- The handle may come loose after some time.
Guide to Buying the Best Carving Knives
A carving knife is a simple tool, but it has been around for hundreds of years now. Even though it’s not the type of knife you would use every day, it’s still an essential part of any kitchen. We’ve gone through some of the best carving knives available on the market now but before you make a choice, let’s take a look at some things you need to consider.
What important factors should you consider when buying carving knives?
Material of the blade
The material of the blade is one of the first things you need to consider when you’re looking at various products. Often, the blades of carving knives are of stainless steel. This is the cheapest material available, but you may have to sharpen your knife often if it’s made of this material.
High-carbon stainless steel, on the other hand, is more expensive but has a remarkable quality. Also, it retains its sharpness for a longer time. There are also carving knives with ceramic blades which aren’t prone to rust. Unfortunately, this material is very fragile and may break when used to cut hard food items.
Sharpness
The sharpness is the next factor for you to check. If you want to carve your food effortlessly, then you need a sharp knife. This will allow you to make thin and precise slices for you to serve to your family or guests. Therefore, it’s best to choose a knife that’s sharp and will stay sharp for a long time.
Comfort level
You may raise your eyebrows at this factor but, it’s also quite remarkable. When you grip your carving knife, you need to feel comfortable and natural while cutting. The best carving knives out there will provide you with a good comfort level along with a great balance for easier carving, slicing, and cutting.
What’s the use of a carving knife?
Typically, you would use a carving knife to make thin cuts into meat which are also precise. With a great knife, you can cut several types of meat effortlessly. The length of the knife would determine the size of the meat you can carve as well so think about that too.
Makes it easier to cut meat
With a carving knife, you will be able to cut meat easier. Some have straight edges while others have Grantons or small indentations. The design of the blade makes it easier for the knife to cut through the meat by reducing the resistance, so you can make thinner cuts as well.
They’re for vegetarians too!
One of the best things about carving knives is that they are quite versatile. Although they’re meant for cutting meat, vegetarians and vegans can use them too. When used correctly, you can use a carving knife for different cutting applications when cooking with fruits, vegetables, and more.
Conclusion
Carving knives may look simple, but you need to consider a lot of things before you can find the best one that would suit your needs. The best carving knives have similar features which guarantee ease of use, durability, sharpness, and more. We’ve provided you with a wealth of information which, hopefully, will help you make a better choice.
Carving knives are very versatile tools. That is if you’ve found the right one and you know exactly how to use it. That’s why it’s imperative to find out all you can about any product which catches your eye. Of course, in the end, you will choose a carving knife based on your preferences. But no matter which one you choose from the products we’ve reviewed, you’re guaranteed a great buy!