Though having a chef’s knife is a useful and versatile addition to any kitchen, you may need to consider investing in a carving knife too.
Why do I need a carving knife if I already have a chef’s knife?
Because it enables you to create thin and precise meat cuts and slices, especially when you have larger meat in front of you such as roast, poultry, and ham.
This knife comes with a thinner form and a long blade made to ease the slicing. A carving knife is an essential cutlery for Thanksgiving, but for a myriad of other cooking tasks too!
With this knife in your set of utensils, lunches and dinners and get-togethers with friends will have perfectly served food, always!
However, with an abundance of models being sold, it can become quite a challenging and confusing process to decide on the best model for you.
Don’t worry-we’re here to help!
Table of Contents
Why Do I Need a Carving Knife?
If you are constantly struggling with torn meat cuts and slices, you may need to consider a carving knife.
Using the proper knife to carve meat will help you make thicker or thinner slices effortlessly and divide meat from cartilage and bones in a matter of seconds.
With proper movement, you can even cut slices up to a millimeter without damaging the meat.
When you have a quality carving knife in your cutlery set, there is no food waste, only minimal effort, and you will get the perfect slices and cuts for your lunches and dinners with family and friends.
Even though you may not necessarily be a pro in the kitchen, this knife will definitely make you feel like one!
How Does a Carving Knife Look Like?
Most carving knives are large with a size that may vary between 8 inches and 12 inches and are made with a pointy or rounded tip.
The most recommendable length is 8 inches or more so that there is enough space for back-and-forth slices and low strain.
The most recommendable length is 8 inches or more so that there is enough space for back-and-forth slices and low strain.
The knife’s edge is silky and non-serrated. The ones with a pointy tip are more useful for cutting meat from roast beef and ham whereas the rounded ones are perfect to cut around bones.
The carving knives with a pointy tip can be used to cut along boards and are considered multifaceted.
The blade can also be fluted, i.e. a blade with tiny bumps that collect air which lowers the vacuum when cutting through thicker meat. This blade delivers the best results when you use it to cut fragile meats like prosciutto and fish.
Whether it is chicken, turkey, or fish, a quality carving knife will help you make the ideal slices and cuts. Oftentimes, carving knives are used with a matching fork so that you can prevent the meat from sliding off the board.
A lot of users may choose an electric carving knife over a traditional one, mostly because of its high efficiency, easy usage, and speed. Be that as it may, a traditional option remains the
It is important not to mistake regular carving knives with wood carving knives. The former is used for the preparation of food whereas the latter is a common tool used in wood carving.
What Features to Look for in a Carving Knife
- Material- opt for carbon stainless steel blades- they retain an edge longer than other materials
- Flexibility- carving knives are ideal when they have a medium flex for easy maneuvers and cuts
- Length- a carving knife should not have a blade shorter than 8 inches
- Maintenance- choose carve knives with lifetime warranties and those that come with a protective case (when possible)
- Ergonomics- go with a lightweight carving knife and with an ergonomically-designed handle made to fit the hands properly; avoid separate handles that tend to become loose with use
How to Maintain My Carving Knife in the Best Way Possible?
Wash it by hand
Although a lot of models are dishwasher-safe, there’s the risk of warping and damage, explain knife experts. This is why when possible, wash your carving knife by hand.
Use warm and soapy water and then wipe them dry, especially if they’re made of carbon steel. If you let them air dry, they may form rust and blotches, which you don’t want!
Store it separately
If you keep your carving knife with other utensils, you always have a risk of damage. This is why individual sheaths are a great investment.
When you put them in their appropriate sheaths, lay them flat side-by-side in the drawer.
Another great storing option is a magnetic board; a knife block is also fine as long as you choose one with horizontal slots.
This makes sure the blades rest on the sides, not on their cutting edge.
Sharpen it every year
To fix the nicks and other blade damages, sharpen it regularly. How to be sure it needs to be sharpened? – You’ll notice it slides right off the skin of an onion.
Avoid the electric sharpeners as they can shave a lot of metal- opt for water stones or a handheld tool instead.
Use it the right way
To use a carving knife properly, avoid the up-and-down motions which can dull the edge. Instead, rock or slide the blade and ensure it keeps in contact with the cutting board.
To lower the risk of blade damage, stay away from glass, stone or acrylic board. The best option is plastic or wood.
Last but not least, when taking out scrapes off the board, use the knife’s spine rather than its blade.
Carving Knives Reviews
1. Dalstrong Granton Edge Carving Knife
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 19.69 x 3.54 x 1.18 inches |
| Construction Type | Forged |
| Manufacturer | Dalstrong Inc. |
| Price | $179.00 |
Highlighted Features
- Amazing craftsmanship
- Excellent design
- Versatile
- Quality materials
- Sturdy, sharp & strong blade
This knife has superb craftsmanship, innovative tech, impressive design, and optimal materials.
The sharp blade is nitrogen-cooled for flexibility and resistance to corrosion. The full tang makes the knife highly robust and resilient.
Since it’s extra long, the blade is perfect for various meats, as well as for fruits and veggies, bread loaves, and cakes.
The 66 layers of high-carbon stainless steel in the blade make it strong, durable, and resistant to stains.
Being tapered, the blade’s surface resistance is minimized. The blade is 0.07 inches thick and offers sufficient flexibility to follow any type of contour or movement.
The premium G-10 handle is ergonomically designed and hand-polished. It’s proofed against cold, moisture, and heat and it will fit great in your hand- it allows you to feel in control without hand tiredness.
2. Victorinox 12-Inch Fibrox Pro Slicing Knife
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 17.38 x 1.75 x 0.75 inches |
| Item Weight | 1 Pound |
| Manufacturer | Victorinox Swiss Army |
| Price | $38.26 |
Highlighted Features
- Versatile knife
- Suitable for novices & professionals
- Narrow & long shape
- Ergonomic handle
- European premium steel
This knife is the ideal one for carving and slicing meat, but cakes and sandwiches too. It’s been made by skilled Swiss craftsmen since 1884 and designed for professionals and novices in cooking.
Its narrow, long shape and sharp edge optimize the cutting. The Granton blade creates air pockets and averts food from sticking onto the blade and minimizes friction.
The blade is comfy to hold and the knife is ideally balanced. Thanks to the European first-class steel, hand and wrist tiredness is minimal, even after prolonged use.
The tapered edge is ground in two directions and it will last for a long period of time; you can optimize its original sharpness at any time. The straight edge makes it perfect for firmer and softer foods.
The non-slippery Fibrox Pro handle enables a steady and comfy grip, no matter if your hands or the blade are wet or greasy.
3. Mercer Culinary Forged Carving Knife
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 2 x 1 x 15 inches |
| Item Weight | 8.4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Mercer Tool Corp. |
| Price | $48.60 |
Highlighted Features
- Ergonomic
- Optimized maneuvers
- Deluxe sharpness
- Resistant to corrosion & stains
- Affordable
This is an affordable, comfortable, and razor-sharp carving and slicing knife.
Its German high-carbon blade is precision-forged to ensure optimal longevity and strength. It’s also resistant to corrosion and staining.
Thanks to the tapered edge, you get deluxe stability, sharpness, efficiency, as well as easy honing. The knife is NSF certified and Mercer Culinary is an established and trusted cutlery brand that’s been on the market for more than 30 years.
The knife is Taiwan-made with European elements and technology. The elegant non-slippery Santoprene handle makes sure there’s a secure and strong grip and an enjoyable experience with low risk of injuries.
Nonetheless, if you prefer Japanese steel, it is best to go with another model.
4. Mairico Ultra Sharp 11-Inch Carving Knife
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 17.9 x 5.1 x 1.8 inches |
| Item Weight | 14.4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | MAIRICO |
| Price | $21.99 |
Highlighted Features
- Comfortable
- Easy to use
- Great value for money
- Durable
- Versatile
If you’re looking for a professionally designed carving knife from premium stainless steel, this one is the right for you. The 11-inch highly sharp blade is engineered to ensure the most precise cuts.
The ergonomic design makes sure the weight distribution is balanced and equal and the grip is safe and feels good. What’s more, it’s a knife that’s suitable for various types of meats, as well as for fruits and veggies.
The knife is packed in a beautiful sturdy box which doesn’t just make it a great gift, but also helps you keep it neat and undamaged.
With this company, you can really shop without a worry on your mind- this product comes with a full refund option in case of dissatisfaction.
5. Cangshan S1 Series 2-Piece Carving Set
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 17 x 5 x 1.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.8 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Cangshan |
| Price | $79.95 |
Highlighted Features
- 2 tools included
- Made from strong stainless steel
- Triple-riveted knife for extra durability
- NSF-approved
- Ergonomic
This 2-piece carving set is made from premium stainless steel and an awesome option for those who want nothing but the best.
The set includes a carving 9-inch blade and a carving fork. The knife is full-tang and triple-riveted to ensure high durability and control.
The set is NSF-approved and the company gives a limited lifetime warranty for it.
The blades are forged from premium German steel with Rockwell hardness. Both the handle of the knife and of the fork are ergonomic and thus, comfy in the arms, and easy to maneuver.
This set is from the company’s S1 Series that’s dedicated to express the beauty of minimalism by focusing on the beauty of modern knives with exceptional qualities.
Their knives are also well-balanced and easy to use. Also, they undergo a ULTRA6 heat-treatment process for additional strength.
6. Rada Cutlery 11-Inch Carving Knife
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 13.75 x 2.5 x 0.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 3.1 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Rada Cutlery |
| Price | $15.50 |
Highlighted Features
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Classic design
- T420 high-carbon steel
- Hand-sharpened
Carving meat won’t ever get easier than it is with this 11-inch inexpensive carving knife by Rada Cutlery, a renowned cutlery brand.
It will help you yield the most meat from chicken and turkey. Its blade is 5/8 inches and it’s constructed of premium and durable, surgical-grade T420 high-carbon steel.
Plus, it’s been hand-sharpened. It helps you carve your roasts or whole meats in a matter of minutes. This is a very versatile knife- it’s not just suitable for meat but for bigger fruits, veggies, and more.
Another feature that customers also praised is the knife’s lightweight.
The black handle is made of stainless steel resin, which is dishwasher-safe. Even though it’s always best to wash your knives by hand!
With this company, you can shop worry-free- you can return it in case of material or workmanship defects.
7. Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Carving Knife
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 13.19 x 1.57 x 0.79 inches |
| Item Weight | 6.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Wüsthof |
| Price | $109.99 |
Highlighted Features
- German steel
- Durable
- Strong Hostaform handle
- Ergonomic handle
Even though it’s a more expensive model, it’s definitely a worthy investment. This high-end knife constructed by one of the premium brands in the world of cutlery has so much to offer.
We love that the blade is made from German steel. The top picks for metal are German and Japanese as they’re made to last and time doesn’t break them down.
It’s a fine choice for multiple occasions. Its handle is pure delight- it’s made of Hostaform, a synthetic plastic that lasts and maintains its shape for a long period of time.
The rivets ensure it doesn’t separate, regardless of how often you use it to chop and cut.
This riveting also adds to the knife’s balance. The blade is razor-sharp and a great choice for carving, slicing, cutting, and stabbing.
Thanks to the ergonomic handle, you’ll always feel in control and stable when maneuvering it around.
8. Shun Classic 8-Inch Stainless Steel Knife
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 15.3 x 3.2 x 1 inches |
| Item Weight | 9.9 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Shun |
| Price | $140.00 |
Highlighted Features
- Handcrafted in Japan
- Premium high-carbon steel blade
- Durable
- Rust-free Damascus look
- Pakkawood handle
This 8-inch carving knife is handcrafted in Japan and it’s the perfect option for meat carving. The precision-forged blade from high-carbon stainless steel will keep its edge for a long period of time.
Namely, it’s been clad with 16 layers of steel on both sides to ensure a rust-free Damascus look and easy maintenance.
They’re set at a 16-degrees angle, making them the sharpest out of the box. This is much sharper than the traditional blades in Europe, usually sharpened at 20 or 22 degrees.
The D-shaped Pakkawood handle is amazing- it’s comfy, sturdy, and doesn’t slip.
If you decide to add this knife to your collection, you’ll have a lifetime warranty for it. To keep it safe and functioning for a lifetime make sure you wash it by hand.
9. Henckel Classic 8-Inch Carving Knife
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 16 x 3.75 x 1 inches |
| Item Weight | 6.4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | HENCKELS |
| Price | $49.99 |
Highlighted Features
- Excellent sharpness
- Triple-riveted handle
- Made from quality steel
- Flexible
Made in Spain with premium German stainless steel, this knife is a perfect mixture of durability, sharpness, and balance. The blade is honed to prevent dullness while the triple-rivet handle ensures steady, yet comfortable maneuvers.
With a full tang and full bolster, this is one of the most affordable quality knives. It offers a balanced weight and a low risk of injuries.
Though the knife is dishwasher-safe, it’s best to wash it by hand, according to the company. A real class among classic knives, it helps you produce the thinnest slices of meat, bread, etc.
Thanks to the grooves onto the blade, the food sticking is brought to a minimum. So, you’ll work faster and more efficiently. The luxurious Pakkawood handle is a functional and eye-catching addition.
It’s most suitable for people with smaller hands.
10. Sedge Japanese Pro Carving Knife
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 12.83 x 1.97 x 0.08 inches |
| Item Weight | 10.1 ounces |
| Manufacturer | SEDGE |
| Price | Price not available |
Highlighted Features
- Hand-forged Japanese steel blade
- High-quality G10 Military handle
- Optimized grip
- Blade doesn’t dull or rust
- 100 percent money back guarantee
This knife from the SD-S Series is a premium carving knife with a very sharp and hand-forged blade from Japanese steel. It’s honed by an experienced craftsman with the 3-step Honbazuke method.
The handle is a high-quality G10 Military- a real mixture of innovation and tradition. The triple rivets allow for optimal strength and longevity.
The handle ensures you have a secure grip of the knife at all times. The steel is imported from Japan and it is Damascus high-carbon steel mixed with softer stainless steel. This combination ensures you have a blade that is resistant to wear, rust, and dullness.
The high performance of the knife is achieved through the ancient Samurai technique, while the elegant one-of-a-kind Damascus rose pattern is aesthetically pleasing and will satisfy even the pickiest of users.
The company gives 100% satisfaction or a money-back guarantee.
Final Thoughts
Carving knives can be of real aid if you add them to your current cutlery set.
Besides being essential for carving your turkey at Thanksgiving, this long and non-serrated knife has numerous other uses in the kitchen.
Whether you need clean and ideal meat or veggie slices, this knife will always deliver optimal results.
But, because of the numerous options available, the process of deciding on a brand and a type may become confusing. This is why we discussed the 10 top models currently and hope we’ve eased your decision-making!
If budget isn’t limited, our best pick is certainly the best carving knife you shouldn’t be missing out on!
On the other hand, if you don’t want to spend a small fortune, our budget pick will satisfy you even more than you expect!
* Affiliate links/Images/Price from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you don’t want to spend $50 or more on a chef’s knife, I’d highly recommend this Mercer blade. It feels just as sturdy to hold as a pricier model, though it is a tad heavier. It is well balanced, however. The handle is made of Santoprene, a thermoplastic rubber, which I can’t fault for its non-slip grip and comfort. The Rockwell rating is 58, and it has a full tang.