| PRODUCT | RATING | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalstrong Slicing Knife-Shogun Series | 4.8 | Check Price | Read More |
| Victorinox Fibrox Pro | 4.8 | Check Price | Read More |
| Wusthof Classic Carving Knife and Fork Set | 4.7 | Check Price | Read More |
| Dalstrong Carving Set | 4.7 | Check Price | Read More |
Do you need a sharp knife for carving or slicing? Some knives are simply not cut out for the task.
When looking for a knife, you want something that is comfortable and secure in your hand, yet capable of slicing through the toughest cuts of meat. It should also hold up well and not require sharpening after each use.
Instead of spending money on a glorified butter knife, take a moment to browse our list of the best slicing and carving knives for 2019.
Contents
What to Look for in the Best Slicer Knife?
Slicing knives and carving knives share many of the same features. In most cases, they can be used for the same tasks, such as slicing through a variety of meats.
While these knives possess many similarities, there are also subtle differences. Carving knives tend to be thicker, allowing you to carve through thicker cuts of meat. Slicing knives are often thinner and intended for slicing sections of meat.
Whether you need a slicing knife or a carving knife, the main details to consider remain the same. You should examine the following features when shopping for slicing and carving knives:
- Blade: Forged vs Stamped
- Tip: Round vs Pointed
- Handle
- Price
Blade: Forged vs Stamped
One of the most important details is the method used to create the blade. Blades are either forged or stamped. Most chefs agree that the best slicing knife should feature a forged blade.
Forged blades are made from a single piece of high-carbon steel or high-carbon stainless steel. The steel is heated before getting pounded into the right shape.
Stamped blades are cut from a sheet of steel. The blade is then honed for durability and to create the sharp edge.
Knives with forged blades often feature a full tang or partial tang. The tang is the part of the blade that extends into the handle. With a full tang, the blade extends all the way through the end of the handle, resulting in a more balanced, sturdier knife.
Pointed Tips vs Rounded Tips
Slicing and carving knives either have pointed tips or rounded tips. A pointed tip allows you to pierce meat. If you plan to debone a chicken or cut into a thick piece of meat, you will need a pointed tip. However, a curved tip is still suitable for carving slices of meat mid-table.
Choosing the Right Type of Knife Handle
Besides the blade of the knife, you need to look at the handle. Handles are made from a variety of materials, including wood, synthetic materials, and metals.
While metal is often the most durable choice, it requires proper care to prevent rusting. Some types of wood are susceptible to bacterial growth. If you want a wood handle, look for knives with pakkawood handles. The pakka wood is naturally resistant to bacteria.
Synthetic materials are the most common. Various types of plastic are used due to their low cost and decent durability. However, these handles may eventually crack or become brittle if they are regularly exposed to heat.
Price
You should also consider the cost of the knife. Spending a little extra now may save you from needing to quickly replace the knife. A higher quality knife is also less likely to need frequent sharpening.
How Did We Choose the Best Slicer Knife?
When comparing knives, we focused on the main product details. We looked at the length, forged or stamped, the tang, curved or pointed, hardness rating, cost, and user rating.
With the features discussed, you should have the information needed to find the best carving knives and slicing knives. We have come up with a list of the top five options in both categories, starting with the slicing knives.
5 Best Slicing Knives – Reviews and Comparison
| PRODUCT | LENGTH | BLADE | TANG | TIP | HARDNESS RATING | COST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dalstrong Slicing Knife-Shogun Series | 12″ | Forged | Full | Curved | 62 Hardness | $$$ |
| Victorinox Fibrox Pro | 12″ | Forged | No Tang | Curved | 55 Hardness | $$ |
| Dalstrong Slicing Knife-Gladiator Series | 12″ | Forged | Full | Curved | 56 Hardness | $$ |
| Mairico Premium Slicing Knife | 11″ | Forged | Full | Curved | 56 Hardness | $ |
| Mercer Culinary Millenia Slicer | 11″ | Forged | No Tang | Curved | 46 Hardness | $ |
1. Dalstrong Slicing Knife-Shogun Series
Features:
- Blade with 62 Rockwell hardness rating
- Full tang with triple rivets
- Granton edge blade
- Forged with 66 layers of high carbon stainless steel
When searching for the best knife for slicing meat, we wanted an option that can hold up for many years, remain sharp, and provide the agility needed for working with a variety of meats. The Dalstrong Shogun Series Slicing Knife was one of the only options that exceeded our criteria.
It is made with incredibly durable Japanese steel and set with an 8-degree to 12-degree angle on each side. It also features a full tang with triple rivets, which ensures that the handle never falls off and provides optimal balance.
The Granton edge blade creates air pockets that make it easier to slice through thicker cuts of meat.
Pros
- Does not need frequent sharpening
- Durable
- Razor-sharp edges for tough meat
Cons
- Expensive
2. Victorinox Fibrox Pro Slicing Knife
Features:
- 12-inch blade with Granton edge
- Dishwasher safe
- Ergonomic handle
The top mid-range slicing knife is the Victorinox Fibrox Pro Slicing Knife, which features a 12-inch blade with the Granton edge. It includes many of the features that you want in the best meat slicing knife.
The handle is ergonomically designed for added comfort and includes additional weight to improve the balance of the long handle.
It is a forged knife with sharp edges that can easily slice through larger cuts of meat. In addition, it is also suitable for slicing vegetables, fruits, sandwiches, and even cake.
Overall, this knife is reasonably priced and outperforms many other expensive knives.
Pros
- Comfortable grip
- Well-balanced handle
- Dishwasher safe
- Multifunctional
Cons
- The handle is not riveted.
3. Dalstrong Slicing Knife – Gladiator Series
Features:
- 12-inch blade with rounded tip
- Forged from high-carbon German steel
- Pakkawood handle
- 14-degree to 16-degree edges
- Comes with a protective sheath
Dalstrong has another top contender for the best slicer knife. This option from their Gladiator Series is forged from high-carbon German steel.
The 14-degree to 16-degree edges ensure that you get a razor-sharp blade that can slice the toughest meats including turkeys, roasts, and hams.
It is not as hard compared to its Shogun counterpart. However, it has a 56 Rockwell hardness rating, which is still more durable than your average kitchen knife.
The full tang blade also has a riveted pakkawood handle which has a natural antibacterial property.
Pros
- Comes with a protective sheath
- Sharp
- Suitable for larger pieces of meat.
Cons
- Requires frequent sharpening
4. Mairico Premium Slicing Knife
Features:
• 12-inch Granton edge blade
• Ergonomic, wooden handle
• Dishwasher safe
If cost is a major factor, the Mairico Ultra Sharp Premium 11-Inch Knife is a great choice. The low price of this knife makes it a top recommendation for those with a limited budget. It features a full tang, wood handle, and comes in a fancy box.
Like all the knives in our roundup, this Mairico knife is made from stainless steel. It has a durable blade and a handle with an ergonomic design which makes slicing meat more comfortable. It may not be the best knife available, but it beats out other options in this price range.
Pros
- Affordable quality knife
- Well-balanced
- Comfortable to hold
Cons
- The blade dulls quickly.
- May need sharpening on first use.
5. Mercer Culinary Millennia Slicer
Features:
- 11-inch Granton edge blade
- Ergonomic handle
- Forged blade
The Mercer Culinary Slicer is the most affordable slicer that still offers quality slicing action. It features an 11-inch blade with a Granton edge. It also has a large ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip.
The blade is made from one-piece of high-carbon Japanese steel. It is also one of the most affordable forged knives that you can buy. However, forged knives are not always better. With this knife, you may need to keep a sharpener in your kitchen.
Pros
- Affordable quality knife
- Larger handle
- Well-balanced
- Made from Japanese steel
Cons
- Unriveted plastic handle
5 Best Carving Knives – Reviews and Comparisons
The best knife for carving meat should have a sharp point, as you need to cut into the meat, which is a little different compared to slicing pieces of meat.
For deboning chicken, cutting into a thick cut of meat, or carving up a turkey, these are the top five recommendations.
| PRODUCT | LENGTH | BLADE | TANG | TIP | HARDNESS RATING | COST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wusthof Classic Carving Knife and Fork Set | 8″ | Forged | Full | Pointed | 58 Hardness | $$$ |
| Dalstrong Carving Set | 9″ | Forged | Full | Pointed | 56 Hardness | $$ |
| Cangshan Carving Knife and Fork Set | 9″ | Forged | Full | Pointed | 58 Hardness | $$ |
| Mercer Culinary Genesis Carving Knife | 10″ | Forged | Partial | Pointed | 58 Hardness | $ |
| Top Chef by Master Cutlery Carving Knife and Frok Set | 8″ | Stamped | No Tang | Pointed | 62 Hardness | $ |
1. Wusthof Classic Carving Knife and Fork Set
Features:
- 8-inch forged blade
- 58 hardness rating
- Full tang with triple rivets
With the best meat carving knife, durability is a major factor. You need something that can cut tough meat without the handle breaking or the knife dulling too easily. The Wusthof 9704-1 Classic Knife Set includes one of the most durable carving knives.
It has an 8-inch blade, forged from high-carbon German steel with a 58-hardness rating. The high-quality German steel should hold up to repeated use without needing frequent sharpening. However, I recommend you still use a honing rod regularly.
The forged design includes a full tang with triple rivets, creating a durable knife that will not fall apart on you.
This knife offers the perfect balance for more control and precision when cutting meat, making it perfect for deboning.
Besides a carving knife, you also get a matching fork. It is a great set, with all the features that you want in a quality knife for carving meat.
Pros
- Well-balanced
- Needs less frequent sharpening
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
2. Dalstrong Carving Set
Features:
- 9-inch blade
- 56 Rockwell hardness rating
- 14-degree to 16-degree edges
- Full tang with triple rivets
- Pakkawood handle
Dalstrong makes a couple of the best slicing knives, along with this recommendation for the carving knife with the best value. The Dalstrong Carving Knife & Fork Set Gladiator Series includes a 9-inch carving knife featuring the same craftsmanship found on other knives from this company.
The forged blade with tempered steel is made with 14-degree to 16-degree edges, which results in a sharper edge that can easily cut through larger pieces of meat.
This knife also features a full tang with triple rivets which is the preferred choice when shopping for a long-lasting carving knife. The high-quality pakkawood handle looks and feels great as well.
With a 56 Rockwell hardness rating, this knife does not dull easily. It is built to last and should offer many years of use.
Thanks to the quality of the knife and the extra pieces (fork, sheath and honing steel) that come with this set, Dalstrong offers the best value for a carving knife.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Sharp blade
- Full tang with triple rivets
- Hygienic Pakkawood handle
- Comes with a sheath, fork and honing rod
Cons
- Others may not prefer pakkawood, as it not as durable compared to a stainless-steel handle.
3. Cangshan Carving Knife and Fork Set
Features:
- 58 Rockwell hardness rating
- Full tang with triple rivets
The Cangshan 2-Piece Carving Set is a reasonably priced option with an incredibly durable forged knife and matching fork. The set looks luxurious, due to the crème-colored handles and elegant design.
The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold and cut with. The knife includes a full tang with triple rivets for added durability.
In addition, it also has a 58 Rockwell hardness rating, which helps prevent dulling when using the knife regularly.
The large bolster helps ensure that your knuckles do not extend past the handle.
If you enjoy this set, the company also produces several other matching sets to help you round up your kitchen knife collection.
Pros
- Ergonomic handle
- Affordable
Cons
- Less durable compared to others
4. Mercer Culinary Genesis
Features:
- High carbon German steel
- 10-inch blade
- Ergonomic Santoprene handle
If you do not want to spend a lot on a single knife, the Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Knife is one of our top recommendations. It is affordable, surprisingly durable, and made from forged steel.
The 10-inch blade is slightly longer compared to most carving knives, giving you an extra inch for carving larger pieces of meat. The taper on the blade edge increases its durability and makes it easier to hone the blade after each use.
The handle is comfortable and features a non-slip grip, which keeps greasy hands from sliding off the handle. The ergonomic Santoprene handle should not warp, break, or melt from hot temperatures.
The high-carbon German steel is naturally resistant to rust, corrosion, and discoloration. It is also suitable for use in commercial settings.
5. Top Chef by Master Cutlery Carving Set
Features:
- 8-inch blade
- Ice-tempered stamped blade
Rounding up our list, the Top Chef by Master Cutlery is a decent choice when you are more concerned with the cost of the carving knife set. This affordable option includes an 8-inch carving knife and a matching fork.
The ice-tempered stamped blade is relatively sturdy compared to other stamped blades. While stamped blades are typically not as durable compared to forged blades, the knife in this set should still hold up, if you take good care of it.
For added protection, always wash it by hand after each use, and avoid washing it in the dishwasher or exposing it to hot temperatures.
Pros
- Affordable
- Ice-tempered stamped blade
Cons
- Less durable compared to others
Conclusion – Which Knife Is the Right Choice for Your Kitchen?
The slicing knives have curved points that are suited for slicing all types of meat, fruits, and vegetables.
The carving knives that we chose feature pointed blades for piercing through meat and carving.
If you need the best slicer knife, we recommend the Dalstrong 12-Inch Shogun Series Knife. It has the highest hardness rating and is forged from superior Japanese steel. It also has thin 8-degree to 12-degree angles on each side, for a razor-sharp edge.
The Dalstrong 12-Inch Gladiator Series Knife offers the best overall value. It is about half the price compared to the other Dalstrong knife and is forged from German steel. The angles are not quite as sharp but are still just 14-degrees to 16-degrees.
For a solid mid-range option, we suggest that you consider the Victorinox 12-Inch Knife. It is a long knife with a comfortable handle, crafted by the same company that produces the Swiss Army Knife.
If you need the best carving knife for meat, the Wusthof 9740-1 Knife Set has the strength, pointed tip, and durability that you need. It is forged from German steel and features a full tang with triple rivets.
For the best value in a carving knife, the Dalstrong Gladiator Series is our recommendation. It includes a quality knife featuring the same craftsmanship found on the best slicing knives. You also get a fork, honing rod, and sheath.
The other options are also great choices if you need an affordable slicing or carving knife. They may not hold up as long compared to these recommendations, but they are still the top choices in their price ranges.
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