Every kitchen requires a set of knives that can slice, dice, carve, as well as pare. Serrated, chef, and paring knives are the most recommended knives for every kitchen. In fact, some circles treat the butcher knife as a luxury item. However, its multi-use capabilities make it a worthy contender for your cutlery board.
Check out what you need to know about butcher knives here, plus explore the five best options for your kitchen.
What is a Butcher Knife?
Though butcher knives are a popular kitchen utensil, they also go by another name. The butcher knife is also known as the cleaver. Professionals in the restaurant and butchery industries use it to prepare meats. This heavy knife splits meat from the bone, divides large fruits and vegetables, and dices small vegetables and fruits.
The professional butcher knife handles tough jobs you are not likely to complete at home. If you are an outdoorsman who eats their conquered game, owning a butcher knife allows you to enjoy the meat to the fullest.
Knife manufacturers have designed versions of the butcher knife or home kitchens, too. You may not be splitting pork and beef from its bones on a nightly basis, but you are going to cut up the occasional whole chicken and trim the fat off a steak.
The following are the five best butcher knives to consider. The criteria used include how well it cuts, how long it stays sharp, and how the grip feels for beginners and the experienced. We take a look at versatility, ergonomics, and multi-use ability, too.
Best Butcher Knife for Beginners
A professional butcher knife measures between 6 to 12 inches. The length depends on its intended purpose. The knife’s curved blade ensures the slicing motion is smooth and long. The blade is also very sharp and made from heavy steel.
Some models feature Granton edges, which prevents the meat from shredding during slicing. Instead of a torn piece of meat, you end up with a beautiful slice at the thickness you desire.
Pay attention and exercise caution when utilizing any knife. A beginner could dive into the deep end of professional kitchen tools, but consider starting conservatively when it comes to knives.
Professionals require the sharpest tools, but they also have the ability to wield them. Beginner kitchen tools are still efficient and effective. They help prevent accidents for the novice.
The Mercer Culinary BPX Cimeter, 12 Inch, Granton Edge Cimeter receives high marks from industry insiders. Made from high-carbon German steel, the blade’s strength is ice-hardened to make it stronger. The blade is also textured with ergonomic glass and reinforced with nylon. The Granton edge is finished with a mirror to deliver a smooth cut and release.
With a curved blade, each cut is effortless. There is an ease, and it delivers efficient results every time. The knife’s edge is long-lasting and allows for easy honing, which is a benefit. The longer a knife lasts, the less need for a replacement.
The handle is designed for a sure grip and includes a protective finger guard.
Mercer Culinary also offers a 10-inch version of this model. For additional Mercer Culinary products and knives, visit the Mercer Culinary website.
Best Butcher Knife for Everyday Use
Professionals look for butcher knives that are durable, stable, and long-lasting. These are characteristics a beginner needs, too. They are great for everyday use as well. A knife with the latest technology advancements and upgrades is intriguing. But overall, the knife has to perform daily and every time.
The Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Fibrox Pro Curved Cimeter Knife, 10-Inch is a top choice for everyday use. The original makers of the Swiss Army Knife manufacture it. The brand has been around since 1884, so you can rest assured that their products are solidly reliable.
This model receives praise as a butcher favorite for daily use. The cimeter can handle more extensive tasks such as slicing larger cuts of meat. Its sharp blade allows the knife to cut as close to the bone as possible. The knife handles small tasks with ease, too.
A Swiss-made product, the knife is dish-washing machine safe. The blade is stainless steel and curved, while the handle is ergonomic friendly. Its edge is normal and straight.
Chefs are fans of this knife because it stays sharp. It breaks through tough skin without too much additional effort.
Best Butcher Knife for Value
When you shop for a butcher knife, it is a useful idea to hold it in your hand. You want to make sure that you are comfortable with it. Since online shopping is so prevalent, you might not have this luxury, so seek reviews that talk about balance.
The blades of a butcher knife range from 6 inches to 14 inches. Once you test a knife, you’ll figure out your preference for your home kitchen.
In professional environments, a butcher requires a long slice. This is why butchers and chefs often own 12-inch knives. At home, you may need to dive into ribs or a pork shoulder, but you don’t necessarily need a long stroke.
The DALSTRONG Butcher’s Breaking Cimitar Knife from the Gladiator Series 10″ receives high marks. It ranks well among the best butcher knives value.
Made from German steel, this butcher knife glides through steak as if it were butter. It allows you to portion from the nose to the tail as you effortlessly break down the game. Fans of brisket will enjoy this model, too. The blade is precision-forged and sharpened by hand at an angle of 14-16 degrees.
What is more, it is resistant to wear and tear. The curved blade allows for one single motion at a time instead of sawing through the meat. This delivers perfect slices instead of shredded pieces.
You can expect to break through flesh and cartilage, as well as trim the fat. The knife’s divots prevent stickiness. Plus, they reduce friction, so you end up with smooth slices instead of shredded pieces.
This DALSTRONG knife is also versatile and a solid multi-use candidate in addition to its great value for money.
The handle consists of ergonomic features. For your safety and to protect the knife, you receive a BPA-free knife guard with your purchase, too. On the Wusthof Classic Artisan Butcher Knife, you’ll find the Gladiator Series 10″ Butcher’s Breaking Cimitar Knife at an affordable price.
Best Butcher Knife for Versatility
The purpose of a butcher knife is to prepare meat, which makes it a specialty knife. In a pinch, you can use it to slice other foods such as fruits and vegetables. You can cut non-food items if you are in a tight spot when hunting or outdoors, where nothing else is available.
Versatile butcher knives are a nice addition to your knife set. They come in handy at home. Professionals who use them in restaurants and other kitchens appreciate them, too.
At a butcher shop or restaurant, professionals opt for several butcher knives. Each knife has a purpose. The knife goes beyond luxury.
Butchers own an arsenal of knives because their trade demands agility and preparedness. Outdoorsmen may own one for hunting small games and another for larger ones. If you are purchasing a butcher knife for the first time, a versatile model makes the most sense.
The Wusthof Classic Artisan Butcher Knife, Hollow Edge, 8″ receives favorable marks. It scores high as the best butcher knife for versatility. It consists of a curved blade that cuts through large beef briskets, roasted pigs, and sirloin. You can also cleanly slice through beef, ham, and poultry at your preferred thickness.
This model comes from the Wusthof Classic line. All knives in this collection are precision-forged from exclusive high-carbon stainless steel. The handle’s material resists fading and discoloration. It is manufactured from Polyoxymethylene so the knife is durable, too.
Industry insiders pick this butcher knife for versatility because it is strong and sturdy. Since it is versatile, the knife can handle an array of tasks. The blade runs the entire length of the handle, a bonus feature. In other words, as you slice through meat, you can confidently take the motion from start to finish knowing that there will be no interruption.
This butcher knife includes a contoured finger guard. The protection delivers added confidence while slicing. You can complete your task without fear that the knife might slip.
You can explore the Wusthof Classic Artisan Butcher Knife further online.
Table could not be displayed.Best Butcher Knife for Ergonomics
Ergonomics is a term that you’ll hear in the office and other workplace settings. The purpose is to help all workers complete their responsibilities injury-free. Desks are set at the appropriate height. Chairs must provide sufficient lumbar support. Repetitive tasks are optimized. Breaks and strategies to prevent wearing out muscles are a normal part of the day.
You can apply the concept of ergonomics at home, too. The wrong knife will cause ergonomics-related issues such as discomfort or make a current physical ailment worse. For the beginner, the wrong knife is also likely to cause an accident.
Within the butcher knife family, there is a range of sub-categories that begins with their size. Keep in mind that a novice should research the availability. A knife that is too small or too long may not deliver the desired results.
The repetitive nature of cutting, dicing, and slicing fruits and vegetables takes its toll. Professionals do this daily. So, manufacturers have taken the time to design ergonomic-friendly butcher knives.
The Victorinox 47602 Swiss Army Cutlery Fibrox Pro Curved Boning Knife with Flexible Blade is a chef favorite. It received favorable ratings in the best butcher knife for ergonomics category. The 6-inch knife includes a non-slip grip, which is an important factor to keep in mind when shopping around.
As a smaller butcher knife, its job is to cut around smaller areas of a piece of meat. Since the task is more intricate, the knife must be reliable. The edge is razor-sharp, so it allows you to separate meat, poultry, and fish from the bone successfully and without incident.
The sharpness of the edge determines how quickly you can work your way through the meat. Butcher knives include sharp edges because they must be efficient.
The Swiss Army Cutlery Fibrox knife is for deboning and has a straight edge. It is Swiss-made and dishwasher safe. Its smaller size makes the cleaning process a breeze, even after a messy job.
Industry professionals who tested this knife liked its weight in their hands. The knife gave reviewers a feeling of durability, sturdiness, and balance. Since its job is to debone, it helps you get into small crevices and up against the bone, which may not always be 100% visible.
Chefs comment that this is the butcher knife they give to entry-level professionals tasked with boning. The design and size allow you to choke up on it for added security.
Conclusion
A well-equipped kitchen consists of all the tools that help you prepare a delicious meal every day. You may be a seasoned kitchen veteran who already knows this, but has not yet added a butcher knife to your collection.
On the other end of the scale is the beginner and those who do not utilize their kitchen very often. Keep in mind that things change, and you may find yourself in need of a solid butcher knife. When that day arrives, the above are five of the best butcher knife suggestions to consider.
Butcher knives are more than luxury knives. Their job is to execute a specific task, but they are versatile, too. They offer control, agility, and comfort. In one motion, you can slice the perfect piece of turkey at the Thanksgiving table or the perfect portion of brisket.
There are several great options on the market, which makes the process a little more confusing but well worth it in the end. Seeing them in person at your favorite home goods store allows you to gauge their size, weight, and slicing motion.
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Last updated: September 24, 2023
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