The Best Carving Knives

Discover the best carving knives for flawless, easy slicing. Dive into our comprehensive guide to find your perfect kitchen ally, from top brands to budget picks.

The Best Carving Knives

There’s something innately satisfying about carving a succulent roast or a beautifully smoked turkey. It’s a culminating moment, a testament to your culinary skills, and the pathway to a feast shared with loved ones. But a perfectly roasted bird or roast is only as good as the precision with which it is carved. This is where the carving knife, an unsung hero of kitchen cutlery, takes center stage.

The purpose of a carving knife is simple but critical – to create clean, even slices that showcase your culinary masterpiece. The right carving knife can mean the difference between beautifully presented, even serving slices and a torn and tattered roast on your cutting board.

In this post, we delve into the world of carving knives, exploring the top contenders in the market, their standout features, and how they fare in slicing efficiency, durability, and comfort. We’ll guide you through the maze of options, from slicing knives and electric carving knives to complete carving sets.

So, whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast, a family BBQ, or simply looking to enhance your culinary toolkit, this comprehensive guide is your one-stop resource for the best carving knives in the market. Let’s carve a path to discovering your ideal kitchen companion.

Quick Overview: The Best Carving Knifes

• Editor’s Choice: Schmidt Bros Heritage Series 8.5″ Carving Knife
• Best Overall: Mercer Culinary Genesis 10″ Carving Knife
• Runner-Up: Cutluxe 9″ Carving Knife
• Most Versatile: TUO 8” Barbecue Knife
• Best Luxury: WÜSTHOF Classic 9″ Hollow Edge Carving Knife
• Most Affordable: SpitJack BBQ Slicing & Carving Knife
• Best Electric Carving Knife: Hamilton Beach Electric Carving Knife
• Best Carving Knife and Fork Set: Hammer Stahl Carving Knife and Fork Set

Editors Pick

Schmidt Bros Heritage Series 8.5″ Carving Knife

The Schmidt Bros Heritage Series 8.5″ Carving Knife is our editor’s choice for the best carving knife available on the market because of its high-quality material, patented Transitional Bolster, and Schmidt Brothers Curve. It’s an excellent carving knife designed for professionals and aspiring at-home chefs.

During our time using the Schmidt Bros Heritage Series Carving Knife, we found it to be a remarkable kitchen tool. The unique Transitional Bolster and Schmidt Brothers Curve provided exceptional control, whether we used the pinch grip or held the handle traditionally.

Compared to other carving knives in the market, the Schmidt Bros knife stands out due to its unique design features and exceptional build quality. While some other knives may offer a more traditional design, the Heritage Series carver’s sculpted handle and bolster encourage a more controlled and professional grip. The high-quality German stainless steel construction also guarantees edge retention superior to many other carving knives available.

This 8.5-inch carving knife is perfect for professionals and aspiring chefs who need kitchen knives that combine style, comfort, and top-notch performance. It’s also a great fit for those who appreciate the pinch grip method for added control during their culinary tasks.

What We Liked

• Made from high-quality, 100% German stainless steel which ensures durability and edge retention.
• The patented Transitional Bolster allows for a smooth transition from pinch grip to palm of the hand, offering versatility in handling.
• Schmidt Brothers Curve provides a space for your forefinger to rest, enabling easy guidance of the knife.
• Comes with a limited lifetime warranty, providing assurance of quality and craftsmanship.

What We Didn’t Like

• May not be ideal for those unaccustomed to the pinch grip style of handling.
• Given its high-quality construction and design features, it is priced higher than other carving knives.

The Schmidt Bros Heritage Series Carving Knife is a superior kitchen tool that combines aesthetics, ergonomics, and performance. With its unique design features and high-quality construction, it provides value that outweighs its cost. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook aspiring for perfection in your culinary skills, this carving knife will prove to be a valuable addition to your kitchen arsenal.

Best Overall Carving Knife

Mercer Culinary Genesis 10″ Carving Knife

The Mercer Culinary Genesis 10″ Carving Knife is precision-forged with high-carbon German steel with a taper-ground edge, an ergonomic handle with a nonslip grip, and is perfect for slicing and serving meats of all kinds. Part of the Mercer Culinary Genesis series, this knife is easy to care for and an excellent choice for all home chefs.

In our hands-on experience with the Mercer knife, we found it to be an exceptional performer. The sharp tines of the knife made it perfect for piercing and carving different types of meat like chicken, ham, or turkey. The thicker blade proved to be quite efficient in carving larger food items. The standout feature was certainly its textured Santoprene handle which ensured a comfortable and secure grip even when our hands were wet or greasy.

When comparing this to other carving knives, the Mercer Genesis stands out with its high-quality German steel construction and the thicker blade, which provides an edge in durability over knives with thinner blades. The uniquely designed handle also sets it apart by ensuring a comfortable and secure grip.

As for who should consider buying this knife, it would be a great fit for both first-time cooks who don’t want to invest a lot in a carving knife and experienced cooks looking for a reliable and durable kitchen tool.

What We Liked

• Precision-forged with high-carbon German steel, ensuring a robust and durable construction
• The taper-ground edge design enhances efficiency when cutting while offering long-lasting sharpness
• The ergonomic handle provides comfort and a non-slip grip even when your hands are wet

What We Didn’t Like

• The heavier blade, while enhancing durability, might make the knife feel a bit less flexible.
• Requires hand washing for maintenance, which might be less convenient for some users compared to dishwasher-safe options.

To sum it up, the Mercer Culinary Genesis 10″ Carving Knife presents a harmonious blend of durability, efficiency, and comfortable handling. It may require a bit more care and adaptability to its heavier blade, but the trade-off is a carving knife that offers superior performance and longevity. Its well-thought-out design makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their culinary experience.

Runner-Up Best Carving Knife

Cutluxe 9″ Carving Knife

The Cutluxe 9″ Carving Knife is our runner-up for the best overall carving knife. This knife promises premium performance with its perfectly engineered slicing capabilities.

This knife is tailored for the effortless carving and slicing of roast, beef, pork, and poultry, as well as larger fruits and vegetables. It certainly delivers on that promise, with its razor-sharp Granton blade edge. Each knife is hand-sharpened to a 14-16 degree angle per side for maximum sharpness, ensuring precision slicing every time.

Our hands-on experience with the Cutluxe knife was overwhelmingly positive. We found it to be very versatile, able to handle a wide variety of slicing and carving tasks with ease. The full tang ergonomic design featuring a luxury pakkawood handle is triple-riveted, offering a sure grip and excellent stability. This ensured comfort and maneuverability as we worked with it, making the culinary experience smooth and enjoyable.

When we look at how the Cutluxe knife stacks up against other carving knives, we see that it holds its own with its versatile design and high-quality German steel construction. While it may lack in blade length compared to some competitors, it makes up for this in sheer performance and durability.

This knife is ideal for any home cook or professional who values versatility in their kitchen tools. If you frequently find yourself slicing and carving a wide variety of foods, from roast meats to larger fruits and vegetables, this knife could be a great addition to your kitchen.

What We Liked

• Razor-sharp Granton blade edge
• Versatile; suitable for slicing a wide variety of foods
• Full tang ergonomic design for comfortable use
• Premium high-carbon German steel construction for durability

What We Didn’t Like

• The 9-inch blade might be limiting for some tasks
• May struggle with larger slices of meat

To wrap things up, the Cutluxe 9″ Carving Knife is an impressive tool, offering versatile and efficient performance. Despite its relatively shorter blade, it’s a reliable option for a range of slicing and carving tasks, thanks to its razor-sharp edge and comfortable handle design.

Most Versatile Carving Knife

TUO 8” Barbecue Knife

The TUO 8” Barbecue Knife definitely brings something unique to the table. With its distinct design and versatile functions, it truly earns its place as the most versatile carving knife on our list.

One of the most impressive features of the TUO knife is its highest sharpness, where the blade is sharpened from beginning to end. This gives the knife a powerful cutting ability that makes slicing through different types of meat as easy as cutting through butter. However, the blade’s uniqueness also poses a bit of a challenge. With a serrated front and a smooth back, it can take a little while to get the hang of using it.

Constructed with German stainless steel, the TUO knife is rust-resistant and ensures food safety. It’s hand-polished to a mirror finish and underwent vacuum heat treatment, increasing its resistance to oxidation. The Pakkawood handle is comfortable and slip-resistant, providing a firm and safe grip. Though, given the knife’s unique blade design, sharpening it might be a bit tricky due to the two different edges.

During our experience using the TUO 8” Barbecue Knife, we found it incredibly versatile. Whether dealing with pork tenderloin, steak, or a whole smoked turkey it performed exceptionally well. The fork tip made serving meat and fish fillets effortless, adding an additional level of convenience to meal preparation.

In comparison to other carving knives on our list, the TUO knife stands out due to its unique blade design and multifunctional use. However, this might not be the perfect fit for everyone, especially those who prefer a traditional carving knife design.

What We Liked

• Razor-sharp from beginning to end for powerful cutting
• Made of rust-resistant German stainless steel for durability and food safety
• Unique blade design with a fork-shaped tip for easy serving
• Ergonomic Pakkawood handle for a comfortable and secure grip

What We Didn’t Like

• Unique blade design can take a bit of time to get used to
• Sharpening may be challenging due to two different blade edges

In summary, the TUO 8” Barbecue Knife is a unique, high-quality, and versatile carving tool. Its unique features and multi-functional design make it a great choice for any culinary enthusiast, despite a bit of a learning curve.

Best Luxury Carving Knife

WÜSTHOF Classic 9″ Hollow Edge Carving Knife

The WÜSTHOF Classic 9″ Hollow Edge Carving Knife truly sets the bar high when it comes to high-end carving knives. Crafted in Germany with over 200 years of experience backing its design, the WÜSTHOF knife promises to deliver the precision and durability you’d expect from such a respected brand.

The WÜSTHOF knife is precision-forged from a single blank of high-carbon stainless steel, making it exceptionally strong. The knife’s hollow-edge design is ingenious, as it creates pockets of air that stop thin or soft slices from sticking to the blade.

During our experience with the WÜSTHOF knife, it delivered beautiful, clean slices with ease. Whether dealing with turkey, ham, or roast, the knife was up to the task, offering precise control due to its full-tang, triple-riveted handle. This design affords superior strength and balance, making the knife feel like a natural extension of your hand.

Compared to other carving knives, the WÜSTHOF certainly stands out as a high-end option. It’s more of an investment piece, particularly suited to those who frequently roast different kinds of meats and poultry. In contrast to other knives, such as the Mercer Culinary Genesis, it carries a higher price tag. However, its durability, superior design, and the brand’s reputation make this cost justifiable.

Ideal for professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts who take their meat carving seriously, the WÜSTHOF knife is an excellent choice. The quality of the materials used and the craftsmanship ensure it can withstand frequent use while maintaining its superior performance.

What We Liked

• Precision-forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel for outstanding strength
• Hollow-edge design prevents slices from sticking to the blade
• Full-tang, the triple-riveted handle provides superior balance and control

What We Didn’t Like

• Not dishwasher safe thus requires hand washing
• Higher price point compared to other carving knives

In conclusion, the WÜSTHOF Classic 9″ Hollow Edge Carving Knife is an exceptional tool that guarantees a high degree of precision and reliability. If you’re looking for a carving knife that combines tradition, innovation, and craftsmanship, this is a fantastic investment.

Most Affordable Carving Knife

SpitJack BBQ Slicing & Carving Knife

The SpitJack BBQ Slicing & Carving Knife proves that budget-friendly options don’t have to compromise on performance. This carving knife has been specifically designed for slicing smoked barbecue brisket, large roasts, turkey breast, ham, and even smoked salmon. The results are truly impressive, particularly given its friendly price point.

One of the first things we noticed about the SpitJack knife was its professional design, aimed at precision cutting. It comes with an 11-inch blade that carries a Granton edge, which prevents the meat from sticking to the blade. This feature proved very handy during our testing, enabling clean, smooth cuts. Even though it’s a budget option, the SpitJack knife doesn’t feel cheap. It has a light hand feel and perfect balance point, offering good control while carving.

Comparing it to other carving knives like the WÜSTHOF Classic, the SpitJack BBQ knife holds up pretty well in terms of functionality. Though the WÜSTHOF knife boasts more premium materials and a more famous brand, the SpitJack provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for your carving needs.

The one drawback we noted was the plastic handle, which doesn’t feel as durable or premium as those on more expensive models. Additionally, although the blade is advertised as “butcher sharp,” we found that it might need regular sharpening to maintain its edge, particularly if you use it often.

Ideal for anyone on a budget or beginners just getting into the world of barbecuing, the SpitJack knife is a versatile tool that can be used with different types of meat. It’s an affordable way to ensure you have the right tool at hand for your next barbecue or family dinner.

What We Liked

• Affordable, offering excellent value for money
• Versatile, designed for slicing a range of meats
• Granton edge prevents the meat from sticking to the blade

What We Didn’t Like

• The plastic handle doesn’t feel as durable as other models
• May need regular sharpening to maintain its edge

Summing up, the SpitJack BBQ Slicing & Carving Knife offers impressive value for money. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a carving knife that performs well. It’s affordable, versatile, and designed with practical features that make it a useful addition to any kitchen or barbecue toolkit.

Best Electric Carving Knife

Hamilton Beach Electric Carving Knife

With the Hamilton Beach Electric Carving Knife, the future of carving is truly at your fingertips. This electric knife is an excellent choice for those seeking a modern, efficient alternative to traditional carving knives. It’s not only powerful but also versatile, carving through meats, and bread, and even being capable of handling craft materials.

In comparison to other knives on our list, the Hamilton Beach Electric Knife stands out with its 120-watt motor that powers reciprocating stainless steel blades with a serrated edge. These features facilitate quick and even cuts each time you slice.

We also appreciate how Hamilton Beach has thought about storage. With a compact case that neatly stores the knife, blades, and carving fork, it’s a real space saver, a factor that’s especially important in smaller kitchens.

An area where the Hamilton Beach Electric Knife truly excels is its design. It’s lightweight and ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in either hand. Operating the knife is easy, with a simple trigger control that even novice users can master quickly. The lengthy 5-foot cord ensures you have plenty of reach, which is particularly useful when carving large meats at the table or working on larger craft projects.

The key difference between the Hamilton Beach Electric Carving Knife and something like the WÜSTHOF Classic Carving Knife is, of course, the power element. While traditional carving knives require manual effort and skill, the Hamilton Beach model provides a powered approach that can make carving easier and more efficient. It’s a perfect choice for those who value convenience and speed.

What We Liked

• The electric motor ensures speed and precision
• Versatile, suitable for carving meats, slicing bread, and even craft use
• Compact storage case and lengthy cord

What We Didn’t Like

• Requires a power outlet, limiting mobility
• May not offer the same level of control as a manual carving knife for some users

All in all, the Hamilton Beach Electric Carving Knife is a fantastic choice for those looking to modernize their kitchen toolkit. Offering speed, precision, and versatility, it’s the best electric carving knife we’ve reviewed so far. Its ergonomic design and efficient performance are bound to make your carving tasks simpler and more enjoyable.

Best Carving Knife and Fork Set

Hammer Stahl Carving Knife and Fork Set

The Hammer Stahl Carving Knife and Fork Set is a standout addition to our list. This is not merely a knife – it’s a complete package that aids in a professional carving experience with a perfect blend of design, quality, and functionality.

This impeccably crafted carving knife and fork set is an essential addition to any kitchen. Both the knife and fork work in perfect harmony, offering you a seamless carving experience. From family gatherings to holiday feasts, this pair is the ideal choice for every occasion.

One of the hallmarks of this set is the effortless function it offers. The fork’s tip is adept at piercing all types of meat, allowing for smooth slicing with the carving knife. It ensures that you can tackle Thanksgiving turkey or any meat with confidence and ease.

When it comes to quality and comfort, the Hammer Stahl Carving Knife and Fork Set are second to none. The unique quad-tang design minimizes wrist tension and allows for flexible cutting angles. The ergonomic handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, ensuring effortless handling of all types of meat with unmatched balance and comfort.

What We Liked

• Comes as a complete set with both a knife and fork
• Ergonomic design for comfortable handling
• Made from high-quality German carbon steel for long-lasting durability

What We Didn’t Like

• Lacks a Granton edge
• Might be too heavy for some users
• Not dishwasher safe and requires regular maintenance

Overall, the Hammer Stahl Carving Knife and Fork Set is a reliable carving set that is especially suitable for beginners. It offers a good mix of high-quality materials, a comfortable design, and excellent performance.

In Review – Our Picks For The Best Carving Knives

• Editor’s Choice: Schmidt Bros Heritage Series 8.5″ Carving Knife
  “exceptional control, whether we used the pinch grip or held the handle traditionally”
• Best Overall: Mercer Culinary Genesis 10″ Carving Knife
  “high-carbon German steel with a taper-ground edge, an ergonomic handle with a non-slip grip”
• Runner-Up: Cutluxe 9″ Carving Knife
  “full tang ergonomic design featuring a luxury pakkawood handle”
• Most Versatile: TUO 8” Barbecue Knife
  “hand-polished to a mirror finish and underwent vacuum heat treatment, increasing its resistance to oxidation”
• Best Luxury: WÜSTHOF Classic 9″ Hollow Edge Carving Knife
  “precision-forged from a single blank of high-carbon stainless steel, making it exceptionally strong”
• Most Affordable: SpitJack BBQ Slicing & Carving Knife
  “11-inch blade that carries a Granton edge, which prevents the meat from sticking to the blade”
• Best Electric Carving Knife: Hamilton Beach Electric Carving Knife
  “120-watt motor that powers reciprocating stainless steel blades with a serrated edge facilitates quick and even cuts each time you slice”
• Best Carving Knife and Fork Set: Hammer Stahl Carving Knife and Fork Set
  “a complete package that aids in a professional carving experience with a perfect blend of design, quality, and functionality”

Choosing The Right Knife

While searching for the perfect knife for carving poultry or slicing roast beef, you will notice a few different types: carving and slicing. Both types are a better alternative to a chef’s knife in this situation because they are longer, thinner, and ideally crafted to deal with large pieces of meat like smoked brisket or Thanksgiving turkey.

However, while both are quality knives, they do have their differences.

Slicing Vs Carving Knife

A slicing knife is the best if you want to slice meat into paper-thin slices. These knives feature a long, narrow blade with a slightly rounded tip that protects your meat from shredding during the cutting process. The blade is also quite flexible, allowing easy handling without friction.

If you’re looking for the best slicing knife on the market, take a look at our complete guide to the Best Slicing Knives for Slicing Brisket.

On the other hand, a carving knife generally has a thicker blade that becomes narrow towards the end, complete with a pointed and curved tip that makes it easy to maneuver while carving tricky cuts.

At the end of the day, both knives will do a great job of creating clean and even slices and it will come down to your own personal preference.

Electric Knives for Carving

If you often find yourself hosting large gatherings or frequently carving large roasts, an electric carving knife can be a game-changer. These devices are equipped with two serrated blades that move back and forth at high speed, creating a clean, effortless cut.

Their efficiency and ease of use make them a popular choice, especially for those who might struggle with manual carving.

Trimming Knives

Trimming knives have a smaller, thin blade with a pointed tip, making them a perfect tool for a muscle cutter. They allow for detailed work like removing fat or sinew from meat, and their keen edge can maneuver around bones with precision.

Features to consider when choosing the best Carving Knife

Before you make a carving knife part of your “basic kitchen necessities”, it’s essential to do your research. You must consider a few different factors when choosing your new kitchen knife.

Before choosing your next carving knife, here are a few major factors to keep in mind.

Blade Types

A sharp knife may cut the meat, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will do the job well. You must consider four types of blades when choosing the cutting edge for your specific needs.

• Straight: As the name suggests, a straight-edge knife has a uniform edge with no teeth, scallops, or serrations. A straight blade may be helpful for slicing brisket, but you must ensure the blade is extremely sharp to get clean cuts. Also, it may take extra effort when cutting tough exteriors.
• Serrated: Serrated blades have large and pronounced teeth or serrated edges. Serrated knives can easily cut through a tough exterior; however, they can also tear and shred your meat.
• Scalloped: A scalloped blade falls between a serrated and straight knife as its teeth are much smaller than a serrated blade. Just like its straight counterpart, this blade can cut clean slices and because of its small teeth, it can also cut thick barks as well.
• Granton Blade: Designed in England, a Granton blade is often considered the best knife for slicing. This blade has small divots that create tiny air pockets in the meat that help reduce friction, tearing, and sticking resulting in a clean, professional cut.

Stamped vs. Forged Knives

There are two primary types of carving knife blades: stamped and forged. A stamped blade is machine-cut from a sheet of steel, then honed and heat-treated for durability. Stamped blades are generally lighter and more affordable but may not hold their edge as long.

Forged blades, on the other hand, are created through a process of heating and molding a single piece of steel. Forged knives are generally heavier, stronger, and more balanced, with a full tang construction. These features enhance the knife’s cutting performance and longevity.

Carving Knife Blade Length & Thickness

The length of the blade is another important consideration. A longer blade, typically 9 to 12 inches, is preferable for slicing large roasts. This length allows for long, smooth cuts, reducing the tearing and jagged edges caused by multiple short strokes.

A thinner blade is generally more flexible and makes precise, thin cuts easier, especially for delicate tasks like slicing turkey breast. A thicker blade can be more durable, however, and better suited for heavy-duty tasks.

Construction Materials

The material of your carving knife can dramatically affect its performance and lifespan. High-carbon steel is a popular choice due to its superior sharpness and edge retention. Some knives are crafted from Japanese steel, renowned for their exceptional hardness and ability to form a razor-sharp edge.

Weight

The weight of the knife impacts the ease and comfort of use. A heavier knife can provide more power in the cut and often feels more stable. However, it can also lead to quicker fatigue. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a knife with a weight that feels comfortable and balanced in your hand.

Some may find a lightweight knife easier to handle, though heavy brisket knives may be more durable and stable, resulting in less force on your end. Before choosing a knife, you should check whether it has a uniform weight between its handle and blade tip. A well-balanced knife should feel natural in your hand.

Carving Knives Frequently Asked Questions