10 Best Butcher Knives 2023 – Reviewed & Compared For You
The truth of the matter is that a butcher knife is an indispensable tool as far as meat preparation is concerned. Not only can such a knife make it easy for you to prepare your favorite barbecue cook ups but it also eases the task of quartering chicken and so forth.
Whichever way you look at it, these knives have their own fair share of magic that they bring on board your culinary life. And it is for that reason that we decided to conduct an in-depth review of the best butcher knives available.
Hopefully, the following guide will help you make up your mind on which knife model to invest in.
The Best Butcher Knives 2023 – Comparison Table
Below is a comparison table bringing some of the finest units we came across during our research. Some of them are cheap, others are expensive and for some pretty good reasons. Have a look.
1. Update International High-Carbon Steel Premium Forged Bread Knife
When purchasing a butcher knife, you are looking for a knife that will serve you for a long duration. It should do so without breaking apart or the blade getting chipped after a few uses.
An excellent example of such a knife is the 9″ Premium Forged High Carbon Steel Knife by Update International.
One of the components used in its construction is molybdenum vanadium, which helps in making the blade corrosion-resistant, and this enhances the longevity of the knife.
Our review should help you understand why this knife is rated so highly.
Product Description
This knife is made in the USA, and it is crafted from high-carbon stainless steel blended with molybdenum vanadium, a chemical that enhances its corrosion resistance.
Our focus will be on the 9″ long knife, and it features a POM handle which is durable, slip-resistant and fits nicely in your hands.
It is precision-honed, dishwasher safe and comes with a one year warranty that should give you peace of mind as you use it.
Other Features and Benefits
The steel material used in crafting the blade is very sturdy for longevity and efficiency plus is known for enhancing a fantastic edge-retention of the knife. Therefore, you can be sure that you will be re-sharpening your blade less frequently.
When it comes to the handle, it has a contoured shape that will ensure it fits in your hands well. This shape, coupled with its non-slip nature, will ensure that it never falls out of your hands during use and as a result, you can avoid serious injuries that come about from a slippery tool.
Lastly, it is dishwasher safe, and this will save you time and energy, which you would have used in manual cleaning.
Pros
- Fantastic edge-retention
- Dishwasher safe
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- The handle is too small
2. Global GF-27 Butcher’s Knife
If you are into knives with a heavier feel, this heavyweight butcher’s knife by Global would be a reasonable place to start. It has a thicker blade than the other knives in the series and the materials used in its overall construction make it a heavy-duty knife, and this explains why it is mostly used by professionals all over the world.
Although the price might put you off, this knife has a host of qualities that will ensure that you get the best service and in the end, you will get the value of every cent you spend on this tool.
Product Description
The GF-27 Knife is made in Japan and is forged from CROMOVA 18 stainless steel, which is a mixture of Vanadium, Chromium, Carbon, and Molybdenum. All these materials create a knife with a fantastic edge and are also rust and corrosion-resistant.
It features a stainless steel handle which is durable, molded to make it comfortable and is tapered to offer an excellent grip. The face-ground edges with a long taper will ensure that it maintains its sharpness for longer while the blade is thin enough for an effective slicing process will preserve its flavor.
Other Features and Benefits
Besides the handle offering a good grip, it is hollow and filled with some sand that will ensure it has an excellent balance for safety and efficiency as well.
The construction of this knife is all-metal, and this should assure you of durability and strength. You will also be relaxed in knowing that the handle will never break apart from the rest of the knife.
The blade is sharp, and you will get the most precise cuts without applying a lot of energy. In case it becomes dull, just running it over the bottom a ceramic plate will get it back to its best.
Lastly, it is dishwasher safe and so cleaning it is easy as it saves time and energy.
Pros
- Rust and corrosion-resistant
- Dishwasher safe
- Comfortable handle
Cons
- Too pricey
Also read: 10 Best Steak Knives – Reviewed With Fresh Details
3. Ontario Knife 7-7 OH77 Hunting Knife
If you are on a budget and you are looking for a butcher knife that will still give you decent performance, this hunting knife by Ontario Knife would be a decent choice. It is lightweight and will slice through any foodstuff with the best precision with minimum effort being used.
However, you should note that this is a high-maintenance knife that rusts easily, so it is not dishwasher safe and does not retain its sharpness for long.
All in all, it is still a decent tool that will be of great use in your kitchen.
Product Description
The 7-7 OH77 hunting knife is made in the USA, and the blade is crafted from 1095 high-carbon steel while the handle is constructed from brown hardwood material. It is incredibly lightweight at 0.45lbs while the overall length from the tip to the butt is 11.75″.
The handle is ergonomically constructed and offers a secure grip, and it is also coated to give it a pleasant look that will add to the beauty of your kitchen.
Other Features and Benefits
Although the blade has poor edge retention, it is tapered to ensure that the sharpness is just enough to get you through a particular task.
The steel blade is also sturdy and stiff enough to ensure that it can comfortably slice through any foodstuff. It is also effortless to sharpen so you will not stall for too long once the dullness sets in.
It will be a convenient tool that will help you in cutting tiny portions of meat or any other foodstuff.
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Easy to sharpen
- Very affordable
Cons
- Rusts very easily
4. Victorinox Cutlery Granton Edge Butcher’s Knife
Victorinox is one of the most recognizable knife brands in the world as they have produced high quality knives for several centuries. They have moved away from producing forged knives and instead give us stamped knives which are lighter, cheaper and better performers.
Our review at this point will focus on the Granton Edge 10-inch knife which possesses most of the characteristics that are associated with Victorinox Cutlery, and you will understand why we believe it is worth every cent of your money.
Product Description
This knife is manufactured in Switzerland, and it is crafted out of high-carbon stainless steel blade and is stamped from cold-rolled stainless steel to make it extremely rust-resistant. It has a bolster-less edge, which means that you will get to use the entire length of the knife plus it makes it easy to sharpen.
It has the patented Fibrox handle that is textured for a good grip and is not dishwasher safe, so you have to hand-clean it after use.
The knife is NSF-approved, and it comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
Other Features and Benefits
The blade is very sharp and has a fantastic edge-retention, so it will be very handy in cutting large chunks of meat.
Its handle has an ergonomic design to make it very comfortable for use. It is also slip-resistant for safety purposes, and you will complete your task without much worry.
The wide tip of the blade makes it versatile, and you can subject it to various uses including slicing, dicing and chopping meat.
You will also make thin slices of meat without pieces sticking to the sides due to the grantons. Additionally, there are air pockets which will ensure you do not ruin the quality of the flesh.
Lastly, it is dishwasher safe and comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- Very affordable
- A sharp blade with impressive edge-retention
- Comfortable and slip-resistant handle
Cons
- Does not come with a sheath cover
5. Ontario Knife 7111 10-Inch Old Hickory Butcher Knife
The Ontario Knife has a long-standing reputation of excellent craftsmanship of knives, and the Old Hickory Butcher Knife does not stray from this tradition. It has a 1905 high-carbon steel blade and a hardwood handle that has the ‘Old Hickory’ name branded on it. This handle is firmly secured by brass rivets to ensure it does not break off that easily.
It is designed to withstand heavy usage and will retain its edge for a decent amount of time to get you through a particular task.
Product Description
The Old Hickory 7111 is manufactured in the USA and has a blade that is crafted out of 1095 high-carbon steel with a sharp edge that you can easily sharpen. It has a wooden handle with a secure grip that will assure you of no slippage during use.
Always hand-wash it and ensure that it dries properly to minimize chances of rusting.
Other Features and Benefits
The high-carbon steel material used in the construction makes the knife sturdy and durable, and so you will have a very reliable knife that will never disappoint when it comes to cutting, chopping, and slicing.
The blade has air pockets that will give you a precise cut and also prevent pieces of meat from sticking on it.
When it comes to the handle, it is flexible, fits in the hands nicely, and reduces the wetness of the hands which results in more friction and a better grip.
Proper maintenance will protect this knife from rust and corrosion and will enhance its durability form it to serve you for a long time to come.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Well-priced
- The handle has a good grip
Cons
- A lot of maintenance needed
6. Rada Cutlery Stainless Steel Blade Old Fashioned Butcher knife
If you are looking for a butcher’s knife with a classic design that is sure to make you stand out in the crowd, the Old Fashioned Knife by Rada Cutlery is a reasonable place to start. It is designed for domestic and commercial use as well.
It is available in two versions, one with an aluminum handle and another with a black resin handle, both of which are ergonomic and comfortable to hold for long durations.
Let us do a more in-depth review of this tool and see if it is worth your attention.
Product Description
The Old Fashioned Butcher’s knife is manufactured in the USA and is crafted out of surgical grade T420 high carbon stainless steel blade to make it razor sharp, and you will slice, cut and chop meat quite effortlessly.
It has a precision concave surface due to the skinning tip and the hollow blade edges, and this allows for excellent edge retention. When it comes to cleaning, both dishwasher and hand cleaning are allowed, although the latter is preferred if you want it to serve you for longer.
It comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
Other Features and Benefits
Using this knife is quite straightforward, and anyone will be comfortable in putting it to work. Cleaning and maintenance too should also not be a problem at all.
It is quite lightweight, and this makes it well-suited for domestic use.
Safety is also guaranteed as the joint between the handle, and the blade has a finger guard that serves to protect you from slicing your fingers while using it.
The handle is rounded and will fit all types of hands perfectly. It is also designed to be used by both left and right-handed individuals.
Always ensure you have a wooden holster for holding the knife so that it does not lose its sharpness.
Pros
- Versatile
- Very affordable
- Comfortable and ambidextrous handle
Cons
- Too small for huge chunks of meat
7. Ultra-Source 10” Cimeter Blade Butcher Knife
If comfort is what you are looking for in a butcher’s knife, then you will get it in 10-inch Cimeter blade by Ultra-Source. The handle is textured and ergonomic to ensure that your hands will not develop blisters even after long hours of use. Further, it has antimicrobial properties for hygienic purposes.
Although it does not come with a sheath cover for safety purposes, it is well-balanced, and this will reduce fatigue during use and also offer you a fantastic grip to ensure it does not slip out of your hands.
Product Description
The blade of this knife is 10-inches long and is forged with high-carbon molybdenum German Steel and is suited for separating the meat from the bone. The handle is NSF-certified due to its antibacterial textured handle which is also liquid-wielded at the point where it meets the blade to make it easy to clean.
Ensure that you store it away from the reach of children since it does not come with a sheath cover.
Other Features and Benefits
The blade is extremely thin, and it will give you the perfect slice in just one swipe. It is also quite sharp, so it will also cut through the toughest foodstuffs very easily.
It is also a versatile knife that you can use both professionally and domestically, and also for slicing up vegetables as well.
The handle is textured for an excellent grip and is curved so it will fit into all types of hands.
Sharpening the blade is straightforward, and it is dishwasher safe, so cleaning it is just as easy. Ensure you store in a cool and dry place to prevent rusting from taking place.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Durable
- Antimicrobial and textured handle
Cons
- Dulls fast
8. Dexter-Russell 8-inch Butcher’s Knife Knife
Dexter-Russell was established in the 19th century and has gone on to prove itself as the top producer of professional cutlery in the USA. It has a reputation for releasing products of the highest quality, and the 8-Inch butcher knife is not an exception to this rule.
It is short and small, so it will not be very useful in cutting through huge chunks of meat, but it will deliver even slices of meat as you desire.
Product Description
The 8-inch knife by Dexter-Russell is made in the USA and has a blade which is crafted out of hand-honed stainless high-carbon steel. Additionally, it has a pointed tip and a straight edge
The Grip-Tex plastic handle is textured and will offer a fantastic grip that will reduce the chances of slippage during use. A tough seal connects the blade to the handle, and so you should not be bothered about the two parts pulling apart.
Lastly, it comes with a limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Other Features and Benefits
This knife weighs only 4lbs and is quite light. The plastic handle can withstand wide temperature variations without causing any discomfort to the user. It is also straightforward to clean.
The impervious seal apart from holding the two parts together also enhances the hygienic aspect of the knife as it prevents the accumulation of dirt and germs at the joint.
The steel blade is stain-free, and no foodstuffs will be stuck on the sides during slicing.
Lastly, in case you encounter any defects, you should be relaxed to know that it comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, plus excellent customer support for any enquiries.
Pros
- Affordable
- Handle withstands extreme temperatures
- Delivers even slices
Cons
- No sheath cover in the package
9. Wusthof 10-Inch Pro Cimeter Knife
For the professionals who are looking for a butcher knife that would meet their daily demands, this Cimeter Knife by Wusthof would be an excellent place to start. It is crafted using top-notch technology to give you a high-quality knife that will provide you with the ultimate meat boning and carving experience.
We have done a more detailed review of this butcher knife to give you a better understanding of it.
Product Description
The Wusthof Pro Cimeter Knife is crafted in Solingen, Germany and it weighs 12-ounces plus is 10-inches long. It has a laser-sharp blade which is large and curved and will aid in delivering you an effortless slicing process through meat and fruits as well.
The blade is tempered to 56-degrees Rockwell while the steel construction makes it rust-resistant. It has an ergonomic poly handle which is NSF-approved and will offer you a fantastic grip during use.
Other Features and Benefits
You will be pleased by the versatility of this knife as you can use it for separating meat from bones and also cutting through chunks of meat. It will also be convenient in slicing through vegetables and fruits as well.
The blade is exceptionally sharp and also has a fantastic edge-retention. Maintenance is also easy, and you need to ensure that it is not exposed to moisture to minimize the chances of rusting.
The ergonomic handle is comfortable, offers a superb grip and will withstand extreme temperatures, and you will not feel a thing during use.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sturdy construction
- Comfortable handle
Cons
- The grip is not that good
10. Mercer Culinary 12-Inch Granton Edge Cimeter Butcher’s Knife
If you are looking for a butcher’s knife that is designed to slice through large chunks of meat and joints effortlessly, the Cimeter Knife from Mercer Culinary is just what you need. It is precision-forged from German Stainless Steel to make it sturdy and durable and will give you perfect slices as you desire.
This review will highlight some of its most significant features and short-comings as well.
Product Description
The Granton Edge Cimeter Butcher’s Knife from Mercer Culinary is crafted from stain-free high-carbon German Stainless Steel that will give it incredible strength and durability. The blade has a tapered ground edge that makes it easy to clean and will also give you more precise outcomes.
It weighs 10.7Oz while the blade measures 12-inches long. It has an ergonomic and comfortable handle that has a superb grip to ensure that it remains firmly in your hands even in wet conditions.
It is easy to maintain and is well-suited for slicing through joints of meat.
Other Features and Benefits
The blade is sturdy, and very sharp plus will retain its edge for a decent duration. The edge is tapered and features air-pockets that will ensure no pieces of foodstuff stick on the blade after use. This makes it very easy to clean.
The non-slip handle consists of Santoprene that maximizes its comfort, and your hands will not experience fatigue or blisters even after use for long durations. It is also textured for a superior grip.
It is the ideal kitchen knife and will come in handy when you have a whole turkey or ham that you need to slice through during a family gathering. The curved design and the convenient 12-inch length will ensure that you go through this process with minimum hassle.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable handle
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
What Are the Factors to Consider When Buying Butcher Knives?
Judging from the fact that you’re reading this article, you are looking for nothing other than a well-made knife. And in that case, we are going to step up our game by providing you with the following important pointers to consider when looking to make an informed bet.
Stamped vs Forged Blades
The type of blade you opt can determine how successful your butchering tasks will be. And this is why we believe it’s important to talk about stamped and forged blades.
Stamped blades are usually manufactured through the hydraulic press process. As such, they are cut into a sort of scimitar shape. They are also typically made from cold-rolled steel pieces.
Generally, stamped blades are easy to manufacture and are also quite affordable. Unfortunately, they are not heavy-duty and, therefore, tend to struggle when chopping through thick meat which is why their forged counterparts exist.
How Forged Blades Compare
Forged blades are pricier than their stamped counterparts. And that’s precisely because of the fact that they undergo extreme manufacturing to equip them with thick blades. As such, they don’t dull or chip easily.
So, if you are looking for a really powerful knife for butchering, you’ve got to consider investing in a forged one. Their unique designs make them ideal for cutting and chopping thick meat chunks.
What’s more? They can even be used for splitting bones. On the flipside, though, they tend to be heavier than stamped knives and are, therefore, less convenient to handle for long hours.
Size
Size matters when it comes to knives also! You don’t want it to be either too large or too small for the job.
But then, the best length to settle for depends on the exact kind of task that you want it for. If it is 7 or 8 inches long, it would be best suited for trimming or slicing small chunks of meat. Also, knives within that size range are known to be quite easy to maneuver.
On the flipside, though if a knife is 7 or 8 inches long, it would most likely struggle to slice through thick meat. So, in that case, your best bet would be a knife that falls within the 11 to 12-inch zone.
A common problem with extremely long knives, however, is that they require quite some dexterity to control. And, therefore, they can be tiring to control for long hours.
Still not sure which size is right for you? We’d recommend going for a 10-inch knife. Such a knife would certainly give you the best of both worlds.
How Well-Made Is the Blade?
Popular knife blades are made from high-carbon or stainless steel materials. One thing we like about stainless steel is that it is non-corrosive and quite affordable.
But even the best made stainless steel knife would still struggle to get the job done within a few years of its use due to wear and tear. And that’s where high-carbon steel comes in handy.
This specific kind of material is known for being durable. Besides that, it has earned the reputation of keeping its edge for longer. You need it for all heavy-duty cutting tasks. It, however, is more expensive than plain steel.
Apart from the kind of material used, it is also important to consider how well the blade is built. It should always be well-balanced so it is sturdy and packs a great deal of flexibility. At the same time, it should not be feeble to an extent that it’d easily get stuck in meat due to bending.
Quality of the Handle
This is perhaps the most important factor to consider as far as ergonomics go. A good handle is one that fits comfortably on your hands providing you with a comfortable grip. Most importantly, the handle should be long-lasting.
In general, three types of materials are used to make butcher knife handles i.e. stainless steel, plastic, and wood.
Wood is a good material as it generally looks stylish but unfortunately, it tends to soak in odor and bacteria. Plastic is quite long-lasting and easy to clean but unfortunately looks cheap.
Stainless steel handles are durable and classy but unfortunately, they can get quite slippery when wet. Therefore, there’s nothing like a perfect handle. It’s up to you to decide which handle material best suits your unique needs and expectations.
Which Is the Best Butcher Knife Overall?
To us, nothing comes to perfection as the Ontario 7025 Old Hickory Butcher Knife. Its handle is made from hardwood material and its blade high carbon steel. As such, the knife is very sturdy and extremely reliable in our view.
Final Thoughts
It’s high time you make your meat cutting tasks more interesting and pleasurable. Look for a well-made, highly-rated meat cutting knife. And of course, you can always make good use of the suggestions made in the paragraphs above in that case.
