Are you familiar with that sinking feeling in your gut when family and friends anxiously await their slice of meat, but your knife is just not doing the job? We've compiled a list of the best cutting knives for meat that you can count on every time.

From long carving knives to individual steak knives, there are stainless steel knives for every occasion! All of these blades guarantee top-notch sharpness for clean, precise cuts. We've broken down the knives' strengths and weaknesses so that you can find the right blade for you.

Best Slicing Knife for Brisket: Our Top Picks

Best Overall for Cutting Meat

Pros

• Razor-sharp Granton Blade
• Hand-sharpened edge at 14-16     degrees per side
• Ergonomic pakkawood handle
• Premium German stainless steel • Can cut brisket easily
• Full tang knife
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• A bit expensive

If you want the best knife for cutting meat, look no further than this Artisan Series 12-inch knife. With a sharpened edge at 14-16 degrees per side, this slicing knife cuts with precision and stays sharp.

The long blade makes this the ideal slicing knife for large cuts of meat, and its ergonomic design offers optimal comfort. Best of all, you can rest easy with a lifetime warranty.

Sharpness: 5/5 

This knife is sharpened to 14-16 degrees on each side, giving it impressive slicing power for a straight blade knife. For maximum sharpness and edge retention, each 12-inch Knife Artisan Series is sharpened by hand.

The knife also features Granton scallops along the blade’s sides that help the blade glide through meat and give the knife a sleek look.

Blade Length: 4.9/5

The 12-inch stainless steel blade is perfect for cutting significant cuts of meat and is a must-have for residential and commercial cooks who want to cut into hams, chickens, and other roasts. Its length might make it difficult to store in an average knife block, but the knife’s attractive packaging is an excellent alternative for storage.

Durability & Warranty: 4.9/5

This knife holds up well with repeated use. The blade runs all the way through the handle of this full tang knife, which prevents the knife from snapping at the handle. The hand-sharpened blade stays quite sharp, but be sure to get the blade sharpened 1-2 times a year.

To further increase the durability of this knife, be sure to use a quality cutting board and rinse the blade after cutting acidic foods (including meats with citrus or tomato-based marinades). In case of later issues with the blade, you can take advantage of the knife’s lifetime warranty.

Customer Feedback: 4.8/5 

This is one of our most highly-rated knives by customers. Reviews say this chef knife is well-crafted, comfortable to use, and still razor-sharp after repeated use. Customers note that though this knife is long, it’s well-balanced and easy to maneuver. Most reviews mention using this knife to carve large cuts of meat such as brisket or whole chickens.

Customers are impressed by the beautiful packaging and love that the knife comes with a lifetime warranty. Reviews also rave that this knife is priced like cheap knives but looks and slices like a good knife.

Sharpest Knife for Cutting Meat​

Pros

• High carbon stainless steel
• Granton dimples along the  blade
• 8-12 degree edges
• Lifetime warranty
• Durable blade

Cons

• Difficult to store due to length
• A bit expensive

This high-quality stainless steel knife blade is sharpened to 8-12 degree edges using the traditional Honbazuke method. The cutting knife is durable despite its thin blade and is ideal for slicing meats with agility and precision.

The knife’s handle is hand-polished, and its ergonomic finish provides a comfortable grip. The cutting knife also features a complete tang construction, rounded tip, and lifetime warranty.

Sharpness: 5/5 

This slicing knife ranks high when it comes to sharpness. Its blade is sharpened to 8-12 degree angles, so it’s far sharper than typical kitchen knives, which typically fall into the 17-20 degree range. This knife is one of the sharpest knives on the market, and it’ll have you slicing cooked meats in minutes.

As always, practice knife safety while using this extremely sharp point blade. If your priority is cutting thin slices with speed and precision, this stainless steel blade is for you.

Blade Length: 4.9/5

This heavy-duty slicing knife features a 12-inch, round-tipped curved blade. Like the 12-inch Knife Artisan Series, this knife might require a larger knife block slot or other creative storage alternatives. Still, the knife’s combination of length and sharpness is perfect for tackling those large cuts of meat.

Durability & Warranty: 4.8/5

Blades sharpened to such low angles generally bring up concerns when it comes to durability. However, this knife is made with high carbon stainless steel, a robust metal that should last you a long time. To ensure the knife lasts as long as it’s meant to, practice proper knife care and maintenance. Be sure to get the blade sharpened 1-2 times a year.

To further increase the durability of this knife, be sure to use a quality cutting board and rinse the blade after cutting acidic foods (including meats with citrus or tomato-based marinades). This knife also comes with a lifetime warranty in case of any wear and tear.

Customer Feedback: 4.7/5 

Customers love this slicing chef knife for its comfortable ergonomic handle and incredibly sharp blade. Reviews praise the knife for its blade retention and Graton dimples which makes for smooth slicing. Some reviews comment on the blade’s thinness but say that the blade performs just as well as thicker blades.

According to customers, the knife’s length is excellent for carving large meats such as hams, briskets, and other roasts. Customers are pleased by the knife’s quality craftsmanship and “pinch grip,” which provides increased control and precision.

Most Unique Design

Pros

• High carbon stainless steel
• Good corrosion resistance
• Olive wood handle
• Lifetime warranty

Pros

• Difficult to store due to length
• Cannot be washed in a dishwasher

If you’re looking for a straight-edge knife that is both sharp and stylish, this is the right knife for you. With 14-16 degree edges, this knife offers greater sharpness than most kitchen knives.

The high carbon steel used for this blade is the Sandvik 14C28N steel, which provides excellent edge performance, high hardness, and good corrosion resistance. This knife comes with a lifetime warranty and is one of the most durable knives on the market.

Sharpness: 4.9/5 

This stainless steel blade is razor-sharp with 14-16 degree edges, giving it exceptional slicing power compared to other kitchen knives, which usually come with 17-20 degree edges. This Olivery Series is sharpened by hand, and its Sandvik 14C28N steel composition makes for impressive edge retention.

The knife also features a Granton blade which creates air pockets between the blade and the food and guarantees a clean slice every time.

Blade Length: 4.9/5

This round-tipped blade is 12 inches long, the perfect length for large cuts of meat. The only drawback is that it might be difficult to store due to size. Customers report that they’ve kept this knife in the original packaging or on magnetic knife strips.

Durability & Warranty: 4.7/5

This high carbon steel blade should last you for years. To get the most out of your knife, professionally sharpen your blade 1-2 times a year. To boost the knife’s durability, use a quality cutting board and rinse the blade after cutting acidic foods (like citrus, onions, or tomatoes).

Also, do not leave the knife wet or soaking to preserve the olive wood handle. The manufacturers trust this blade’s durability and offer customers a lifetime warranty.

Customer Feedback: 4.8/5 

A common praise in reviews is that this slicing knife feels great in hand and cuts cleanly. Despite its length, customers say the knife is easy to maneuver and that they actually feel safer using this longer knife than smaller ones. Reviews say that the blade has a reasonable price point and is great for meats, cheese, and even a bread knife.

Many people comment on the striking appearance of the olive wood handle, which contrasts beautifully with the blade. As for durability, customers have reported optimal performance even after slicing 200 lbs of meat.

Best for Cutting Bones

Pros

• High carbon German steel
• 14-16 degree edges
• Ergonomic handle
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Heavier knife
• Requires more frequent sharpening

For such a low price, this multi-purpose cleaver offers superior quality. It is also best for cutting through bones. The German steel blade features 56+ Rockwell hardness for long-term use and is stain and rust-resistant. This knife has a lifetime warranty, and customers claim that it’s by far the best knife at this price.

This cleaver’s blade has 14-16 degree edges, and its Luxury pakkawood handle is triple-riveted for a secure grip. You can’t go wrong with this multi-purpose cleaver with a razor-sharp blade and a full tang design.

Sharpness: 4.7/5 

This shorter blade scores well on sharpness. The quality German steel has been hand-sharpened to 14-16 degree edges so you can slice precisely.

You might have to sharpen this knife more regularly than the other knives listed above, but with the proper sharpening and knife care, this knife will work for all your meat cutting needs.

Blade Length: 4.7/5

This 7-inch blade is ideal for mid-size, thicker cuts of meat. This cleaver is more straightforward to maneuver than the longer-bladed knives we mentioned earlier and can be stored in a knife box. While it might not cut larger cuts of meat as quickly as longer knives, it should also be up to the task with a bit of effort.

Durability & Warranty: 4.7/5

The German steel blade comes at 56+ Rockwell hardness for increased durability. That being said, proper knife care and maintenance will ensure that this knife lasts as long as it’s meant to. Professionally sharpen your blade 2+ times a year and at home as needed.

To ensure the blade remains sharp and rust-free, use a quality cutting board and rinse the blade after cutting acidic foods. In case of wear and tear, this cleaver comes with a lifetime warranty.

Customer Feedback: 4.9/5 

Customers are blown away by this knife’s performance, especially considering its low price. Reviews vouch for its excellent manufacturing and sharpness. Many comment on how the weight is well distributed between the handle and blade for an overall great feel in hand.

This cleaver has proved to be versatile in the kitchen as well. People have used this cleaver for meat to small bones to vegetables. Customers recommend this knife if you’re a fan of cleavers and affordable prices.

Best Knife for Individual Cuts of Meat​

Pros

• High carbon stainless steel
• Ergonomic slip-resistant handle
• Sharpened with precision edge technology

Cons

• A bit expensive
• Requires more frequent sharpening
• Limited lifetime warranty

This steak knife is perfect for slicing through your own piece of meat. The full tang design makes for a well-balanced knife, and the sophisticated black handle features an ergonomic finish.

We would not recommend this knife for carving large cuts of meat like a brisket or pork loin, but if you’re looking for something to help you cut through your slice of flank steak, this is the right knife for you!

Sharpness: 4.7/5 

This full tang steak knife is razor-sharp and cuts through thick or tough steaks without ripping the meat’s fibers. This WÜSTHOF model uses Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) to create a blade that is 20% sharper than previous steak knives with twice the edge retention.

The blade may require occasional sharpening, but overall customers are very satisfied with this knife’s sharpness. For optimal sharpness, practice proper knife care and maintenance.

Blade Length: 4.7/5

The blade’s 4.5 inches are best suited for an individual cut of meat. This blade will not perform as well as a carving knife, so check out the knives above if you’re looking for a more heavy-duty knife. This knife is great if you have guests over for steak and will easily fit into a knife box.

Durability & Warranty: 4.7/5

This high carbon stainless steel knife is crafted to resist corrosion and dulling. Customers report that this knife is razor-sharp and a one-time buy that will last for years.

One downside of this knife is that its lifetime warranty is limited. This means you can get a replacement knife if there are manufacturer defects, but there is no insurance against wear and tear. Be sure to practice proper knife care and maintenance to get the most out of this steak knife.

Customer Feedback: 4.7/5

According to customers, this knife is a bit pricey but worth the investment. Customers are pleased with this knife’s performance and say that this is the knife to use once in a lifetime and repeatedly. Reviews consistently praise the knife’s high quality, durability, and sharpness. Some customers have even compared cutting meat with this knife to cutting through butter with a hot knife.

Things to Look For in the Best Meat Cutting Knives

There are many things to consider when looking at the best knives for cutting meat. Some of the most important factors include the knife's sharpness, blade length, durability, warranty, and customer feedback. Let's go through our ranking methodology in more detail.

The Sharpness of the Knife

Sharpness is key to making clean, effortless cuts through meat. For this reason, we looked at the degree to which each blade is sharpened.

Many cutting knives range from 17-20 degrees and are usually sharpened to those angles to find the balance between sharpness and durability. All of the knives that we looked at here fall under that range, either at 14-16 degrees or 8-12 degrees. 

Such fine angles usually increase the knife’s sharpness but decrease its durability. However, the high-quality steel used for each of these knives is resistant to wear and tear. Therefore, these knives offer both above-average sharpness and durability.

A few of the knives also feature Granton blades. This type of blade has a row of scallops cut into both sides of the blade. (This is different from a serrated blade which has scallops directly on the blade’s edge). 

A Graton blade creates air pockets between the food and the blade which make for a better food “release.” In other words, a Graton blade boosts a knife’s sharpness and keeps meat from shredding when cut.

Length of the Blade

When looking at different blade lengths, be sure to consider what kind of meat you want to cut. Slicing large cuts of meat requires a lot of back-and-forth motion, so if you’re wanting to cut a brisket or a roast, you’re best off with one of the 12-inch blades we looked at.

If you want to cut raw meat or cooked meat away from the bone, the 7-inch cleaver knife is the best knife for the job. Meat cleavers have thick blades and are made to cut through small bones and thicker meats. This cleaver is on the shorter end and works well for mid-size cuts, but could also be used on larger roasts with a little more effort on your part.

The 4.5 steak knife we looked at is best for what it’s named after—steak. Knives that are much longer than this can be cumbersome and potentially dangerous when working with such a small piece of meat. Its shorter length also makes it ideal for individual servings of pork loin, chicken, and other meats.

Durability & Warranty

Durability is key for a good cutting knife. Otherwise, you might end up with a knife with loose screws, a worn-out handle, or a blade that goes dull after a few uses. We chose the best stainless steel knives that hold up under long-term use.

And of course, the user’s knife care and maintenance can increase durability. Be sure to get your knives professionally sharpened at least 1-2 times a year and sharpen at home as needed.

A knife’s warranty is another factor to consider. A lifetime warranty will cover both manufacturer defects and defects that result from wear and tear. A limited lifetime warranty only covers manufacturer defects.

Before buying a knife, consider what kind of warranty you want, whether you’re willing to count on the knife’s inherent durability or would rather have an unlimited lifetime warranty.

Customer Feedback

Finally, customer experience is an invaluable guide when picking out a knife. It’s one thing to look at pictures and read the technical descriptions of a knife. It’s entirely another thing to read about user experience when actually using the knife.

When reading customer reviews, pay attention to evaluations of the knife’s quality of craftsmanship, comfort in the hand, how often the knife needs to be sharpened, how best to store knives, and how the knife performs when put to the test.

Comparison of the Top 5 Best Cutting Knives for Meat

As a brief recap, here are our top meat knives and why we chose them:

CUTLUXE Artisan Series 12-Inch Meat Knife

Made with German stainless steel, this knife features a Granton blade and 14-16 degree edges for a seamless cutting experience. The knife also comes with an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip and a lifetime warranty in case of any wear and tear. With a great price point, quality craftsmanship, and stellar customer reviews you can't do much better than this 12-inch Knife - Artisan Series.

CUTLUXE Shinobi Series 12-inch Knife

If you're looking to slice meats with agility and precision, this is the right knife for you. With a high carbon stainless steel blade sharpened to 8-12 degree edges, this is the sharpest knife on our list. This durable knife comes at a reasonable price point, with a lifetime warranty.

CUTLUXE Olivery Series 12-Inch Brisket Knife

This Olivery Series is one of the most durable straight-edge knives on the market. The blade is made from robust Sandvik 14C28N steel and is sharpened to 14-16 degree edges. Customers report that they've cut up to 200lbs of meat without diminishing performance, but in case of later defects, this knife comes with a lifetime warranty.

CUTLUXE Artisan Series 7" Cleaver Knife

This multi-purpose cleaver offers strength and quality at a low price. This knife features a full tang ergonomic design and a thick 7-inch blade that's perfect for cutting through bones. This cleaver outperforms other knives at similar prices and comes with a lifetime warranty.

WÜSTHOF Classic Steak Knife

The 4.5-inch blade on this steak knife is best knife for cutting individual portions of meat. While this knife is a bit expensive, customers vouch for the knife's quality, sharpness, and durability. This steak knife comes with a limited lifetime warranty.