The Best Carving Knives

Mairico Carving Knife

On the straight and narrow

This understated beauty is a perfect addition to any big-time carnivore’s kitchen.

Best Overall

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The Mairico slicing knife is a no-nonsense, economically priced carving knife. Although it is on the thicker side and doesn’t taper to the typical carving knife tip, the sturdy blade is designed to last. The simple, ergonomic handle will blend easily with any kitchen décor, and the knife’s 10” steel blade makes it one of the lengthier options on our list. Although it’s less bulky than an electric carver, it doesn’t come with a sheath, so some care will need to be taken to find a safe drawer or countertop block for safely storing your knife while not in use.

Pros:

• Nice and long
• Ergonomic, well-balanced handle for a comfortable grip
• Engineered to perform well on all types of meats

Cons:

• Could be sharper out of the box

Black and Decker Electric Carving Knife

It's electric

This super-convenient electric carving knife gives you as much speed as it does control over your cuts.

Best Electric

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Electric carving knives use dual blades, which saw back and forth rapidly when plugged in, reducing wrist strain. This 9″ electric carving knife by Black+Decker is an impressive bang-for-your-buck deal. Not only does the knife come apart to increase your storage options, but you can also place the stainless steel blades in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. By their nature, electric carving knives are noisier than their manual counterparts, and their use may be limited by the location of outlets in your kitchen or dining room. Finally, for the DIY-ers out there, electric carving knives are also beloved for their ability to precisely cut foam and other craft materials.

Pros:

• Electric carver that makes cutting stress-free
• Dishwasher safe parts
• Convenient blade release button

Cons:

• The safety button can be frustrating

Mosfiata Carving Knife

Get to the point

This gorgeous and functional carving knife features a razor-sharp edge and artful inlays on the side of the blade.

Best Set

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The Mosifiata carving knife set is at a slightly higher price point than the other knives on our list, but you get what you pay for in this case. This state of the art carving knife comes with a knife sheath for safe storage and a matching 7” meat fork for steadying and serving while you work. Although it is one of the shorter knives on the list at only 8” long, this makes it slightly more versatile in the kitchen, a more realistic option for cutting foods other than meat and fish. The high-quality German stainless steel is rust-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and nonstick.

Pros:

• High-quality German steel
• Slick, ergonomic handle design
• Rust-resistant

Cons:

• Dulls quicker than some other carving knives

Hamilton Beach Electric Carving Knife

Case in point

This convenient electric carving knife is here to make your meat prep a little less stressful with its high-speed serrated blades.

Most Convenient

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Not just another electric carving knife, The Hamilton Beach Electric Knife comes with a storage case, serving fork, and 10” blades. The two lightning speed reciprocating serrated blades glide through meat, poultry, bread, and crafting foam. As with any electric knife, noise and outlet location can be a drawback, but the ease of use and versatility may easily outweigh any shortcomings. One of the features we love most about this carving knife is that it doesn’t require sharpening. The included meat fork is dishwasher safe and fits in the case along with the blades and handle, but you should detach the carving blades for hand-washing.

Pros:

• High-quality carving with less effort
• Includes storage case

Cons:

• The motor gets hot with extended use, making the handle too hot to hold sometimes

Findking Carving Knife

Off the chopping block

This beautiful African rosewood carving knife will give you the thin cuts you need and look good while doing it.

Premium Pick

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For those looking to carve in style, the Findking carving knife offers an attractive, distinctive design. It’s the longest knife on our list, and the slender 12” alloy steel blade ends in a beautiful chamfered rosewood handle. Ideal for a chef that favors craft and attention to detail, the perfectly balanced, durable blade is constructed of three layers of clad steel that slide through tough meats like butter. Findking recommends avoiding cutting on hard surfaces such as glass, ceramics, metal, or stone to keep your edge sharp. Should you need to sharpen your carving knife, the manufacturer recommends a professional sharpening stone. Dry the blade after cleaning and keep it in a well-ventilated area to prevent rust.

Pros:

• Seven different length options offered
• Beautiful design
• African rosewood handle
• Precision sharpness

Cons:

• Susceptible to rust if not kept dry

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a carving knife and a chef’s knife?

While these two kinds of knives share more than a few commonalities, some key differences set them apart. Carving knives are sharper and thinner, making them the perfect candidates for cutting denser meats. Alternatively, chef’s knives are a bit wider and less sharp, making them better suited to cutting thinner meats, slicing herbs or veggies, and chopping nuts.

Should I get an electric or traditional carving knife?

It depends on personal preference. Either one will get the job done, but both have pros and cons. Electric carving knives are very convenient and take a lot less time and effort to make cuts, but they can be dangerous if used improperly. Also, there is always the possibility of shredding your meat instead of carving if you aren’t careful. Traditional carving knives allow for precise, pinpoint cuts, but they also require a lot more energy exertion from the chef. Be sure to do in-depth research on both to see which one better suits your needs and preferences, and read the accompanying usage instructions no matter which one you choose.