10 Best Boning Knives 2026 in the United States

The Mercer Culinary M23850 Millennia boning knife offers a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable tool to separate meat from bones. Its 6-inch blade is crafted from high-carbon stainless steel, which means it holds a sharp edge well and is easy to maintain. The blade is flexible enough to maneuver around delicate cuts like chicken, fish, or ham, making it versatile for various deboning tasks. The handle is made from Santoprene, featuring textured finger points to provide a comfortable, non-slip grip—important for safety and precision when working with slippery meats.

At just 4.2 ounces, this knife is lightweight, which helps reduce hand fatigue, and its balance feels well thought out for controlled cutting. However, the blade is stamped rather than forged, which might affect long-term durability compared to higher-end forged knives. Also, it requires hand washing and should never be put in the dishwasher, which adds a bit of extra care.

Designed to meet professional standards, this knife is also suitable for home cooks looking for a dependable boning knife without a steep price. If you want a flexible, sharp, and comfortable knife for regular kitchen use, this Mercer model fits the bill, though users seeking premium build quality might want to explore forged options.

The Mercer Culinary M23820 Millennia Boning Knife is designed for both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts, making it a strong contender in the boning knife category. One of its key strengths is the high-carbon Japanese steel blade, which offers excellent sharpness and easy edge maintenance. With a 6-inch curved blade, it’s ideal for separating meat from bones and trimming fat, making it versatile for various meats like chicken, ham, and fish.

The ergonomic handle made of Santoprene is another highlight. It features textured finger points that provide a non-slip grip, which enhances comfort and safety during use. Weighing just 3.52 ounces, this knife is lightweight, allowing for better maneuverability while boning.

It is important to note that this knife requires hand washing and cannot be placed in the dishwasher, which may be less convenient for some users. Additionally, while the 6-inch blade length is suitable for most tasks, those looking for longer blades may find it limiting. The Mercer Culinary boning knife excels in sharpness, ease of use, and ergonomic design, appealing to anyone who regularly prepares meat.

The Mercer Culinary M22306 Millennia Boning Knife features a 6-inch stiff high-carbon Japanese steel blade that retains its edge well and is easy to maintain. Its stiffness makes it well-suited for precise tasks such as deboning chicken, ham, and fish, along with trimming fat and sinew. The blade is plain-edged and stamped, which generally results in a lighter knife though it may be less flexible compared to forged blades.

The handle is constructed from Santoprene, a textured rubber-like material that provides a comfortable, non-slip grip to enhance safety and control during use. Weighing just 3.2 ounces, the knife is quite lightweight, helping to reduce hand fatigue, although some users might prefer a heavier, more balanced tool. The knife requires hand washing, which is important to consider for cleaning and maintenance.

Its ergonomic design and durable construction make it suitable for both home cooks and professional chefs seeking a reliable, easy-to-handle boning knife. While the stiff blade excels at deboning, those needing a highly flexible blade for delicate fish filleting may find it less ideal. Additionally, the care instructions may be demanding for users looking for dishwasher-safe options. The knife delivers solid performance and comfort, especially if sharpness and a secure grip are priorities.