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10 Best Carving Knives 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shun Premier Blonde 2 Piece Carving Set, Includes 9.5" Premier Slicing Knife and Carving Fork, Handcrafted Japanese Knife Set, VG-MAX Core with Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding, Pakkawood Handle

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,172
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
85 reviews

Blade Material
The hammered finish on the blade not only enhances its beauty but also helps the knife glide smoothly through meat without sticking.
Handle Material
Ergonomic handles provide a comfortable grip that feels secure during use, making carving a more controlled experience.
Weight and Balance
Carving becomes effortless with a knife that's sharp, perfectly balanced, and just the right thickness for precise maneuvering.

The Shun Premier Blonde 2 Piece Carving Set is designed for those who want precision and quality when slicing meat. The 9.5-inch slicing knife is made with VG-MAX steel, layered with Damascus cladding, which means the blade stays sharp longer and cuts smoothly. The hammered finish on the blade helps reduce sticking, making it easier to carve clean slices. The blade edge is plain and sharpened to a 16-degree angle, offering sharpness suitable for delicate slicing without tearing. The blade material is high-carbon stainless steel, a strong choice that balances sharpness and corrosion resistance.

The set includes a carving fork with durable stainless steel, useful for steadying meat during slicing. The blond Pakkawood handles are contoured to fit comfortably in your hand, offering good grip and control, whether you’re left or right-handed. The knife weighs about 10.4 ounces, which is light enough for comfortable use while still feeling balanced. Although the blade’s flexibility isn’t specified, carving knives typically have some flexibility, so this blade may be more on the firm side. The set requires hand washing to maintain its quality as it is not dishwasher safe.

Handcrafted in Japan, this set reflects attention to detail and traditional knife-making craftsmanship. While the price is generally higher than basic carving knives, it is well suited for home cooks seeking a reliable, sharp, and stylish set for special occasions or regular use. Potential buyers looking for a budget-friendly or dishwasher-safe option might want to consider other alternatives.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,172
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
85 reviews

Blade Material
The hammered finish on the blade not only enhances its beauty but also helps the knife glide smoothly through meat without sticking.
Handle Material
Ergonomic handles provide a comfortable grip that feels secure during use, making carving a more controlled experience.
Weight and Balance
Carving becomes effortless with a knife that's sharp, perfectly balanced, and just the right thickness for precise maneuvering.
#2

Cutluxe Brisket Knife – 12" Carving & Slicing Knife for Meat & BBQ – Razor Sharp German Steel, Sheath Included, Ergonomic Full Tang Handle Design, Grilling Gifts for Men – Artisan Series

Rating
9.4
Handle Material
Weight and Balance
Edge Type

Most important from
8934 reviews

Handle Material
The knife arrived in a beautiful box with a sturdy plastic sheath, and the handle grip is solid and comfortable.
Weight and Balance
The weight and feel at the handle are impressive, making it a perfect investment for kitchen enthusiasts.
Edge Type
Sharp as glass, it effortlessly cuts through roasted turkey and turkey breast, making it the best carving knife owned.

The Cutluxe Slicing Carving Knife is a solid choice for anyone looking to slice meats like brisket, turkey, or ribs. With a 12-inch blade made from premium high-carbon German steel, it’s designed to deliver precision and sharpness. The blade's edge is hand sharpened at a 14-16 degree angle, allowing for clean cuts, which many users appreciate. The knife’s full tang design ensures good balance and stability, enhancing the slicing experience.

One of its standout features is the ergonomic pakkawood handle, which is triple-riveted for a secure grip, making it comfortable to hold during long carving sessions. However, it’s important to note that this knife isn’t dishwasher safe, which might be a drawback for some who prefer low-maintenance tools. Proper care and manual washing will help maintain its sharpness and appearance over time.

Weighing 9.6 ounces, it strikes a good balance between being light enough for easy maneuvering and heavy enough to provide control when slicing through tougher cuts of meat. The Granton edge design helps reduce friction and prevents food from sticking, enhancing the slicing process. The lifetime warranty adds peace of mind, showcasing the brand's confidence in the product’s quality. If you’re serious about your cooking, particularly when it comes to meats, the Cutluxe Slicing Carving Knife could be a worthy addition to your kitchen arsenal.

Rating
9.4
Handle Material
Weight and Balance
Edge Type

Most important from
8934 reviews

Handle Material
The knife arrived in a beautiful box with a sturdy plastic sheath, and the handle grip is solid and comfortable.
Weight and Balance
The weight and feel at the handle are impressive, making it a perfect investment for kitchen enthusiasts.
Edge Type
Sharp as glass, it effortlessly cuts through roasted turkey and turkey breast, making it the best carving knife owned.
#3

Wüsthof 10-Piece Stainless Steak and Carving Knife Set, Olivewood

Rating
9.1
Weight and Balance
Edge Type

Most important from
1937 reviews

Weight and Balance
Each knife has a satisfying weight and excellent balance, enhancing control during use.
Edge Type
The knives are razor sharp and maintain their edge beautifully over time.

The Wüsthof 10-Piece Stainless Steak and Carving Knife Set offers a solid choice for those who want a versatile set that covers both carving and steak cutting tasks. The set includes eight 4-inch serrated steak knives and a carving knife with a carving fork, all stored in an attractive olivewood case—making it a nice option for gift-giving or organized kitchen storage. The blades are made from stainless steel, known for durability and resistance to rust, and the serrated edges on the steak knives help cut through thick meat without shredding it. The 4-inch blade length is typical for steak knives, providing control and precision.

The handles are stainless steel, which ensures durability but might feel a bit heavier or less warm in the hand compared to wood or synthetic handles. The weight of the entire set is on the heavier side, which some may appreciate for balance and sturdiness, while others might find it less nimble. These knives are not dishwasher safe, so hand washing is needed to maintain sharpness and appearance. Forged construction suggests good strength and stability of the carving knife and fork.

This set suits home cooks who want reliable steak knives with an elegant presentation and a dependable carving knife for occasional use. Those who prefer very lightweight or flexible carving knives, or want dishwasher-safe options, may find it does not fully meet those preferences.

Rating
9.1
Weight and Balance
Edge Type

Most important from
1937 reviews

Weight and Balance
Each knife has a satisfying weight and excellent balance, enhancing control during use.
Edge Type
The knives are razor sharp and maintain their edge beautifully over time.

Buying Guide for the Best Carving Knives

Choosing the right carving knife is essential for anyone who enjoys cooking, especially when it comes to preparing meats and large vegetables. A good carving knife can make the process smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. When selecting a carving knife, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main aspects to look at and how to navigate them.
Blade MaterialThe blade material of a carving knife is crucial as it affects the knife's sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Common materials include stainless steel, high-carbon stainless steel, and ceramic. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and easy to maintain, making it a good all-around choice. High-carbon stainless steel is harder and holds an edge longer but may require more care to prevent rust. Ceramic blades are extremely sharp and lightweight but can be brittle and prone to chipping. Choose a material based on your willingness to maintain the knife and the type of cutting you do most often.
Blade LengthBlade length is important because it determines how easily you can carve through different sizes of meat and other foods. Carving knives typically range from 8 to 14 inches. Shorter blades (8-10 inches) offer more control and are easier to handle, making them suitable for smaller cuts of meat and vegetables. Longer blades (12-14 inches) are better for larger cuts, such as whole turkeys or roasts, as they can make longer, cleaner slices. Consider the types of foods you usually carve to determine the best blade length for you.
Blade FlexibilityBlade flexibility refers to how much the blade can bend without breaking. A more flexible blade can be useful for intricate cuts and working around bones, while a stiffer blade provides more control and precision for straight cuts. Flexible blades are often preferred for fish and poultry, while stiffer blades are better for larger cuts of meat. Think about the types of foods you carve most frequently to decide whether you need a more flexible or stiffer blade.
Handle MaterialThe handle material affects the comfort, grip, and durability of the carving knife. Common handle materials include wood, plastic, and composite. Wooden handles offer a traditional look and comfortable grip but may require more maintenance to prevent cracking. Plastic handles are durable, easy to clean, and often have ergonomic designs for better grip. Composite handles combine the best of both worlds, offering durability and comfort. Choose a handle material that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your maintenance preferences.
Weight and BalanceThe weight and balance of a carving knife can significantly impact its ease of use. A well-balanced knife feels comfortable and stable in your hand, making it easier to control. Heavier knives can provide more cutting power but may cause fatigue during extended use. Lighter knives are easier to maneuver but may require more effort to cut through tougher foods. Test the knife in your hand if possible to see how it feels and choose one that offers a good balance between weight and comfort for your specific needs.
Edge TypeThe edge type of a carving knife determines how it cuts through food. Common edge types include straight, serrated, and granton. Straight edges provide clean, precise cuts and are easy to sharpen, making them ideal for most carving tasks. Serrated edges can cut through tougher surfaces like crusty bread or roasts but are harder to sharpen. Granton edges have small indentations that reduce friction and prevent food from sticking to the blade, making them great for slicing thin pieces. Consider the types of foods you carve and choose an edge type that suits your needs.

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