Selecting a carving knife boils down to more than simply how you intend to use it. A major part of finding the ideal carving knife is choosing an option that fits your budget, is easy to maintain, and keeps your fingers safe.
Carving knives are not to be confused with slicing knife, which is best for produce and thinner cuts of meat. Read our Best Slicing Knives article if you’re looking for more information on top options. Still not sure of the difference? Check out our Carving Knife vs. Slicing Knife content for a deeper dive into the differences and benefits of each.
We’ve detailed a list of the five best carving knives (2023 reviews), starting with our editor’s choice, the WÜSTHOF Classic 9″ Carving Knife. The WÜSTHOF brand is well-recognized for producing high-quality, sharp, durable, well-balanced knives. This carving knife from WÜSTHOF is no exception. We always recommend checking knife recommendations against your needs and preferences, as each knife is unique and does not work well for everyone. For more information on finding the perfect carving knife, head to our Carving Knives Buying Guide.
Top 5 Carving Knives
  Editor's Choice | ||||
 | ||||
 | ||||
 | Check Price | |||
 | Check Price |
1. WÜSTHOF Classic 9″ Carving Knife – Editor’s Choice
This WÜSTHOF Carving Knife is top of its class with the best overall reviews, rank, and bang for your buck.
WÜSTHOF Classic 9″ Carving Knife Specifications
About the Knife
WÜSTHOF forged knives are known for having a higher price, though a longer kitchen life. While this knife is one of the pricier options on the list at $170, it arrives sharp and stays sharp longer than its competition.
The WÜSTHOF Classic 9” Carving Knife is a well-balanced knife, making it more comfortable to slice dense meats like roasts or whole chickens. There’s also a full bolster and finger guard for safe slicing in the kitchen.
With a 58 HRC, you can easily resharpen this knife as needed. It has a pointed tip that works well at keeping the tip away from bones while carving.
Maintenance
When sharpening with a honing steel, it’s necessary to angle the knife to about 15°. Make sure to sharpen the knife from edge to edge. WÜSTHOF knives only need to be sharpened once per year as they stay pretty sharp even with consistent use.
How to Clean?
Dishwashing soap and warm water are sufficient for cleaning this WÜSTHOF knife. As with any kitchen knives, they will need to be dried immediately. This knife is low maintenance and offers easy cleanup after use.
Is it Dishwasher Safe?
It’s not recommended to wash this knife in the dishwasher. With its large size, it can damage the dishwasher’s interior and be damaged by other knives.
Pros:
- Comfortable to hold
- Great for sharp cuts
- High value for the price
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Not dishwasher friendly
2. Mercer Culinary M20410 Genesis 10-Inch
This Mercer Culinary carving knife is a well-balanced budget-friendly option for amateur chefs.
Mercer Culinary M20410 Genesis 10-Inch Specifications
About the Knife
It’s hard to go wrong with a knife under $40 that still offers a good edge and easy sharpening. This well-balanced knife has a comfortable handle that does not slip, even with damp hands.
The Mercer Culinary carving knife has a taper ground edge, making it easier to cut precisely. The blade is made from high carbon German steel, so it will not deform easily with use.
Maintenance
Avoid soaking this knife or keeping it in a wet environment for prolonged periods. This knife should not come into contact with chlorine or bleach-based products. If it does, rinse immediately.
How to Clean?
Use mild soap and warm water to wash this Mercer Culinary knife. Dry with a soft towel afterward and store in a knife block.
Is it Dishwasher Safe?
It is not recommended to put this knife in the dishwasher as it will decrease the life of the knife.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Comfortable, non-slip handle
- Durable carbon steel blade
Cons:
- Not ideal for smaller hands
- Heavier weight, difficult to maneuver
3. DALSTRONG Butcher Breaking Cimitar Knife – 8″
This butcher knife with a full-tang blade works just as well as a carving knife in the kitchen.
DALSTRONG Butcher Breaking Cimitar Knife – 8″ Specifications
About the Knife
This Dalstrong butcher knife will cost you about $80, making it a mid-tier option in terms of budget. It’s well-balanced, though on the heavier side, so it may not be suitable for all chefs.
This butcher knife arrives sharp, though it can be sharpened on arrival for extra ease in slicing and carving meat. With an HRC of 56, you can expect this knife to remain sharper for longer.
The handle of this knife is made from G10, which helps keep the knife lightweight as your section or portion your meat of choice. Skip the chef’s knife for slicing meat, and try this curved-blade butcher knife instead.
Maintenance
As the knife material can rust, a rust eraser is an excellent investment to go along with this knife.
How to Clean?
Hand wash and dry this butcher knife after each use.
Is it Dishwasher Safe?
Using a dishwasher with this knife is not recommended as it can chip or rust during a cycle.
Pros:
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Versatile uses in the kitchen
- Plastic sheaf included
Cons:
- Material can rust easily
- Possibility of chipping the blade
4. MAIRICO Premium Carving Knife – 11-inch
This carving knife has a luxurious appearance at a budget-friendly price, making it a great option for home chefs.
MAIRICO Premium Carving Knife – 11-inch Specifications
About the Knife
Who could turn down this affordable carving knife that’s priced between $30-$60? It’s well-balanced, even with an 11″ blade length. This carving and slicing knife is crafted with rust-resistant stainless steel for a longer-lasting knife.
Many customers are happy with how well-balanced this knife is, making it easy to go from chopping vegetables to separating any cut of meat. It’s a lightweight knife with a comfortable handle.
There’s a lifetime warranty, and a 100% money-back guarantee for anyone who purchases this option.
Maintenance
After washing your knife, it’s best to use a food-grade oil to keep it from rusting. This process will need to be done each time before storing it away.
How to Clean?
Use warm soapy water to hand wash the Mairico carving knife. Dry by hand and use a knife block or magnetic display for storage.
Is it Dishwasher Safe?
Due to the wooden handle on this Mairico carving knife, it’s best to avoid the dishwasher. Using a dishwasher can cause the handle to crack.
Pros:
- Lightweight carving knife
- Great for BBQs
- Arrives sharp for carving
Cons:
- No sheath included
- Not as sharp as competitors
5. KYOKU 8 Inch Carving Knife
This is a durable, full tang boning knife made from German ingenuity and designed to maintain a decent sharpness over a long time.
KYOKU 8 Inch Carving Knife Specifications
About the Knife
As the most budget-friendly knife on the list (about $25), we’re happy to note it offers bang for your buck. Once you open the box, you’ll find a very sharp knife that only requires sharpening 1-2 times a year, depending on how often you utilize the knife.
The 440c stainless steel blade works well in resisting corrosion and wear. This knife is durable and should last a long time, especially with proper maintenance.
With an HRC between 59 and 60, it is guaranteed this knife will stay sharp for a long time.
Maintenance
Avoid cutting very hard or frozen items, as the blade came become brittle and chip.
How to Clean?
Mild soap and warm water work well for cleaning this Kyoku carving knife. Make sure to dry thoroughly to avoid rusting of the blade.
Is it Dishwasher Safe?
No, it’s recommended to avoid putting this Kyoku carving knife in the dishwasher.
Pros:
- Long-lasting sharpness
- Budget-friendly
- Minimal sharpening required
Cons:
- Material is difficult to sharpen
- The blade can become brittle
Conclusion
Whether you’re a home chef with a tight budget who wants to explore new culinary skills or a seasoned professional, there are plenty of options to choose from on this list. Keep in mind how easy maintenance is for your desired knife, comfort level, intent for use, and desired sharpness to select the perfect knife for you. We still recommend the WÜSTHOF Classic 9″ Carving Knife as the best carving knife, especially if it’s within budget. However, any of the above options will provide you with a carving knife that you can be proud of. Making sure the knife is not too light or too heavy, along with filling your other preferences, is always a top priority when shopping for new kitchen knives. Grab your carving fork and try one of these carving knives!
Further reading: 7 Best Knives for Carving a Turkey
Post Your Thoughts