The Best Carving Knives of 2023, According to Our Tests
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The best knives for easy slicing, no matter the occasion.
Food & Wine / Amazon
You might wonder if it's worth investing in a carving knife. After all, most people already have a chef's knife and a bread knife, so why do you need another one? We think a carving knife, like a carving board, is essential for anyone who loves cooking meat regularly. Whether carving a turkey for Thanksgiving, slicing roast beef for Christmas dinner, or simply preparing a weeknight meal of chicken breasts or steaks on the grill, a carving knife will make the job easier and more efficient.
Carving knives are designed specifically for carving meat. They often have a long, thin blade perfect for slicing through large pieces of meat without tearing them. Since a carving knife is designed to be easy to control, they are safer, which makes it less likely that you'll cut yourself when using it. While a carving knife is ideal for carving meat, it can also be used for other tasks, such as slicing bread, cheese, and vegetables. And since they are normally quite durable, they’ll last many years, so it's worth investing in a good one. After testing them side by side, these are the best carving knives we recommend.
Best Overall: Wüsthof Classic 9-inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife
Pros
It is the perfect length for both large and small hands, and we found it strong and durable while testing.
Cons
The knife is so sharp we sliced our finger while testing, so make sure you exercise care.
The Wüsthof Classic Carving Knife is a high-quality knife perfect for carving poultry, roasts, and other large pieces of meat. It has a long, thin blade with a slightly curved edge and sharp tip. We liked the length because any more would be unwieldy. The hollow oval-shaped indentions along the edge are designed to leave air between the food and the blade for a smoother slice. The blade is made of high-carbon stainless steel and is very sharp. It is also full tang, meaning it runs the entire knife length and is triple riveted to the handle. This makes the knife very strong and durable. The handle is made of synthetic polypropylene and is comfortable to hold, even when wet or greasy.
Price at time of publish: $170
Material: High-carbon and stainless steel
Blade length: 9 inches
Best Overall, Runner Up: Made In 9" Carving Knife
Pros
It arrives incredibly sharp, and it’s stunning
Cons
The price may be prohibitive for some
The Made In Carving Knife is a beautiful, well-made knife perfect for carving turkeys, prime rib, and other large roasts. It has a sturdy yet lightweight high-carbon stainless steel blade and a gorgeous yew wood handle. The blade is also very sharp out of the box and has a nice flex, making it easy to slice around bones. We were able to slice through anything with ease and consistently. The handle is also very comfortable and perfect for both large and small hands. The knife is also well-balanced, giving you great control when using it. It’s an excellent choice for a high-quality carving knife. It is sharp, well-balanced, and comfortable to hold. It is also stunning and comes in a nice wooden box to protect itself in shipping. Put simply, we found it beautiful.
Price at time of publish: $169
Material: Yew wood and stainless steel.
Blade length: 9 inches.
Best Value Set: Messermeister Avanta 2-Piece Pakkawood Kullenschliff Carving Set
Pros
The rounded pakkawood handle is comfortable to hold, and it makes even, consistent cuts.
Cons
The blade could be more flexible, and larger hands may find it awkward to hold.
The Messermeister Avanta Carving Set is an excellent value for the price. We were surprised by how solid this set felt when we first handled it out of the box. It includes a 9-inch carving knife and a carving fork, both made with high-quality materials and construction. The knife has a long, thin blade made of high-carbon stainless steel. The blade is also hollow-ground, which helps to reduce friction and makes slicing easier. The handle is made of pakkawood, which is a durable and comfortable material. The fork has two sharp tines perfect for holding meat in place while slicing. The handle is the same size as the knife handle, making it easy to hold both pieces simultaneously. The set is an excellent option for a high-quality carving set.
Price at time of publish: $50
Material: Stainless steel and pakkawood.
Blade length: 8 inches.
Best Value: Mercer Culinary 10-Inch Carving Knife
Pros
The length is suitable for larger cuts and is a reasonable price, too.
Cons
One potential downside is that it does not come with a meat fork, and you need a larger cutting board to accommodate blade length,
The Mercer Genesis Carving Knife is an excellent value for the price. It is a sleek, well-made knife with a blade perfect for carving large roasts and holiday birds. The blade is flexible enough to navigate tricky angles but sturdy enough to slice through thicker proteins and twine. It is not the lightest carving knife on the market, but it is well-balanced and comfortable. The Mercer is sharp and can easily slice through meat without shredding. It is long enough to tackle large birds and roasts and is well-balanced and comfortable in hand. We wish we had a little more heft. It is also affordable, making it an excellent value for the price. However, this is a minor inconvenience, and the knife is such a good value that it is still worth purchasing. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality carving knife at a reasonable price.
Price at time of publish: $50
Material: Santoprene and high carbon steel.
Blade length: 10 inches.
Best Splurge Set: Shun Hikari Carving Set
Pros
The balance on this knife is immaculate, like an extension of your own limb.
Cons
It is a major splurge for most cooks, but it should last generations if cared for correctly.
If you're looking for the best of the best in carving knives, the Shun Premier 2-Piece Carving Set is the way to go. This set includes a 9-inch carving knife and an 8-inch carving fork, both made with Shun's signature stainless steel blade and a pakkawood handle — stunning. The carving knife is the perfect length for carving large roasts and poultry, and the balance is immaculate. The blade is thin and flexible, making it easy to slice through meat without tearing or shredding. The blade is also incredibly sharp, so you can get clean, even slices every time. The carving fork is the perfect companion to the carving knife. The tines are sharp and sturdy, so they can easily hold meat in place while you're slicing. The fork also has a comfortable handle, so you can use it for extended periods without getting tired.
Price at time of publish: $330
Material: Stainless steel and pakkawood.
Blade length: 9 inches.
Best Electric: Cuisinart Electric Knife Set With Cutting Board CEK-41
Pros
Electric knives make easy work of intimidating carving for any beginner.
Cons
You might have some snags since the blades are serrated.
The Cuisinart Electric Knife Set with Cutting Board is an excellent choice for a powerful, easy-to-use electric carving knife. The set includes a 9-inch serrated blade, a carving fork, and a wooden cutting board. The knife has a black plastic body with a few simple controls: a power button, a trigger switch, and a release button for the blade. The handle is comfortable to hold, even for people with small hands. The powerful knife can easily slice through large roasts, poultry, and bread since it is basically a mini chainsaw. The serrated blade helps to prevent food from sticking to the knife, and the sawing motion ensures that you get even, uniform slices. The carving fork is also handy for holding meat in place while slicing. The wooden cutting board is an excellent addition to the set, providing a sturdy surface for carving, although it was too small.
Price at time of publish: $40
Material: Bamboo and stainless steel.
Blade length: 10.5 inches.
Best for Gifting: Shun DM-0720 Classic 9-Inch Hollow-Ground Knife
Pros
The design is visually striking, and it feels luxurious when you are handling it.
Cons
It is very sharp, so be careful not to nick yourself during unboxing.
The Shun Classic 9-inch Hollow-Ground Knife is a stunning, versatile carving knife perfect for gifting. It has a long, narrow blade with hollow-ground indentations along the edge, which helps to reduce friction and make slicing easier. The blade is also made from Shun's layered and forged Damascus steel, known for its edge retention and durability. We loved the handle, made of black pakkawood, a durable and comfortable material. It is also D-shaped, which provides a good grip and makes it easy to control the knife. This knife is perfect for carving roasts, poultry, and fish. It is also sharp enough for delicate tasks like slicing avocados and tomatoes. It has flexibility, but not a ton. Yet, it’s still easy to maneuver.
Price at time of publish: $164
Material: Damascus steel and pakkawood.
Blade length: 9-inches.
Our Favorite
We awarded Best Overall to the Wüsthof Classic 9" Hollow Edge Carving Knife because it performed so well it will convince anyone they need a carving knife. It’s a reasonable price given the cost per use of a carving knife. Most cooks will find it lightweight and easy to control. The Made In Carving Knife, Best Overall, Runner Up, was another winner for many reasons. It is a beautiful knife that stands out from the competition, and we believe its clean, modern design will look at home in any kitchen. We also like the elegant wooden box it comes with for storage.
Factors to Consider
Blade Material
High-carbon steel is the best material for carving knives, as it is durable and holds an edge well. High-carbon steel blades are known for their sharpness and edge retention but may require more maintenance to prevent rust. Stainless steel is also a good option, but it is easier than high-carbon steel and may need to be sharpened more often. Stainless steel blades are corrosion-resistant and require less maintenance, making them popular.
Handle
The handle of a carving knife should be comfortable to grip and provide reasonable control. Popular handle materials include wood, synthetic materials, and rubber. The overall ergonomics of the knife are essential, as you will be using it for extended periods. Ensure the knife feels comfortable and the blade is well balanced. The handle should be comfortable and ergonomic for extended use. It can be made of various materials, such as wood, plastic, or composite materials. Choose one that feels good in your hand.
Maintenance and Storage
Check if the knife requires special care or can be easily sharpened at home. Some knives may need regular honing and sharpening. Carving knives should be sharpened regularly to keep them in good condition. Be sure to hand-wash your carving knives and dry them immediately after use. Some are dishwasher safe. More excellent knives or intricate models often come with storage boxes, which can be nice instead of storing them loose in a knife drawer. If you need further tips on knife care, we wrote about that here.
Price
Carving knives can range in price from around $20 to $200 or more. Finding a knife that fits your budget and needs is essential. Once you've decided to buy a carving knife, research to find the best one for your needs. Sets will cost you more since they come with multiple pieces and a storage box.
How We Tested Carving Knives
Our editors and writers took these knives into their kitchens to see how they handled various items. Some favorites emerged, while some fell woefully short. We sliced steaks, whole roast chickens, pork roasts, hunks of slow-roasted beef, and even crusty sourdough. We valued comfort and ease of use since these can sometimes be longer and heavier knives. While slicing, it was important the knives felt well-balanced in hand so we could get consistent slices. It was also important that the handle was not slippery during use since meat tends to be juicy. Many knives arrived super sharp, but not all did. We don’t want to have to sharpen a knife before we even use it. Since many knives were pricier, care was also a consideration.
Other Carving Knives We Considered
One of the knives we tested that didn’t make the list was the Tuo Slicing Knife. The Tuo arrived in a box with a matching fork to assist in cutting. The knife is beautiful but has a sharp curve upwards, which we never mastered. It also arrived incredibly dull, so it shredded even the most tender of roast beefs. We also considered others that didn’t end up making it to the testing stage. While some beautiful, premium-made knives are available, we felt the desired quality could be achieved at a lower price point. Beyond that, we also decided to limit testing to brands whose quality and construction we've valued in the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a carving knife?
If you cook meat regularly, a carving knife is a must-have. It will make your life so much easier and safer. What kind of meat do you cook? A carving knife is essential for cooking large pieces of meat, such as whole turkeys and roasts. However, a carving knife can still be helpful even if you mostly cook smaller pieces of meat, such as chicken breasts and pork chops.
What types of carving knives and blades are there?
Carving knives come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific task. For example, a general-purpose carving knife will have a long, thin blade for precise cuts.
Straight-edge blades are suitable for precise slicing and carving. Granton Edge or scalloped has small divots or scallops along the edge to reduce friction and help prevent the meat from sticking to the blade. There are also electric knives, which many people prefer, especially for big holidays. Some come in sets with a carving fork, but you don’t need one. A knife is enough, but a carving set is nice to have.
How much should I spend on a carving knife?
Carving knives can range in price from $20 for more commercial knives to over $100. Set a budget before you start shopping so that you spend your money wisely and know that premium brands have premium prices.
Our Expertise
Jennifer Zyman is a Senior Commerce Writer for Food & Wine and a recovering restaurant critic with a culinary school degree and over 15 years of food writing experience. Her work has appeared in Atlanta Magazine, Bon Appetit, Eater Atlanta, The Kitchn, Local Palate, National Geographic, Simply Recipes, Southern Living, and Thrillist. To write this story, she and other editors tested carving knives side by side to find the best ones on the market.
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