Best Knives for Cutting Raw Meat – 2021 Buyer’s Guide

| Last Updated: January 7, 2022

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Knives may seem like the most straightforward kitchen item out there, but there is actually a lot of variety in their designs and intended purposes. Bread knives, butcher knives, utility knives... there are countless different types to choose from.

Today we’ll be honing in on different models of chef’s knives. When cutting raw meat, it’s most essential to have something sturdy and long lasting.

There is a lot of effort that goes into cutting raw meat, from butchering to trimming to prepping, and having the best tool will make the entire process much easier. 

Comparison of the Best Knives For Cutting Raw Meat

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • 7.9" Swiss made blade
  • TPE ergonomic grip is designed with no-slip qualities
  • Normal straight edge design is dishwasher safe
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  • 8" premium Japanese AUS-10 super steel blade
  • Constructed with a military grade G10 triple riveted handle
  • Backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects
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  • 8" forged German steel blade
  • Gyutou knife is designed by professionals for all experience levels
  • Rust resistant design ensures longevity
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  • 8" high carbon stainless steel German blade
  • Available in 9" and 10" models
  • Full tang, triple riveted handle for ultimate control
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  • 8" high carbon German made blade with a 15° double-bevel design
  • Constructed with a triple reveted, military grade, ergonomic handle
  • Backed by a lifetime warranty against material and workmanship
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What Makes a Great Knife For Cutting Raw Meat?

There are types of knives that can be used freely around the kitchen for a range of different food, but when it comes to a more difficult task like cutting raw meat, you want to make sure you have the best tool for the job.

So, what makes a knife a worthy contender?

Blade Material & Sharpness

The quality of the blade is of course the most important detail to consider.You want a blade made from the right material that is durable and maintains a sharp edge for a long time.

There’s nothing more frustrating than having to constantly sharpen your knife, so it’s worth it to invest in a model designed to maintain sharpness.

Knives that are made from high carbon stainless steel are the best of both worlds because the high carbon steel makes the blade incredibly strong and durable, while the stainless steel protects it from any potential tarnishes or rust.

Blade Shape

Perhaps just as important as the blade material, the blade shape will affect the precision you have when you’re slicing. Especially for more careful endeavors like cutting the meat from bones, you want a knife that gives you as much control as possible.

A Chef’s knife should have a wide blade that sits at about a 15 degree angle from the handle with symmetrical sides that come together as a sharp point.

Handle Grip

Cutting raw meat is a difficult and messy process. The last thing you want is a knife that slips and slides around in your hand. It affects the cuts of meat and also poses a significant safety risk.

It’s essential to find a knife with a grip made from a material with a good texture, like Fibrox for example, that will make it easy to maintain a firm grip as you slice. 

Willy's Top Picks - Best Knives for Cutting Raw Meat

Here are the top 3 best knives for cutting raw meat:

  1. Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife
  2. ZELITE INFINITY Chef Knife
  3. Sagler Chef Knife

Review of the Best Knives For Cutting Raw Meat

Now that you have a better understanding of the components that make knives the most effective for cutting raw meat, let’s move on to the product review section.

Best Overall:
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife

Victorinox Swiss Army 5.2063.20-X14 Fibrox Chef's Knife Black 8 in

Pros

  • Surprisingly affordable
  • Multipurpose and versatile
  • Extremely sharp edge
  • Ergonomic Fibrox handle
  • Easy to wash (dishwasher safe)

Cons

  • Needs sharpening semi-regularly

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers found this to be a great knife when it comes to cutting meat. They love it for the 8-inch blade, which is so sharp that it takes less energy from users. They also like it for the tapering of the edge, which makes it easier for the knife to slice through pieces of meat, much like a hot knife through butter. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This knife by Victorinox stands out to us because of its razor-sharp blade. The laser-tested blade has a smooth finish, which provides consistent cuts. Its ergonomic handle has thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) in it, which provides a firm grip. It does not get slippery even when the knife is wet. 

From Victorinox Swiss Army, the Fibrox Pro is a multipurpose knife with a 7.9 inch blade perfect for chopping, mincing, and dicing. The knife blade has a straight edge and has been laser-tested. It is at an exacting angle, which keeps it sharper for longer and increases its durability. 

Its design also includes a ergonomic and slip-resistant handle for maximum comfort and precise control. The handle is constructed from Fibrox material, which has a rough texture that prevents it from slipping in your hand, even when damp.

Who Will Use This Most

This is most useful for people who like to slice their meat at home. The 8-inch blade cuts meat easily without any extra force from you. Its handle is quite firm, too, which enables its users to utilize it extensively. It is great for cutting chicken and mincing the meat as well.

Bottom Line

The bottom line on this one is that it is one of the best meat cutting knives on the market. Its features outweigh the price by a long shot, and this makes it even more worthy of your investment. It has just the right weight for cutting meat and avoiding hand fatigue as well.

The Fibrox Pro is dependable and straightforward. It isn’t the fanciest knife on the market, but it is superior to a regular kitchen knife and is an excellent quality Chef’s knife at an affordable price.

Runner-up:
ZELITE INFINITY Chef Knife

Zelite Infinity Damascus Chef Knife 8 Inch, Japanese Chef Knife, Damascus Kitchen Knife, Japanese Knife, Chefs Knife, Kitchen Knives, Chef Knives - Japanese AUS-10 Super Steel 67-Layer Damascus Knife

Pros

  • Very balanced
  • Razor sharp
  • Maintains edge
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Hybrid of high-carbon and stainless steel

Cons

  • Higher price than comparable alternatives

What Recent Buyers Report

The people who bought this knife recently had a great time using it due to the efficient construction and practical design. They liked the rounded handles a lot because they facilitated a much better grip on the knife. Its weight also helped users in getting more work done by expending less energy.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The ZELITE INFINITY makes it to our list of best meat cutting knives due to its construction. There is a 67-layer high carbon stainless steel material in it, which goes perfectly with the military-grade G10 handle. The 3-step Honbazuke Method was used to finish the knife, which brings extra shine. There is an artistic print on the blade as well, which enhances its black color further.

This knife has more than just an elegant and sleek appearance. It also boasts an extremely durable and sharp blade constructed of sixty-seven layers of high-carbon stainless steel. This combination of high carbon and stainless steel makes it incredibly durable, as well as stain and rust resistant.

Every detail was considered during the construction of this knife. The blade sits at a 12 degree angle for increased sharpness and has patterns impressed into the metal to prevent food from sticking. The entire knife is carefully designed so the weight is balanced between the blade and the rounded handle, enabling increased precision.

Who Will Use This Most

This is equally useful for home and restaurant use. No matter if you are standing in your kitchen at home or are the head chef in a restaurant, you will love it. The Japanese tsunami rose pattern on the blade makes it stylish, so you can flaunt it too. 

Bottom Line

To sum up, this is a great knife with exquisite design and high functionality. The print on the knife is Japanese inspired, and the construction has traditional Japanese elements too. The blade is also sharp enough to help you with all kinds of cutting, so getting it would be nice.

The Zelite Infinity is on the pricier side, but with a lifetime warranty and a durable design, it is a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for a quality product you can use for a long time.

Best for the Money:
Sagler Chef Knife

chef knife 8 Inch - kitchen knife European steel - best chef knife for High Carbon Stainless Steel - Chopping knives for Budding Kitchen, cooking knives,

Pros

  • Incredibly durable
  • Ergonomic finger guard and handle
  • Very affordable
  • Multipurpose blade
  • Blade maintains edge

Cons

  • Blade is only stainless steel (isn’t combined with high-carbon steel like some other models)

What Recent Buyers Report

The buyers of this German-style knife by Sagler recommend it without any second thoughts. They loved it for being multipurpose, as they can cut meat and veggies equally well with it. This, along with a sleek design, has impressed users so much that they want to get more of these knives for their friends. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It grabs our attention with its stylish black body and a lovely gift box. The knife’s 8-inch forged blade is heavy enough to let you slice through meat with efficiency. In addition, the handle provides a strong grip even when it is moist. This makes for a great knife as its blade is long enough with just the right size of the handle. 

This model is sturdy, sleek, and great for a variety of purposes, from slicing up vegetables to cutting meat off of bones. The forged 8-inch blade is made of stainless steel, making it resistant to scratches and rust. The Ergonomic handle increases safety by providing an easy grip, even when it is wet.

There is also a finger guard for extra protection. Considering the great design and longevity of the blade, this item should be priced higher than it is. It is a very affordable and long-lasting option for any type of kitchen, whether it’s in your own home or in a commercial setting.

Who Will Use This Most

This is the most useful meat cutting knife for those who like to have a variety of cuts. You can cut meat in big chunks or small bits or even mince it with this knife. The sharpness of the blade makes sure that it does not disappoint you in any regard, as well.

Bottom Line

In our opinion, this is the knife to go for if you love working in the kitchen. It enables you to practice different techniques for cutting meat and vegetables. So, if you are into cooking and cutting artistry, you will have fun with it. 

It’s hard to beat the Sagler Chef when it comes to price. If you are investing in a commercial kitchen or simply looking for a knife that will last for several years, other models might be better options.

However, it is an excellent choice if you are looking for a versatile knife to add to your own kitchen collection at a very reasonable price.

4. Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife

WÜSTHOF Classic 8 Inch Chef’s Knife,Black,8-Inch

Pros

  • Finger guard
  • Lifetime guarantee
  • Maintains sharp edge
  • Triple-riveted full tang blade
  • High-carbon stainless steel construction

Cons

  • Hand Wash recommended (but still dishwasher safe)

What Recent Buyers Report

The Wusthof classic knife has won over its recent buyers with the ease it provided them. They like this all-purpose knife as it is great for meat, vegetables, and even oysters. They loved the classic curve of the blade, which looks stylish and works magically. They also approve of this due to the ergonomic design of its handle. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

It catches our eye with the 8-inch long blade and 5-inch long handle. Both of these complement each other and make your work easier. Moreover, it has a full bolster which strengthens the knife while protecting the fingers. It is also sharper than other knives due to the Precision Edge Technology. 

The Wusthof Classic Chef’s Knife comes in a range of sizes. We’ve chosen the 8-inch version for this review, but if you think you need a smaller or large blade, definitely take a look at the other available sizes.

This knife stands apart from the rest with a triple-riveted full tang blade, which gives you the precise control you need when cutting something as tough as raw meat. The blade has the powerful combination of high-carbon stainless steel for more durability and longevity.

On top of that, it maintains its sharpness for a long time. It also has a seamless synthetic ergonomic handle for easy use and a finger guard for extra safety.

Who Will Use This Most

People who want a multifunctional knife will use it the most. It helps in cutting, slicing, skinning, and mincing equally well. This makes it a better candidate for your kitchen, especially if you are a chef restaurant. They have to work quickly and neatly, and this knife helps them do just this.

Bottom Line

All in all, this is an incredible knife that comes with some of the best features in the market. The size and weight are just perfect for use in all kinds of meat cutting and mincing. As the knife does not rust or decolorize, it is a wise move to get this one.

The Wusthof Classic is a great option for a home or commercial kitchen. Its design is balanced and controlled, allowing for extreme precision and ease of use.

5. Skylight Chef Knife

Chef Knife, 8-inch Kitchen Knife Professional German High Carbon Stainless Steel Sharp Knife for Chefs in Kitchen

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty
  • High-carbon stainless steel blade
  • Military Grade High Polymer handle
  • Super sharp blade requires minimal maintenance

Cons

  • Short handle, not as balanced in weight

What Recent Buyers Report

The Skylight knife has a long chain of happy customers as it serves the purpose of cutting meat well. It has a stainless steel carbon construction with German quality, which increases its life. The buyers liked its size as well since it is neither too long nor too short.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It distinguishes itself from us with its military-grade polymer handle. This makes using the knife so easy that you won’t get any hand or wrist fatigue with it. The seamless design makes it easy to grip and use as well. 

The Skylight Chef Knife is a professional chef knife and an excellent choice for your everyday slicing and dicing.

Its blade is made from German High Carbon Stainless Steel and angled at 15 degrees per side for maximum precision. The blade has also been Nitrogen cooled, which improves its strength and keeps the edge sharper for much longer.

The Military Grade High Polymer handle is ergonomic, designed to enhance the comfort, precision, and safety of the knife.

Who Will Use This Most

This knife is for those who like to experiment with different techniques of cutting. It works well in mincing and dicing as well as slicing through tender meat. This is why anyone can use it as it does not have any limitations.

Bottom Line

Considering all this, a Skylight chef knife can be an amazing addition to your cutting tools. It has an amazing construction and a reliable handle, which makes your work easy. The nitrogen-cooled blade has a strength that other knives cannot rival, and this makes it a great choice.

From Skylight, this knife is created for ultimate sharpness and precision. The weight could be better balanced, with the blade itself making up most of the knife’s length, but the handle itself is extremely comfortable and constructed from high quality material. The fact that the blade has also been Nitrogen cooled will ensure the edge stays sharp for a long time.

How Should You Clean a Raw Meat Knife?

Cleaning a raw meat knife is not something very tricky if you know the right way of doing so. Keeping this in mind, we have brought you the easiest way of cleaning these. Go through these and clean your knives to have shiny new metallic cutting knives all the time. 

  1. Soak a sponge in soapy water and then rub it over the knife. Make sure to begin with the back of the blade and then shift to the edge. 

  2. You have to keep your fingertips away from the edge of the blade while doing it. 

  3. Now, use the scrubby part of the sponge to remove any grease or remnants of meat. 

  4. Then rinse the knife with lukewarm water to clean off all the foam. 

  5. After this, use a dish towel to dry the blade of the knife. Then dry the handle with the same dish towel to avoid any slipperiness. 

  6. You have to keep in mind that putting the knife in dishwater can damage your knife. So, it is better to wash it by hand.

Here is a YouTube video to help you get a clearer picture of how to clean a meat cutting knife.

Types of Knives

It’s important to understand the anatomy of a knife because sometimes one detail can make the difference in a knife’s intended purpose.

For example, there are four types of knife edges: straight, granton, serrated, and hollow ground.

A straight or granton edge is ideal for cutting meat, and hollow ground edges are particularly good for skinning.

Chef’s knives are one of the best options for cutting raw meat specifically, but there are many, many types of knives designed for meat.

Carving knives, for example, are much thinner and designed for cutting very thin slices of cooked meats.

There are also breaking knives and boning knives, which typically have a larger handle and a long thin blade that becomes much narrower at the end. They are designed for tougher jobs like cutting through skin and small bones or dividing up large portions of meat.

All the models we’re looking at today are Chef’s knives, which are one of the most common types of knives you’ll see in any commercial kitchen, primarily because of their versatility.

A Chef’s knife has a wide blade for chopping, slicing, mincing, and cutting everything from soft cooked veggies to a much harder butternut squash. The normal blade length ranges between 8-12 inches.

Conclusion

We hope this article enhanced your understanding of the different type of knives and helped you select the best model for your needs.

Cutting raw meat is a difficult and tiring task, so it’s important to have the right tools to make the process as fast and easy as possible.

All of these models are made from quality materials and offer excellent precision. Each one has its own strengths, but any one of them would be a great addition to your kitchen.

People Also Ask

Raw meat cutting knives are a necessity in every kitchen, aren’t they? This is why people have many questions regarding buying the right knife and keeping it shiny. These questions need answers to help you have a better cutting experience. So, we have answered the most frequently asked questions to remove all the confusion. 

What Kind of Knives Do Butchers Use?

Butchers use a multitude of knives, all of which serve different purposes. The most common ones are 10 inch and 12-inch knives, which cut through thick pieces of meat as well. There are small-sized butcher knives too, which slice through small pieces. They are even used to skin the meat and part it. 

Can Electric Knife Cut Raw Meat?

Yes, an electric knife can cut raw meat, as well. It does the work fairly well as there is greater consistency of size and shape. The electric knife cuts through cartilage in meat and other bony parts. Electric knives offer greater speed to you, too, when it comes to cutting raw meat. 

Are Santoku Knives Good for Cutting Meat?

Santoku knives are great for cutting meat, especially chicken. They have long and sharp blades that slice through meat easily and have a better finish. The bolster in Santoku knives help you in putting extra pressure on meat and cut through it. They are great for chopping meat into small bits, as well. 

Santoku knives in various sizes.

What Kind of Knife Do You Use to Cut Chicken?

The best knife for cutting chicken is a Santoku knife, which has an extra sharp blade. It slices through the chicken without tearing it apart. There should be a 5-inch boning knife too, which helps in removing bones. It also helps in removing extra fat from chicken without wasting any meat.

How Do You Disinfect Chicken After Cutting?

After cutting chicken, you have to disinfect the knife properly. 

  • You should start with hot soapy water to remove the bits of fat and meat from the blade.

  • Then use chlorine bleach or a sanitizing solution to disinfect the knife. You can even soak it in the solution for a couple of minutes.

  • Then rinse it with lukewarm water and wipe it with a towel to dry it.

Hey there, I’m Will, and I’ve been smoking and grilling for as long as I can remember. I made this blog to help others who are looking for honest and reliable info from someone they can trust. In my own efforts to try to perfect my smoking and grilling skills, I’ve done a lot of research and would like to have it compiled as a resource for others to use. Happy smoking!