Have you ever found yourself in a position where your knife is stuck halfway in a turkey and your anger levels are rising high because the whole table is waiting for you to carve that Thanksgiving bird and the knife just won’t cooperate? Yeah, me too. And for that reason, I decided to get myself the best slicing knife out there.

 

It was a bit difficult if I’m being honest. If a model has length, it is too heavy, and if it is light, it is too bendy… etc. Still, I managed to find these 10 beauties:

Here Are The Best Slicing Knives To Carve Your Roasts

PRODUCT

HANDLE

BEST FOR

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES

MAIRICO Ultra Sharp Premium

Long, pakkawood Best Overall
  • 11 inches
  • Stainless steel
  • Granton edge
  • Very well-balanced
  • Full-tang

BLACK+DECKER Electric

Comfort Grip Best Electric
  • Electric knife, easy slicing
  • 9 inches
  • Safety Lock
  • Takes 100W of power
  • Multipurpose

Mercer Culinary M23011 Millennia

Santoprene & polypropylene Best Value
  • Single-piece Japanese steel
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Granton edge
  • Textured finger points

DALSTRONG – Gladiator Series

Pakkawood Best for Chefs
  • Single piece construction
  • High-carbon German steel
  • Has a Granton edge
  • Great for professionals
  • Curved blade
  • BPA-free knife guard

1. MAIRICO Ultra Sharp Premium

Highlighted Features

  • 11 inches
  • Stainless steel
  • Granton edge
  • Very well-balanced
  • Full-tang

Construction: The MAIRICO slicing knife is made of stainless steel. The blade is 11 inches in length and the handle is long and comfortable. It is made of black pakkawood and the blade itself is quite hefty, being pure steel. The handle also has three rivets that add to its overall appearance. The MAIRICO has a Granton edge – it has a row of scallops all along the blade on both sides. The full tang of the knife also boasts a thick bolster. It comes in a beautiful, cushioned box so it can also be given as a gift.

 

Function: The long blade of this slicing knife falls ideally between the 9-12 inches of length that one looks for in a slicing knife. It is neither too long nor too short and so works very well for slicing big roasts. The long, heavy blade of the knife is nicely balanced out by the ergonomic, black handle and it doesn’t feel awkward in your hand. The Granton edge provides air pockets so no food sticks to the blade and you don’t have to pause between every cut to wipe the blade clean. The bolster shields your fingers from the blade.

This multipurpose knife is extremely sharp and can be used to slice roasts, meats, fruits and vegetables alike.

 

Cleaning & Maintenance: The Granton edge keeps the knife clean, more or less, but when you are done using it, do not toss it in the dishwasher. Hand-wash with warm, soapy water, dry well and store it in the beautiful box that it comes in, as you don’t want it to rust or get nasty cuts if you were to put it in a drawer. If you take care of it well, this one will last for years.

Pros

  • Made of premium stainless steel
  • Has a Granton edge to aid in slicing
  • Extremely sharp knife of 11 inches
  • Very well-balanced and feels good
  • Comes in a beautiful, cushioned box

Cons

  • Simple steel construction

2. BLACK+DECKER Electric

Highlighted Features

  • Electric knife, easy slicing
  • 9 inches
  • Safety Lock
  • Takes 100W of power
  • Multipurpose

Construction: The BLACK+DECKER slicing knife is an electric knife, the only one in this list of the best slicing knives. It is powered by a 100W motor. The blades are serrated (which is not really a feature of slicing knives but this is electric so it works) and are 9 inches in length. They are made of stainless steel and are detachable. The knife has an ergonomic handle and is multi-purpose – you can use it to slice meats, cheese, roasts, breads, etc. It can even be used for crafts, like cutting through foam, etc.

 

Function: The knife is very easy to use since it is electric. You don’t have to use a lot of elbow grease to get any slicing done with this beauty. The Comfort Grip handle gives you a very ‘comfortable’ grip and you are provided with added control during slicing. The Safety Lock button ensures that the knife doesn’t turn on by itself while it’s plugged in, thereby preventing any nasty accidents. There is also a knife stand to support the knife when not in use. The Blade Release button releases the blades very easily.

 

It is an extremely sharp knife. However, the motor can get quite warm after 2 minutes of use so be sure to never use it continuously for more than 2-3 minutes straight. Let it cool down for a few seconds before turning it on again.

 

Cleaning & Maintenance: This knife is very easy to clean. All you have to do is release the blades with the help of the Blade Release button and put them in the top rack of the dishwasher. However, even though BLACK+DECKER says it is completely dishwasher-safe, it’s not too much trouble to hand-wash a couple of blades.

According to the manufacturer, the blades won’t ever need sharpening.

Pros

  • Electric knife – easy slicing
  • 9 inches of excellent stainless steel
  • Blade Release button
  • Safe due to the Safety Lock mechanism
  • Knife stand

Cons

  • Needs electricity, so can’t be used outdoors

3. Mercer Culinary M23011 Millennia

Highlighted Features

  • Single-piece Japanese steel
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Granton edge
  • Textured finger points

Construction: The MERCER slicing knife is made out of a single piece of high-carbon Japanese steel. The handle is designed so that it fans out when it reaches the blade. This works in place of a bolster, that is missing as this knife doesn’t have a full tang. As such, the handle isn’t riveted as well. It is a mixture of Santoprene and polypropylene. The flared end of the handles also has textured finger points. The slicing blade is 11 inches in length and the knife comes in various colors.

 

Function: The Santoprene in the handle provides comfort and the polypropylene is present for durability. The finger points provide a good place for your fingers to rest as you slice. The flared end of the handle also provides protection in lieu of a bolster. The knife is extremely sharp and goes through stuff like butter. The blade is excellent for any type of slicing. The Granton edge makes sure the slicing is efficient and quick.

 

Cleaning & Maintenance: The knife is easy enough to clean. All you have to do is hand-wash with warm water and soap and dry it immediately afterward. You should not put it in the dishwasher as that might lead to the handle getting warped.

Don’t leave the knife to soak in water. Make sure to always keep it clean and dry when not in use. It can be sharpened quite easily at home and will remain in top shape if taken care of.

Pros

  • Single piece construction
  • High-carbon Japanese steel
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Long blade
  • Granton edge

Cons

  • Not dishwasher safe

4. DALSTRONG – Gladiator Series

Highlighted Features

  • Single piece construction
  • High-carbon German steel
  • Has a Granton edge
  • Great for professionals
  • Curved blade
  • BPA-free knife guard

Construction: The DALSTRONG slicing knife is made of a single piece of German steel, high in carbon. It is 10 inches in length, falling in the perfect average. The blade has uniform dents all along the sides (Granton edge). This knife is a bit different than those that you might normally see as it has a  curved blade that points upward. The handle is made of black pakkawood and is beautiful and ambidextrous as well. Not many knives can boast of that.

The blade is very sharp and the knife comes with a BPA-free PerfectFit knife guard. It has a full tang and the blade is triple-riveted to the handle, providing added durability.

 

Function: Since the curved blade points upward, it gives a lot of knuckle-clearance that almost none of the slicing knives do. This allows you to slice quickly in a fast and smooth fashion as you can rock back and forth without your knuckles rapping on the surface. The Granton edge makes sure that the food doesn’t stick to the blade and you don’t have to pause every second or so. The ambidextrous pakkawood handle means that even if you are left-handed, you will be able to slice very comfortably.

 

Cleaning & Maintenance: The knife is not dishwasher-safe, as the dishwasher can end up damaging the edge and the handle may warp from the heat. It can be sharpened easily at home, using a knife block or a sharpening rod, etc.

Pros

  • German steel
  • Single piece construction
  • Curved blade
  • Knuckle clearance
  • Full tang

Cons

  • Not dishwasher-safe

5.  Zwilling J.A. Henckels Unisex FourStar

Highlighted Features

  • Manufactured in Germany
  • Single-piece construction
  • Smooth blade, pointed end
  • Polypropylene handle

Construction: The J. A. Henckels slicing knife is made of high-carbon steel. It is a special, no-stain formula. The blade is ice-hardened FRIODUR that, according to the manufacturer, is “sharper, stays sharper and is more resilient.” It is forged from a single piece of steel. The blade isn’t full tang but nonetheless sports a hefty bolster. The knife doesn’t have a Granton edge and therefore has a smooth blade. It ends in a sharp point, unlike many slicing knives that have a rounded end. The black handle is made of polypropylene, which is a food-grade plastic.

 

Function: The hand-honed blade of the J. A. Henckels knife is very slim and narrow in order to allow you to make precise, even slices of meat. It also has just the right flexibility. The polypropylene handle is ergonomic and fits well in your hand. The triple-steel blade of the knife is perfectly balanced and, since it’s only 8 inches, does not feel awkward at all.

 

Cleaning & Maintenance: The manufacturer is silent on the topic, but it is safe to assume that you shouldn’t put your slicing knife in the dishwasher. True, the polypropylene handle won’t be damaged at all, but the fast jets of the appliance will throw the blade into other objects. This might damage the edge in the long run.

Pros

  • High-carbon steel
  • Hand-honed
  • Ergonomic, polypropylene handle
  • Narrow, flexible blade

Cons

  • Might be a bit short for big roasts

6. DALSTRONG German Steel

Highlighted Features

  • High- carbon German steel
  • Is hand-polished
  • Has a Granton edge
  • Polished pakkawood handle
  • Comes with a knife guard

Construction: This DALSTRONG slicing knife is made of imported, high-carbon German steel. It has grooves all along its impressive 12 inches of length. The knife has an edge that is hand-polished at 14-16 degrees per side. The handle is made of black pakkawood and is triple-riveted to the full tang of the knife. It is laminated and polished to aid you in keeping your kitchen a sanitary place. The knife comes in a pretty box as well so it can make a great gift.

 

Function: The 12-inch long German blade is perfect to slice huge roasts. The Granton edge provides air pockets along the surface of the knife, ensuring that you don’t have to stop every minute or so to wipe the knife clean. The handle is shaped in such a manner that provides you enough knuckle clearance for comfortable slicing without rapping your knuckles on the cutting board. The incredibly sharp edge is great for filleting, de-boning, skinning, trimming and butterflying meat.

 

Cleaning & Maintenance: This knife should not be placed in the dishwasher. You should hand-wash it with warm, soapy water as soon as you’re done using it. Dry it completely and store safely, using the knife guard. You don’t want to put a blade of this size and sharpness lying around unsheathed in a drawer.

Pros

  • German steel
  • 12 inches long
  • Granton edge
  • Black pakkawood handle
  • Knife guard

Cons

  • Can be a bit too long for some people

7. Kessaku – Samurai Series

Highlighted Features

  • High-carbon stainless steel
  • Resistant to corrosion
  • Layered steel
  • Granton edge
  • Includes a knife-guard

Construction: This Japanese slicing and carving knife is made of premium quality high-carbon 7CR17MOV stainless steel. The layered construction shows in the rippled blade that is so characteristic of many Japanese knives. The blade is 12 inches long, has a round end and has dimples all along the sides – a Granton edge. According to the manufacturer, it retains its edge 2 times longer than other brands. The Kessaku is rust and corrosion-resistant.

The handle is mirror-polished pakkawood and fits comfortably in your hand. It doesn’t collect dust or grime and is moisture-resistant. It comes in a beautiful gift box with a magnetic closure. It also has a knife-guard and a polishing cloth.

 

Function: All 12 inches of this glorious Japanese knife are sharpened to perfection. It makes slicing really easy, and the slight curvature of the pakkawood handle gives you knuckle clearance to facilitate a chopping motion. The Granton edge ensures no food sticks to the blade. The ergonomically designed knife fits well in your hand and the optimal balance means you don’t suffer from wrist fatigue after you’re done with your Thanksgiving slicing.

 

Cleaning & Maintenance: The knife doesn’t absorb moisture, true, because of its pakkawood handle. But that does not mean it is water-proof. You should not soak it in a sink full of water, and neither should you leave it in a wet place. It is not dishwasher-safe as well, so what you need to do is hand-wash it as soon as you’re done with it and dry completely. Then, store it in its box or some other safe place. But don’t put it uncovered in a drawer.

Pros

  • High-carbon Japanese steel
  • 12 inches
  • Rippled blade
  • Pakkawood handle
  • Pretty

Cons

  • Not dishwasher safe
  • Might be too long for some people

8. DALSTRONG Shogun Series

Highlighted Features

  • Japanese super steel
  • Full tang
  • Military-grade G10 handle
  • Beautiful knife

Construction: This DALSTRONG knife – the third one in this list – is made of Japanese steel. The Damascus blade has a whopping 67 layers of steel that have been sharpened to scalpel-like perfection. At the core, the blade has AUS – 10V Japanese super steel and the whole thing has been subjected to Vacuum Treatment. The full tang of the knife is triple riveted to the military-grade G10 handle that gives life-long durability. The copper inlay in the handle makes it really pretty and adds to the overall aesthetic effect of the rippled steel of the knife.

 

Function: At 12 inches of length, this slicing knife is long enough to slice through the biggest roast and sharp enough to make paper-thin slices of anything that you desire. The blade is supplied with divots along its entire length, on both sides, which make slicing clean and fast by reducing the blade’s ability to make the slices stick to it. The ergonomic, hand-polished handle gives a superior grip, comfort, and agility. The tapered bolster of the knife gives a comfortable, naturally pinching grip.

 

Cleaning & Maintenance: The DALSTRONG Japanese steel knife should not be put in the dishwasher under any circumstances. To protect its high-quality steel and pakkawood handle, don’t soak it in a sink full of water. Always wash it by hand when you are done with your slicing. To prevent rusting (just in case) dry it well. The knife guard that it comes with should always be used in order to prevent any nasty accidents.

Pros

  • Damascus blade with Japanese super steel core
  • 67-layer construction
  • G10 handle resistant to heat, cold, and moisture
  • Rippled steel and copper-inlaid handle
  • Granton edge

Cons

  • Not dishwasher safe

9. Victorinox Fibrox Pro

Highlighted Features

  • 12 inches
  • High-carbon stainless steel
  • Fibrox handle for non-slip grip
  • Granton edge

Construction: This knife, that comes from the company famous for making Swiss Army knives, is made of high-carbon stainless steel. The handle is of Fibrox which is a special patented material employed in the Fibrox Pro range of tools by Victorinox. It has a rough surface, vastly different from the polished, laminated pakkawood handles of many of the knives previously discussed. It has a deep finger-guard for added protection. The blade has grooves all along its length, on both sides.

 

Function: The Granton edge of the blade i.e. the grooves all along the sides, lessen the friction between the blade and the food, thereby facilitating you to slice comfortably and quickly. You don’t have to pause every few seconds to wipe the blade clean. The rough-looking handle serves to give a very firm, non-slip grip so even if your hands are wet the knife will stay in your hand as you slice through meats and stuff. The 12 inches of length that the Victorinox boasts are great for slicing anything from turkey to veggies.

 

Cleaning & Maintenance: Unlike most of the knives on this list, the Victorinox is dishwasher-safe. However, the manufacturer advises to wash by hand. The Fibrox handle won’t absorb any moisture but the stainless steel blade needs to be taken care of well. If you take care of your knife, it will last for a very long time. This slicing knife is easy to resharpen as well.

Make sure to keep it in a safe place, as 12 inches of extremely sharp steel can cause a very bad accident through carelessness.

Pros

  • Stainless steel
  • Granton edge
  • Fibrox handle
  • 12 inches
  • Dishwasher-safe

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with a knife guard or a box

10. Columbia Cutlery Granton Edge

Highlighted Features

  • 14 inches
  • High-carbon stainless steel
  • Synthetic, textured handle
  • Great for slicing ribs

Construction: This very economical slicing knife by Columbia Cutlery is made of high-carbon stainless steel and thus is very durable. The handle is synthetic and textured, not pakkawood. The knife is extremely long – the longest in this list – and is 14 inches of very sharp steel. The edge is Granton – or fluted, whichever you prefer to call it. According to the manufacturer, it has been tempered to retain its edge longer.

 

Function: Columbia Cutlery markets this knife as a rib slicer, as it is so long that it will slice your juicy ribs effortlessly without you having to go back and forth like with a smaller blade. You can slice the biggest Thanksgiving turkey ever with this and everyone will applaud your skills. The textured handle is very ergonomic and provides a firm, non-slip grip which is essential with a knife this long. The fluted edge means you can do all of your slicing in one go without having to stop in order to wipe the blade clean.

 

Cleaning & Maintenance: This knife is the third one in this list that is dishwasher-safe. The manufacturer doesn’t even advise to avoid the appliance and wash by hand, so you can go ahead and toss it in there. Even so, in my opinion, you should definitely wash by hand. It is just a knife, after all;  how long will it take?

Pros

  • Stainless steel
  • Granton edge for hassle-free slicing
  • Good for ribs
  • Ergonomic handle

Cons

  • Is a bit too long for comfort

Things To Look For Before Buying!

Stocking the kitchen with the best knives is an important task, as these tools are in constant use. A slicing knife is a significant part of a set of knives, and knowing exactly what to look for in order to get the best one is imperative.

Ideally, a slicing knife should:

  • Be of a good quality steel
  • Be of a good length
  • Be flexible
  • Have an ergonomic handle
  • Be very sharp

 

Buying Guide

What Should You Know About Slicing Knives?

There are a lot of knives out there… serrated knives, chef’s knives, utility knives, boning knives, paring knives, etc. So when it comes to a particular type of knife it is a bit difficult to understand exactly what one needs to know about that certain knife. Read on to find answers to your questions about slicing knives.

What Is The Difference Between A Slicing And A Carving Knife?

The first and foremost thing that comes to mind is this: what is the difference between a slicing knife and a carving knife? A carving knife is basically a subcategory of the slicing knife because carving is almost synonymous with slicing. So ‘slicing knife’ is an umbrella term that covers ‘carving knife’ as well. Generally speaking, a slicing knife has a rounded end, while a carving knife may have a pointed end. Even so, they are almost the same thing.

Should A Slicing Knife Be Serrated?

No. Plain and simple. A slicing knife is for making thin, smooth slices of meat, fruit, etc. and serrations will likely leave grooves in the meat. True, electric slicing knives have serrated edges and that’s fine because electric knives work with two blades simultaneously. But if a 12-inch knife has serrations then it will be called a serrated knife, or a bread knife. In my opinion, there should be something that sets the two apart in the kitchen.

Why Do You Need A Slicing Knife?

You have a slab of prime meat that you want to cut into paper-thin slices, or there’s this beautiful Thanksgiving turkey that you have to carve and serve… are you going to do that with a regular chef’s knife? Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Why put yourself through the trouble of sawing back and forth through a giant bird when you can just get yourself a long, sharp knife specially designed for this? A slicing knife will give you the perfect length, edge, and flexibility to make beautiful slices.

How To Find A Good Slicing Knife?

Moving on to more important things: finding a slicing knife. But how does one do that? What are you supposed to look for, keeping your requirements in mind, in a slicing knife?

 

First and foremost, the length. A slicing knife should neither be too long nor too short. Actually, you can work with a knife that’s a bit on the longer end but a short knife just won’t do. Unless you plan on not slicing roasts. Then comes the handle. The handle should give you a good grip on the knife as slicing is no mean feat.

 

The material is also very important. Japanese knives are usually made of layered stainless steel which gives them extra durability and a certain aesthetic appeal besides. German steel is just as good but doesn’t have the rippled look of Japanese steel. Apart from these important details, you need to consider the balance of the knife. The handle should balance out the long blade otherwise it will just feel awkward in your hand and you will end up tossing it in a drawer and forgetting all about it.

How To Sharpen A Slicing Knife?

Sharpening slicing knives is easy; easier than serrated knives, that’s for sure. Serrated knives are a bit tricky to sharpen because of their unique edge, but since slicing knives have smooth edges, they don’t present much of a challenge. You can use an electric sharpener, a whetstone, a sharpening rod, etc.

How To Take Care Of A Slicing Knife?

Once you have acquired a good slicing knife, all that remains is to maintain it so that is remains in good shape. Firstly, the cleaning part. You need to understand that you have to avoid putting your knives in the dishwasher. Even if the manufacturer says that the knife is dishwasher safe you should go the extra mile and wash it by hand.

 

The dishwasher has fast jets and harsh soaps; the jets propel the knives into other stuff and may cause damage to the edge. You might find a while later that your knife is no longer as good as it was because it couldn’t retain its edge. Then, the storage part. You should always store the knife in a knife block or a sheath guard or the box that it comes in. Never put it in a drawer unsheathed because that’s just begging for an accident. Make sure your knife is dried properly and kept in a non-humid place.

Conclusion

This was it about some of the best slicing knives that you can get your hands on. The next time you’re slicing your turkey with one of the knives discussed above, you will definitely thank me.