Hoping for a perfect slice of your holiday roast? Buy the right slicing knife, and you are sure to enjoy it! Follow my tips for more info!
Like most people, we honor our holiday traditions and prepare seasonal, characteristic meals.
And we all know that there is no Thanksgiving Day without a turkey roast, nor a New Year’s Eve without luscious roast beef. Therefore, this is definitely the time of year you need to shine at slicing chunky meats into perfect slices.
Best Slicing Knife
My hubby considers himself to be a “slice master,” but I contribute his undeniable slicing mastership to the quality of the slicing knife he uses. Believe me, without a fantastic slicing knife, he would not stand the chance to become the best roast slicer in my family.
If you tried to become a slice master and failed at it, it is time for you to upgrade your slicing knife too! It is a must-have during the holiday season but comes in handy throughout the year.
I will make the search for such a knife easy – simply read this text, and in no time at all, you will add the perfect slicing knife to your kitchen arsenal.
The Difference between a Carving Knife and a Slicing Knife
Before we start, I want to make one thing clear – a carving knife is not the same as the slicing knife. They do look similar, but they have different purposes in your kitchen, so you should be able to tell them apart.
| Type of Knife | Carving Knife | Slicing Knife |
|---|---|---|
|
The Look |
It has a long and narrow blade which shapes into a sharp end.It is thicker than a slicing knife and features a rigid blade. | It features a long, narrow blade that most often has a rounded tip. |
|
The Edge |
Sharp | Straight |
|
The Tip |
Curved, pointed. | Pointed or blunt, rounded, bullnose tip. |
|
The Size |
Around 20cm | 15cm – 25cm |
|
Flexibility |
Less flexible but allows better control when carving and is easier to maneuver around bones and cartilages. | More flexible blade suitable for cutting thin, even slices of roast. |
|
The Use |
Perfect to cut bone-in roasts such as ham, lamb leg, and poultry. | Ideal for cutting large boneless roasts such as a prime rib, pork, venison, and fish. It can be used for slicing fruit and vegetables as well. |
Related: Things to Look for When Buying a Carving Knife
What to Consider When Buying a Slicing Knife?
If you thought you could get away by using your old, reliable kitchen knife this holiday season, think again. You surely do not want to embarrass yourself in front of your guests!
Joking aside, the key to obtaining perfect roast cuts is owning the greatest possible slicing knife. So, how to find one?
First of all, determine what your needs are and what you’re planning to use the slicing knife for. Professional cooks might consider many more details than amateur chefs such as myself. Once you have these things sorted, it shouldn’t be too hard to find the slicing knife that suits you the most.
I have also comprised a quick guide that will inform you about everything you should know when it comes to choosing a slicing knife.
1. The Length
A proper slicing knife needs to be long enough to cut through a large roast in one stroke. My slicing knife is about 12″ long but anything between 7″ and 15″ is considered to be fine. If the knife is too short, it will tear your cuts.
2. The Blade
The “Granton blade” is considered to be the ideal choice when it comes to slicing knives. This serrated blade features ridges that lessen friction and prevent food from sticking to it. Such a knife makes slicing not only easier but more efficient as well.
3. The Material
Stainless steel is not only my favorite kitchenware material but also the most suitable choice for the slicing knife. It is durable, but also easy to maintain (dishwasher safe as well!). You can also opt for a modern carbon stainless steel combination as it is believed to be even more durable than a knife made from stainless steel alone.
4. The Handle
The handle should be made from a durable material as well but also provide for an easy grip and secure hold.
Great Tips for Slicing Your Meat
- Allow the meat to rest for at least twenty minutes before you cut it so that the juices can redistribute and the slices remain juicy.
- Always cut roasts across or against the meat grain (the direction in which the muscle and tissue fibers align) as that will make the meat less tough.
- Do not use the slicing knife as you would a saw but rather try to slice with a full length and in one direction only.
- Do not use a knife with a serrated edge (except the Granton Edge blade, of course) as it can tear the meat.
- Hold the knife at the same angle every time you slice meat in order to cut uniform slices.
- Prepare a warmed plate to put your slices on, and if possible spoon the extra meat juice on them to keep them moist until served.
- Help yourself by using a meat fork to keep the roast from moving.
- Medium-rare and medium roasts are the easiest ones to slice; large chunks are firmer and easier to handle too.
- The finest tasting and the most tender slices are 1/4 to 3/4 thick.
Further Reading: Current Recommended Meat Slicers On The Market
Most Recommended Slicing Knives: Detailed Reviews 2022
Victorinox-Swiss-Army- 47645 Cutlery Fibrox Pro Slicing Knife
The edge of this knife is sharp as a razor and cuts through every roast like butter. It is versatile too since you can use it to cut other food as well.
This Victorinox knife features the Granton blade which will prevent the food or meat slices from sticking to the blade. The knife is very long (12″ long blade, approx. 17″ with a handle) but my hubby prefers it that way as he can cut the meat in one stroke and make the slice uniform. I think he likes to feel like a Samurai too.
The handle is easy to grip although made from plastic, and overall the knife feels very stable. The tip is rounded, but do not let it fool you – it is as sharp. We have tried it on roasts, raw meats, and even my birthday cake and it always performed great! The only complaint is the lack of sheath or blade guard as it is not safe nor good for the blade to store the knife without it.
Pros
- Durable stainless-steel blade
- Thin and very sharp blade
- Makes uniform slices
- Dishwasher-safe
- Reasonably priced
- Lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship
Cons
- Plastic handle
- No sheath or blade guard provided
- Too large to store in my knife box
Mercer Culinary Milennia 11-Inch Granton Edge Slicing Knife
Mercer Culinary Milennia 11-Inch Granton Edge slicing knife is a budget-friendly option that can be quite handy if you are buying the slicing knife after the holiday shopping spur. However, it will not fail you when needed as it also features a high-quality Granton edge blade made from precision forged German steel like its more expensive counterparts.
The edge is a bit shorter (which might be good news for the lady-slicers), and the ergonomically designed Delrin handle is triple-riveted for extra comfort and stability. It is obvious that the safety was given a serious pre-thought and therefore the handle is equipped with both textured finger points for slip-resistance and a protective finger guard.
The tip is rounded, and the edge is very sharp, but unfortunately, not for long – it requires sharpening quite often. It is not the deal-breaker for me though, especially considering the price, the superior handle, and the fact that it is made from one piece high-carbon that will not stain or rust.
Pros
- Durable blade made from the highest quality Japanese Steel
- Cuts consistently
- Perfect length for multiple users
- Superior handle made from Santoprene and polypropylene
- NSF certified
- Easy honing
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- The blade dulls rather quickly
- Not dishwasher-safe
See also: Most Wanted Knife Blocks in 2022
Maestro Cutlery Volken Series 8″ Inch Professional Slicing Knife
Becoming a master slicer has never been cheaper with this true value-for-money slicing knife. Maestro Cutlery Volken Series 8″ Inch Professional slicing knife is made from stainless steel and high carbon steel imported from Germany which makes it strong, durable, rust and stain-resistant, and easy to maintain.
The handle has a black-wood design but is made from plastic. However, it is smooth and offers an ergonomic and secure grip. It is also heat and water-resistant. The knife is not just easy to use but also easy to maintain. It is dishwasher safe, but I would still avoid that and wash it by hand as the high water pressure can dull the blade more quickly.
The blade is 8 inches long which might be too short for some bigger roasts, but it is very sharp and efficient. You can cut not only roast meat but also other ingredients with great cutting control and stability. Although highly affordable, this knife comes with not only a lifetime warranty but also a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Double-riveted handles for extra stability
- Ergonomic grip
- Exquisite cutting control.
- 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee plus a Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Affordable
Cons
- The blade is too short for big roasts
- Plastic handle
DALSTRONG Shogun Series Slicing Carving Knife
DALSTRONG Shogun Series slicing knife is the most expensive option of all the reviewed knives, but before you judge it, read what it has to offer. It features a 12″ long blade angled at 8-12°degree and sharp as a razor. Although made from 66 layers of metal, this knife is still thin and flexible enough to provide you with perfect slices of your favorite roast.
It is made from premium high-carbon stainless steel and is sure to last you through many holidays to come. It is long enough to cut through even the largest holiday roasts almost effortlessly but also suitable for prepping large fruits and veggies and even desserts and baked goods.
The military-grade handle is heat, cold and moisture-proof so that it can last as long as the blade itself. Furthermore, it is ergonomic and convenient allowing you all the control and comfort you need. If you do encounter some issues, there is a money-back guarantee paired with a lifetime warranty against defects. As a bonus, it comes with a practical sheath to protect the blade.
Pros
- AUS-10V Vacuum-Treated Japanese super steel cutting core
- 62+ Rockwell hardness
- Extraordinary performance and edge retention
- Stain and rust-resistant
- The ergonomic, hand-polished G-10 handle
- Comes with a sheath to protect the blade when not in use
Cons
- High-end price
- The blade tends to dull too quickly considering the price
Related: Recommended Knife Sharpeners in 2022
TUO Cutlery 9 inch High-Grade Slicing Knife
If you want to feel like a true Japanese samurai, and do not mind spending a few extra dollars for that, TUO Cutlery 9 inch Slicing High-Grade Classic slicing knife might be the thing you are looking for. From packaging to design it oozes with beauty and superb craftsmanship. It is made from premium AUS-10D Damascus stainless steel and high carbon soft steel – a perfect combo for both durability and flexibility.
Another great feature is the ergonomic and lavishly decorated G10 handle. It is heat, cold, and moisture resistant as well as ergonomically shaped. The handle is also advertised to be the military-grade strength for extra durability. My complaint is that the handle is very heavy in relation to the blade.
The knife is suitable for both carving and slicing which makes it ideal for most common kitchen work such as cutting meat, fruit, vegetables, and fish. It can also be a great gift for your loved ones due to its luxurious packaging. If you are not satisfied, you can rely on a money-back guarantee; great isn’t it?
Pros
- Unique design
- Ergonomic G10 handle decorated with a beautiful mosaic
- Rust-proof and corrosion-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Hardness reaches 62.
- 100% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee
Cons
- The handle is too heavy
- High-price
Final Thoughts: The Best Slicing Knife
If I had to choose one (and I have to), that would be the TUO Cutlery 9 inch High-Grade Slicing Knife. Why? Well, it balances price and quality quite well, plus it’s shiny! What else could a girl wish for!
And, as far as you boys are concerned, I bet you can use it to cut some fruits and veggies like a ninja! you would enjoy that, I am sure.
Joking aside, TUO Cutlery 9 inch High-Grade Slicing Knife is the greatest slicing knife due to its versatility, durability, and superior cutting efficiency. That being said, any of the knives I have reviewed will not fail you during your holiday meal – perfect roast slices are guaranteed!
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