Quick Summary: When looking for the Best Butcher Knife, there are certain things you need to think about: the length, the durability, the performance, and more. With these things in mind, we chose the Victorinox 12-inch blade as our top pick. Its extra length makes it a good choice when the butchers tackling full-sized roasts.
But if you’re looking for a stocking stuffer for your knife hound who loves to cook at the campsite, the Ontario Knife 7025 7-Inch Butcher Knife won’t set you back much cash and it may just turn into their favorite blade with a little attention.
When you are a chef in your kitchen, whether in a professional capacity or not, you need the proper tools to be able to handle what you have to do. With harder vegetables and meats that you need to cut from the bone, you need a knife that will not break or bend to do the job.
A butcher knife that is longer and thicker than other knives will be able to withstand the harsher use on tough meats and harder vegetables. This will allow you to prepare and cook whatever you want without worrying about how your tools will hold up.
However, making sure that you find and purchase the right butcher knife for you can be difficult. You want to find one that is tough enough for your cooking and that has the right price and durability to last a long time.
To make it easy for you to get the top choices, we found a few of the best butcher knives and reviewed them below so you get a snapshot of each option. With the Victorinox 12-inch blade as our top pick, you will have everything you need for any meal.
However, all the options listed will be a great choice for any chef. This will help you make your final decision and be able to decide on the best butcher knife for your next meal.
Comparison Of 10 Best Best Butcher Knives
 | 1. Victorinox Straight Butcher Knife (Best Overall)This butcher knife is expertly crafted in Switzerland and features a 12" CRYODUR high-carbon stainless steel blade that ensures long-lasting sharpness while maintaining significant weight and balance to handle cutting through larger meat cuts. | Read Our Review |
 | 2. Ontario 7111 Old Hickory Butcher Knife (Best Budget)This Old Hickory butcher knife is perfect for industrial usage with its high-quality, fully heat-treated and tempered razor-sharp blade with extra length for slick and easy chopping through large meats. | Read Our Review |
 | 3. Dexter-russell 8″ Butcher KnifeDexter Russel brings you an easy to clean and stainless 8" butcher knife. Leave your worries behind with the reliable slip-resistant handle and straight-edged high carbon steel blade. | Read Our Review |
 | 4. Old Hickory Butcher KnifeThis butcher knife is sharpened to perfection for cutting through bones and meat with ease. Be wowed by the high-carbon steel and fully heat-treated 7" blade that slices with reliability. | Read Our Review |
 | 5. Ontario Knife 7025 7-inch Butcher KnifeRelease the hunter in you with this Ontario Fixed Blade hunting knife. The exceptionally convenient, lightweight, sharp and solid knife is manufactured from high-carbon stainless steel and honed to accommodate open-air exercises perfectly. | Read Our Review |
 | 6. Premium Forged High-carbon Steel Bread KnifeThis collection of premiumly produced blades are made from high-carbon, stainless steel with molybdenum vanadium. The uncommon quality of the steel guarantees that the cut holds an edge astoundingly well and stands up to erosion. | Read Our Review |
 | 7. Rada Cutlery Old Fashioned Butcher KnifeThis ancient molded butcher knife demonstrates that a few things never go out of fashion. It'll assist you with butchering or portioning huge cuts of meat and empowers you to part, chop and cut with easy control. | Read Our Review |
 | 8. Ultrasource Butcher KnifeThis razor-sharp boning knife from UltraSource is the best choice for proficient chefs and observing domestic cooks alike. The cryogenically-treated edge ensures quality, high life expectancy, and low edge maintenance. | Read Our Review |
 | 9. Wusthof Pro Cimeter KnifeMade with stainless alloyed steel that ensures extraordinary sharpness, light weight, and simple upkeep. This Wusthof Professional Cimeter Cut 10-Inch knife is ideal for proficient chefs and domestic cooking. | Read Our Review |
 | 10. Mercer Culinary Granton Edge CimeterFrom the highly regarded Mercer, this blade virtually guarantees you quality and proficient cuts every time. The blade features a prominently solid German stainless steel for fuss-free and reliable chopping. | Read Our Review |
Top 10 Butcher Knives Reviews
1. Victorinox Straight Butcher Knife
This Swiss butcher’s knife is the longest of those presented here.
Its extra length makes it a good choice when tackling full sized roasts, breaking down large cuts and other heavy duty chores.
It is stamped out of cold-rolled steel, providing some resistance to extremes.
No good kitchen knife is stainless, so take care to wash and dry the blade after each use to maintain its appearance and edge.
The handles are crafted out of non-slip Fibrox and are weighted to provide proper balance.
It is the priciest out of the lot, but it will be able to stand up to those full rack of ribs without a problem. And this is how the victorinox cutlery solves your cutting issue.
Pros:
- Extra long 12-inch blade
- Non-slip shaped Fibrox handle
- High carbon content steel
Cons:
- Stamped steel reduces durability
- Can be too heavy or long for smaller hands to control
- Must be hand washed
2. Ontario 7111 Old Hickory Butcher Knife
Ontario has been crafting blades for well over one hundred years and their products tend to stand up to their reputation.
This 10-inch butchers knife is large enough to handle almost any meat carving chore you place before it.
Their handles are traditionally wood and provide a good grip and nice balance.
It features a full tang for an increased flexibility without breaking at the handle.
The high carbon steel is stamped, but easily holds a very sharp edge and can be restored with the simple use of sharpening stone.
Often known as the go-to knife in many farm kitchens, the user is likely to receive decades of use when it is properly cleaned and stored.
Best of all, their blades are moderately priced giving you a good bang for your buck.
Pros:
- Ontario Knife Company has over 100 years of making quality blades
- 10-inch length can tackle most large jobs
- Moderate Price
- High carbon steel
Cons:
- Will rust if left wet. Best to avoid the dishwasher
- Brass rivets on handle can offer spot for germs to hide
- The blade will discolor over time
3. Dexter-Russell 8″ Butcher Knife
This attractive blade can be found in commercial kitchens worldwide.
The white handle is molded in a way that prevents any dirt or germs from lodging between the blade and the handle, earning it an NSF certification for safe food preparation.
While the 8-inch high carbon steel blade is shorter, it is heavy-duty and should be able to cut through most roasts and large cuts of meat with little effort.
Non-slip and molded handle offer good grip and excellent balance for improved control.
Dexter-Russell has been forging steel blades since the early 19th century and continues to put out products that the cooking industry has come to rely on.
As usual, you must wash and dry the blade immediately to prevent rust or dulling. Using your knife sharpener should return the blade to near original condition with little effort.
Pros:
- Earned NSF certification for its food safety friendly design
- White handle works well with current kitchen decor
- Moderate price
- High carbon steel
Cons:
- Stamped steel
- Shorter 8-inch blade
- Blade can get discolored
4. Old Hickory Butcher Knife
Knife Company, you are dealing with a quality knife for a fairly low price.
It is only 7-inches long and does not have the thickest steel.
However!
If you are seeking a blade that can split up a rack of ribs or cut down a chicken with ease, this will probably fit the bill.
Its shape is the one that knives priced in the hundreds are based on, but this one can be yours for a fraction.
Perfect for taking to the tailgate or camping, as if it gets damaged or lost, it’s no real loss to your pocket.
At the same time, home cooks have been relying on their Old Hickory butcher knives for decades. The test of time is often the one that tells the real tale.
Pros:
- The knife used by the BBQ Pit Boys
- Time tested shape and size
- Made in America
- Low Cost
Cons:
- Thin steel
- Will chip when it hits the metal
- Tends to rust
5. Ontario Knife 7025 7-Inch Butcher Knife
This is the knife you are looking for when you expect to destroy a blade.
The 7025 model from the Ontario Knife Company skipped the finishing line at the factory and arrives in a cheap plastic covered card.
The blade arrives ragged and nearly unusable…but here’s where it gets good.
This inexpensive knife is crafted out of high-quality carbon steel.
After sharpening and oiling, you are left with a knife ready to tackle almost any job on the butcher block or at the campground.
And if you should chip it after bounding it off a boulder while whittling down branches for the fire, you will have only spent a few dollars.
This is a knife that a prepper or huntsman will come to appreciate over time and use.
Pros:
- Low price
- High quality steel that can be sharpened
- Use outside the kitchen guilt-free
Cons:
- Arrives ragged and dull
- Shorter blade won’t handle large butcher jobs
- Unattractive packaging
6. Update International Steel Offset Bread Knife
The Update International steel butcher knife is an option that is made for professional chefs. The blade of this knife is made from stainless steel and can cut and slice through large pieces of poultry, pork, and fish with ease and also offers an easy cleaning solution.
Stainless Steel Blade
The blade of this Update International butcher knife is made from precision stainless steel and can slice through whatever meat you need to chop up. With a durable material that won’t let you down when you need it, you can butcher meats without worry.
Non-Slip Handle
The handle of this Update International steel butcher knife is non-slip and will stay in your hand through whatever chopping you are doing. This stops the knife from getting stuck in the meat and allowing your hand to slip on the handle and makes chopping large meats much simpler.
Dishwasher Safe
This butcher knife is made for easy cleaning because it is safe to put in the dishwasher. This stops you from needing to scrub and dry the knife by hand and cuts down your cleaning time after a long shift in a commercial kitchen.
Pros:
- 9-inch blade
- Stainless steel blade
- Non-slip handle
- Dishwasher safe
- Made for professional use
Cons:
- Does not come sharpened
- The blade is a little thin
7. Rada Cutlery Old Fashioned Butcher Knife
The Rada butcher knife is an option that works great for smaller cuts of meats and roasts with its shorter 8-inch blade. The end of the knife comes with a larger blade size that will make it easier to cut through chunks of pork and any other meat you want to cook.
Stainless Steel Blade
The blade of this butcher knife is made from stainless steel and can stand up to many hours of use within a commercial kitchen. Stainless steel also allows for easy cleaning because steel can be easily scrubbed clean of food pieces.
Skinning Tip
For kitchens that always have fresh meat to cut, a skinning tip can be useful for taking the skin off of the meat before chopping. The tip is wider at the end because of this and it offers a thin and easy way to remove the skin quickly.
American Made
This Rada Cutlery Old Fashioned Butcher Knife is made in manufacturing plants in America and has a build that is reliable and durable enough for any chef. With the American made build, you can be sure that you are getting the best and most high-quality product possible.
Pros:
- 8-inch blade
- Stainless steel build
- A skinning tip
- Made in America
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- The handle is a bit small
- Is not dishwasher safe
8. UltraSource Butcher Knife, 10″ Cimeter Blade
The UltraSource butcher knife is a 10-inch option that is ideal for cutting and slicing larger meats and roasts into smaller blocks and strips. With the ability to use this blade for a commercial kitchen or a residential space, you can make whatever dish or meal that you would like to cook.
Cimeter Blade
This UltraSource knife has a cimeter blade that is ideal for large meats and roasts and can be used on any type of meat or fish. The blade is designed for cutting up large blocks of meat into smaller strips and can withstand use with thick chunks of meat without bending or breaking.
Antibacterial Handle
This butcher knife’s handle is made with antibacterial material that makes it safer to use in a kitchen with raw meats and juices. This keeps the handle from getting any bacteria from the raw meat’s juices onto the handle and transferring to your hand when you are cooking or cleaning the knife.
Liquid Welded Blade
The blade and handle are liquid welded, which makes the knife more durable. This also ensures that there is no opening between where the blade meets the handle so juices from the raw meats do not flow into it and cause damage.
Well Balanced
This UltraSource butcher knife was made with safety bolsters in the front and rear of the knife to help keep the greatest balance and protect your hands and wrists from fatiguing when having to do long hours of work. This can also provide you with a better grip on the knife and more comfort when using it.
Pros:
- Cimeter blade
- 10-inch blade
- Antibacterial handle
- Liquid welded blade and handle
- Safety bolsters for balance
Cons:
- Blade may not hold an edge well
- Higher price that might be too expensive for some customers
9. Wusthof Pro Cimeter Knife, 10-Inch
The Wusthof Pro is a professional use butcher knife that is designed for the tough demands of a commercial kitchen. The blade is 10 inches long and has a slight curve that makes slicing through meats and large veggies a breeze, and a handle that won’t cause strain on your hands and wrist.
Commercial Use
This Wusthof Pro butcher knife was designed to withstand the consistent use in a commercial kitchen and is ideal for professional chefs. The durable materials and the comfortable to use design make it perfect for chefs that work in a restaurant, or those who are chefs at home.
Ergonomic Handle
This butcher knife has a handle that fits into your palm better so you can work with it for a long time without feeling strained or sore. This will allow you to use it for longs shifts in a restaurant or resort without getting hurt or being in pain by the end of the night.
Non-Rusting Steel
The steel that the blade was made from is resistant to rust and can withstand use with water and juicier meats without rusting. This will allow you to use it and wash it without worrying about the steel.
Pros:
- Designed for commercial use
- 10-inch blade
- Ergonomic handle
- Rust-resistant steel blade
- Slightly curved blade
Cons:
- Handle feels a bit flimsy in comparison to the steel blade
- Doesn’t come with a knife guard
10. Mercer Culinary Granton Edge Cimeter
The Granton Edge is an ideal butcher knife for meats and its 12-inch length will let you cut through larger blocks or strips of meat with ease. With a comfortable handle and a special curved design, you can easily cut through vegetables like squash as well.
Curved Blade Design
This blade has a curved design that is great for slicing through meats and large vegetables because the curvature makes it easier to start high and cut low to slice completely through whatever you are cooking up.
German Steel Build
The metal used for creating the blade itself is German steel that is tough and durable for long-lasting use whether you are a home chef or a professional chef in a commercial kitchen. The steel also cleans easy and wipes off nicely.
Easy to Hold Handle
The handle of this Mercer Culinary Granton Edge butcher knife is textured polypropylene and is made to mimic the curve of the hand as it holds the handle. This makes it easy to hold and more natural in your hand while adding less strain as you grab onto it.
Pros:
- 12-inch blade
- Made from German steel
- Curved blade design
- Comfortable handle
- Ideal for meats
Cons:
- Handle gets slippery with poultry and fish
- The blade is very sharp which can be dangerous without the guard
Things To Consider When Buying The Right Butcher Knives
High Carbon Content
If you are looking for a blade intended to last many years, a high carbon content steel is designed to withstand more impacts and resist dulling over time.
Blades crafted out of other metals may be subject to rust, loss of sharpness and can be brittle-shattering when the chef is attacking a large roast or deboning a side of beef. The ideal butcher knives will cite the carbon content in their steel.
Stamped Or Forged Steel
Stamping the butchers knife simply places the metal under a press and chops out the required shape.
The metal is not tempered, meaning it hasn’t been subjected to extremes. Forged steel has undergone this conditioning through repeated exposures to heat and cold.
This builds up the strength of the blade and it will be able to tackle frozen lumps of meat and bone while reducing the likelihood of chipping, dulling or shattering. Forged steel tends to cost more, but the durability of the blade improves exponentially.
A Textured Nylon, Wood, Or Shaped Handle
A butcher’s knife is a handheld tool and works best when the chef has control over their instrument.
This means a good handle is nearly as important as the blade itself. Many chefs declare that their old-fashioned wood handles are comfortable and have withstood years of abuse.
Comfort is Key
A smooth plastic handle, even if molded, doesn’t provide any give for hands that may be slick with grease and blood. You may want to ask the person you are shopping for their preference in this area.
Textured nylon has become very popular as it provides good non-slip grip.
Wood naturally has some give to it and a quality knife should withstand years of service when properly cleaned and maintained. Smaller hands can grasp shaped handles better.
What Will It Be Used For?
If the butcher knife is intended to cut up a large roast once a year and then hide in the back of the drawer, you may not have to invest in a top of the line blade. The more inexpensive version will probably stand up to that task for quite a few years.
Professional chefs will likely be specific on the brand, size, and shape of the blade they will be using on a daily basis.
Meanwhile, if you are shopping for the master or mistress of the traditional tailgate parties, consider spending a decent amount on a quality blade that will be used several times a season.
A really good blade helps to improve the confidence and therefore the quality of the food provided by the dedicated hobbyist.
Does It Have To Be Expensive?
Not necessarily. Many blades on the market are priced relatively inexpensively, and some will cost you just a ten or two.
When considering that the tool with becoming part of the kitchen for years to come, a moderate investment should not be dismissed out of hand.
A chef will require a more expensive blade, and being a miser on the purchase will end up in disappointment for everyone.
If you are simply seeking a butcher’s knife to handle the annual holiday roast, opting for the less costly version will probably work out for you.
Closing Thoughts
Above, We’ve gathered 10 of the best butcher knives to help you find the one right for that special foodie on your shopping list.
With the suggestions above, hopefully, this will make it much easier to find the best butcher knife for your needs. Whether you want to go with our top pick of the Victorinox 12-inch blade, or you choose another option, you can get the best choice for your kitchen.
