A good quality brisket can be an expensive piece of meat, so you need to ensure that it delivers that wow factor when you bring it to the table. This means that a good quality slicing knife is a crucial part of your kitchen tool kit.
Our research team reviewed thirty different slicing knives to assess how they can handle slicing a brisket. We’ve created a list of picks and our editor’s choice, the Wüsthof 14" Brisket Slicer offers exceptional performance with a comfortable handle to reduce hand and wrist fatigue. We’ve also ranked other knives at different price points to ensure a great pick for everyone. Our researchers spend hours searching to find the best knife for slicing brisket. The team assessed the different types of blades to determine which offers the best cut, but also the blade length, material and weight, which can all impact ease of use, durability and overall functionality. We even looked at the types of handles to determine which provides the greatest comfort and grip.
Other features: one-piece stain-resistant offset blade, a triple rivet, full tang
The Wusthof 14″ brisket sliver makes slicing a large brisket easy. The extra-long blade can easily slice through the meat in just a single movement, while the vertical indentations create little air pockets to gently push the food off the blade as you’re slicing to reduce drag and friction. The blade shape has been specially designed with a tapered curve and smaller tip, making it versatile for handling roasts with ease.
The Wusthof is made using high-carbon stainless steel to make it lightweight and the laser-cut stamped blade has been tempered to ensure sharpness. The knife holds an edge, making it easy to maintain. The polyoxymethylene handle is comfortable and highly durable, yet maintains a traditional look and feel. This knife also features a nearly full bolster and full tang and is finished with a final hand buffing.
Other features: hand-polished, triple-riveted, Tsunami Rose blade pattern
Although Dalstrong is a relatively new company within the marketplace, it has already established itself as an industry leader offering superb products. This knife series has been inspired by the strength and durability of Japanese steel. The knives have been designed to showcase these characteristics and this slicing and carving knife will not only impress with its sharpness, but its stunning aesthetics that will wow your dinner guests.
One of the most important characteristics of a brisket slicing knife is that it is sharp and the Dalstrong knife is considered “ruthlessly sharp” and you’re sure to agree it lives up to this reputation when you test it out yourself.
The Dalstrong knife is designed using Japanese high-carbon steel, making it both functional and attractive. The etched blade and engraved butt showcase that this is one of the most premium knives on the market. The knife has obviously been beautifully designed and it features hand-finished engraving to add a little class to your kitchen toolbox.
The knife has been designed with a double beveled edge and an 8 to 12-degree angle. This combination makes this the best knife for slicing brisket, as you can carve with precision and ease. The triple-riveted handle design ensures that both the blade and handle are sturdy and impact resistant.
Other features: Swiss made; an ergonomic, non-slip handle, dishwasher safe
Victorinox has a long history of selling cutlery here in America. Formerly called Forschner, the brand has been established since 1937 and distributed products through R.H Forschner & Co in Connecticut. While the brand was primarily known for butcher scales, Forschner became the exclusive distributor for Victorinox knives, bringing premium quality tools into commercial kitchens and homes.
Victorinox is a trusted favorite for home chefs and professionals in the culinary industry. This pro slicing knife has been designed to handle almost every kitchen task and has been crafted with a comfortable handle to offer a razor sharp and balanced finished product. The Granton blade is made of lightweight, high-quality European steel that rarely requires resharpening, while the handle has been designed to reduce wrist and hand fatigue.
This makes the Victorinox ideal for slicing soft and firm meats. The long blade maximizes cutting performance, while minimizing friction to prevent food sticking. The patented, non-slip Fibrox Pro handle offers a secure, comfortable grip for all hand sizes.
Although the Victorinox knives are dishwasher safe and National Sanitary Foundation approved, Victorinox recommends hand washing the knife to avoid dulling the edge with high-pressure water. Fortunately, they can be easily washed by hand with a soapy cloth and immediate drying. You can also hone your knife, as proper frequent use of a honing steel will ensure your knife is sharper and performs at its best.
Other features: limited lifetime warranty, textured finger points, protective finger guard
Mercer is a brand that is well regarded for its professional grade, high quality products that has made it the preferred brand in commercial kitchens around the world. The Millennia Granton Edge slicer offers a superb knife that has beyond par quality compared to many other tools on the market.
One of the reasons why this is the best knife for slicing beef brisket is that it has been designed using high-grade Japanese steel. This material is guaranteed to remain sharp after years of use, making it extremely easy to maintain.
The extra-long blade is ideally suited for slicing through large meats including large briskets or even holiday meats such as turkey. The extremely thin blade has a 17-degree bevel angle to ensure that you can cut paper thin slices in perfectly straight lines, while the Granton groves ensure a smooth slicing experience. You can glide through the meat without worrying about the knife becoming stuck on fattier parts of the meat.
The santoprene handle offers impressive strength, reliability and durability. While this is a budget knife in a price range that is far lower than many professional-grade knives, this Mercer knife is a good option for those who routinely cook larger briskets or meats. While it cannot be compared to the extremely high-quality professional knives, this Japanese steel knife is a great addition to your arsenal of kitchen tools.
Other features: full tang, ergonomic forged rounded black handle, hand-finished, lifetime warranty
The Zelite Infinity knife is another great option as the best knife for slicing brisket. This highly rated knife has razor sharpness to cut through any fruits, vegetables or pieces of meat with the minimum of effort. The knife is constructed with HC Germany, high-quality steel that is corrosion and rust-resistant and nonstick. The knife has been designed as a full tang tool featuring an ergonomic handling for improved comfort and safety. There is a 15 to 18-degree cutting angle on the blade for maximum sharpness and edge retention. This is further supported with a 15-year warranty and a satisfaction guarantee.
The Zelite Infinity has been designed to offer maximum performance. It has been handcrafted with the three step Honbazuke Method to create high-quality blade sharpness. The German steel provides minimal resistance and is stain proof for lower maintenance. This creates a sturdy, efficient tool that will work well with a variety of meats including large joints and thin layers. This forged knife offers maximum performance, earning the trust of home cooks and professional chefs. Many reviewers highlight its consistency and it is highly recommended.
Other features: full tang triple-rivet handle, a 16-degree angle per side, lifetime warranty
The Kessaku Dynasty series is a staple in many kitchens and this slicing knife may be your go-to tool for all meats and ham including your brisket. The knife is hand constructed using high-carbon, 1.4116 German stainless steel with a 58+ rockwell hardness that offers a high resistance to rust and corrosion. This impressive blade is complemented by the premium G10 glass fiber resin handle that provides superior strength. The handle has also been designed to be sanitary ensuring that there is no accumulation of dirt or debris. The handle is resistant to moisture, heat and cold and the knife has been constructed using a triple rivet and full tang design.
The Kessaku Dynasty knife features a Granton edge, sharpened with a 16-degree angle, creating a well-balanced and high-quality tool. The ergonomics have been tailored to reduce hand fatigue and aches caused by long slicing and cutting sessions in the kitchen. Since this knife is thinner than most, allowing thinner more precise slices and it is up to two times sharper compared to other brands. This knife will also retain its scalpel-like sharpness for longer.
Although the Kessaku Dynasty series of knives is rust and stain-resistant, it is not impervious to water, so it should be hand washed and wiped to ensure that it is both clean and dry after use.
Other features: sure grip textured handle, protective finger guard
While many people follow the tips and recommendations of professionals to create the perfect brisket for family dinners, you may not have realized that expert chef Aaron Franklin recommends the Dexter Russell scalloped slicer knife to slice a brisket. In fact, the chef says he uses this knife in all of his smoked brisket recipes, which should be a solid recommendation for any home cook.
The blade is long enough to ensure that you can cut through the length of the brisket in just one stroke, eliminating the need to hack or saw at the meat, so you can enjoy precise, neat slices. The scalloped serrations ensure smooth cuts without causing damage to the slices.
The Sani Safe handle has been designed with a heavy texture to ensure excellent grip. This is also helpful for those who are new to slicing brisket, as you can handle the knife with confidence and safety.
One of the best aspects of this knife is that it offers the quality of a professional chef’s knife, but with a price point that is closer to a regular knife. This makes it one of the most affordable options for your brisket slicing knife. You can also use this knife for preparing vegetables or even slicing bread, so this knife will be a mainstay in your toolkit offering excellent versatility even if you’re not preparing a brisket.
Other features: hand-sharpened 16° double-bevel blade, includes a wooden sheath, handcrafted in Japan
The Shun Cutlery Classic knife is the ideal tool for a family feast or barbecue. It is perfectly suited for slicing larger cuts of meat and trimming a joint, so it can be used for your brisket, turkey or roast.
The Japanese AUS8 high-performance blade is high-carbon, highly refined vanadium stainless steel so it will hold the sharp edge for longer. The narrow, long blade makes it easy to cut a slice in just a single pass to ensure that the juices and flavor remain inside the meat and you’ll have a slice that is Instagram worthy. The blade also features hollow edge indentations to help the food release more easily, while the rounded tip makes this knife easier and safer to use.
The Shun Cutlery Classic features a full tang construction to ensure a strong and well-balanced knife. It is clad with 68 layers of stainless steel, with 34 layers on each side for excellent corrosion resistance. The PakkaWood handle has an ebony finish to complete the handsome look, while resisting moisture. The knife is also provided with a wooden saya or sheath that protects the blade and makes it safer to transport it away from home to family celebrations or barbecues.
This knife is handcrafted in Japan and is offered with a limited lifetime guarantee.
If you enjoy hosting an impressive dinner and creating that wow factor with brisket, a good knife is crucial. However, with lots of knives on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one. So, here we’ve created a buying guide with the things to consider, features you should look for and answers to some common questions to aid you in making your purchase decision.
Many people assume that meat is meat, so they don’t need a specific knife for slicing brisket, but this is not the case. While it may not be essential to have a designated knife for your brisket, it can make serving far easier.
Brisket is a large piece of meat and the best quality ones are expensive. So, as you’re carving and serving, you want to ensure the best possible presentation with perfect slices. This will allow you to create that wow factor to impress your guests and showcase the hours spent preparing and cutting this joint of meat.
To effectively carve brisket, you need a knife with a long blade. This will allow you to create those long, thin slices. A long, sharp knife eliminates the back and forth motion to cut your slices precisely and neatly. If you’re forced to saw at your brisket, you’re likely to end up with ragged, torn slices.
Brisket is also a tough cut of meat; it is fibrous, which is why it is cooked low and slow. In order to cut through this texture with ease, you will need a knife that can handle this task.
With so many knives on the market, it can be tricky to choose the best one for slicing your brisket. Here we’ll explore the features to consider to help you to narrow down the options and find the best model for your requirements.
There are four main types of blades that can impact their performance as a brisket slicing knife. As the name suggests, straight blades have a straight, smooth edge that can be used on meats, vegetables and fruits. This is the most common knife edge and can be found on knives of all sizes and purpose, as they are incredibly versatile.
Serrated edges, like the Dexter-Russell Sani-Safe Scalloped Slicer, have saw like small teeth that allow clean slicing through foods without damaging them. This is particularly a good choice for delicate items that have softer insides that can look ragged and torn if not sliced properly, like a brisket.
Scalloped or hollow edged blades contain vertical indentations that are evenly spaced and create little air pockets between the food and the blade. These pockets gently move the food off the blade reducing drag and friction during slicing.
Despite being a trademark of the Granton knife company in Sheffield, England, Granton has become an industry term to describe a specific blade edge.
Unlike a scalloped edge, Granton blades have a row of dimples on both sides of the blade. It is also scalloped along the sides of the blade retaining a straight edge.
A good handle is crucial for grip and comfort. It should be long enough so it can be grasped by the entire hand.
There is a variety of materials used to create stainless steel blades. Some of the common stainless steel types for kitchen knives include:
VG-10: This is a type of Japanese steel commonly used for professional grade cutlery. Although this type of steel was originally restricted for Japanese markets, the durability, sharpness and excellent edge retention made it a popular choice for international kitchens. However, these excellent characteristics do command a premium price and they tend to be more expensive than other materials.
San Mai: This is not a stainless steel, but rather a forging and laminating process that creates durable blades. It involves sandwiching high-carbon steel at the core with more flexible, lower carbon steel. This creates blades with flexibility, durability and excellent sharpness and edge retention.
German: German stainless steel is characterized by a high-carbon stainless construction and comprises several different types of steel. This creates a blade that is durable and sharp, offering excellent stain and corrosion resistance. This type of stainless steel is common in many western knives.
The material used in the handle not only affects the aesthetics of the knife but also the comfort and safety. Some of the most popular handle materials include:
Wood: These used to be common, but have fallen out of favor due to safety concerns. Although wood is comfortable to use and attractive, it can trap bacteria and wooden handles lack the durability of other materials. Pakkawood like the Shun Cutlery Classic handle is an alternative to traditional wooden materials. This composite looks and feels like real wood, but it is warp and moisture resistant.
Stainless Steel: This is a virtually maintenance-free handle material as it is easy to clean and durable. Although stainless steel may become a little slippery when wet, it can provide balance for a longer blade.
Plastic: Plastic is durable and easy to clean with different types of plastics used for knife handles. Fibrox are slip-resistant and dishwasher safe, while proflex is safe and offers no-slip grip. Other plastic handle options include polypropylene, santoprene and polyoxyethylene.
The ideal weight of a brisket slicing knife is a matter of personal preference. Heavier knives tend to be easier to slice, as they “fall” with a little more force, but lighter knives can flow more freely. You’ll need to try different weights of knives to determine which style feels best suited to your preferences.
There are a number of tips to ensure that you not only produce the best brisket results and ensure your safety.
Firstly, you should always ensure that you’re using a sharp knife. Dull knives require more force to cut increasing the risk of slipping and causing an injury. Fortunately, many of the knives on our list are designed to retain a sharp edge for easier use.
You also need to make sure that your knives are kept clean. This not only prevents contamination but clean knives are easier to handle and offer more secure grip.
Thirdly, you need to store your knives correctly. Your knives should be stored out of your work space, but they should not rattle around inside a drawer. Knife rolls or blocks can prevent issues and increase the lifespan of your tools.
Finally, you need to ensure that you’re paying attention. A sharp knife can be dangerous, so if you’re distracted at the dinner table and worry that you won’t be able to pay attention to your carving, leave slicing your brisket as a kitchen task, while your guests are seated at the table.
As you can see, there are some great slicing knives on the market. From the “ruthlessly sharp” Dalstrong made using Japanese high-carbon stainless steel for an attractive finish to Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Fibrox Pro Slicing Knife with its razor-sharp Granton blade and ergonomic nonslip handle.
However, the stand out as the best knife for slicing brisket has to be our editor’s choice, the Wüsthof 14″ Brisket Slicer. This impressive knife has a comfortable and highly durable polyoxymethylene handle that maintains a traditional aesthetic. However, it is the blade that makes this knife stand out. The high-carbon stainless steel blade is shaped with a tapered curve and vertical indentations to ensure that the knife glides through your brisket to create perfect slices every time.
