Brisket might take a long time to prepare, but perfectly smoked meat is worth the wait. It makes no sense to wait all that time for delicious brisket only to ruin it with a less-than-stellar knife. Using the right knife can make all the difference.
There are several types of knives that can be used to slice brisket, including carving knives, slicing knives, and even boning knives. However, the best brisket knives are specifically designed with a long, thin blade that can effortlessly glide through the meat without tearing it.
I like the Victorinox Slicing Knife because it makes food prep easy and fast. It has a flexible blade that’s super sharp. It’s made in Switzerland and has excellent reviews. But there are other slicing and carving knives that can achieve good results. I’ve broken down the best brisket knives, their pros and cons, and answered some FAQs about slicing brisket.
Ready to get started? Read on to find the best brisket slicing knives.
Contents
At a Glance
Victorinox 12-Inch Slicing Knife: Best Overall Brisket Knife
The Victorinox 12-Inch Slicing Knife with Fibrox Pro Handle is one of the best knives for slicing brisket. The knife’s long and narrow blade is designed to effortlessly slice through large pieces of meat.
The blade is made of stainless steel and has a Granton-style edge to create pockets of air, preventing food from sticking to the blade. This also reduces friction and makes it easier to slice through the brisket.
This brisket knife is razor sharp for maximum cutting performance. Reviewers were impressed with the sharpness out of the box. It has excellent edge retention, so you won’t have to send it for sharpening as often. It’s still a good idea to run it over a honing steel after each use.
The handle features an ergonomic design for a comfortable grip. This comes in handy when slicing multiple pieces of meat in one sitting. The non-slip grip means you don’t have to worry about the sharp knife slipping with greasy hands.
The handle is lightweight and approved by the NSF (National Sanitary Foundation). The Fribrox Pro material is a non-porous plastic that is dishwasher-safe. Some users said they would have liked more texture to the handle, but they said it was comfortable to hold.
The multi-functional design makes this knife good for slicing cakes, sandwiches, fruit, and more. Several customers used this knife for slicing rotisserie chicken, turkey, roast, prime rib, and of course, brisket.
All Victorinox knives are made in Switzerland, where the brand has been making high-quality knives for home cooks and professional chefs since 1884. All Victorinox knives come with a limited lifetime warranty that covers defects in workmanship.
Watch the video below to see the Victorinox Fibrox Pro Slicer in action:
Pros
- Razor sharp Granton stainless steel blade
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Excellent value
- Multifunctional
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Handle could use more texture
Mercer Culinary 14-Inch Slicer: Best Value Pick
Mercer is a brand known for producing quality knives at an affordable price. Mercer offers several kitchen knife sets in various styles. This 14-inch slicer has a couple of inches in extra length, the perfect tool for whole hams, turkeys, and of course brisket.
One of the nice things about the long, narrow blade is that it eliminates the need to “saw” through the meat, resulting in a cleaner cut each time. It might be slightly more difficult to store, but that’s the trade-off.
The Mercer Culinary series features handles made of Santoprene, a plastic rubber that’s non-slip and comfortable to hold. It’s not the highest quality material, but it does the job and stands up to heavy use.
This knife has a high-quality Japanese steel blade that holds its edge well. It comes out of the box razor-sharp, but you will need to sharpen it regularly. It doesn’t have a protective sheath or guard, either, so you might invest in one to protect the blade.
Customers were highly pleased with the cutting performance of this Mercer knife. Many reviewers used it specifically for slicing brisket, and they were able to cut through the meat with ease.
You can’t put this slicing knife in the dishwasher. The harsh detergent, high heat, and other objects will dull the blade. Hand wash it to keep it in tip-top shape.
This might not be a high-end pick, but it’s great if you make brisket occasionally. If you want a high-quality knife at a decent price, the Mercer 14-inch knife is an excellent value.
Pros
- Long, narrow blade for large cuts of meat
- Granton blade for precise cuts
- Non-slip Santoprene handle
- Affordable
Cons
- Hand wash only
- No protective sheath or guard
SpitJack Brisket Slicing Knife Bundle: Value Pick
SpitJack is a Massachusetts-based company that sells rotisserie and grilling tools online. The SpitJack Brisket Knife Bundle comes with two knives, an 11-inch meat slicer and a 6-inch curved boning knife.
The 11-inch carving knife is perfect for slicing brisket, turkey, and other meats. It has a Granton blade with a straight edge that keeps the meat from sticking to the blade. The long, thin blade is suited for slicing larger pieces of meat.
The 6-inch boning knife, on the other hand, has a curved blade with a sharp edge for precise cuts. It’s designed for smaller, more exact jobs such as removing meat from the bone and trimming brisket.
The hard plastic handle is non-porous and heat resistant, so you can put these knives in the dishwasher for cleaning. The rounded tip gives an extra safety boost to the large knife.
This knife set is inexpensive, so it’s a bargain buy. These knives aren’t going to last forever, and the carving knife will need frequent sharpening. On top of that, they don’t have much of a sheath, so they’re more likely to dull in the drawer through contact with other objects.
If you want knives for slicing brisket, you can get two in one with the SpitJack set.
Pros
- Fairly sharp
- Scalloped blade resists sticking
- Dishwasher-safe
- Affordable
Cons
- No protective sheath
- Dulls quickly
Marico 11-Inch Brisket Slicing Knife: Bargain Pick
The Marico Brisket Knife has a length of 11 inches, ideal for slicing brisket and other cooked meats. It has a long blade with a razor sharp edge for clean cuts.
This knife has a stainless steel blade with a straight edge. The scalloped serrations are designed to prevent food from clinging to the knife. This is great for slicing boneless turkey breast, roast beef, or removing silver skin from meat.
The forged construction offers more durability, and the handle features an ergonomic design for control when making cuts. The three rivets secure the plastic handle in place. This knife is well-balanced, with a secure grip.
Customers were highly pleased with this knife. They liked the sharp blade and the durable construction. They were impressed with the value. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this one.
Unfortunately, this Marico knife is not dishwasher-safe. It’s a good idea to hand wash knives, anyway. You will have to sharpen the blade regularly. It’s sharper than you might expect at this price point, but the edge will dull after a few uses. I recommend using a honing steel after each use.
Pros
- Forged construction
- Sharp stainless steel blade
- Granton edge released food
- Affordable
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Needs regular sharpening
Cutluxe 12-Inch Carving Knife: Runner-Up
The Cutluxe Carving Knife has a blade length of 12 inches, long enough to slice brisket with ease.
The Granton blade is hand-sharpened at 14 to 16 degrees per side for a razor-sharp edge that can make precise cuts and glide through cooked brisket with ease. The blade is forged with Germany high-carbon steel at a 56+ Rockwell hardness for edge retention. It’s also stain- and rust-resistant.
This knife features a full tang construction, meaning the blade extends all the way through the Pakkawood handle. The triple rivets secure the handle and offer a secure grip for control and maneuverability.
This knife is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, but I recommend hand washing when possible. When you’re done using it, you can put your knife in the protective lined box to prevent contact with other objects in the drawer. The Cutluxe carving knife also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
The Cutluxe is a versatile knife. Customers used it for watermelon, pineapple, and other fruits and veggies. They were impressed with the cutting performance and the value. It does require regular sharpening, but you’ll get your money’s worth and more if you take care of this knife.
Pros
- 12-inch high-carbon stainless blade
- Granton edge to release food
- Fully forged construction
- Comes in protective box
- Affordable
Cons
- Requires regular sharpening
WÜSTHOF Gourmet 14-Inch Brisket Knife: Best Splurge Pick
Wüsthof is one of the leading manufacturers of Western-style kitchen knives. This brand has been making some of the best knives since 1814. All Wüsthof knives are manufactured in Solingen, Germany, known as the “City of Blades.”
This Wüsthof Gourmet is a high-quality knife for slicing brisket. This blade has a length of 14 inches, which ensures you can slice through large cuts of meat with no problem.
This brisket slicer features a high carbon steel blade. It has a Granton edge that creates air pockets between the blade and the food. These air pockets help the knife glide through meat without it sticking to the blade.
Many Wüsthof knives are forged from a single piece of steel, but the Gourmet line features stamped blades. Forged blades are generally more durable, but a stamped knife has a more flexible blade that comes in handy when slicing brisket.
The synthetic handle is non-porous and provides a comfortable grip. It has triple rivets for extra durability, as well. Unfortunately, it’s not dishwasher-safe. You might be able to get away with it, but I wouldn’t take the chance. This blade in unsurprisingly pricey, so you don’t want to risk it.
If you’re looking to splurge, you’ll love the Wüsthof Gourmet Brisket Knife.
Pros
- High-carbon stainless steel blade
- Full-tang
- Granton edge
- Flexible blade
- Made in Germany
Cons
- Stamped (not forged)
- Hand wash only
- Expensive
Mercer Culinary 11-Inch Slicer: Bargain Pick
The Mercer Culinary 11-inch slicing knife is in the same collection as the other Mercer knife, but this one has a few differences that make it unique. Most obvious is the shorter blade length, at 11 inches. That’s long enough to handle most jobs, but you might have to saw back and forth for a large brisket.
This knife has a white polypropylene handle that’s non-porous, with textured finger points and protective finger guard to provide a safe and secure grip.
The serrated blade is made from high-carbon Japanese steel. Instead of a Granton edge, this blade has a scalloped blade that’s razor-sharp. That’s good, too, because sharpening dull serrated blades is difficult to do at home. Most of the time, you have to send it off to a professional.
Reviewers were happy with this knife’s performance and sharpness. Some did complain that the handle became slippery when wet. Use caution when slicing brisket!
Many customers used this knife for slicing artisan bread and cakes, as well. The sharp, serrated blade makes it easy to gently saw through bread without crushing it.
Is this knife going to last forever? No. Is it worth the budget-friendly price tag? Absolutely. If you need a new knife without breaking the bank, the Mercer 11-Inch Slicer is an attractive option.
Pros
- Serrated edge
- Non-porous handle
- Inexpensive
- Versatile; also great for bread
Cons
- Shorter blade length
- Difficult to sharpen
Mercer Culinary 6-Inch Boning Knife: Best for Trimming Brisket
Slicing brisket is all about having the right tools. This Mercer Culinary Boning Knife is not the right blade type for cutting large slices, but it’s perfect for trimming brisket and cutting around the fat cap.
This boning knife has a curved blade that’s six inches long. The flexible blade is perfect for maneuvering around bone or fat. This features high carbon stainless steel, a pointed tip, and a straight, razor-sharp edge. It’s designed to remove meat from the bone, so it’s extremely sharp.
The red and black Santoprene handle has textured finger points for a secure grip. It’s non-porous and ergonomic for comfort and control.
It’s best to hand wash the Mercer boning knife. The dishwasher could damage the blade or the handle.
Several reviewers were disappointed at the edge retention. Even though it’s sharp out of the box, the edge quickly dulls. Many used honing steels to sharpen it up, but you’ll have to sharpen it frequently.
This Mercer blade isn’t among the top-end knives, but it’s good for those who want something that can trim the fat off brisket from time to time. It’s affordable and a decent value.
Pros
- Curved, flexible blade for trimming brisket
- Sharp blade
- Textured, non-slip handle
- Affordable
Cons
- Poor edge retention
- Hand wash only
Dalstrong 8-Inch Butcher Knife: Best Butcher-Style Brisket Knife
Dalstrong is known for producing high-quality, super sharp knives. This Dalstrong isn’t technically a brisket knife, but it can be used for many of the same jobs as slicing or carving knives. Dalstrong dubs this a butcher knife, and it comes from the Gladiator series.
Butcher knives are designed for breaking, sectioning, and portioning meat. Many people think of meat cleavers when they think of butcher knives, but this term can also include a bullnose butcher knife and a breaking knife, like this one.
The curved, narrow blade makes it easy to slice through flesh, muscle, and silver skin. The 8-inch blade is shorter than other knives, but it can be used on small to medium cuts of meat. The blade is a cimitar knife, which means it’s been modeled after middle-eastern swords from centuries ago.
The Dalstrong butcher knife is hand-sharpened to 16-18° per side for precise cuts without ripping or tearing the meat. It’s made with high-carbon German steel for durability and stain resistance. A butcher knife doesn’t necessarily need a Granton blade, but this Dalstrong includes one so the meat won’t cling to the blade. The height of the blade ensures knuckle and finger clearance for safety.
The military-grade G-10 Granolite handle is triple riveted for durability and control. The handle is designed for either hand, providing a secure and comfortable grip for extended use.
You will have to sharpen the blade from time to time, but it holds an edge well. Just be sure to have a honing steel on hand and use a soft wood cutting board to protect the edge.
The Dalstrong isn’t as expensive as Wüsthof, but it’s still a pricey pick. If you already have a slicer but want something designed for trimming and portioning meat (or you want something larger than a boning knife), this is the right knife for you.
Pros
- High-carbon German steel blade
- Curved design for easy maneuvering
- Comfortable handle
- Razor-sharp blade that cuts cleanly
Cons
- Shorter blade
- Pricey
Hamilton Beach Electric Knife Set: Best Electric Carving Knife
I remember my mom breaking out the electric knife at Thanksgiving to make quick work of carving the turkey. I’m pretty sure she still has that same knife, and I’m also fairly certain it still works.
The Hamilton Beach Electric Knife Set has been around for a while, but this electric knife is anything but out-of-date. Electric carving knives provide the ultimate convenience and are ideal for those who have a difficult time gripping a knife for long periods of time.
The electric carving knife is a fantastic alternative to an old knife that may struggle to slice through brisket. With a blade length of 10 inches, you can handle most cuts of meat with this knife.
The Hamilton Beach electric knife set includes an electric knife with stainless steel reciprocating serrated blades that create even slices and speed up the process. This sharp blade doubles as a slicing knife and a bread knife. For added convenience, the set includes a fork for carving and serving.
Electric knives don’t generally slice as cleanly as manual knives, but this Hamilton Beach does a respectable job of achieving precise cuts.
The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold in either hand. Another nice things about this electric knife is the trigger-pull mechanism as opposed to a button that you have to press and hold. This allows you to use the knife for longer periods of time.
This Hamilton Beach knife is reasonably priced for an electric knife. It’s going to cost you more than an inexpensive brisket knife, but it’s more affordable than many of the best brisket knives.
To see how the Hamilton Beach knife works, watch the short video:
Pros
- Double reciprocating serrated-edge blades
- Fork and storage case included
- Easy to use
- Ergonomic handle
- Versatile
Cons
- Rougher cuts than other knives
Brisket Cutting Knife Buying Guide
Why Do You Need a Brisket Knife?
Would a good chef’s knife do the trick? Perhaps, but a Chef’s knife is not designed for cutting thick cuts of meat. You could use a filet knife for fish and delicate cuts, but that won’t work on brisket.
If you want something that can handle larger cuts of meat, the best option is to use a slicing knife or carving knife. Serrated knives offer teeth that can “bite” the meat. That same knife can also be used to slice bread or cake. I prefer to have separate knives for meat and other foods, but it does cut down on the number of knives you need.
If you’re confused about which type of knife you need, keep reading for some clarification.
Blade Type: Slicing Knife versus Carving Knife
I’ve used the terms interchangeably, but there is technically a difference between the two. A carving knife usually tapers to a point at the end of the blade, whereas a slicing knife has the same width the entire length of the blade, down to the rounded tip. See the difference in the bread knife and carving knife below:
Read more about the different types of kitchen knives and their uses in the kitchen.
What to Consider When Buying a Brisket Knife
The first thing you have to consider is the blade type. It’s mostly an issue of personal preference, but several of the top brisket knives feature a Granton blade. This blade type has small hollows that create tiny air pockets between the blade and the meat. These pockets help the knife glide through the meat instead of tearing it.
Serrated knives are another attractive option. They have scalloped edges that create micro tears in the meat, which leads to a faster cut. Serrated blades can cut through tougher meat more easily than straight edges, but a serrated blade will also produce a rougher cut. That scalloped edge is the reason serrated knives also work well for cutting bread and cake.
Of course, scalloped edge blades are difficult to sharpen at home. It requires special tools, and it’s usually better to send it out for professional sharpening, which is more expensive. A straight edge won’t ahve the same “bite” to it and may not stay sharp as long, but you can sharpen a straight-edge blade at home.
There’s definitely a trade-off to which one you choose.
Regardless of which blade type you choose, the most important thing is to use a sharp knife. Dull or damaged blades won’t cut it (forgive the pun). They will tear the meat and make a mess of the brisket.
Another thing to consider is whether you prefer a manual knife or an electric knife. An electric carving knife is helpful for those with carpal tunnel or those who find it difficult to maintain a good grip on a knife for a long time. While electric knives are convenient, they won’t make as clean a cut as a manual knife.
It’s also important to find a brisket slicer with good balance. Most brisket knives feature a thinner blade that’s lightweight and flexible. This not only makes it easier to achieve precise cuts, but it protects your hands and fingers.
How Do You Slice Brisket?
If you’re new to trimming brisket, you’re probably wondering how it works. Here is a simplified version of the process:
- Make sure you have a cutting board large enough for the cut of meat. It’s best to use a wooden or non-porous plastic cutting board to protect your knife’s edge. If you need help deciding which cutting board is best, read this in-depth guide to non-toxic cutting boards.
- Make sure your knife is long enough to properly slice the brisket. A good brisket knife should be at least 8-10 inches long, with 12 or 14 inches giving you better clearance and reducing the need to “saw” the meat.
- It’s important to slice against the grain of the meat. However, there are two parts to the brisket, the flat and the point. The flat is the thinner side that only contains one type of muscle. The point contains two different types of muscle.
- For the flat, cut against the grain. Thin slices are best, about one-quarter-inch thick, but you can go a little thicker if desired. For the point, rotate the brisket 90 degrees. Trim and discard the fat cap, then continue cutting slices.
Watch as Mad Scientist BBQ explains step-by-step how to carve brisket:
Best Knife for Slicing Brisket: My Pick
My favorite knife for slicing brisket is the Victorinox 12-Inch Slicer. It ticks all the boxes–excellent performance, a sharp blade with a Granton edge, an ergonomic handle, and a reasonable price tag. Simply put, it’s the best knife for slicing brisket.
If you prefer electric knives, you might like the Hamilton Beach Electric Knife. It’s a good value, works on bread as well as meat, and comes with a serving fork and storage case for the ultimate convenience. Plus, it should last a long time.
Find more info on kitchen knives and specific product recommendations.
