Are you looking for the best boning knife? We have 8 options that will help you slice through meat like butter. We know how important it is to find a good quality knife to handle your kitchen needs. That’s why we made this guide to help you choose the perfect one!
Whether you need a boning knife for cutting up beef or poultry, these knives are designed with high-quality steel and sharp blades that make them easy to use and clean. They also come in different sizes to be used on larger cuts of meat and smaller ones. You won’t regret picking any of these knives!
Read on to see our list of the top 8 best boning knives reviewed!
What is a Boning Knife? And What is it Used For?
A boning knife is a kitchen knife with a long, narrow blade that tapers to a point. It’s used to remove the bones from meats such as beef and pork so you can prepare it for cooking or serving.
It also helps to prevent smudging the meat with your hands. This knife is usually paired with a chef’s knife, which is used to slice the meat.
The Different Kinds of Boning Knives
Flexible Boning Knife – This knife has a curved blade that makes it easy to maneuver around bones and joints. It comes in both an 8-inch and 10-inch version, so you can choose the size that’s best for you.
Straight Boning Knife – Designed with a thin, straight blade, this type of knife is excellent for trimming the fat off your meat. It also works well on poultry or fish because it can remove the skin without tearing it.
Flexible Straight Boning Knife – As its name suggests, this knife combines flexible boning and straight boning knives. It works well for cutting large pieces of meat because it doesn’t require much force to cut through them.
Flexible Fillet Knife – With a thin, flexible blade that curves at the end, this type of knife can remove even the smallest bones. It’s used to fillet fish, poultry, and meat, so it’s great for making homemade sausage as well as other dishes.
Cork Screw Boning Knife – Designed with a stiff blade that curves upward at the end, this knife is used to remove the bone and fat from an uncooked ham. It also comes with a handle that’s made from cork, so it won’t slip out of your hand easily while you’re using it.
Curved Boning Knife – Used to remove the ribs and tenderloins off a cut of meat without puncturing them. This type of knife is also great for removing silver skin from your meat.
Lamb Boning Knife – With a thin, sharp blade that curves downward at the end, this knife is used to trim the fat off lamb meat and cut it into smaller pieces for cooking or grilling.
Fleshing Knife – Made for removing the tissue on raw meat, this type of knife is usually used to skin wild game. But, as its name suggests, it’s also great for removing the fat from fowl and large cuts of meat.
Our Top Pick
If you want a knife that feels like an extension of your arm, then this Mercer Culinary Millennia Blue Handle is for you. The blade length is 6 inches (15.24 cm) long, and the overall length of the knife is 10 inches (25.4 cm) with a very lightweight at 5 ounces (0.312 pounds), making it easy to use for extended periods.
The Mercer Millennia knife is made from German 1.4116 stainless steel that stays sharp through regular use, so you don’t have to worry about sharpening it all the time.
It also comes with a full tang that will stay sturdy even for demanding tasks like breaking down meat, cutting through chicken bones, or trimming fat off your lamb. This knife is excellent for beginners because of its easy-to-use design and affordable price tag.
Top Boning Knife Picks
- Mercer Culinary Millennia Blue Handle, 6-Inch Curved, Boning Knife (Best Overall)
- Hammer Stahl 6-Inch Boning Knife – German High Carbon Steel – Curved Flexible Blade for Boning, Filleting, and Trimming – Ergonomic Quad-Tang Handle (Best High Carbon Steel)
- Victorinox – 47645-Swiss-Army-Cutlery Fibrox Pro Curved Boning Knife, Semi-Stiff Blade, 6-Inch ( Best Victorinox Boning Knife)
- imarku Boning Knife, 6-Inch Fillet Knife with Razor Sharp High Carbon Stainless Steel and Pakkawood Handle for Meat and Poultry (Best Flexible)
- DALSTRONG Boning Knife – 8″ – Gladiator Series – Forged German Thyssenkrupp High-Carbon Steel – w/Sheath – NSF Certified (Best Professional Boning Knife)
- Premium Boning Knife with Sheath & Pocket Knife Sharpener 6 Inch High Carbon Stainless Steel Japanese Fillet Knife Professional Trimming Knife for Meat, Fish, Deboning (Best Multipurpose Boning Knife)
- Mercer Culinary Millennia Red Handle, 6-Inch Curved, Boning Knife (Best Budget)
- Paring Knife 3.5 inch: Best Quality Japanese AUS10 Super Steel 67 Layer High Carbon Stainless Damascus Steel Peeling Utility knives by Regalia. (Best Japanese)
Top Boning Knife Reviews
Mercer Culinary Millennia Blue Handle, 6-Inch Curved, Boning Knife (Best Overall)
Amazon Choice Award: in Bread Knives by Mercer Culinary
Key Features
- Brand: Mercer Culinary
- Available colors: Blue
- Handle material: Santoprene
- Blade material: High Carbon Steel
- Length: 6 inches (15.24 cm)
- Weight: 5 ounces (0.312 pounds)
- Tang: Full tang
- Warranties: Lifetime
The Mercer Millennia Blue Handle is great for beginners because of its ease of use and affordable price tag. It has a straight blade a size of 6 inches (15.24cm) long, and it comes with a full tang that will remain sturdy even if you use it for challenging tasks like breaking down meat, cutting through chicken bones, or trimming fat off your lamb.
It has a thin blade that’s sharp enough to fillet your meat without causing it too much damage or tearing the flesh, so you can save money by cutting out the butcher shop. In addition, the handle on this knife is ergonomically-designed to make it easier to grip, even if your hands are slippery.
The blade of this knife is made from Japanese stainless steel that stays sharp through regular use, making you less likely to have to resharpen it all the time. It’s also lightweight at 5 ounces (0.312 pounds), making it easy to use for extended periods.
What We Liked
- The Mercer Millennia knife is excellent for beginners because of its ease of use and affordable price tag.
- It has a straight blade a size of 6 inches (15.24 cm) long, and it comes with a full tang that will remain sturdy even if you use it for challenging tasks.
- It has a thin blade that’s sharp enough to fillet your meat without causing it too much damage or tearing the flesh, so you can save money by cutting out the butcher shop.
What We Didn’t Like
- The Mercer Millennia knife has a thin blade that can be bent if you’re not careful.
Bottom Line: The Mercer Millennia Blue Handle is great for beginners because of its ease of use and affordable price tag.
Hammer Stahl 6-Inch Boning Knife – German High Carbon Steel – Curved Flexible Blade for Boning, Filleting, and Trimming – Ergonomic Quad-Tang Handle (Best High Carbon Steel)
Key Features
- Brand: Hammer Stahl
- Handle material: Plastic, Pakkawood
- Blade material: Stainless Steel
- Length: 6 Inches (15.24 cm)
- Weight: 14.9 ounces (0.93 pounds)
- Tang: Quad tang
- Warranties: Lifetime
If you’re looking for more than just an entry-level boning knife, the Hammer Stahl 6-inch Boning Knife is a great choice. It has a high-carbon stainless steel blade that’s been acid-finished to remove the roughness from the milling process. This polishes it to a mirror-like sheen that’s resistant to corrosion and staining.
The blade on this knife is also flexible, making it easier to maneuver around bones without damaging the meat. It’s curved at an optimal angle so you can reach even the smallest bone and remove it with ease and minimal damage.
What We Liked
- The ergonomic polypropylene handle has a D-shape to give your fingers a better grip when you’re working with wet or greasy hands.
What We Didn’t Like
- This knife is on the more expensive side, but it’s still affordable for most budgets.
- The blade on this knife is thinner than other boning knives, so it can get bent out of shape if you’re not careful when handling it.
Bottom Line: The Hammer Stahl 6-inch Boning Knife is an excellent choice for people who want a knife with high-carbon stainless steel that’s been acid-finished.
Victorinox – 47645-Swiss-Army-Cutlery Fibrox Pro Curved Boning Knife, Semi-Stiff Blade, 6-Inch ( Best Victorinox Boning Knife)
Key Features
- Brand: Victorinox
- Available colors: Black
- Handle material: Plastic
- Blade material: Stainless Steel
- Length: 6 inches (15.24 cm)
- Weight: 4.2 ounces (0.262 pounds)
- Warranties: Lifetime guarantee
Many people prefer the curved blade on the Victorinox 6-inch (15.24 cm) boning knife because it’s easier to maneuver in tight spaces and around the bones of your meat. As a result, it is one of the best Victorinox boning knives. Plus, the blade is non-stick so that it won’t rip or tear through even the softest meats.
The blade is stiff and will hold up well even if used for heavy-duty tasks like cutting through rib cages and deboning meat. It also has a pointed tip that makes it easier to get into small spaces and remove any pieces of meat or fat that might be hiding there.
What We Liked
- The pointed tip makes it easier to get into small spaces and remove any pieces of meat or fat that might be hiding there.
What We Didn’t Like
- People with large hands might find the handle on this knife to be too small.
Bottom Line: The Victorinox 6-inch boning knife is an excellent choice if you have small hands and need a blade that’s stiff enough to cut through even the most complex meats.
Imarku Boning Knife, 6-Inch Fillet Knife with Razor Sharp High Carbon Stainless Steel and Pakkawood Handle for Meat and Poultry (Best Flexible)
Key Features
- Brand: Imarku
- Available colors: Walnut with shades of black
- Handle material: Pakkawood
- Blade material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
- Length: 6 inches (15.24 cm)
- Weight: 5.6 ounces (0.35 pounds)
- Warranties: Lifetime guarantee
If you’re looking for a boning knife that won’t cause meats to tear or rip, the imarku 6-inch boning knife is a good choice. It’s made from high carbon stainless steel that’s been hardened to 57 HRC, so it’s extra sturdy and can handle tough meats easily.
This knife is flexible without being too soft, so you can use it to remove meat from bones and other hard surfaces without damaging your food. The curved blade measures 6 inches (15.24 cm) long, so you can use it to reach even the smallest bones. Plus, the curved edge makes it easier to separate meat from bones.
What We Liked
- The curved blade is extra sturdy and can handle tough meats with ease.
- The flexible yet sturdy blade won’t damage your food when cutting through bones.
What We Didn’t Like
- Some people might not like how lightweight this knife is.
Bottom Line: The imarku 6-inch(15.24 cm) boning knife is an excellent choice for people who want an extra sturdy blade that won’t damage their meats.
DALSTRONG Boning Knife – 8″ – Gladiator Series – Forged German Thyssenkrupp High-Carbon Steel – w/Sheath – NSF Certified (Best Professional Boning Knife)
Key Features
- Brand: Dalstrong
- Available colors: Black G10 Handle
- Handle material: Pakkawood
- Blade material: Forged German Thyssenkrupp High-Carbon Steel
- Length: 8 inches (20.32 cm)
- Weight: 6.5 ounces (0.406 pounds)
- Tang: Full tang
- Warrantees: 100% moneyback guarantee
The DALSTRONG Gladiator 8-inch (20.32 cm) boning knife is another great option for people who want a sturdy blade that’s designed to last. It’s made from high carbon stainless steel that’s been hardened to 56 HRC, so it will hold up to heavy use and won’t dull quickly.
This blade is flexible enough to remove meat from bones, but it’s sturdy enough to handle cutting through large pieces of poultry and meat. Plus, this blade is NSF certified, making it a good choice for commercial kitchens.
What We Liked
- The blade is easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and it won’t damage your meat even when you use it to cut through bones.
- The blade is sturdy enough to handle heavy use in commercial kitchens, and it’s flexible enough to remove meat from bones.
What We Didn’t Like
- The blade is too stiff for some people’s preferences.
Bottom Line: The DALSTRONG Gladiator 8-inch (20.32 cm) boning knife is an excellent choice for people who want a sturdy blade that’s designed to last.
Premium Boning Knife with Sheath & Pocket Knife Sharpener 6 Inch High Carbon Stainless Steel Japanese Fillet Knife Professional Trimming Knife for Meat, Fish, Deboning (Best Multipurpose Boning Knife)
Key Features
- Brand: SunDiao
- Available colors: Walnut with shades of black
- Handle material: Pakkawood
- Blade material: Stainless Steel
- Length: 6 inches (15.24 cm)
- Weight: 5 ounces (0.312 pounds)
- Warrantees: 100% satisfaction guarantee
The high carbon stainless steel blade on the premium 6-inch boning knife is flexible and sturdy, so you can use it to remove meat from bones without damaging your food. Plus, it’s ergonomically designed to fit easily in the palm of your hand for better control and comfort.
This chef boning knife is an all-purpose kitchen knife that may be used indoors or outside, ideal for personal or professional kitchens.
What We Liked
- The blade is flexible and sturdy, so it won’t cause meats to tear or rip.
What We Didn’t Like
- Some customers report that the knife is too sharp, so you need to watch your fingers when using it.
Bottom Line: The premium 6-inch (15.24 cm)boning knife is a great choice for people who want an ergonomically designed blade that’s both flexible and sturdy.
Mercer Culinary Millennia Red Handle, 6-Inch Curved, Boning Knife (Best Budget)
Amazon Choice Award: in Bread Knives by Mercer Culinary
Key Features
- Brand: Mercer Culinary
- Available colors: Red
- Handle material: Santoprene
- Blade material: High Carbon Steel
- Length: 6 inches (15.24 cm)
- Weight: 4.8 ounces (0.3 pounds)
- Warranties: Lifetime guaranteed
This Japanese boning knife is an excellent choice for people who want a quality blade without spending too much money. It’s made from high carbon stainless steel that will hold up to heavy use and won’t dull quickly.
The blade is extra flexible, so you can use it to remove meat from the smallest bones. It’s also the best boning knife for brisket, and the durable blade is flexible enough that you won’t have to worry about tearing or damaging your meat when you’re cutting through bones.
What We Liked
- The blade is durable enough to hold up to heavy use without dulling easily.
- The blade is extra flexible, so it’s gentle on your meat when you’re removing flesh or bones.
- It’s easy to sharpen the blade at home, so you won’t need to take the knife to a professional to get it sharpened.
What We Didn’t Like
- Some people might not like that it doesn’t have a full tang, but it does have a powerful bolster.
Bottom Line: The Mercer Culinary Millennia 6-inch (15.24 cm) curved boning knife is an excellent choice for people who want a quality blade without spending too much money.
Paring Knife 3.5 inch: Best Quality Japanese AUS10 Super Steel 67 Layer High Carbon Stainless Damascus Steel Peeling Utility knives by Regalia. (Best Japanese)
Key Features
- Brand: Regalia
- Available colors: Black
- Handle material: Garolite
- Blade material: Carbon
- Length: 3.5 inches (8.89 cm)
- Weight:12.8 ounces (0.8 pound)
- Tang: Full tang
- Warrantees: 100% lifetime guarantee and free sharpening for life
The Regalia Paring Knife 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) is a great choice for people who want a small blade that’s easy to maneuver. It’s made from Japanese AUS10 super steel with 67 layers of stainless Damascus steel so that it won’t rust or dull quickly. Plus, this blade is highly flexible, so you can use it to remove meat from the smallest bones.
This Damascus steel boning knife is a master of fruit peeling and coring. You can even use it to peel potatoes and clean shrimp. One of the best things about this knife is that it’s easy to sharpen, and the blade is flexible, so it won’t tear meat when you’re using it to remove meat or bones.
This paring knife is one of the must-have tools in every kitchen; home chefs will always recommend it for its compact yet very functional design. With little to no effort, fruits and vegetables can be peeled effortlessly, freeing you up for other more essential tasks in the kitchen.
What We Liked
- The blade is highly flexible, so it’s gentle when you’re removing meat from the smallest bones.
- The blade is small enough to be more ergonomic, but the handle is still comfortable.
What We Didn’t Like
- The paring knife is similar to a skinning knife, so it might not be the best choice for people who want more precision.
Bottom Line: If you want a paring knife with a flexible blade and won’t rust or dull quickly, the Regalia Paring Knife 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) is a great choice.
Your Boning Knife Buying Guide
Length
The length of the blade is often measured in inches, but if you’re looking for a knife to use at home, it might be better to try a metric ruler. Most boning knives are in the range of 6-9 inches (15- 23 cm), but if you’re looking for a smaller blade, you can find blades as small as 4 inches (10 cm).
Flexible vs. Stiff Blade vs. Semi-Stiff Blade
This refers to how flexible or stiff the blade is. If you want to remove meat from larger bones, you’ll need a more rigid blade. If you want to remove meat from smaller bones, you’ll need a more flexible blade. If you’re going to do things like deboning chicken or slicing steak, you’ll need more flexibility than what you would get with a stiffer blade.
Material
The material that the blade is made from and the shape and design of the knife can affect how well it works. For example, some blades are made from softer steel, so they can be brittle and wear down quickly if you’re not careful. Other knives are made from harder metals, so they might not be as flexible.
Arched Blades
Most boning knives have an arch in the blade around the knife’s heel, which is another feature to look for when you’re trying to purchase a boning knife. This design allows the blade to flex as you use it. However, if you’re planning to use the knife for things like deboning or slicing, you might want a different type of blade.
Balance
The balance of the blade is another thing to consider. If you want a more balanced knife, you’ll need to find one with a heavier edge towards the back of the handle. However, if you want more control over your blade, you’ll need a lighter knife that is weighted towards the handle.
Handle Material
The material that the blade’s handle is made from can be significant because it could affect your grip on the knife.
If you’re looking for a knife that is easy to grip, you’ll want to find one with a handle made from rubber or another material. You might also want to consider a knife with a TPR handle–an ergonomic design for grips.
Tang
The blade’s tang refers to how far the metal extends into the handle. Some knives have a full tang, which means that it can be challenging to hold the knife if you have small or weak hands. However, a tang that extends halfway into the handle makes for a better grip and more flexibility.
Finger Guard for Safety
A finger guard might be necessary for people using a knife in an unfamiliar way. It’s also suitable for people with large hands because it makes the knife safer to use. However, if you’re using a boning knife for detailed work or deboning, it might be hard to do that with a finger guard.
Shape and Size
The size and shape of your knife can be significant because they could affect your grip on the handle. If you’re a beginner or have small hands, a knife with a smaller handle might be preferable. On the other hand, if you have large hands, a knife with a larger handle might work better for you.
Size and shape are also essential because they will determine how much meat you can remove from a bone. For example, if you want to remove the largest amount possible, you’ll want a knife with a deeper curve. However, other blades can remove meat from specific areas if you want more precision.
FAQs on Boning Knives
What is the difference between a boning knife and a fillet knife?
A fillet knife is a type of boning knife, but not all boning knives are fillet knives. A fillet knife has a thin and flexible blade, so it’s often used for delicate fish. A boning knife is designed to remove meat from bones, so it’s often more sturdy and has a thicker blade.
Should a boning knife be flexible?
It depends on what you’re using the knife for. For example, a stiffer blade is usually better to remove meat from a larger bone. However, if you’re working with smaller bones or are looking for more precision, a flexible blade is preferable.
What is a Gokoju knife?
A Gokoju knife is a type of boning knife made in Japan, and it’s known for having a long and narrow blade. It is an all-in-one knife, meaning it can be used for boning and filleting, making it versatile.
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Our team of testers tries out products before our reviews are published online. When we publish, we ensure we provide you with all the information you need to make a final decision.
Bottom Line Upfront: Our Top Pick
If you are looking for a new boning knife, the Mercer Culinary Millennia Blue Handle boning knife is an excellent choice.
It has a high carbon stainless steel blade that will not rust or corrode, and it can be easily sharpened to keep its edge. This knife also features a blue handle made from a polypropylene material which provides durability and comfort while using the knife.
You won’t have to worry about this boning knife breaking or chipping because of its superior quality construction.
Not only does this product provide great value, but it also comes with a limited lifetime warranty, so you know your purchase is protected! If you are looking for the best boning knife on the market today, then look no further than Mercer Culinary Millennia Blue Handle, 6-Inch Curved Boning Knife!
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