5 Best Knives for Cutting Bone (2023 Review)

Looking for the best knives for cutting bone? Your search is over because all of your questions are answered here.

In this TheGrillingDad.com article, you’ll learn:

  • Which knives are best for cutting bone
  • How to choose just the right knife for cutting bone
  • And much more!

The Best Knives for Cutting Bone

Here are the best knives on the market for cutting bone:

  1. Boning Knife 5” by Hast (Best Overall)
  2. Chef’s Knife Paudin 8” Pro Kitchen Knife (Top Budget Option)
  3. Dalstrong Butcher Breaking Cimitar Knife (Best for Smaller Bones)
  4. Kitory Meat Cleaver  (Best for the Budget)
  5. Wusthof Artisan Butcher Knife (Best Higher End)

Best Knives for Cutting Bone Reviewed

Cutting through bone can be one of the most difficult tasks you can do in the kitchen for a variety of reasons. Some of these include the fact that bone is not only extremely grainy, but it is one of the hardest materials to cut through.

When it comes to finding the right knife to cut through bone, there are a few questions you should be asking yourself.

  • Will you be using the knife to cut through bones larger and heavier than chicken bones?
  • Will you also be using the knife to debone fish?
  • How often will you be using the knife?

As you begin looking for the best knife to suit your needs, you will need to know and understand your purpose and how often you will be using it. This is because while some boning knives can be somewhat affordable, the top-of-the-line knives may set you back some.

Here are some of the best knives for cutting bone that is on the market today:

Pick #1: Boning Knife 5” by Hast

(Best Overall)

This boning knife by Hast is a professional grade that is used by chefs all over the world for cutting various types of bone.

Although it is only 5 inches in length, the quality of the knife itself is durable enough to be used for a wide variety of purposes.

Hast Boning Knife


Click To Check Price

The Hast boning knife is part of a set of the Japanese minimalist style that comes equipped with a high tip blade. Whether you are slicing through a lamb shank or deboning chicken, this 5-inch knife is up to the task.

This knife is not only durable, but it is also ergonomically designed, lightweight, and perfectly balanced for all of your cooking and cutting needs.

Overall, we rate this knife as the best overall for the quality and minimalist design, not to mention the durability in cutting bone.

Pros

  • Minimalist design
  • Titanium coating
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Not the best for larger cuts of meat
  • The small design may be harder to handle

Pick #2: Chef’s Knife Paudin 8” Pro Kitchen Knife

(Top Budget Option)

PAUDIN Chef Knife, 8 inch Professional Kitchen Knife
$33.99
Buy Now On Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/14/2024 07:23 pm GMT

The Chef’s Knife here may not be the most expensive, but it hands-down has the best design out of all the other knives in this review. With an 8-inch blade, the chef’s knife is extremely versatile and can cut most bone that you come across.

With a wooden handle and forged stainless steel design, this knife is not only effective for cutting bone but is also beautifully designed. The great thing about this knife is that purchasing it means that you can use it for more than just deboning.

The knife is durable enough to go from cutting bone, to tough cuts of meat, and even works to slice your veggies the way you like them. While not specifically designed for larger bones, it works perfectly for small to medium-sized bones.

Pros

  • The versatile design can be used for many different foods
  • An ergonomic handle
  • Beautifully designed
  • Stainless steel of the highest quality

Cons

  • Not great for larger bones

Pick #3: Dalstrong Butcher Breaking Cimitar Knife

(Best for Smaller Bones)

DALSTRONG Butcher Knife
$114.00
Buy On Amazon Buy From Dalstrong
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/14/2024 09:08 pm GMT

This butcher’s knife is not like any other knife of its kind.

This is because it is designed with a much larger blade that makes it not only durable but also extremely versatile.

Made from high-quality carbon steel, this 10-inch bladed knife has a Pakkawood handle that makes it easy to handle. Although technically classified as a butcher’s knife, it is often viewed as a type of fillet knife as well.

If you are someone who eats a lot of poultry or fish, this is the perfect knife for you. Not only will it debone your smaller-boned meats, but it can double as a great vegetable and fruit slicer as well.

Pros

  • More versatile than other butcher knives
  • High-quality carbon steel creates a durable design
  • Less friction than other knives

Cons

  • Not for medium to larger bones

Pick #4: Kitory Meat Cleaver

(Best for the Budget)

Kitory Meat Cleaver
$16.99
Buy Now On Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/14/2024 06:58 pm GMT

If you are looking for a knife that can cut through just about any bone you may purchase, then this is the perfect one for you.

This meat cleaver is not only designed with high quality, but it is also affordable enough to add to your collection.

This meat cleaver is not only durable but is said to have an extremely sharp blade that can be easily maintained. In addition, the steel of the blade is cryogenically treated, which means that it is strong enough to withstand larger bones.

Made with a strong carbon steel blade and a Acacia wood handle, this knife is durable, versatile, and beautifully designed. If you are looking for a great knife for cutting bone, look no further than the Kitory Meat Cleaver.

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Durable carbon steel design
  • Rust-resistant
  • Multipurpose
  • Can cut larger bones

Cons

  • Requires more space to store
  • Likely only useful occasionally

Pick #5: Wusthof Classic 8” Hollow Edge Artisan Butcher Knife

(Best Higher End)

WÜSTHOF Classic 8" Hollow Edge Artisan Butcher Knife
$170.00
Buy Now On Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/14/2024 07:24 pm GMT

This butcher knife is best for those who want a high-quality knife for cutting bone where the price point is not an issue. This Wusthof classic is made from quality materials and is versatile enough to be used in a variety of ways.

Made with a polypropylene handle and forged stainless steel blade, this knife screams high-end from every angle. While not as commonly found in homes because of the hefty price tag, if budget is not a concern, this knife is a must-have.

The knife comes equipped with Granton on the edge which makes for a more seamless slicing action due to less friction. This means that you will most likely be able to slice meat cleanly without the worry of getting caught on various parts of the meat itself.

Pros

  • Maintenance is simple
  • Reduced friction
  • Durability is phenomenal

Cons

  • Not as durable with larger bones and cuts of meat
  • Does not have the versatility to cut veggies and fruit

Why Do You Need a Special Knife for Cutting Bones?

If you have ever tried to cut through bone with a regular knife and discovered that you only managed to break the knife, then you understand how important it is to have a knife specific for cutting bone.

Since bone is not only hard but also full of grainy material, attempting to cut through it is not a job for your regular kitchen knives. This is because you will only manage to break or otherwise destroy the blade and not the bone.

Having a knife that is designed for cutting all sizes of bone is essential, especially if you do a lot of grilling or other outdoor cooking. You are likely working with meats of all sizes and therefore need to ensure that you can make the cuts you need.

The bottom line is that purchasing a knife that can cut through bone even if you do not plan to do it often is a great investment. This is because you never know when you are going to come across a cut of meat that you need to cut through the bone.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Purchasing a Cutting Bone Knife?

As with anything, there are many pros and cons of investing in a high-quality knife that can cut through bone. Most of the reasons to purchase this type of knife come down to personal preference and the types of meat you typically use.

Check out these advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a knife specifically for cutting through bone:

Pros:

  • Don’t have to worry about breaking or dulling your kitchen knives
  • The right knife can cut through even the toughest bones
  • Even if you don’t need to cut through bone, tough joints are a breeze with a good knife

Cons:

  • You may need more than one if you plan to use a wide variety of meats
  • The higher quality knives are expensive
  • Can be a big investment if you do not plan to use it often

While these pros and cons are not an exhaustive list, they can give you an idea of whether or not you should consider buying a boning knife of some kind. 

How Do You Cut Through Bone with a High-Quality Knife?

One question people who have never cut through bone wonder is how to manage the task. While it is a straightforward job, it can be quite dangerous since you are dealing with knives that have to be extremely sharp.

Cutting through a hard and grainy surface such as bone needs to be done carefully to avoid any accidents and to do it successfully. Because of this, experts recommend that the knife you use should stay at its sharpest at all times.

Keeping your boning knives sharp means that it is ready to go when you bring home a cut of meat that needs to be cut through the bone. Using a dull knife will not only be unsuccessful, but you will also manage to ruin your knife in the long run.

Here are the steps you should take when you are attempting to cut through bone:

  • Make sure that the meat is on a table or surface that is clean and stable
  • Add a cutting board under the meat to protect your countertops
  • Place the knife gently on the bone or meat you wish to cut, keeping your other hand carefully out of the way
  • With your cutting hand, gently move the knife back and forth until you have a bit of a slit in the bone
  • Place your second hand on top of the knife being careful to keep your fingers out of the way of the blade
  • Push directly downward to slice through the bone

Keep in mind that if you are working with cuts of meat that have bones that are larger than a few inches in thickness, you may need to have other tools available to help you. This is because even the highest quality knives that are made for cutting bone may not be suitable for a large bone.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Knife for Cutting Bone?

When it comes to purchasing the best knife for cutting through bone, there are several things you should look for. This is because bone requires a certain type of blade and level of toughness to accomplish the goal.

Type of Handle

With bone being such a hard and grainy material, the best knives for cutting through them should start with a great handle. Since most of the work will be done by pressing down on the handle, it just makes sense for you to have one with the best material.

Most experts agree that it is best to avoid handles that can become slick and hard to handle. This is because the knife has to be so sharp when cutting through the bone that if it slips you can cut yourself severely.

Many people suggest that you look for a knife that has a handle made of something like polypropylene that has an ergonomic design. While other handles will do the job, you will want to consider how much maintenance they may require.

Material

Just as it is important to have the right type of handle for your knife, it is equally essential to have it made out of strong and durable material. The best knives are made from either stainless steel or carbon steel.

These two materials have a reputation for being not only strong and durable but also can be flexible and tend to have the best edges. Since you are using them to cut through bone, you will want something that is going to do the job and will last.

Choosing the right material comes down to how much maintenance you want to put into keeping the knife in the best shape for your needs. Many experts believe that stainless steel is the way to go since it requires less maintenance than carbon steel and other hybrid materials.

Design is Key

There are so many different knife designs on the market that work great for many different purposes. The one you want for cutting bone should be as durable and strong as the material and handle.

Whether you are a professional chef or an at-home griller, you will want to ensure that you are choosing the right design for your needs. This means deciding between your chef’s knife, butcher’s knife, or even a cleaver. 

When it comes to cutting through bone, you should aim your sights on either a high-quality butcher’s knife or a cleaver. This is because these are the ones that are going to give you the best results while also being easier to maintain in the long run.

Is Buying a Knife to Cut Through Bone Worth it?

If you plan to do a lot of grilling, smoking, or cooking meat in general, it is worth it to have a knife that will effectively cut through bone. This is because the last thing you want to face is a cut of meat that has bone and no way to cut through it.

Purchasing the right knife for this purpose may end up costing you some money, but is worth it if you plan to do a lot of cooking with the meat of any kind. Even if you do not plan to use it all the time, it is best to have one around since you never know when you may accidentally pick up a cut of meat that has the bone in it.

Final Thoughts on Cutting Bones

At the end of the day, having the best high-quality knife for cutting bones can save you a lot of time in the long run. Whether you purchase large cuts of meat, have ever accidentally purchased bone-in meat, or do any hunting, having a boning knife can be a lifesaver.

It is important to note that while one knife may not suit every need you may have, starting with one is better than not having one at all. The best knife on the market today is one that is durable, strong, and versatile enough to cut through small or even larger bones.

If you are in the market for the best knife for cutting bone, you will not be disappointed by any of the choices in this guide. They have all been carefully selected to give you the best of the best for not only quality, but durability, and price.

Photo of author

Hope Davis

Born in Denver, Colorado as the oldest of 5 children, I learned at a young age that the grill was one of the best ways to prepare food for a crowd. And during the winter storm months, when the snow was likely to knock out the power to our house, the propane grill was a lifesaver! You wouldn’t believe the number of things you can cook on a grill when necessary. With parents who couldn’t tell salt from pepper unless you told them, I spent my late teen years making my own seasoning mixes and marinades to dress the meat before barbecues. It wasn’t long before I developed a secret marinade that people still beg me to make for them today! When I was 21 years old I bought my first smoker. Picked up some cedar chips for making a cedar plank salmon...and well, the rest they say is history! I’ve been grilling and smoking all kinds of creations ever since and I’m always excited to share my passion with others through my favorite medium--writing!

Leave a Comment