Selecting the best knife for trimming meat can be tricky. Some features are easy to miss at first glance. Besides, it also depends on your goals and how you intend to use them. Keep in mind that this type of cutlery is a must to have if you do a lot of skinning, filleting, deboning, and meat trimming in the kitchen. I find it highly convenient and practical when preparing poultry, fish, and red meat for various occasions.
You tend to use just one knife for many different tasks when you are a novice cook. Most people eventually figure out that a single option is not going to be sufficient for everything. A medium-sized, curved blade can take care of prepping tasks more satisfactorily than a regular chef knife. However, the variety is astonishing that makes the selection process a bit challenging. Plus, you cannot solely go by the price either, as they range from 10 bucks to 100 and more.
Don’t worry, though! I am here to help!
5 Best Knives For Trimming Meat
In general, trimming knives are 5 to 8 inches long. The typical shape is curved. Some models contain more flexible blades, while others feature full tang versions. You should opt for the flexible ones if you plan to use them mostly for filleting. Moreover, inflexible blades provide better control when deboning large size cuts. Here is my list below if you are looking for the best meat trimming knife in the market.
- Victorinox - 47602 Swiss Army Cutlery
- Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-inch Boning Knife
- Dalstrong Utility Knife - 5-inch
- Imarku Boning Knife - 6-inch
- TUO Boning Knife - 6-inch
Victorinox - 47602 Swiss Army - Best Trimming Knife
Trimming meat from the bone with the Victorinox pro blade is as easy as cutting through butter. It is exceptionally sharp right out of the box. So, you can start using it immediately. No wonder it is vastly popular among professional chefs. You can find this item almost in every restaurant’s kitchen.
A simple trick you can do when using this sharp knife for trimming meat is to use the pointed tip for piercing the meat and then sliding down with a clean cut around the bone. Poultry and fish require special handling, especially when preparing chicken breast or salmon fillets. It is all about precision and being able to cut smoothly. The curved blade of the Victorinox Pro has the perfect working angle. It does not matter if you are trimming the fat from brisket or making plain cut fillets. One thing is for sure; this Swiss-made, European stainless-steel material, lightweight knife is genuinely talented for achieving delicate cuts.
Easy to use – Comfortable Grip
You can sense the lower quality blades from the pain on your wrist when you use them frequently for a longer time. Conversely, Victorinox has an ergonomic handle design to reduce hand and wrist fatigue. The patented Fibrox Pro handle has a comfortable grip and is non-slip. You can be sure that the company maximized the balance and easy handling. It is a common feature with all Victorinox cutlery—even when they are wet.
This knife for trimming meat will stay sharp for a long time. However, you need to take care of it to prolong its lifespan. For starters, never use the machine for cleaning, although the Victorinox Pro is dishwasher safe. Regardless of brand, these types of knives must be hand washed gently with warm water and mild dish soap. Additionally, make sure to dry them well immediately to protect them from corrosion in the long run.
Take note that the company has been in operation since the 1800s. They probably know what they are doing to be able to produce with high standards for this long. You get a limited lifetime warranty for this particular item. If you are looking for value, performance, and customer service, then look no more.
Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-inch Boning Knife
Your meat trimming skills develop in time with practice. However, you cannot win a car race with a bicycle. Never say never, but it is unlikely. It is difficult to achieve perfect cuts despite your proficiency if you are not using the right tools. For that, you need a real cutter like the Mercer Culinary Genesis series. This is probably one of the finest knives in the industry all made from high carbon forged steel. Keep in mind that it is produced with German precision. The material used for the blade is completely stain-resistant, and it is coming from Solingen. Forget about corrosion, rust, and discoloration.
Ease of use is important when handling tough raw meat. Only well-balanced knives with sharp edge quality can provide you this feature. The taper-ground edge of the Mercer Genesis gives you stability and long-lasting sharpness. Plus, being full tang tremendously increases the overall balance. Do not underestimate the power and comfort of the ergonomic Santoprene handle. It is completely non-slip, and most importantly provides efficiency.
In general, fillet knives are more flexible in comparison to boning knives. However, I prefer multipurpose boning knives like the Mercer Genesis whether I am making fillets from red meat or preparing raw fish for the grill. Filleting knives can become a bit irritating if you are working on big portions with bones.
Make sure you hand wash to protect the edge and the surface of the blade. The dishwasher can harm due to intense heat and rough detergents. Rinse and dry well afterward. This durable knife is NSF certified and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Dalstrong Utility Knife - 5-inch
This is an ideal knife for trimming meat. Some cooks call this particular item the best knife for trimming brisket. You can use it on any kind of raw meat with confidence, regardless of the size of the bone. Although it is a Japanese knife, food enthusiasts from all over the world fancy Dalstrong cutlery. Who would not? Each item is designed for performance with premium features from the tip of the edge to the handle. Note that Dalstrong Utility knives are always hand sharpened (Honbazuke sharpening) and polished to perfection. The blade is nitrogen cooled for improved edge retention. Even better—the customer service is outstanding, and you get a lifetime warranty.
Talking about comfortability, the D-shaped pakkawood handle is imported from Spain. It fits into your hand entirely. What you get is a full and easy grip. Note that it is laminated for a complete non-slip experience. And yes, the balance and the weight are perfect too. Besides, it has a full tang design for better performance and durability.
The company uses Japanese AUS 8 high carbon steel material for its blades, which are stain resistant. I personally never heard of any other company that adds high levels of chromium to improve stain resistance. I adore Japanese knives for their perfect design and cutting edge. There is a clear difference between the Western and Eastern knives. Both are great. However, if you are looking for specialty items, you might want to consider Eastern cutlery.
If you are not on a budget, I suggest you go for this option. Take note that it might be difficult to find this item in stock sometimes due to high demand from professional chefs.
Imarku Boning Knife - 6-inch
A specialty knife for trimming raw meat must possess the skills for high-end food making. Imarku boning knife is a professional level item. It is priced a little higher but delivers advanced features that are somewhat irresistible for seasoned cooks. All produced from premium materials, the Imarku boning knife has a perfect balance, ergonomic design, and extreme durability. The pakkawood handle is a good fit for both genders.
The flexible and thin blade consists of high-carbon German steel (56±2 Rockwell hardness). Watch out for your fingers as it comes ready out of the box. You will notice that it has a razor-sharp edge that you can put to use as soon as you unbox it. Plus, you get a very chic storing case.
You get effortless cutting and slicing with outstanding aesthetics. It is the best of both worlds; beauty and efficiency. The company promises a 100% Satisfaction Money-Back Guarantee.
TUO Boning Knife - 6-inch
Here is a versatile fillet knife that you can use for peeling vegetables and fruits besides meat trimming. It is an interesting addition to any kitchen. For starters, it is made by heat treatment and cold processing to improve durability. Very much like the Imarku listed above, German stainless steel is used for the blade. It is dangerously sharp to provide advanced precision.
Other features include the ergonomically designed pakkawood handle with anticorrosion and waterproof performance. You can sense the exceptional balance the second you start to work it. Another difference from regular boning knives is the larger size bolster. This is a special feature to enhance stability.
TUO boning knife comes with a lifetime warranty and includes a luxury gift box.
What is a Trimming Knife?
A trimming knife is somewhat a combination of a fillet and boning knife. It would be fair to say that it is a miniature boning knife. Cooks use this particular item for various tasks such as removing bones from meat, decorating and slicing vegetables, filleting, skinning, and more. It is essential cutlery for any professional chef. Trimming knives are also great for removing fat effectively.
Conclusion: Best Knife for Trimming Meat
A great knife for trimming meat can speed up your cooking process and make it more enjoyable. I fancy general chef knives for everyday tasks in the kitchen. Yet, when it comes to trimming meat, I have my secret weaponry; the Victorinox Pro boning knife. Trimming knives provide fundamental assistance when it comes to boning, skinning, butterflying, and more. It is true; you can never have enough knives in your cutlery drawer. By the way, it is ok to be a little obsessed with specialty cutlery, whether you are a home cook or a pro-chef. Indeed, there is a knife for everything, and they all have their advantages if you know how to use them. Finally, always be extra cautious when trimming meat, as skin and fat can be very slippery. Make sure you get the right knife to avoid any injury.
