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Best Knife to Cut Steak: 10 Options Reviewed
A great steak deserves a great knife. That sounds obvious, but the reality in most households is that expensive steaks get cut with whatever serrated table knife comes out of the block. The result is a sawing motion that tears the meat fibers, squeezes out juices, and produces uneven cuts. A proper steak knife, or a quality slicing knife for larger cuts, makes a visible difference in both presentation and the eating experience.
This guide covers the best knives for cutting steak across two distinct categories: table steak knives (individual dinner knives used at the plate) and carving or slicing knives (longer blades for breaking down whole briskets, roasts, and large cuts before serving). Both solve the same problem at different stages of the meal.
Quick Picks
| Product | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bellemain Steak Knives Set of 4 | $27.99 | Best all-around table steak knives |
| Victorinox Swiss Classic 6-pc | $31.00 | Best budget 6-piece steak set |
| Cutluxe 12" Brisket Knife | $44.99 | Best large-format carving knife |
| HOSHANHO 12" Carving Knife | $35.97 | Best budget carving knife |
| MAIRICO 11" Slicing Knife | $17.99 | Best value slicing knife |
Product Reviews
Bellemain Premium Steak Knives Set of 4
The Bellemain is the steak knife set I'd recommend to most people without hesitation. 8,000 reviews at 4.8 stars is remarkable validation for a product that costs $27.99.
Standout features: - Full-tang construction with surgical rust-free steel blades - Ice-tempered 5-inch precision-cut serrated edges with hollow ground design - Ergonomic handle for comfortable grip at the table
The full-tang construction matters even for a steak knife used at the dinner table. It means the steel runs through the entire handle, giving these knives better balance and more durability than knives where the blade is riveted to a hollow handle. The hollow ground design on the serrated edge creates micro air pockets that minimize blade-to-meat contact, reducing tearing.
The ice-tempered steel is harder than standard stainless, which keeps the serrated edge sharper longer between sharpenings. Serrated steak knives don't need frequent sharpening since the teeth maintain cutting ability even as the very edge rounds slightly.
At $27.99 for a 4-piece set, you're paying about $7 per knife. Comparable quality from European brands typically runs $15-25 per knife. The 8,000 reviews that consistently praise sharpness and durability are the strongest argument for buying this set.
Dishwasher safe is the final note. Most quality serrated knives should still be hand-washed to preserve the edge and handle, but Bellemain specifically calls these dishwasher compatible if that matters for your household.
Pros: - 8,000 reviews at 4.8 stars is overwhelming buyer validation - Full-tang construction at $7/knife is exceptional value - Ice-tempered edge stays sharp longer than standard stainless
Cons: - Set of 4 may not be enough for larger dinner parties - Serrated edges can't be resharpened at home with standard tools - Design is clean but not visually distinctive
Victorinox Swiss Classic Steak Knife Set of 6
Victorinox makes professional kitchen knives used in restaurants worldwide. Their Swiss Classic steak knife set brings that quality to the dinner table at an accessible price.
Standout features: - High carbon stainless steel, conical ground and ice tempered - Swiss Classic textured handle with non-slip grip even when wet - Set of 6 for larger households or entertaining
At $31.00 for six knives, you're getting about $5.17 per knife for Victorinox quality. The conical grinding process creates a blade cross-section that's thinner toward the edge, which improves cutting performance compared to standard flat-ground blades.
The textured handle is the Victorinox signature. It's not fancy wood grain or polished stainless. It's a functional grip that stays secure when hands are wet or greasy from handling food. Professional kitchen workers favor this because form follows function.
At 4,303 reviews and 4.8 stars, this set is consistently praised for sharp performance and dishwasher durability. The six-piece quantity makes it practical for most family dinner tables without needing to reuse knives between guests.
The limitation is aesthetic. Victorinox designs their consumer knives for performance, not for impressive table presentation. If you want something that makes a visual impression alongside your tableware, look at the Bellemain or the Chrissy Teigen collaboration below.
Pros: - Six knives at $5.17 each for Victorinox quality - Conical grinding produces better cutting performance than flat ground - Dishwasher safe confirmed by thousands of buyers
Cons: - Utilitarian handle design isn't visually impressive at the dinner table - Not suitable for those who want a premium aesthetic - Serrated edge limits versatility for non-steak table uses
Victorinox Swiss Classic Gourmet Steak Knife (Single)
The straight-edge version of Victorinox's steak knife at $16.57 for a single blade. For buyers who prefer an unserrated steak knife.
Standout features: - Straight (non-serrated) 4.7-inch blade for clean, non-tearing cuts - High carbon stainless, conical ground, ice tempered - Swiss Classic grip design matching the serrated set
Straight-edge steak knives are preferred by steak enthusiasts who argue that serrations tear rather than cut, damaging meat fibers and affecting texture. A very sharp straight-edge blade does produce a cleaner cut on well-rested, properly cooked steak. The trade-off is that straight edges dull faster and need regular maintenance.
At $16.57 for a single knife, this is a way to test a straight-edge steak knife before buying a full set. With 33 reviews at 4.8 stars, it's a very small sample, but the Victorinox quality platform behind it is well-established.
Pros: - Straight edge produces cleaner cuts than serrated on soft, properly cooked steak - Victorinox quality control at a single-knife price - Conical grind matches the quality of the serrated set
Cons: - Only 33 reviews is insufficient for confident recommendation - Straight edge needs regular sharpening unlike serrated - Selling single knives creates need to buy multiples separately
Cutluxe 12" Brisket and Carving Knife
The Cutluxe brisket knife is for large-format cuts: whole briskets, turkey, prime rib, pork shoulder. This isn't a table steak knife. It's the blade you use before the food reaches the plate.
Standout features: - Granton blade edge (oval divots) reduces friction and sticking during long-stroke slicing - German high-carbon steel at 56+ HRC, hand sharpened at 14-16 degrees per side - Full tang Pakkawood handle, includes sheath for storage
The Granton edge is the distinctive feature. Those oval divots along the blade face create air pockets between steel and food, which reduces the suction effect that causes sliced brisket to stick and tear. When you're cutting 12+ inches of brisket in one sweep, food release matters significantly for presentation quality.
At $44.99 with 6,459 reviews at 4.8 stars, this is the most validated carving/slicing knife on this list. The sheath inclusion is practical: a 12-inch knife needs protected storage, and most buyers don't have a block slot this long.
The German steel at 56+ HRC is slightly softer than Japanese alternatives, which means easier resharpening but more frequent maintenance. For a blade this long, that's generally the right trade-off. Brittle hard steel in a 12-inch sweeping blade is higher-risk than the same steel in a shorter utility knife.
Pros: - 6,459 reviews at 4.8 stars make this the most proven carving knife on this list - Granton edge is a real functional advantage for large-format slicing - Sheath included for safe storage of a long blade
Cons: - 56+ HRC dulls faster than harder Japanese steels - Specialized for large-format slicing, not a general-purpose blade - Pakkawood handle requires hand washing
Cutluxe Carving Knife Set 2-Piece (Slicer + Boning)
The 2-piece Cutluxe carving set combines a 12-inch Granton brisket slicer with a 6-inch boning knife for both raw prep and finished slicing.
Standout features: - 12" Granton slicer and 6" boning knife in one set - German high-carbon steel with Granton edge on the slicer - Full tang Pakkawood handles for both blades
At $59.99 with 1,276 reviews at 4.8 stars, this is a well-validated 2-piece configuration. The boning knife addition makes this more versatile than the standalone slicer: you can remove bones and trim fat before cooking, then use the slicer for finished portions. That workflow covers the full life of a large-format cook from raw prep through service.
Pros: - Two-blade workflow covers raw prep and finished slicing - Same Granton slicer quality as the standalone version - 1,276 reviews confirm the 2-piece value proposition
Cons: - Higher price than standalone slicer if you already own a boning knife - No honing rod or storage solution included - Hand wash only
HOSHANHO 12" Carving Slicing Knife
The HOSHANHO curved carving knife uses Japanese high-carbon steel and a 15-degree edge angle, giving it a sharper initial edge than the German-steel Cutluxe at a lower price.
Standout features: - Japanese 10Cr15CoMoV high-carbon steel, hand sharpened to 15 degrees - 12-inch blade with curved profile for following contours of large cuts - Ergonomic Pakkawood handle reduces grip fatigue during extended carving sessions
The curved profile on this blade is worth noting. A straight slicer requires precise parallel strokes along flat cuts. A curved blade follows the natural curve of a brisket, turkey breast, or bone-in roast, maintaining consistent contact without repositioning. For cooks who work with irregular-shaped cuts, the curve is a functional advantage.
At $35.97 with 942 reviews at 4.8 stars, this is excellent value for Japanese high-carbon steel in a 12-inch carving format. The harder steel (implied higher HRC from the 10Cr15CoMoV designation) holds a sharper edge longer than the 56+ HRC German steel options.
Pros: - Japanese high-carbon steel holds a sharper edge than 56 HRC German alternatives - Curved profile follows irregular cut contours better than straight slicers - $35.97 is strong value for this steel quality and blade length
Cons: - 942 reviews is smaller sample than the Cutluxe's 6,459 - Curved profile is less intuitive for flat-cut slicing than a straight slicer - Japanese harder steel requires proper sharpening technique
HOSHANHO 7" Nakiri Knife
The HOSHANHO Nakiri is a flat vegetable knife, but I include it here because its 60 HRC steel and thin profile make it excellent for slicing steak at the table without tearing.
Standout features: - 10Cr15CoMoV at 60 HRC, hand-polished to 15-degree edge - Flat blade design for clean, precise cuts - Scallop hollow pits reduce meat sticking to blade
For slicing cooked steak at the table rather than carving a large format cut, the nakiri's flat profile and 60 HRC hardness produce cleaner cuts than most serrated steak knives. This is a second option for steak enthusiasts who want to minimize tearing on high-quality cuts.
Pros: - 60 HRC hardness produces very clean cuts with minimal tearing - Flat profile contacts the board cleanly for precise portion control - Can be resharpened on standard whetstones, unlike serrated
Cons: - Nakiri profile is unusual as a table steak knife - Flat profile shows any edge issues more than curved blades - Specialized design requires some technique adaptation
Cut to the Point Steak Knife Set by Chrissy Teigen (4-Piece)
A design-forward steak knife set from the Cravings by Chrissy Teigen brand. Forged stainless steel with a modern aesthetic.
Standout features: - Forged stainless steel with full tang construction - Modern design that complements contemporary tableware - Ergonomic handles with superior balance for comfortable slicing
At $48.00 for four knives with 8 reviews at 4.8 stars, this is a very new product with almost no performance history. The design is genuinely attractive and the forged full-tang construction is the right specification. But 8 reviews is not enough to recommend confidently.
If visual presentation is as important as performance and you're an early adopter willing to take a chance on limited review history, this is the most attractive steak knife set on this list. For buyers who want proven performance, stick with the Bellemain.
Pros: - Modern design is the most visually appealing steak knife set here - Full tang forged construction at $12/knife - Balanced weight distribution for comfortable use
Cons: - Only 8 reviews makes this impossible to recommend confidently - $48.00 for 4 unproven knives is higher risk than established options - Limited availability if Cravings brand doesn't maintain inventory
MAIRICO 11" Stainless Steel Slicing Knife
The MAIRICO slicing knife is the most affordable carving option on this list. A budget-accessible way to get a proper long-blade slicer for brisket and large roasts.
Standout features: - 11-inch blade, the professional preferred length for large-format slicing - Premium stainless steel with ergonomic well-balanced handle - $17.99 price point with 10,946 reviews at 4.7 stars
10,946 reviews at 4.7 stars on a $17.99 slicing knife is significant evidence. The MAIRICO doesn't have the Granton edge, the German high-carbon steel, or the Pakkawood handle of the Cutluxe. But it handles brisket, turkey, ham, pork loin, and similar large cuts effectively at a fraction of the price.
The 11-inch length is excellent. Most grocery store carving knives are 8-9 inches. Professionals prefer 11-12 inches because the longer stroke completes a full cut without repositioning, which produces a cleaner slice. This is the spec that matters most in a slicing knife.
Pros: - 10,946 reviews at 4.7 stars is substantial validation for any price - 11-inch length is the professional preferred size for large cuts - $17.99 makes this the lowest-risk first slicing knife
Cons: - No Granton edge means more food sticking than premium alternatives - Stainless steel softer than German high-carbon, dulls faster - Ergonomic handle is functional but not premium
imarku 7" Santoku Knife
The imarku santoku is a versatile kitchen knife that handles steak prep and slicing alongside general kitchen tasks. At $39.99 with 9,189 reviews at 4.7 stars, it's a well-validated option for cooks who want one knife to do it all.
Standout features: - High-carbon stainless with 15-18 degree hand-polished edge - Hollow scalloped edge reduces food sticking during slicing - Ergonomic Pakkawood handle for comfortable extended use
The hollow scalloped edge on the imarku makes it better than a plain straight-edge utility knife for slicing cooked proteins. Air pockets created by the scallops prevent sliced steak from sticking to the blade, which matters when you're portion-cutting a ribeye at the cutting board.
Pros: - 9,000+ reviews confirm multi-purpose reliability - Hollow edge reduces sticking on proteins mid-slice - 7-inch length handles steak slicing plus kitchen prep
Cons: - Santoku profile is less specialized than a dedicated carving knife - 7-inch length is limiting for large-format brisket or whole roasts - Hand wash only
Buying Guide: Table Knives vs. Carving Knives
Table Steak Knives
Table steak knives (4-5 inch blades) are designed for use at the plate. The choice between serrated and straight edge is the main decision. Serrated edges stay sharp longer without maintenance and handle both tender and tougher cuts. Straight edges produce cleaner cuts but dull faster. For most households, serrated is the practical choice.
Full-tang construction is worth prioritizing even in table knives. It adds balance and longevity. The Bellemain and Victorinox sets both include it at accessible prices.
Carving and Slicing Knives
Carving knives (10-12 inch blades) handle large cuts before they reach the plate. The Granton edge (oval divots) is worth paying for in a carving knife because food release during long-stroke slicing significantly affects presentation quality.
Blade length matters: 11-12 inches allows a full cut in one stroke, which produces cleaner slices than an 8-9 inch blade that requires repositioning. Steel hardness matters less than edge geometry in this application.
Serrated vs. Straight Edge Steak Knives
Serrated edges saw through food with less pressure and maintain their basic cutting ability longer than straight edges. They're practical for everyday steak nights. Straight edges require more maintenance but produce cleaner cuts on properly rested, tender steak. Most people should start with serrated.
What Makes a Quality Table Steak Knife
Full-tang construction, appropriate blade length (4.5-5.5 inches is ideal), and enough weight to feel substantial at the table without being heavy. The Bellemain at 5 inches threads this needle well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should steak knives be serrated or straight-edge? Serrated for practical everyday use. They stay sharp longer without sharpening and work on a wider range of steak textures and doneness levels. Straight-edge is better for very tender, properly rested steak sliced with good technique, but requires more maintenance.
How many steak knives do I need? Four for a typical family dinner, six if you regularly host. The Bellemain 4-piece and Victorinox 6-piece cover these scenarios respectively.
Can I put steak knives in the dishwasher? The Bellemain and Victorinox sets are dishwasher safe, but hand washing extends their life. Most high-carbon steel options should always be hand washed. Check the product specification before assuming dishwasher compatibility.
What's the best knife for cutting brisket? The Cutluxe 12-inch brisket knife with Granton edge at $44.99 is the proven standard. 6,459 reviews confirm it handles brisket better than improvised slicers. The MAIRICO 11-inch at $17.99 is the budget alternative if you're slicing less frequently.
Do I need a different knife for raw steak vs. Cooked steak? Yes, ideally. For raw prep, a chef knife or boning knife handles trimming fat and cutting portions. For cooked steak at the plate, table steak knives are designed for the table environment. For large cooked cuts like brisket, a long carving knife is the right tool.
Is the Cutluxe better than HOSHANHO for brisket? The Cutluxe has 6,459 reviews versus the HOSHANHO's 942, which makes the Cutluxe easier to recommend confidently. The HOSHANHO uses harder Japanese steel that holds a sharper edge, but the Cutluxe's Granton edge and higher review count make it the safer choice for most buyers.
Conclusion
For table steak knives, the Bellemain 4-piece at $27.99 is the pick. 8,000 reviews at 4.8 stars, full-tang construction, and $7 per knife with dishwasher compatibility.
For a larger set at the table, the Victorinox Swiss Classic 6-piece at $31.00 adds two more knives at a similar price per blade.
For carving large-format BBQ and roasts, the Cutluxe 12-inch brisket knife at $44.99 is the most proven option. The MAIRICO 11-inch at $17.99 is the budget alternative that still delivers the right blade length for proper slicing technique.
Visit our guide to kitchen knives for a broader look at how these carving and table knives fit into a complete kitchen cutlery setup.