The 10 Best Boning Knives

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Mercer Culinary Genesis
Test Winner: Mercer Culinary Genesis
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When working in the kitchen, you will need to think of your knives as your tools. There are so many different types of knives on the market and it can be somewhat confusing at times. Just imagine the results if you attempted to use a bread knife to remove a piece of meat from the bone. This type of knife can sometimes be mistaken for a filet knife.

A boning knife will help you to remove meat from the bone, much like you see them doing at the butcher shop. Please keep in mind, however, that a butcher has many years of practice performing this task, so your results may not look as pretty. Take the time to look over the list we have created for you to find all of in the information you need to buy the best boning knife

Standout Picks

Mercer Culinary Genesis
The Genesis six-inch forged knife is among the most well-engineered and durable knives available for boning. Designed for the home chef the knife is ideal for restaurant chef. It is NSF-certified.
Amazon Link
$39.66
Victorinox
This knife can be purchased to suit all your boning needs. You can use it for fish, or for cutting those thick chops off the bone. The design of the handle will have you cutting without thinking about it.
Amazon Link
$28.72
Zelite Infinity
Next is a boning knife is known for its durability and special features. You can believe that you will be completely satisfied with this knife with each use.
Amazon Link
$69.00
Mercer Culinary Millennia
A boning knife like this one can be of benefit to the person who uses it. The blade material and style can have you slicing through meat just like it is hot butter.
Amazon Link
$17.77
Update International
Next on the list comes a boning knife that brings a new meaning to the word sharp. The length of the blade is perfect, for all your boning needs.
Amazon Link
Dexter Russell
This boning knife will have you slicing through your next fish quickly. Cleaning this knife will seem like a breeze when you are finished for the day. A boning knife such as this one will have you smiling while you work.
Amazon Link
$10.82
Dalstrong
This boning knife will have you removing bones and filleting fish in no time flat. Made from top quality materials, this knife is most definitely top of its class in beauty and functionality.
Amazon Link
$70.00
LedgeOn
This knife has been put through the ringer for testing before it even hits the market for you to purchase. The overall design of the knife has your safety in mind.
Amazon Link
Shun DM0743 Classic Gokujo
Curved design and thin point of the Shun DM0743 enable cleaning separating meat from the bone. It is an excellent choice for cubing and butterflying meat as well. The sharp cutting edge and arched shape of the rigid blade are perfect for getting in close to separate meat from joints, tendons, and bone.
Amazon Link
$139.95
Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition
This is the knife to try if you dread deboning meat. Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition Boning Knife is among the best for meat from bone separation. The five-inch blade features classic, beautiful wood handle styling.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Flexibility

The blade of a boning knife can either be flexible or stiff, which one you need, will depend on what type of meat with which you will be working. The flexible style blade works better for a more delicate approach to things, so pair this type of blade with fish or poultry. If you try to use a flexible blade on thicker meat, you run the risk of damaging the blade and the meat.

A stiff blade is what you will need for those thicker cuts of meat. They give you the opportunity to make clean cuts with little meat left for waste. Stiffer blades are not recommended for use with fish. You will have a much more difficult time effectively removing the bone.

Materials

Now, this can be a highly debatable topic for many. Some will argue that ceramic is better than steel. Others will favor blades made from steel over the ceramic type. All we can do is offer you what we have found on the topic. Ceramic seems to be a headache for boning knife users.

A blade made from ceramic doesn’t hold the durability that a steel blade will. So should you choose ceramic as your blade of choice, be sure you are using extreme care with the blade. It has been noted that ceramic blades often crack or chip when coming in contact with thicker bones.

Your only other choice will be steel, now you will notice that there are many forms of steel used by manufacturers. All of these types of steel will be stainless, which provides a line of defense against corrosion and the damage it causes. Some forms of steel will be lighter than others, while additional choices will promote flexibility. The options you have for steel blades will all have durability and the capability to hold a sharp edge.

Safety Hazards

There is a piece that can be added between the handle of the knife and the blade. This piece is called a bolster. The bolster of a knife can serve several functions. One is it will add weight to the knife handle. A bolster can also serve two other purposes for a knife safety and control.

Working with meat can cause both your hands and knife to become slippery. Different handle types can combat issues with slipping. Finding a knife with a protective bolster can add a second form of protection for your hands.

It can stop your hands from sliding up the handle to the blade of the knife. To be considered a protective bolster, look for one that sticks out and down from the handle. One accidental slip can cause you an unnecessary trip to the hospital.

Next, we will look at the control aspect. It rings true that the closer you can get to the blade, the more control you will have for making those skilled cuts. A pinched bolster provides you a place to rest for those experienced cuts that need a close, but safe grip.

BEST BONING KNIVES REVIEWED & RATED FOR QUALITY

1. Mercer Culinary Genesis

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$39.66
Mercer Culinary Genesis
Amazon Link

The Genesis six-inch forged knife is among the most well-engineered and durable knives available for boning. Designed for the home chef the knife is ideal for restaurant chef. It is NSF-certified.

Construction

NSF International focuses on the environment, health, and public safety. The knife boasts German steel construction. The stable knife allows removing meat from fat and bones very quickly.

The ergonomic Santoprene handle is slip-resistant. Santoprene is a high-performance material that is comfortable to hold. It has a soft feel. Even when exposed to kitchen oils, cold and heat, the handle is hard to break.

Components

A fixed bolster keeps the knife durable and strong. The thick bolster is specifically designed to resist discoloration, corroding, and rusting. It is well-proportioned, making gripping the knife properly easy.

It also ensures optimal balance for a grip that is sturdy, adds durability, and provides strength. The blade is slender. It is sharp and turns trimming and slicing meat into a quick job. The flexible blade is ideal for removing bones and membranes from poultry, beef, and fish.

The steel blade has hand-polished edges. It is taper ground for long-lasting sharpness, easy-honing, and superior stability. Using warm soapy water and washing by hand the only simple maintenance required. Dishwasher detergent and heat can damage the construction material.

Cost and Value

The knife has a limited lifetime warranty. The German technology and steel knife is a must-have. Adding it to your kitchen ensures having the proper tool for effective and efficient food preparation.

Customers who purchased the knife say it is more maneuverable than a chef’s knife. It is an exceptional knife for the price. The Genesis six-inch boning knife is among the best items made by the popular Mercer Cutlery brand.

Amazon Link
$39.66

2. Victorinox

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$28.72
Victorinox
Amazon Link

This knife can be purchased to suit all your boning needs. You can use it for fish, or for cutting those thick chops off the bone. The design of the handle will have you cutting without thinking about it.

Different Blades
One of the few knife options on our list that has you covered no matter what you are cutting. You can remove the bones from a fish easily when the correct blade is selected. With this knife, you can have a curved or straight blade, which can flex. Don't want the blade to flex, that's fine too, they also have stiff blades as well.

Gripping the Handle
When you grab a hold of this boning knife, you won't even know it is in your hand. The design of the handle has your comfort in mind, designed to give you the perfect grip each time you use the knife.

Cost and Value
Since this knife has such a great price point, you can order one of each blade type without even batting an eye at the cost. The comfort grip design will prevent your hand from cramping, due to improper grip. This boning knife has a maximum amount of potential to become your favorite.

Amazon Link
$28.72

3. Zelite Infinity

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$69.00
Zelite Infinity
Amazon Link

Next is a boning knife is known for its durability and special features. You can believe that you will be completely satisfied with this knife with each use.

Durability
The type of materials used for this knife is of the highest quality, which aides in giving this knife the durability it needs. Add to that the full tang, this knife can be used for even the thickest meat cuts.

Non-Stick Blade
The materials and pattern used for creating this blade, give the blade its non-stick properties. Making it seem like a breeze during clean up. You no longer have to worry if the meat you are working with dries to the blade. Often times this meat is hard to get off the blade, but not with this knife.

Cost and Value
The more value a product has, the higher you will see the price set. This knife is said to be of restaurant quality, so you know if the professionals use it, you must be getting a good product.

Amazon Link
$69.00

4. Mercer Culinary Millennia

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$17.77
Mercer Culinary Millennia
Amazon Link

A boning knife like this one can be of benefit to the person who uses it. The blade material and style can have you slicing through meat just like it is hot butter.

Blade
Made from quality stainless steel, this blade will hold its edge, while defending against corrosion. When the blade begins to dull, sharpening the blade is a breeze.

Handle Design
This handle was designed with the proper grip in mind. The materials used in making the handle offer you comfort while using the knife. With texture added to the handle to combat the age-old issue of slippage.

Cost and Value
This knife has the potential to become your next favorite piece of cutlery in your kitchen drawer. For the price you pay, you're getting a knife that holds the standard high for the quality.

Amazon Link
$17.77

5. Update International

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Update International
Amazon Link

Next on the list comes a boning knife that brings a new meaning to the word sharp. The length of the blade is perfect, for all your boning needs.

Blade Length
Part of having control over your boning knife is the length of the blade. A blade that is too long will not allow you to cut with the precision needed. Good thing for this knife, the blade is just the right length for making all types of cuts.

Sharpening
To bring you the sharpest blade possible, this company hand-hones each and every blade edge. This ensures that the edge of the blade will last for longer periods of time.

Cost and Value
This knife a ton of potential to be your next go to when you have to remove the bone from a piece of meat. You won't have to worry about dull knives, as this one has been done by hand.

Amazon Link

6. Dexter Russell

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$10.82
Dexter Russell
Amazon Link

This boning knife will have you slicing through your next fish quickly. Cleaning this knife will seem like a breeze when you are finished for the day. A boning knife such as this one will have you smiling while you work.

Flexible Blade
A flexible style blade allows you to work with finesse you never even knew you had. Which can make boning a fish seem like a simple task when really it is not.

Sealed Handle
There is nothing worse than a knife that just won't come clean. There is typically an area between the blade and handle that will act as a trap. Locking food inside of it, not with this knife, that area of the handle has been sealed off.

Cost and Value
A boning knife should make your job easier, that is what this one tend to do. As a bonus, they have come up with a way to eliminate the area that tends to be a catch-all for dirt and grime.

Amazon Link
$10.82

7. Dalstrong

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$70.00
Dalstrong
Amazon Link

This boning knife will have you removing bones and filleting fish in no time flat. Made from top quality materials, this knife is most definitely top of its class in beauty and functionality.

The Weight
In order to give you the control you need over this knife, the weight has been set back in the handle. On contrary to popular belief, you need the weight to be in the handle for better control over a boning knife.

The Blade
Made from top quality high carbon steel, allows the blade to resist corrosion while retaining its razor-like edge. It is flexible enough to allow for quick and easy work with fish.

Cost and Value
Top of the class materials will add to both the cost and value of this boning knife. Resistant to corrosion, keeping its razor-like edge, this knife will handle your workload for years to come.

Amazon Link
$70.00

8. LedgeOn

Where to buy
Amazon Link
LedgeOn
Amazon Link

This knife has been put through the ringer for testing before it even hits the market for you to purchase. The overall design of the knife has your safety in mind.

Testing
This knife is put through a multitude of hand testing before you even get to purchase it. Not only that, each knife is hand checked visually, to ensure there are no defects to the knife.

Durability
This is a full tang knife, which means the tang, or piece that connects the handle to the blade, runs all the way through the handle. This gives the boning knife the durability it needs to last for years to come.

Cost and Value
A good quality knife will stand out from the rest, that certainly is the case here. Although with that quality will come to a higher price tag, but the knife will last for years to come.

Amazon Link

9. Shun DM0743 Classic Gokujo

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$139.95
Shun DM0743 Classic Gokujo
Amazon Link

Curved design and thin point of the Shun DM0743 enable cleaning separating meat from the bone. It is an excellent choice for cubing and butterflying meat as well. The sharp cutting edge and arched shape of the rigid blade are perfect for getting in close to separate meat from joints, tendons, and bone.

Uses

The has a narrow profile that quickly slices through large fish as well. The cladding aids in preventing food from sticking. The knife excels at the tasks of trimming away silver skin and fat. Drag is reduced by a hand-sharpened edge that makes for fatigue-free use.
Construction

Shun proprietary VG MAX steel was used to craft the forged blade. The long-lasting edge retention and incredibly sharp cutting edge are due to an HRC of 61. The clad core has 34 Damascus stainless steel layers on each side.

It is bead blasted and ground to reveal a flowing layered steel pattern. A double bevel is sharpened to 16 degrees. A pakkawood, D-shaped handle is finished with an end cap made of stainless steel. The handle provides a secure grip. It was created for right-handed users, but many left-handed people find the shape of the handle to be equally comfortable to control with confidence.

Cost and Value

The knife has a limited lifetime warranty against factory defects and material. Customers say the amazing knife is worth the money. The sharp blade has an excellent slicing motion for removing skin and trimming meat. Its shape allows it to glide through fibrous tissue and fat.

The knife is corrosion resistant and beautiful to behold. The tang of the knife is 11 inches. It has a six-inch blade and weighs 7.2 ounces. Hand wash and promptly dry with a soft cloth are the cleaning recommendations.

Amazon Link
$139.95

10. Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition
Amazon Link

This is the knife to try if you dread deboning meat. Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition Boning Knife is among the best for meat from bone separation. The five-inch blade features classic, beautiful wood handle styling.

Construction

A taper grind edge ensures a reduction in re-sharpening. Exclusive 25° Taper Grind edge technology keeps the knife sharper longer, and it makes resharpening easy. The stainless high-carbon stainless steel blade resists rusting, staining, and pitting. A full metal tang provides additional control, balance, and strength.

The real walnut handle is smooth and contoured. Triple compression brass rivets offer extra stability and safety. Brass rivets secure it for an aesthetically pleasing and sleek design that provides a comfortable grip. The blade allows access to the smallest places.

Usefulness

Beside boning, the knife is excellent for other daily kitchen needs. The knife is big enough for the task while allowing excellent blade control. It is also ideal for small chops, prepping apples, and peeling potatoes.

The shorter curved blade makes peeling easy. The edge is scalloped with teeth that are spaced well for cutting the hardest crust without destroying the interior or a loaf of bread. It retains a razor sharp edge when sharpened.

Cost and Value

High-carbon stainless steel makes the knife stronger and harder than other blades. A Taper Grind edge provides maximum sharpness. Classically designed handles made of walnut provide safety and comfort.

Hand washing is recommended. Some customers occasionally oil the handle to prevent the wood from drying out. The knife falls in the low price range. The knife has a full lifetime warranty.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. ROBERT COLLINS, BONING VS FILLET KNIVES: WHAT EVERY COOK MUST KNOW, Culinary Website
  2. Unknown, How to Use a Boning Knife, How-To Website
  3. Jessie Oleson Moore, Nifty Knife Skills: How to Use a Boning Knife, Craft and Hobby Website