A perfectly smoked brisket can be one of the most mouth-watering BBQ delicacies. Only people who have toiled with smoking the brisket for hours understand what all it takes to cook a tender and juicy brisket.
But did you know that serving a smoked brisket has its own set of challenges? It is not just about cooking the brisket, but you also need to slice it properly. If that is not done, it can actually ruin the entire look as well as the taste of the brisket.
There are people who have spent 12 plus hours in perfecting the smoked brisket recipe and then end up slicing it with a regular kitchen knife. This spoils the entire experience as they end up with a dish that might taste good, yet lacks the finesse and aesthetic it could have.
Slicing a brisket may sound like a very small and inconsequential step. In fact, you will be wondering why you should pay so much consideration to what kind of knife you use. Any knife will be able to slice through a brisket, right? Not exactly, no.
Not all knives have been created equal. There is a range of knives available in the market which have been specially designed for slicing brisket. When you go browsing for the best brisket slicing knife, you are bound to get confused by the many brands and varieties.
But you do not need to get overwhelmed. We’re here for you. We have compiled a small list of our top recommendations for the best brisket slicing knives that you can consider buying.
🥇 OUR TOP PICK: Victorinox 12 Inch Granton Edge Slicing Knife – The best all-around knife for slicing brisket
When you are buying a knife for slicing a brisket, do not pick a regular kitchen knife. While these may be good for chopping vegetables in the kitchen, they are a far cry from a proper brisket slicing knife.
The Victorinox Granton Edge Slicing Knife is one of the best brisket slicing knives that you can find on the market. It is our top recommendation for several reasons. With a 12-inch long, ultra-sharp blade, this knife achieves all that a regular kitchen knife cannot.
It has a perfect length for slicing off even, large-sized briskets in one single stroke. The knife is sharp enough to help you cut a variety of slices — from paper-thin to pencil-width slices — depending on whether you are slicing them for sandwiches or to fan out on a plate.
What we like:
- The knife is designed with high-carbon stainless-steel blades which are highly useful when you want a smooth cutting experience while keeping the edges intact.
- The knife also has a Fibronix handle grip, which will ensure that you have a good grip on the knife as you slice through the brisket.
- The Granton edge on the knife is specially designed for cutting thick meats such as brisket, as the grooved edges hold in fat and juices while cutting through. In short, the knife slices through meat like it’s cutting butter.
If you have ever tried cutting a brisket with a shorter knife, you would have noticed that these knives do not cover the entire length of the brisket. This means you generally have to make multiple cuts on the brisket, which just gives a messed up look to the final slice as it would be unevenly cut.
Moreover, when you have to cut several slices to feed your family or guests, it can be really time-consuming, not to mention frustrating. The 12-inch Victorinox is the perfect slicing knife that will get the job done quickly and smoothly.
Not that you’re all about bragging or anything, but get ready to be admired for achieving a perfectly smoked and sliced brisket.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Read more:
- Should You Cook Brisket Fat Side Up or Down?
- The Best Way to Reheat Brisket Without Drying It Out
- How to Smoke a Brisket? Advises from Aaron Franklin
🥇 RUNNER UP: Dexter 12 Inch Scalloped Slicer Knife – The best value knife for slicing brisket
Smoking a brisket can be perfected by following the tips and recommendations given by expert chefs such as Aaron Franklin whose brisket smoking recipes have been lauded the world over.
It would also be a good decision to follow such a chef’s tips on not just the recipe steps but also on the cooking equipment. For example, did you know that Aaron Franklin swears by the Dexter 12-inch scalloped slicer knife for slicing brisket?
In fact, he uses this knife himself in all his recipes of smoked brisket, which itself is proof enough that this is really one of the best knives you can get for slicing brisket with perfection.
What we like:
- The 12-inch length of the blade makes sure that the knife is long enough to cut through the entire length of the brisket in one stroke, thus eliminating the need to saw through the meat.
- The knife has been designed with scalloped serrations which ensure that the meat is cut smoothly without causing any damage to the slices.
- The knife’s handle has been designed with a decent amount of texture. This provides a good grip for the user. This feature also makes this knife good enough for those slicing a brisket for the first time.
- The scalloped blade of the knife is sufficiently high so that cutting through the fatty meat of brisket is as easy as cutting through the lean side.
The best part about the Dexter 12-inch slicing knife is that it is one of those rare products which come close to a professional chef’s knives in terms of quality and efficiency; however, the price point remains closer to that of a regular knife. In other words, it won’t break your bank.
One of the most affordable slicing knives that you can buy, this knife also makes a great vegetable or bread slicer for regular use in the kitchen. This ensures that your investment gives you more return for the money; you have the option of putting it to good use in the kitchen even when you are not working on your barbeque.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
#3. Mercer Culinary Millennia 14 Inch Granton Slicer Knife – The best extra long knife for slicing larger briskets
Mercer is a brand known for its high professional-grade quality products. The preferred brand for culinary equipment of chefs world over, the 14-inch Granton slicer knife from Mercer boasts a quality beyond par when compared to other products of its category.
The best knife for slicing brisket, it is designed with high-grade Japanese steel that is guaranteed to stay sharp even after years of use. Additionally, you’ll find it extremely easy to maintain.
Moreover, this Mercer knife is designed with an extra-long 14-inch blade, which is ideal for slicing through any kind of large meat. Not only will it slice through large briskets, but you can also use it to carve your Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham.
What we like:
- The blade is extremely thin with a 17-degree bevel angle. This ensures that you will cut paper-thin slices in straight lines.
- The Granton grooves on the knife provide you with a smooth slicing experience and ensure that the knife does not get stuck on the fatty parts of the meat.
- The knife has been designed with a Santoprene plastic handle, which is quite reliable in terms of strength and durability.
All in all, this Mercer knife is definitely a good option to consider, especially if cook large briskets or other meats on a regular basis. It definitely has the edge over the other 12-inch long blades as it goes through the meat in one clean stroke irrespective of the size of the brisket.
Finally, this knife has a price range much lower than that of other professional-grade knives that Mercer manufacturers exclusively for use by professional chefs. As such its quality cannot exactly be compared to the knives used by professional chefs.
Nevertheless, this Japanese steel knife will more than serve its purpose if you have it in your barbeque kit.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
4. Cuisinart CEK-40 Electric Knife – Best all-around electric knife for slicing brisket
A lot of professional chefs, as well as home cooks, prefer using an electric knife in place of a manual knife. An electric knife can often prove much more efficient and can do the work more quickly, especially when you have a large brisket to cut through.
However, you should take care to stay away from the cheap quality electric knives generally available on the market. If you want to go with an electric knife, then the Cuisinart CEK-40 Electric Knife is a good bet. Designed for use by professional chefs, this knife is our top recommendation for electric knives to slice a brisket.
What we like:
- The knife comes with a super powerful motor as well as razor-sharp blades. This makes it easy for the knife to easily slice through all kinds of meats including the fatty side of large briskets.
- There is a 4 ft. power cord attached to the knife which allows you to maneuver the knife around the table while you slice the brisket.
- The package consists of a wooden tray for storing the knife safely when it is not in use. Moreover, you can also take the handle and blade apart for easy storage and reassembly.
- You can also get a separate blade for slicing bread or vegetables that you can attach to the handle.
The Cuisinart CEK-40 is a great knife for those who have to frequently slice through meats for a large number of dinner guests. It gets the job done quickly and efficiently.
However, it does suffer from the general drawbacks of an electric knife such as the fact that the power cord can get in the way while slicing through.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
5. Dexter Russell Boning Knife – Best knife for trimming brisket – Best value 6″ trimming knife
Dexter Russell is a renowned brand and the 6-inch boning or trimming knife from this company is one of the best of its kind. Ideal for trimming the brisket of the excess fat that covers its base, the Dexter Russell Boning Knife is a must-have if you want a smooth and even brisket.
What we like:
- The blade has a unique curved design. This is ideal for trimming the fat without removing the meat layer. The blade has a pointed end that can pierce through the thick fat layer of the brisket.
- The knife’s handle has a ‘Grip-Tex’ design, making it comfortable to hold and use.
- The blade is extremely sharp and can last a good many years. However, even if the sharpness of the blade does not meet your expectations, you can always get it sharpened with a knife sharpener.
- Made in the USA, this blade is a good option for those looking for a trimming knife on a budget.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
6. Wusthof 10” Classic Super Slicer
Many home chefs do not enjoy using extra-long knives that measure 12 or 14 inches; they can be a bit difficult to manage. The Wusthof 10-inch classic super slicer takes care of this problem with its unique 10-inch design. You’ll find it easy to hold and use, especially for someone with small hands.
Even though this knife is smaller in length compared to most other knives of its category, it is nevertheless as efficient as any 12-inch or 14-inch knife in smoothly slicing through the brisket.
What we like:
- The blade’s scalloped edges make sure that the knife cuts through the brisket smoothly without damaging the meat or making the cuts look uneven.
- The knife is carved out of a single plate of carbon and comes with three rivets running into the handle. The riveted design makes the knife more efficiently and allows you to slice the brisket without tearing it.
- Wusthof is a well-known name in the industry, guaranteeing a knife of high quality that will be easy to maintain.
If you do not plan to cook large briskets or meats, you might find this 10-inch knife a good choice. Even if you do occasionally have to slice through a large brisket, the knife’s design will make sure that you cause minimum damage to the meat.
It is easy to use, as well as much safer, and will not make you feel like you are wielding a hacking sword.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
7. Dalstrong Shogun Series VG10 12” Carving Knife
When choosing a brisket slicing knife, the first thing to consider is that the knife should be sharp. Well, the Dastrong Shogun Series VG10 knife has been described as “ruthlessly sharp” by the manufacturer and it does prove to be very much so when you test it out.
Designed from Japanese high-carbon steel, this carving knife is not just a beauty to look at with its etched blade and engraved handle; it is also one of the most premium knives in terms of sharpness of the blade.
What we like:
- The knife is very beautifully designed with hand-finished engraving that can add a touch of class and beauty to your kitchen toolbox.
- It has a double-beveled edge coupled with an 8-to-12-degree angle. This unique combination ensures that you can carve through the brisket almost as if you are using a scalpel.
- The handle is designed with the triple-riveted design, making sure that the blade, as well as the handle, are impact resistant and sturdy for use.
- The Granton blade ensures that the knife slices through the meat smoothly without tearing the slices.
The Shogun Series from Dalstrong has been designed to imbibe all the strength and durability of genuine Japanese steel, which is known to create the sharpest samurai swords. The knife is not just recommended because of its sharpness but also because it is bound to draw attention from your dinner guests with its one-of-a-kind design.
Although Dalstrong is a comparatively new company in the market, it is still doing quite well and is sure to be one of the top knife companies in times to come.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Read more:
- 11 Things You Need to Know Before Smoking A Turkey
- ThermoPro TP-20 Wireless Digital Meat Thermometer Review
- ThermoWorks ChefAlarm Review: Best high-end BBQ Thermometer
What is the Difference Between a Slicing, Carving, And Trimming Knife?
When you are shopping for brisket cutting knives, you are bound to come across three different kinds of knives. It is important that you know what each knife is for so that you can make an informed choice and get the best product as per your requirement.
A slicing knife is one that is exclusively used for cutting the brisket into thin slices which is the way that brisket is conventionally served. A slicing knife will generally have a rounded end and a thin and flexible blade.
On the other hand, a carving knife has a pointed end and is made of harder and less flexible material. Although a carving knife is also used for cutting the brisket into slices, it is less efficient than a slicing knife. The cuts you get from a carving knife are considerably less smooth and clean.
A trimming knife is something completely different as it is used before the brisket is even placed on the grill to trim off the excess fat from the brisket layer. A trimming knife also looks different from a slicing or carving knife as it has a curved blade that can slice under the brisket fat.
If you plan to serve up brisket on a regular basis, you might want to consider purchasing more than one knife. For instance, while you might use your slicing knife for carving, you might find that you want to purchase a separate brisket knife for trimming the raw meat before turning it into brisket.
How to Take Care of Your Slicing Knife
Slicing knives require a little extra attention and care if you want to maintain their sharpness and shine. After all, if you have invested in a specialty item like this, you’ll want it to last through years of use. It would be a bad idea to throw the slicing knife in a dishwasher.
Moreover, nothing will destroy a knife faster than having it exposed to hot water or strong detergents, which can take away its most unique properties. In order to maintain your knife, you can follow the following tips:
- Always wash your knife in lukewarm water with regular soap rather than strong dishwashing detergents.
- Dry off the knife immediately after rinsing it.
- Always keep the knife in its sheath or cover so that it is not exposed to water or heat.
- Buy a knife sharpener and use it to sharpen your knife when you notice that its blade has started going dull.
- Make sure that you learn how to properly sharpen a knife so that you don’t do any damage to your blade during the sharpening process.
Read more:
- Should You Cook Brisket Fat Side Up or Down?
- The Best Way to Reheat Brisket Without Drying It Out
- How to Smoke a Brisket? Advises from Aaron Franklin
A Few Tips on Slicing Brisket
Once you have the perfect brisket knife, you are almost ready to get started.
Almost?
First, make sure you know how to slice the brisket to get the best results.
- Let your brisket rest before slicing it.
This might sound counterintuitive, but cutting into your brisket right away will cause it to lose those succulent juices. Instead, once your brisket is done, wrap it in foil and let it rest for about an hour before cutting into it. You will find each slice of the brisket juicier than if you cut into it immediately.
- Trim the fat.
You can skip this step if you trimmed your brisket before cooking it. But if you find that you still have large pieces of fat hanging on, go ahead and trim them off before serving it.
- Cut against the grain of the meat.
By slicing through the grain, you cut those tough fibers. This makes the meat even more tender than if you had to chew through long grains of meat.
It helps if you separate the “flat” of the brisket from the “point” of the brisket, as these pieces are oriented in two different directions.
- Cut off the tip.
Some people might not like to eat the tip of the brisket, as this part tends to be a bit more crispy and hard. For some people, however, it’s their favorite part.
So, cut it off but don’t throw it away. (You might even be the one to sneak this piece off the plate before anyone else gets a chance to eat it.)
Conclusion
Having a good slicing knife can make a lot of difference in the way you present your brisket to your guests. Although the job can be done by any knife, the slices will look much cleaner (and more delicious) if they have been cut smoothly with a proper slicing knife.
Slicing knives actually make the task much more easy and quick so that you can serve up the smoking brisket without letting it get cold. If you have slaved to create the perfect brisket, you’ll want to serve it hot.
While buying a slicing knife, the two things that you must pay a lot of attention to are the size of the blade and whether or not it has a Granton edge. A 12-inch slicing knife is perfect for most brisket sizes but you can go for a 10-inch or a 14-inch one instead, depending on which one is more convenient for you.
However, the Granton edge is a must-have feature for any decent slicing knife. This type of blade helps the knife cut smoothly through fatty brisket without getting stuck in the brisket juices.
Another thing that you should keep in mind is that you can never get a good slicing knife from the carving sets that often make for good gifting options. If you really want the best knife for slicing brisket that can come close to slicing the brisket as professionally as possible without actually investing the big bucks required for a real professional-grade slicing knife, then our recommendations above are sure to get you what you are looking for.
Last Updated on August 28, 2020 by Judith Fertig
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