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The Best Boning Knife (Review) in 2020

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By Kitchenistic
Published 10:11 am

Bones in meat or fish can make the whole experience an unbearable one, particularly if you get it stuck in your throat. You will always enjoy fish better if all the bones are out, and this process is known as boning. It is mostly done before cooking, selling, or serving. Boning is also referred to as deboning, but the latter term was coined a bit later than the former. If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you can appreciate that the tools you use determine how efficient your food preparation is. In this article, some of the best boning knives available will be reviewed to help you make a decision when choosing one.

Mercer Culinary Millennia 6-Inch Curved Boning Knife
Mercer Culinary Millennia 6-Inch Curved Boning Knife
Best Choice
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Wusthof 4603 Boning Knife
Wusthof Boning Knife
premium pick
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Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Fibrox Pro Curved Boning Knife
Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Fibrox Pro Curved Boning Knife
best value
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Contents
  1. The Best Boning Knife
  2. 1. Mercer Culinary Millennia 6-Inch Curved Boning Knife
  3. 2. Imarcu Boning Knife
  4. 3. Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Fibrox Pro Curved Boning Knife
  5. 4. Zelite Infinity Boning Knife
  6. 5. TUO Cutlery Boning Knife
  7. 6. Damascus Boning Knife 6 Inch Blade
  8. 7. SKY Light Boning Knife
  9. 8. Dalstrong Boning Knife
  10. 9. Wusthof 4603 Boning Knife
  11. 10. Global Cromova Boning Knife

The Best Boning Knife

1

1.

Mercer Culinary Millennia 6-Inch Curved Boning Knife

Mercer Culinary Curved Boning Knife
Key Features:

Six inches long

One-piece Japanese steel

Finger guard

Polypropylene and Santoprene handle

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If you need a deboning knife that is long enough but also sturdy, then the Mercer Culinary Curved Boning Knife is the one for you. It is six inches long with other specific features that make taking the bones out of fish feel like a breeze. To start with, the materials used in constructing the product are high quality and provide the item with the functionality needed for its use. The handle is made with a combination of Santoprene and Polypropylene, with each having its own functions. The Santoprene is a plastic material that feels, looks, and behaves like rubber and is responsible for the comfortability of the product. Polypropylene is also plastic with properties that make it durable, and the combination of the two makes the handle of this knife ergonomic. Also, the handle has textured points for the fingers to provide an anti-slip grip when using the knife. Safety is also catered for by the finger guard that separates your fingers from the blade of the knife. The blade is also made with Japanese steel, which is high quality, easy to sharpen, and maintain too. The steel is also a curved one-piece high carbon material, which also stain-free. Generally, this Japanese boning knife is aesthetically pleasing to look at, and it comes in different colors to choose from. It is also NSF certified, meaning that it has been tested and approved as not being a threat to public health.

Pros

Ergonomic handle

Safe to use

Durable

Cons

It is very sharp at first, so you should be careful when using it

It does not stay sharp for long

The blade extends into the finger guard, and so if you are not careful and your finger slips, you could cut your finger.

2

2.

Imarcu Boning Knife

Imarcu Boning Knife
Key Features:

11.8 inches long

High-carbon German Blade

Pakkawood handle

Stainless steel blade

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Another excellent deboning knife with features that makes it worth picking is the Imarcu Boning Knife. This tool has some incredible features that will make deboning your food a less painful experience. Firstly, the blade is made with German stainless steel, which s high carbon, to give the knife a corrosion-resistant, maximum sharpness. With this feature, the edges are well built enough to provide you with the utmost precision when using the utensil. The blade performs outstandingly, and you will become better at handling fish when you use it. Secondly, the handle of this utensil is designed for the human hand in a way that reduces strain when it is in use. It is made with polished Pakkawood material, which provides durability, slip-resistance, and easy maneuverability. The handle contributes to making the knife easy to clean as well as comfortable to use. Handwashing is recommended for cleaning this tool, as well as wiping with a soft cloth. The dishwasher is not recommended because it can compromise the sharpness of the blade. The knife is widest towards the handle and tapered at the end to easily reach into the fish to go about your business. The whole knife is 11.8 inches long, with the blade measuring 6.8 inches in height. It comes in a polished and specially made case that adds to its beautiful look.

Pros

Easy to clean

Durable

The blade is corrosion-resistant

Cons

No finger guard for protection

Not dishwasher safe

The blade might come off after a few uses

3

3.

Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Fibrox Pro Curved Boning Knife

Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Fibrox Pro Curved Boning Knife
Key Features:

Curved edge

Stainless steel blade

Fibrox Pro handle

Six-inch long blade

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The ease that comes with using the Victorinox Swiss Army Curved Boning Knife is what makes it worthy of being on this list. The versatility that the tool provides makes you smile whenever it’s time to debone fish because you know comfortable it is going to be. This versatility is made possible by the pointed tip on the knife, and curved edge, which allows you to debone with precision. You have a better cutting angle, mainly because the fish will be easy to pierce through, and there will be little to no mess. The blade on this tool is made of stainless steel and six inches in length. The handle of this knife is no less functional and contributes to making the tool the right choice for boning. It is made with Fibrox Pro, which makes the knife fit in your palm without slipping even when it is wet. There is a small protrusion that separates your fingers from the blade for extra protection. The Victorinox boning knife is also not too heavy and has the right balance to be practical. This knife meets the public health standards of the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and is safe to use. Cleaning should be done with the hand using soapy water and a cloth. The unique thing about this knife is that it has been crafted by experts in Switzerland since 1884, who pay particular attention to defects. The make sure the materials exceed the standards, and the artistry is top-notch to produce only the best.

Pros

Ergonomic handle

Anti-slip even when wet

Lightweight

Cons

You might need to sharpen it more often than not

It gets dull quickly

It might start rusting early if not kept well

4

4.

Zelite Infinity Boning Knife

Zelite Infinity Boning Knife
Key Features:

The knife is 10 ¾ inches long

The stiff blade is stainless steel

The handle has three rivets

The base of the blade has a tapered bolster

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The Zelite Infinity Boning Knife is out to set a new standard for boning knives with its practical and functional features. It consists of the blade and the handle, both of which have elements responsible for having this knife on the list. The beautiful look of the knife cannot be denied, and your kitchen will have a touch of style. The box that holds the utensil is also exquisitely designed to make you feel as professional as possible. Starting with the razor, it is high-carbon stainless steel imported from Japan. Overall, the knife is 10 ¾ long with the stiff blade for accurate cutting, which is six inches long, with an extra sharp edge. At the base of the blade is a tapered bolster to provide you with some comfort. It is also non-stick, corrosion-resistant, and has edge retention properties. It is 2.4mm long and a 12 to 15-degree edge sharpness. The handle has three rivets, securing the blade into it so that it does not fall apart. The black handle is military-grade and a forged full tang to make the knife more durable. It has a rounded design to make it comfortable to hold and use.

Pros

Durable

The blade is secure in the handle

The stiffness of the blade makes cutting more accurate and precise

Cons

Nicks might form of the blade if there is a lot of contact with hard surfaces

It is very sharp when new, so you have to be careful

A clear coat might appear on the blade which is hard to clean off

5

5.

TUO Cutlery Boning Knife

TUO Cutlery Boning Knife
Key Features:

Stainless steel blade

Pakkawood handle

Ultra-thin and flexible blade

Tapered bolster in the middle of the knife

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The TUO Cutlery Boning Knife is a narrow-bladed kitchen tool that will help you get boning done in half the time. The first noticeable thing about this tool is the beautiful design and decorated handle. The blade is narrow like other boning knives, and it has been described as one of the world’s best knives. The edge is also ultra-thin and flexible and allows you to cut through the fish with maximum precision. The stainless steel material used for the blade makes it rust, wear, and corrosion-resistant, allowing it to perform well for an extended period. The blade also has 15 degrees sharp edge precision to cut through the fish like butter, without any resistance. You will not have any trouble manipulating the knife as it is flexible enough to use. The handle on the knife does not fall behind on the excellent features of this knife and has been designed to complement it nicely. It is made with Pakkawood and has a secure and comfortable grip. The knife has an elegance to it that will make you feel like a master over what you are doing. The part of the blade attached to the handle has a tapered bolster for extra support.

Pros

Comfortable to use

Durable

Anti-slip grip

Cons

There are no rivets, increasing the likelihood of the knife to fall apart

The blade might bend if you do not use it gently

It is very sharp, and so you have to be very careful when using it.

6

6.

Damascus Boning Knife 6 Inch Blade

Damascus Boning Knife 6 Inch Blade
Key Features:

Three rivets in the handle

Imported Japanese super steel blade

The blade is six inches long

The handle is made of military-grade G10 wood

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Another excellent deboning knife that makes anybody feel like a professional chef is the Damascus Boning Knife. This knife is made with only premium quality material and gives your kitchen a modern look. The blade is razor-sharp, made with imported Japanese super steel with 67 layers of high carbon. The 12-degree sharpness allows you to slice through your fish like a hot knife through cheese or butter. The six-inch stainless steel edge is non-stick and very hard to withstand various elements. It is also cooled with Nitrogen to make it more resistant to corrosion, stain or rust. The three rivets on the handle make it secure and also stand out from other knives. The wooden handle is military-grade, and a full tang blade is secured into it by the rivets. This feature makes the knife durable and robust, and the rounded handle makes it comfortable to use. The packaging of this tool is to die for, made explicitly with perfection as the goal. This Japanese boning knife also has a tapered bolster close to the handle to give you some balance when using it.

Pros

It is durable

The tapered bolster gives you balance when using it

The handle is ergonomic

Cons

It is very sharp, so you have to be extra careful

It is a little heavy due to the materials used

It takes time adjusting to the shape

7

7.

SKY Light Boning Knife

SKY Light Boning Knife
Key Features:

Nitrogen-cooled blade

High carbon German steel blade

The handle is made of a military-grade polymer

The handle has three rivets securing the blade

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The Sky Light Boning Knife is another highly recommended utensil that helps you to successfully remove all the bones from your fish without any stress. It has been designed for easy maneuverability around joints, bones, and skin. The blade has a 17-degree angle per side sharpness that has been hand-polished by the finest craftsmen, giving it a high-performance rating. For enhanced hardness, the blade has also been Nitrogen-cooled, also making it corrosion-resistant and still flexible. The blade is also made of high carbon German stainless steel, which is durable, wear, rust, or stain-resistant due to the premium quality. The handle has complementing features to make the knife function impressively as a whole. It is made of high-quality military-grade polymer that is not affected by heat, moisture, or cold. When using it, you will feel comfortable and confident in getting all the bones out of the fish. The handle also has three rivets indicating a secure blade. At the meeting point of the handle and the blade, there is a tapered protrusion to provide you with some balance when using the tool. It allows you to be your creative self without worrying about the knife falling out of your palm every two minutes.

Pros

Durable

Easy to use

Corrosion-free

Cons

Be careful when using it as it is very sharp at first

It quickly gets dull and so you might need to sharpen it very often

8

8.

Dalstrong Boning Knife

Dalstrong Boning Knife
Key Features:

German High Carbon steel

14 to 16 degrees polished edge

Three rivets in the handle for securing the blade

Tapered bolster for balance and protection from cuts

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Just like the name says, the Dalstrong Boning Knife is another of the boning knives available that are worth the buy. What makes this knife unique is that it’s made with cutting edge technology, and has a beautiful design that’ll make you yearn to use it. The blade is very sharp and narrow so that you can manipulate it to get bones out. It is full tang, so it goes deep into the handle so that it is more secure. The steel is German high carbon, and the edge is polished by hand at 14 to 16 degrees on each side. Even though it is sturdy, it has the right amount of flexibility needed to debone your fish. This way, not only is it easier to debone, but it is also more pleasurable to do and less time-consuming. It is not too heavy that you cannot handle and not too light that it slips out of your hand comfortably. The Pakkawood handle to the knife has the three rivets that are used to secure the blade. The handle is also designed to provide you with a comfort grip to smoothly go about your business. There is also a barrier between your finger and the edge of the knife to prevent direct and possibly harmful contact. It is not surprising that both amateurs and professionals recommend this tool as a trustworthy one.

Pros

Durable

Comfortable to use

It has a manageable weight

Cons

The edges are very sharp, and so be extra careful

The handle is uneven and might not be a good fit for all hands

Its flexibility might not be as expected

9

9.

Wusthof 4603 Boning Knife

Wusthof 4603 Boning Knife
Key Features:

A durable polymer is used for the handle

It looks and feels like a traditional knife

The blade is tapered

It has a finger guard

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If you love fish, then you can understand that sometimes you want something close to a traditional knife but has features like a boning knife.  If you are this person who comes into contact with fish all the time, then the Wusthof Boning knife is perfect for you. The blade has a tapered shape, and is also manipulatable, allowing you to cut and slice through your fish comfortably. It is also very thin to help you make precise cuts with no messes involved. It is six inches long and also one piece, making it better to secure into the handle. The blade is also made of high carbon steel, which has been specially tempered with a stain-resistant alloy. The resulting product is buffed by hand and then attached to the handle, which is made of a highly durable polymer. To secure the blade better, there are three rivets bolted into the handle. The handle is also molded to accommodate the palm of the user for comfortable use. The finger guard or tapered bolster in the middle of the knives is for balance and protection against cuts.

Pros

Durable

Safe to hold

Comfortable to use

Cons

It is very sharp, so you should be careful

It is quite expensive

It might not be too flexible for boning

10

10.

Global Cromova Boning Knife

Global Cromova Boning Knife
Key Features:

One-piece stainless steel knife

The handle has dimples in it for better grip

The blade is thin and tapered

It has a tapered bolster to serve as a finger guard

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Last on the list is the Global Cromova Boning Knife, which is equally good as the rest since it has the features for the job. It consists of one piece of stainless steel material that has been molded into a blade and a handle with a finger guard in the middle. The blade is tapered and very thin, making it easy to manipulate and get the bones out of the fish. Its razor-sharp edge allows you to make your cuts and slices more accurately. The handle of the knife has holes or dimples in them made to prevent the knife from slipping out of your hands. Overall, the knife is lightweight and measures 6 ¼ inches long. Also, it is designed to be comfortable to use and makes boning fish feel like a breeze. To clean this tool, always use your hand, with a cloth and some soapy water, and dry thoroughly.

Pros

It is sharp enough o cut through the fish

It is anti-slip

It is easy to clean and use

Cons

The finger guard is too thin and can also cut your fingers

The knife might slip from your hand if it is wet

It is very sharp and so be careful when using it

Things to Consider When Buying a Boning Knife

  • Material:

The material used for a flexible boning knife can determine how long the knife will last in your kitchen. It is vital that whatever knife you choose can last a while before letting it go, otherwise you will waste too much money. Material such as stainless steel is suitable for the blade of the knife since it is resistant to many elements that can diminish its quality. For example, it is resistant to corrosion, rust, and heat, which may even make it unsafe to use. It also takes a while to become dull, and when it does, it is easy to sharpen. The handle of the knife should feature materials that make it secure in the palm. Wood can be used for a grasp as it looks good, but it’s susceptible to mold and cracking, especially when in frequent contact with water. Metal provides the sturdiness needed but can be cold and less secure (slippery) to hold. Polypropylene is a material that has a balance of others and can be considered as perfect for handles. It is made of plastic but looks and feels like rubber and is easy to maintain.

  • Design:

Design plays a crucial role in how easy and comfortable the tool will be to use. With boning knives, the blade should be thin and tapered, the handle should be ergonomic, and there should be a finger guard for safety. A flat and tapered blade makes it easier to cut accurately and get into the fish to get the bones out as you want it. It is better if the blade has a full tang, that is, it runs throughout the handle and secured using rivets. This makes it less likely to come apart quickly. The handle of a knife can have dimples, fingerprints, and other dents that make it fit into the palm of the user perfectly. A finger guard makes the knife safe to use and will save you a trip to the emergency room.

  • Easy to Clean:

Even though using a dishwasher seems more convenient, it is better to clean a flexible boning knife using your hand. A dishwasher might be harsh on the edges of the blade and might compromise the quality of the product. With your hand, you have control over how much soap and water are used, and you can also adequately dry the knife, prolonging its longevity.

Cropped image of woman cutting carrot

Boning Knife Uses

A boning knife is mainly used to remove the bones of meat and fish before preparation for consumption. It can be used to remove the skin from meat or fish fillet. It can be used for both tough and tender flesh, depending on the design.

Types of Boning Knives

The types of boning knives will depend on its design and purpose but are mostly categorized based on the blade. There are thin knives used for cutting small angles and large ones used for sectioning the flesh. There are also flexible and stiff knives used for delicate corners and wide cuts, respectively. Curved and straight blades also used for delicate jobs and sculpting, respectively.

The Best Boning Knife FAQ:

Q: What is a Boning Knife?

A: It is a usually tapered knife with a sharp blade used to remove the bones of flesh.

Q: How do I care for my boning knife?

A: Hand wash your flexible boning knife and keep in an airy dry space, preferably in a sheath or case. Do not leave it in a bowl of soapy water and always use it for its intended purpose.

Q: How should you grip your boning knife when boning out large pieces of meat?

A: Wrap three of your fingers and the thumb around the handle of the knife and put the index finger at the top of the blade.

Our Top Pick

The Mercer Culinary Curved Boning Knife qualifies as our top pick as it has all the right features to make the deboning process possible without you breaking a sweat. Its ergonomic handle and sharp blades make it fit-for-purpose as it ensures comfort and efficiency. The anti-slip grip and finger guards will eliminate any concerns for safety. Indeed it truly is the best boning knife currently on the market.

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