To most avid cook, there is something undeniably satisfying about owning a top-notch knife. Although, we are not entirely sure if it is the satisfaction of effortlessly slicing off a piece of brisket or whether we just like knives because of that famous Crocodile Dundee scene, “That’s not a Knife, THIS is a knife!”

Nonetheless, when it comes to a specific task in the kitchen, such as slicing a roast, a proper carving knife will surely do you justice. Especially after you have taken the time and effort to prepare a prime rib, a juicy lamb or other tasty roasts. Not every knife is made for every job.

The right carving knife will ensure precise slicing and serving. Carving knives will allow you to cut wide slices of meat without it ending up in smithereens, and yet, are nimble enough to work around the bones when you are cutting meat off of wings, thighs and drumsticks.

In this article, we will feature carving knives that can get the job done. All of which will vary in terms of grip comfort, sturdiness, makeup and overall maneuverability for different types of cuts. But they will all have one thing in common - affordability without compromising quality.

Here are our top 10 picks for the best carving knives for roasts:

1. Global G3 Carving Knife

Japan’s Global is a market leader in quality knife and cutlery pieces. Sporting a decent and straightforward business look, this knife has a one-piece ice-tempered makeup, making it hard wearing.

We have been looking a lot at Global knives because of their signature feature - the straight edge. It is considerably much thinner than knives with bevelled edges making it significantly sharper.

Many reviewers can attest to Global knives having the sharpest blade too. It is very light in your hands and you can trust that Global will slice, dice and carve your roast with ease. Similar to Furi knives (which we will get to in a while) it has a full tang handle making it hard wearing and hygienic.

2. Victorinox Classic Cooks Carving Knife Extra Wide Blade 20cm

A great feature of this knife is that it is ergonomically designed for comfort and stability allowing you to easily and effortlessly carve any type of roast without straining your wrist.  Its ice-tempered hardened blade retains the sharp edge allowing you to cut through without ruining the meat. This means you can slice meat almost as thin as you like, especially when you make roast beef sandwiches or small canapes requiring precise slices. Speed and precision are also something you will notice when using it. Sporting an enduring razor-sharp edge that seldom requires sharpening, this knife guarantees effortless and effective slicing of cooked meats and larger culinary creations.

3. Victorinox Swiss Modern Carving Knife 22cm Walnut Handle

This Modern Swiss knife has a 22cm razor-sharp edge that offers amazing maneuverability, making it ideal for precise cuts, and is able to handle large tasks like carving roasts, ham, poultry and other cooked meats.

Like other Victorinox range, this one, in particular, is handcrafted in Switzerland and has a stunning handle made from sustainable rich rich-grained Italian Walnut Wood. Very light coupled with a contemporary feel that exudes the European minimalist design.

4. Furi Pro Carving Set - 2 Piece

This highly praised set is also Australia’s favourite knife. Furi knives are designed by Mark Henry, the famous engineer who happens to design the Australian-made Solidteknics Cookware. Not forgetting the iconic Australian, Kylie Kwong, who is a proprietor and restaurateur of the Billy Kwong restaurant in Sydney, endorses Furi as well.

Something you will need to keep in mind when picking out a good carving knife is that you will need additional cutlery to assist you in holding your roast in place. We have this two-piece set from Furi. You get both the knife and the fork so that you can make shorter cutting tasks of any meat, be it a whole ham or a full bird.

This set is made from tough, high-spec carbon stainless steel material. Have you seen its one-piece knife blade construction? The knife blade is designed to extend into the handle ensuring that no food scrubs will ever get stuck on the knife. Unlike Furi’s riveted and full tang knife counterparts, this unique blade construction is Furi’s reflection of their commitment to creating knives that make cleaning easier than ever and avoid cross-contamination.

5. Wusthof Classic Carving Set 2 Piece

When it comes down to high quality, Wusthof sits high on our list. It is a quintessential classic German knife, a style that has been used for decades and is truly iconic.

Similar to its other counterparts from the Wusthof Classic line, these two are built with a full-tang forged from a single piece of high-carbon steel. The handle is also triple-riveted to ensure that it won’t separate, regardless of how vigorous the cutting and chopping task becomes. The three rivets are also there for an overall balance.

6. Wusthof Classic Carving Knife 23cm

If you already have a carving fork and are looking for a quality carving knife, this  Wusthof Classic Carving Knife is a great option to consider. Crafted from high-carbon stainless steel, its blade maintains exceptional sharpness and resists corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance. The full tang design provides stability and balance, allowing for precise slicing. Simlar to the rest of the Classic range, this knife is designed with a triple-riveted, synthetic handle that offers a comfortable and secure grip for effortless handling. With this knife, you can easily carve roasts and meats, achieving perfect, uniform slices for an impressive presentation at any dining table.

7. Scanpan Classic Carving Knife 20cm

Here is another carving set and Australia’s best-selling brand. Scanpan knives are also the most affordable in the mix. The classic carving set is made from German stainless steel that has a good balance between weight and its ergonomically constructed handle. They make the perfect pair. The blade is long and sturdy enough to make flawless wide slices. Coupled with its rounded construction at the back of the handle for increased hand and finger comfort, this pair will give you precise control when carving, stabbing, slicing or chopping.

8. Shun Classic Carving Knife 20cm

The Shun Classic Carving Knife is another one of our favourite picks. Crafted from Shun's proprietary VG-MAX steel, it guarantees impeccable slicing performance for meats and poultry. It excels in producing clean, juice-preserving cuts, whether you prefer thin or thick slices. With a slim 20.3cm blade and a pointed tip, it effortlessly maneuvers around bones during carving tasks.

Its D-shaped Pakkawood handle offers ergonomic comfort, fitting snugly into your hand's curve for precise and efficient slicing. This knife not only boasts sharpness and durability but also resists corrosion, ensuring long-lasting quality. The handle, designed to mimic genuine wood, is fortified with waterproof resin, combining aesthetics with superior durability.

9. Victorinox Maple Wood Forged Carving Set 20cm

The Victorinox Maple Wood Forged Carving Set is the epitome of both elegance and functionality. Its exquisite maple wood handle not only adds a touch of sophistication but also offers a comfortable and ergonomic grip for precision carving. Crafted with a full tang blade and fully forged construction, these tools are built to last, ensuring durability and longevity in your kitchen.

The 20cm carving knife effortlessly slices through meats with precision, while the 15cm fork provides stability and control during carving tasks. Proudly made in Switzerland, this set is not only stylish but also perfectly balanced, ensuring a seamless carving experience.

10. Victorinox Fibrox Cooks-Carving Knife 25cm

The Victorinox Fibrox Carving Knife is also another favourite on our list—expertly designed for slicing and carving various meats and roasts. Its blade, made from quality high-carbon stainless steel, boasts exceptional sharpness and durability, ensuring clean and precise cuts.

The main feature of this knife is its well-designed ergonomic Fibrox handle that provides a comfortable and secure grip making it easy to handle cutting tasks during prolonged use. This knife is a reliable companion for any culinary enthusiast or professional chef, ideal for achieving perfect slices of meat with ease.

Your best knife option may vary from other home cook's knife. Keep in mind that you should always try and find the best knife that fits you best.

Other than our top 10 selection above, we have a wide range of knives that are either Japanese or German made. We recommend you find out the difference between the two so you can make informed decisions.