Knife recommendations for trimming

[bdawg]

I made my first whole brisket a month or so ago. Trimming it was a chore, though, mostly becuse my knives just weren't sharp enough and it
seems like they were the wrong shape, compared to the ones I saw a in couple of videos online. My knives are a lot slimmer and shorter than the ones in the videos.
I am looking to pick up a couple new ones, but don't want to go overboard on them.
Many of the links in some of the other posts are out of date and the links are dead. Almost all of them lack search terms so I don't even know what brands/styles they used to point to.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for knives for trimming? (I do know what to look for in a slicing knife, so that's not a problem)
Thanks!

 

[pops6927]

12 inch cimeter knife $61.99 - https://www.bunzlpd.com/victorinox-cimeter-knives?cat_page_id=&
6 inch blunt tip boning knife $21.32 - https://www.bunzlpd.com/6-curved-semi-stiff-with-blunt-tip?cat_page_id=1&

I can cut up and trim anything with these 2 knives!

 

[Jabiru]

As pops says. I buy actual Butcher boning/trimming knives like victornox Or dexter Russell, Mainly carbon steel Knives.

I have some 20 years old and still super sharp and useable. Cost me like $50.

Superb quality, affordable and are made for holding and edge.. Every size shape you need.

 

[mike243]

A good filet knife works well for me, a Victronics would be my choice

 

[pops6927]

As pops says. I buy actual Butcher boning/trimming knives like victornox Or dexter Russell, Mainly carbon steel Knives.

I have some 20 years old and still super sharp and useable. Cost me like $50.

Superb quality, affordable and are made for holding and edge.. Every size shape you need.

They no longer produce carbon steel, only stainless steel for professional USDA approved use.

 

[pops6927]

I use a WorkSharp belt sharpener to keep them sharp, also! And a diamond steel!

 

[bdawg]

Thanks for the suggestions. Much appreciated.

 

[whistlepig]

I prefer a filet knife also.

 

[Jabiru]

American Knifemaking - Knives, Cleavers & More | Dexter Russell

The official Dexter Russell website. We are a family owned American made cutlery company that's been in business for over 200 years.

www.dexter1818.com

 

[tallbm]

The guys have you covered well. If you are strictly TRIMMING with NO BONES in the mix then a ceramic knife is so sharp it makes quick work of anything u need to trim on a brisket.
Because ceramic is brittle u dont want to use it near or around bones.

Here's an inexpensive set with a 6 inch chef knife that will do the trick and some other knifes too if you want to dip your toe into the ceramic pool. Yes you could buy better more expensive ceramic knives but honestly if you've never had a ceramic knife of any kind you dont know what you are missing and a set like this will get your feet wet.... JUST DON"T CHOP YOUR FINGERS UP! Ceramic is like 10X as sharp as your regular knifes lol

 

[smokininthegarden]

Does anyone have any good recommendations for knives for trimming? (I do know what to look for in a slicing knife, so that's not a problem)

For doing what you are describing I usually use a 6 inch or sometimes a 8 inch utility knife. They work very well for trimming or just meat cutting/boning in general.

Here is a good example of one that shouldn’t break the bank.

https://www.cutleryandmore.com/nexus-bd1n-stainless-steel/utility-knife-p136832

Cal

 

[noboundaries]

I prefer a basic 6" chef's knife for trimming. There are a lot of different choices and prices in that size. If you have a decent sharpener, a stop by Goodwill might get you a great knife for a buck or two. It's worth a look.

 

[starsfaninco]

Also, I'm the worst at manually sharpening knives. Just never got the knack for it. I use this to greatness on my Pro S set from Henckels.

 

[noboundaries]

Yep. I have an older version of that sharpener and it does an amazing job. I only break it out about once a year when the straightening steel stops giving me as sharp an edge as I like.

 

[Bearcarver]

Can't go wrong with this one!! (Below)
Easy on the Wallet too!!----$20
It's all I ever use!!

Bear

Bass Pro Shops XPS Professional-Grade Fillet Knife | Cabela's

Buy the Bass Pro Shops XPS Professional-Grade Fillet Knife and more quality Fishing, Hunting and Outdoor gear at Bass Pro Shops.

www.cabelas.com

 

[Inscrutable]

Knives are one area I don’t scrimp ... a quality knife is a joy to use and lasts forever.
Despite having a full set, I use a 7” chef, a boning, and a paring 95% of the time

 

[Gwanger]

I learned the hard way with cheap knives and invested in a set of Henckels forged knives.a small investment that I will never regret. being a woodworker you learn cheap tools don't make your job easier just the opposite. I use the boning knife religiously and use the Brod and taylor to keep sharp. an investment you will never regret.

 

[whistlepig]

This is what I have. Carbon steel for me. Not a fan of stainless for edge retention. I have more expensive knives than this but for trimming this is a very nice knife.

American Knifemaking - Knives, Cleavers & More | Dexter Russell

The official Dexter Russell website. We are a family owned American made cutlery company that's been in business for over 200 years.

www.dexter1818.com

 

[Gwanger]

Carbon steel is best for edge retention, stainless looks nice but as you stated hard to get a true and lasting edge. I myself have forged knives from Henckels and I couldn't be happier I keep them sharp and at worst I just realign the edge and I am good to go.I also use a Brod and Taylor knife sharpener that won't take metal off blade if just touching up.Don't let knives s get dull just straighten the edge!

 

[912smoker]

Two of my favorites are Case and Uncle Henry. Or an Old Timer....like me