If you’ve ever peeked behind the counter of a real-deal BBQ joint, you’ll know that the knives they use are serious business. From trimming briskets at 4 a.m. to slicing pork ribs just before the lunch rush, pitmasters rely on a small arsenal of knives that are durable, sharp, and built to perform under pressure.
We polled dozens of BBQ pros (see that story HERE), and these were the Top 10 Most-Used Knives in the smokehouse world.
Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Every product is chosen based on pitmaster feedback—not sponsorships.
1. Dexter 12” Scalloped Slicer
🔪 The brisket king.
This is the go-to knife for slicing brisket like butter. The scalloped edge glides through meat with minimal resistance and leaves those Instagram-worthy cuts every time.
✅ Great for: Brisket, smoked turkey, pork belly
2. Dexter 6” Boning Knife
🐖 Perfect for trimming fat and breaking down cuts.
Flexible and sharp, this knife is essential for prepping meats before they hit the smoker.
✅ Great for: Trimming briskets, ribs, and pork shoulders
Purchase it HERE
3. Victorinox 12” Slicing Knife
🎯 Precision and power.
Favored by many for brisket and larger cuts, the Victorinox slicer is razor-sharp and ergonomically built for long prep sessions.
✅ Great for: Brisket, ham, turkey
Purchase it HERE
4. Wüsthof 8” Chef’s Knife
🔥 The all-purpose classic.
You’ll find this in both BBQ joints and high-end kitchens. Balanced, durable, and versatile enough to handle everything from vegetables to tri-tip.
✅ Great for: Chopping, dicing, general prep
Purchase it HERE
5. Victorinox 6” Curved Boning Knife
🐄 Another pitmaster favorite for trimming and prep.
The curved blade makes it easier to get under silver skin and around bones.
✅ Great for: Detailed trimming, boning cuts
Purchase it HERE
6. Mercer 14” Non-Serrated Slicer
🚀 For long, clean cuts without tearing.
This knife is a beast when it comes to big briskets and whole hogs. The non-serrated blade gives you precise, even slices.
✅ Great for: Brisket, roasts, full slabs
Purchase it HERE
7. Dexter Russell 10” Cimeter
⚔️ Butcher’s blade of choice.
Curved for power and control, this knife is great for breaking down primal cuts and trimming with confidence.
✅ Great for: Butchering, trimming large cuts
Purchase it HERE
8. Dexter 8” Cleaver
🪓 Built for bone and cartilage.
When you need force, not finesse, the cleaver comes out. This one can tackle ribs, poultry, and even frozen meats.
✅ Great for: Bones, frozen meats, heavy chopping
Purchase it HERE
9. Victorinox 14” Slicer
✂️ Maximum reach, maximum smoothness.
A longer blade means fewer strokes and cleaner cuts. This one is great for large-format meats served in thick, consistent slices.
✅ Great for: Brisket, ham, large roasts
Purchase it HERE
10. Shun Premier 6″ Boning/Fillet Knife
✂️Designed for precision, the Shun Premier 6″ Boning/Fillet Knife makes quick work of trimming, filleting, and deboning. The narrow, razor-sharp blade effortlessly glides along bones and joints, while its fine tip allows for delicate maneuvering around cartilage and skin. Handcrafted in Japan, the knife features Shun’s signature VG-MAX steel core for long-lasting sharpness, wrapped in 68 layers of Damascus cladding for strength and beauty. The walnut-finished pakkawood handle offers a comfortable, secure grip, making it as elegant as it is functional. Ideal for anyone who wants professional-level control in the kitchen, this knife combines traditional craftsmanship with modern performance.
✅ Great for: Trimming and boning ANYTHING
Purchase it HERE
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re running a smokehouse or just trying to master brisket in your backyard, having the right knife makes all the difference. These 10 knives aren’t just popular—they’re trusted by the people who use them day in and day out. If you’re serious about BBQ, one of these belongs in your toolkit.
🧑🍳 What’s your go-to BBQ knife? Let us know in the comments below or tag @KevinsBBQFinder on Instagram.
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