The Best Grilling Knives For Summer

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy delicious meals outdoors. Whether you're grilling steaks, burgers, seafood, or veggies, having the right knife can make all the difference in preparing and serving your grilled masterpieces. At Cooking Guild, we understand the importance of quality tools in enhancing your culinary experience.

For those who take pride in their BBQ or smoked meats, understanding the importance of using the right knives can greatly enhance the ease and enjoyment of your cooking experience. Therefore, every pitmaster and BBQ enthusiast should have these essential five knives.

Cleavers

Embrace summer grilling with our selection of cleavers, crafted from high-carbon steel for exceptional durability and precision. With its robust build and razor-sharp blade, this cleaver effortlessly handles large cuts of meat, perfect for juicy steaks and tender ribs on the grill.

Rustic Hand Forged Serbian Cleaver

The Rustic Hand Forged Serbian Cleaver is perfect for summer grilling due to its robust design and sharp cutting edge. Whether you're slicing through ribs, chopping large cuts of meat, or preparing marinades, this cleaver delivers the power and precision needed for outdoor cooking. Its durability and performance make it a reliable companion for any grillmaster looking to enhance their culinary creations during summer gatherings.

Pros:

• Handcrafted from high-carbon Damascus steel, the cleaver offers exceptional hardness and edge retention, ensuring longevity.
• The sharp blade and robust design make it easy to cut through tough meats and bones, ideal for preparing large cuts for grilling.
• The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, enhancing control and reducing fatigue during extended use.
• Suitable for a variety of outdoor cooking tasks, from slicing meats to crushing garlic cloves for marinades.
• Each cleaver is meticulously hand-forged, combining traditional techniques with modern functionality for superior performance.

Cons:

• Due to its sturdy construction, the cleaver may feel heavy for some users, especially if not accustomed to using heavier knives.

Grizzly Serbian Cleaver 

The Grizzly Serbian Cleaver, designed in collaboration with pitmaster Kevin Bludso, might seem like an unconventional grilling tool. However, its hefty weight (nearly 400g) and wide, sharp blade (8 inches) offer surprising advantages.

This cleaver can chop through tough meats and thick vegetables with ease, while the flat profile allows for tenderizing.Additionally, the broad blade effortlessly crushes garlic and ginger for flavorful marinades. While a cleaver may not be ideal for delicate slicing tasks, its power and versatility make it a compelling choice for the grill master seeking to elevate their grilling experience.

Pros: 

• Powerhouse Chopper: Effortlessly tackles tough meats and thick vegetables.
• Multitasking Master: Crushes garlic and ginger, and its flat profile can be used for tenderizing.
• Durable Construction: Forged Japanese San Mai steel and full tang construction ensure long-lasting performance.

Cons:

• Bulkier Than Traditional Grilling Knives: May feel unwieldy for delicate tasks like slicing.
• Requires Sharpening Expertise: Maintaining the wide blade's edge might require more sharpening experience compared to a chef's knife.
• Not for Everyone: The weight and size might not be suitable for all users.

Chef’s Knives

The chef’s knife is typically the first tool you reach for from your knife roll. Its stainless steel blade makes it indispensable not only during BBQ sessions but also throughout your culinary preparations. Many enthusiasts even opt for chef knife sets to ensure they have the right tool for every task, from prepping to grilling and beyond.

Our Dynasty Series 8" Chef's Knife is perfectly suited for summer grilling for several reasons. Its exceptional sharpness and balanced design allow for precise cuts, whether you're preparing thick cuts of steak or finely slicing vegetables for kebabs. 

The San Mai AUS-10 stainless steel blade ensures durability and edge retention, ideal for handling the rigors of outdoor cooking. This knife is a versatile companion that enhances efficiency and enjoyment at the grill, making it a must-have for any grill master's toolkit.

Pros:

• Versatility: Handles a wide range of grilling tasks from chopping vegetables to slicing meats.
• Balance and Control: The well-balanced design offers precise control while chopping.
• Sharpness and Durability: San Mai AUS-10 steel ensures a long-lasting, sharp edge.
• Comfortable Grip: Full-tang handle provides a secure hold for confident maneuvering.

Cons:

• Not Ideal for Heavy Chopping: May struggle with especially tough cuts of meat or thick vegetables compared to a cleaver.

8" Grizzly Chef Knife

The 8" Grizzly Chef Knife excels in summer grilling with its robust construction and razor-sharp blade. Crafted using the Japanese San Mai technique, it offers unmatched sharpness and durability, ideal for effortlessly slicing through meats and vegetables on the grill. 

Whether you're preparing steaks, chopping vegetables, or crafting marinades, this knife ensures precision and reliability, enhancing every aspect of your outdoor cooking experience.

Pros:

• The Japanese San Mai forging method delivers a razor-sharp edge that effortlessly cuts through meats and vegetables.
• Full tang construction ensures longevity and robustness, making it a reliable companion for years of grilling.
• Ergonomic design and balanced weight provide comfortable handling and precise control during intricate grilling tasks.
• Suitable for a wide range of grilling needs, from slicing steaks to finely chopping herbs and vegetables.
• Meticulously crafted with attention to detail, reflecting the expertise of renowned BBQ chef Kevin Bludso.

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to basic kitchen knives due to premium materials and craftsmanship.

Fillet Knives

Enhance your grilling prowess with a fillet knife, essential for precision cutting and preparing delicate meats and fish. Its flexible, razor-sharp blade effortlessly glides through fillets, ensuring clean cuts and minimal waste. Ideal for trimming and deboning, this knife is a must-have for achieving restaurant-quality results on the grill.

Forged using the traditional Japanese San Mai method, the 7" Grizzly Fillet knife delivers exceptional sharpness and accuracy. Its full tang construction ensures longevity, promising a tool that will withstand the rigors of endless grilling seasons. Perfect for filleting fish and preparing delicate cuts of meat, this knife is an essential companion for any summer grilling session.

Elevate your BBQ game with the Grizzly Series, where heritage meets innovation to redefine the art of grilling.

Pros:

• Crafted using the Japanese San Mai method, this knife offers unparalleled sharpness for precise filleting and slicing.
• ts full tang design ensures robustness and longevity, capable of enduring frequent use and maintaining optimal performance.
• Ideal for filleting fish and preparing delicate cuts of meat, making it a versatile tool for various grilling recipes.
• Designed with input from renowned BBQ chef Kevin Bludso, known for his expertise and passion for grilling.

Cons:

• Due to its sharpness, users should handle with care to avoid accidents or damage to the blade.

Bushcraft Fillet Knife

The Bushcraft Fillet Knife is a must-have for outdoor cooking enthusiasts looking to elevate their grilling experience. Crafted with a long, razor-sharp blade that strikes the perfect balance between strength and flexibility, this high-quality knife excels in handling wild seafood and precise cuts for grilling. Its ergonomic wooden handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, ensuring optimal control during use.

Whether you're filleting freshly caught fish or preparing delicate cuts for the grill, this knife promises durability, precision, and unmatched performance. Upgrade your outdoor cooking arsenal today and discover the difference with the Bushcraft Fillet Knife.

Pros:

• The Bushcraft Fillet Knife boasts a long, razor-sharp blade that effortlessly cuts through fish and meats, ensuring clean and precise fillets for grilling.
• Designed with a balance of strength and flexibility, it adapts to various cutting tasks, making it ideal for outdoor grilling and wild seafood adventures.
• Its ergonomic wooden handle provides a comfortable and firm grip, reducing fatigue during prolonged use and ensuring precise control over cuts.
• Crafted from high-quality materials, including a robust blade and reinforced leather sheath, the knife offers durability and longevity in outdoor conditions.
• Suitable for filleting, deboning, and preparing cuts for grilling, the Bushcraft Fillet Knife is a versatile tool for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.

Cons:

• Like all high-quality knives, the Bushcraft Fillet Knife requires regular sharpening and maintenance to maintain its sharpness and performance.

Slicers

Crafted from premium stainless steel, these knives offer exceptional sharpness and durability, making them ideal for slicing through grilled meats, vegetables, and more with precision and ease. Whether you're carving tender cuts of steak or delicately portioning grilled vegetables for your favorite recipes, our slicers ensure clean, effortless cuts every time.

Onyx II Damascus Steel 12" Slicer

The Onyx II 12" Slicer is ideal for summer grilling enthusiasts seeking precision and elegance. Its superior craftsmanship and ergonomic design ensure effortless slicing of meats and vegetables, making it a must-have tool for enhancing your grilling experience.

Pros:

• The Onyx II 12" Slicer excels in precision slicing, thanks to its Japanese Damascus steel blade and impressive hardness (62-63HRC), ensuring clean cuts through meats and vegetables.
• Featuring a modern Black G10 handle and Ebony wood accents, the knife offers a comfortable grip that enhances control and reduces fatigue during extended use.
• The included full art Damascus sheath not only protects the blade but also adds a touch of elegance, making it a standout piece in your kitchen or on display.
• Presented in exquisite full art packaging, the Onyx II 12" Slicer is perfect for gifting and elevates the unboxing experience.

Cons:

• Due to its 12" blade and sturdy construction, some users may find it larger and heavier than traditional slicing knives, which may require adjustment for those accustomed to smaller knives. 

Elevate Your Summer Grilling with Premium Grilling Knives 

Investing in high-quality grilling knives not only elevates your cooking but also ensures safety and efficiency at the grill. Whether you’re a seasoned grillmaster or just starting out, having the right tools can make grilling more enjoyable and rewarding.

Explore our range of grilling knives at Cooking Guild and take your summer grilling to the next level.