Butchering - Knife Recommendation Needed

[DenverBird]

I've done some research on BYC and found everything from folks using cheap carbon steel knives to those recommending really high end knives for butchering. In my drawer are several "good" knives that I'm planning for butchering and was wondering whether it would be worthwhile to buy some better knives.

Right now I've got the following knives:

8" - J.A. Henckels (black handle)
6" - Dexter Russel (white handle knife from Restaurant Supply store)
4" paring knife - Victorinox (white handle)

I'll have the sharpener handy before and during processing.

My Question - Will I find much better than what I've got for less than about $40 - $50 to upgrade the three?

If anyone knows of deals out there and has suggestions, I've got plenty of time to order online just not a lot of $$ so I don't want to spend unnecessarily.

Thanks!

-DB

 

[darkmatter]

I use a paring knife made of carbon steel. It takes an edge and holds it. It's thin, narrow, and stiff---which is what I like for the brain pith method and the rest of the butchering.
Try different knifes and use what works for you. I’m sure there is someone out there using a flint knife and prefers that.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

I figure everyone has their favorite. My all-around "butchering knife" is one I made from an old cross-cut saw. I use it on chickens, quail, cows & pigs. It has a high-carbon content & sharpens like a razor.

 

[darkmatter]

Quote:
Me too, I made my hunting knife out of a old saw blade:
Here, it is in this picture from last fall.

 

[booker81]

I'm sure everyone knows what I like by now, but hey, why not.

I like using a scalpel - for the whole thing, beginning to end. I order from Havels (medical supply), and a handle is $8.50, a box of 100 blades is about $18. I usually can do 2-3 chickens before changing a blade out.

I have other knives that I use for larger things (deer), but I just buy cheap knives and sharpen regularly. I did purchase a set of Cutco knives, but while they hold an edge about twice as long as other knives, they still dull down.

I'm hard on knives though.

 

[DenverBird]

Thanks folks!

More info appreciated,

-DB

 

[KenK]

If you like the Dexter Russell knife you already own, they do have a complete line of knives for the commercial processing industry. http://www.russell-harrington.com/Processing_Prod_Display.asp?Proc=P&index=pro_id

I like my Dexter Russell knives but I think some folks don't. They are fairly soft compared to some which I prefer. They dull quickly but I can freshen the edge in seconds.

 

[kingsfarm]

I processed 3 Roosters - FIRST TIME DOING THIS - used a 3 piece paring knife set (J A Henckle) the longest of the three...it did all the work even cut off the head, cut joints etc....had chickens shears ($20) did not even use them no need ---- paid $10 for little set and love them, will be wonderful in kitchen.
I researched and looked at videos etc till my eyes hurt....this am before I started, took one more look on backyard chicken forum and there is something I never noticed......a LOCK which opened a bunch of "HOW TO'S" wonderful!!! on the last line it was exactly what I needed and the SIMPLEST AND EASIEST AND CLEANEST process that I have found,....thanks to this forum I processed the first in 1/2 hour the next in 20 min the last in 15 minutes...am ssssssssssssss0000000000000000 excited and wish all who hesitate to skin chickens just do it.....G The names of the people processing in this great video are the Custer family farm . com they have a site you can go to about themselves I haven't looked yet but am grateful to them....soooo simple... Good Luck...

 

[Mac in Wisco]

About any knife will do as long as it's sharp. There's not a whole lot of knife work when processing a bird. Parting them out is whole 'nother story. For parting out I like to use a large, curved-blade skinning knife.

We have a couple of these that I like to use. This is a boning knife make by Victorinox. The bottom photo is their skinning knife. I also have a number of older carbon steel knives that I've picked up at rummage and estate sales.

 

[yinepu]

I use kitchen shears more than knives for processing.. granted mine are some nice shears.
They will cut through bone .. so I even use them for removing the head and feet once the bird is dead

always have a nice sharp paring knife on hand just in case.. but I have found the shears work well for just about anything I need to cut