SLICING KNIFE. Mercer, Dexter, Messermeister or Victorinox?


 

Mike-GA

TVWBB Super Fan
What do you think of these?

I’m kicking around the idea of upping my game for Slicing Briskets, Turkey, Ham, etc. I like the idea of NSF certification not because they are lookers but because easy to clean, utilitarian, good quality, and easy on pocket.


Mercer: 11” Millennia M23011

Mercer 11in Millennia M23011 .jpg



Dexter Russell: 12” Granton

Dexter Russell 12in Granton.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F1DKY25/?tag=tvwb-20


Messermeister: 12” Pro Series

Messermeister 12in Pro Series.webp



Victorinox: 12” Fibrox Pro 5.4723.30

Victorinox 12in Granton Fibrox Pro.jpg

 
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Once again, I own the bottom knife! Bought it six years ago, as well. Love it!

Again - these are all 15 degree knives.

I would not get the 11" knife. I once bought a 10" one and gave it away because it was just too short. I would prefer a 14" to be honest, but the longer they are, the harder they are to store.

My Victorinox above is scary sharp, and I keep it razor sharp. It's actually dangerous. You have to be careful with it. I carefully hone it after each use. I have never actually sharpened it because if you are careful, all it needs is to be honed.

Again, I would not use it around bone. I would not slice a turkey with it. It's wonderful for briskets though. Christmas boneless ribeye roast? Absolutely. I actually plan on doing a brisket this weekend! And I will slice on a wood cutting board. I would not use a plastic board.

There is also the argument about whether you want a smooth blade or a serrated blade. There's even a thing called a scalloped blade. The serrated is what you might prefer - to get through the tough thick bark of a nice smoked brisket, but I think the smooth edge is better for actual slicing. I will sometimes use my bread knife to get through the initial cut through the bark, then finish with the smooth edged knife.
 
Once again, I own the bottom knife! Bought it six years ago, as well. Love it!

Again - these are all 15 degree knives.

I would not get the 11" knife. I once bought a 10" one and gave it away because it was just too short. I would prefer a 14" to be honest, but the longer they are, the harder they are to store.

My Victorinox above is scary sharp, and I keep it razor sharp. It's actually dangerous. You have to be careful with it. I carefully hone it after each use. I have never actually sharpened it because if you are careful, all it needs is to be honed.

Again, I would not use it around bone. I would not slice a turkey with it. It's wonderful for briskets though. Christmas boneless ribeye roast? Absolutely. I actually plan on doing a brisket this weekend! And I will slice on a wood cutting board. I would not use a plastic board.

There is also the argument about whether you want a smooth blade or a serrated blade. There's even a thing called a scalloped blade. The serrated is what you might prefer - to get through the tough thick bark of a nice smoked brisket, but I think the smooth edge is better for actual slicing. I will sometimes use my bread knife to get through the initial cut through the bark, then finish with the smooth edged knife.
On my last cook, I used a bread knife with large serrations (maybe scalloped?) which tore up my beautiful Brisket. It slightly deflated the AWE of the unveil in front of family/friends. Great bread knife but time for a dedicated slicer knife.

I was thinking of getting something around $30-40 since this is a hobby. They range from $22 for Mercer to $65 for the Victorinox which would be on the reach end. They are all designed for the food industry, look similar, and all seem to be pro quality but with different steel. I was leaning towards a 12" because I thought it might be a big enough to do briskets while still being easy enough to store. I may consider a 14" if it's that much better.
 
I have the Dexter Russell 12" Granton. Bought it for brisket but works great for slicing bacon cold.
I've had it for about 5 years.
I especially like the fact the Dexters are made in the USA. Great longevity like @Mark_E experience with his V'nox. Makes the decision difficult.
 
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Aaron Franklin uses the Dexter scalloped in his videos - note Chris’ Amazon link is broken and I notified him

Edit: He sells a Dexter with his logo but offers a Messermeister blade guard

I got the Dexter from Amazon and the seller accidentally sent me two… ymmv
 
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If you’re slicing at the table and want something more presentable… I noticed this on sale for $99 with Japanese VG-10 steel

 
Aaron Franklin uses the Dexter scalloped in his videos - note Chris’ Amazon link is broken and I notified him

But sells Messermeister in his online store

I got the Dexter from Amazon and the seller accidentally sent me two… ymmv
Lucky you got 2! Looks like the Dexter has good backing too.
 
If you’re slicing at the table and want something more presentable… I noticed this on sale for $99 with Japanese VG-10 steel

That looks really nice. Great deal with sale price stacked with Labor Day coupon too.
 
Aaron Franklin uses the Dexter scalloped in his videos - note Chris’ Amazon link is broken and I notified him

But sells Messermeister in his online store

I got the Dexter from Amazon and the seller accidentally sent me two… ymmv
I own this one as well....had it for years and it works great
 
I have a Mercer slicer, albeit a slightly longer model:


Apparently a bit of a bargain at $34 each right now (watch out for S&H.)

I am quite happy with mine.
 

 

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