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Knives You Need for Christmas Dinner
What knives do you need for Christmas dinner? Three cover almost everything: a carving knife and fork for the roast, turkey or ham, a chef's knife for vegetables and sides, and a paring knife for small prep and garnishes. Our top pick is the Dalstrong Gladiator Series 9" Carving Knife and Fork Set ($119), German X50CrMoV15, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge. The carving fork holds the roast steady while the long blade cuts clean, even slices at the table.
The Christmas dinner knife lineup
| Knife | Christmas jobs | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Carving knife and fork | Prime rib, turkey, ham, roast beef | Gladiator Carving Set ($119) |
| Long slicer | Big hams and whole roasts | Gladiator 10" Slicer ($89) |
| Chef's knife | Potatoes, onions, Brussels sprouts, herbs | Shogun 8" Chef's Knife ($129) |
| Paring knives | Peeling, garnishes, citrus, scoring ham | Gladiator 3-Piece Paring Set ($89) |
A Christmas prep timeline
Two days before
Sharpen or hone every knife you'll use. A ceramic honing rod ($79) brings back a crisp edge in a minute. Make cranberry sauce and chop onions, celery and carrots for stuffing.
Christmas Eve
Trim and halve Brussels sprouts, peel and cut potatoes (hold them in cold water), and score the ham in a diamond pattern with a paring knife. Prep herbs and wrap them in damp paper towels.
Christmas Day
Get the roast in the oven. While it rests, slice garnishes and finish sides. Then carve at the table with the carving set.
Carving the main event
- Prime rib: remove the bones in one piece, then slice across the grain. See how to carve prime rib.
- Ham: slice down to the bone and release along it. See best knife for slicing ham.
- Turkey: remove legs and breasts, then slice the breast crosswise. See how to carve a turkey.
- Goose or duck: see how to carve a goose.
Always rest the roast
Let large roasts rest 20 to 30 minutes, tented loosely with foil, before carving. Juices settle back into the meat instead of running onto the board, and the roast firms up so slices hold together.
Holiday knife safety
Busy kitchens mean more accidents. Keep knives in a block or on a magnetic strip, not loose in a crowded sink. Wash and dry them right after use, and put a damp towel under the cutting board so it can't slide. Carve on a board with a juice groove to catch drippings. More tips: knife safety tips.
Gifting a knife this year?
A carving set is a classic Christmas gift for whoever hosts. See Christmas gifts for home cooks.
Keep your edge sharp
Clean cuts depend on a sharp edge. Cut on a wood or composite board, hand-wash and dry your knife right after use, and give it a few light strokes on a ceramic honing rod before each session. A sharp knife needs less force, which makes it safer and more precise.
Our top picks
Carving Knife & Fork Set 9", Gladiator Series, NSF Certified ($119). German X50CrMoV15, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge. Carve the roast, ham or turkey.
Chef's Knife 8", Shogun Series, Elite ($129). Japanese AUS-10V core, 62+ HRC, 8–12° edge. Prep every side dish.
FAQ
What is the most important knife for Christmas dinner?
A carving knife and fork. The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 9" Carving Knife and Fork Set ($119) steadies and slices the roast, ham or turkey cleanly at the table.
Can you carve a roast with a chef's knife?
Yes, but a longer carving knife gives cleaner slices.
How long should a Christmas roast rest?
About 20 to 30 minutes, tented with foil.
When should I sharpen my knives for Christmas?
A few days before, then hone on the day.
What knife scores a ham?
A paring knife.
