Limited Edition Collector Blades
How to Carve a Ham (Bone-In, Spiral & Boneless)
How do you carve a ham? Set the ham on its flat side, cut a few slices off the thinner side to make a stable base, then cut a wedge near the shank and slice down to the bone in even slices. Finally, run the knife along the bone to release the slices. A long carving knife and fork make it easy. The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 9" Carving Knife & Fork Set ($119) pairs a German X50CrMoV15 blade (54–56 HRC) with a fork to hold the ham steady. For a very large ham, the Shogun Series 14" Extra-Long Slicer ($219) reaches across in one stroke.
Bone-in vs spiral vs boneless
| Ham | How to carve |
|---|---|
| Bone-in, whole or half | Wedge near the shank, slice to the bone, release along the bone |
| Spiral-cut | Already sliced; cut along the bone to release the slices |
| Boneless | Slice straight across, like a roast |
Step by step: bone-in ham
- Rest it 15–20 minutes after baking.
- Make a base. Lay it on its side and cut 2–3 slices from the thinner side so it sits flat. Turn it onto that cut side.
- Cut a wedge near the shank end to open it up.
- Slice down to the bone in even slices, about ¼ inch, working away from the shank.
- Release the slices by cutting horizontally along the bone.
- Carve the rest of the meat off the bone.
Tips
- Use a long, straight edge, not a serrated one, for clean slices.
- Steady the ham with a carving fork ($79), not your hand.
- Save the bone for soup or beans.
Our picks
Carving Knife & Fork Set 9", Gladiator Series, NSF Certified ($119). Spec sheet: German X50CrMoV15, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge, NSF certified.
Carving Knife & Fork Set 9", Shogun Series, ELITE ($199). Spec sheet: Japanese AUS-10V core, 62+ HRC, 8–12° edge, 66-layer Damascus or hammered finish.
Extra-Long Slicing & Carving Knife 14", Shogun Series, ELITE ($219). Spec sheet: Japanese AUS-10V core, 62+ HRC, 8–12° edge, 66-layer Damascus or hammered finish. A 14" blade for large hams and roasts.
Recipe: how to cook a glazed ham. Holiday prep: best knives for Thanksgiving.
Hone before you start with a ceramic honing rod ($79). More: knife safety tips.
FAQ
How do you carve a ham?
Make a flat base, cut a wedge near the shank, slice down to the bone, then cut along the bone to release the slices. The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 9" Carving Knife & Fork Set ($119) makes it easy.
How do you carve a spiral ham?
It's already sliced; just cut along the bone to release the slices.
What knife is best for carving ham?
A long, straight carving or slicing knife, 9 to 14 inches, with a carving fork.
How thick should ham slices be?
About ¼ inch for serving.
