A carving knife will come in handy during the holidays when you need to maneuver around a giant bird without making a mess. But it can serve you elsewhere too—thwack up massive fruits and veggies à la Fruit Ninja, saw through layer cakes, and slice up crusty boules of bread. A classic chef’s knife can do a lot, but it can’t do everything. Likewise, a carving knife can’t do everything, but it can do more than meats the eye.
Here are the seven best carving knives you can buy online, according to chefs and butchers who use them on and off the job. If you’re on the hunt for a practical pick or budget-friendly buy, we’ve got you covered. And if fancier options that scream “restaurant-quality” are more your style, we’ve got those, too.