How To Use A Ham Slicer With Ease

A photo of the Slicing & Carving Knife 10" Gladiator Series | NSF Certified | Dalstrong with slices of meat on top of a wooden board.Slicing & Carving Knife 10" Gladiator Series NSF Certified Dalstrong

Quick Overview: How To Use A Ham Slicer With Ease

  1. Prepare your ham and ensure it is fully cooked.
  2. Slice your ham evenly against the grain using a sharp ham slicer.
  3. Start slicing from the wider end of the ham to maintain uniform slices. 

Are you a meat enthusiast? If you are, I’ve got the perfect Dalstrong ham slicers for you to choose from that will be sure to elevate your culinary experience. Let’s dive right into it.  

1. What Is A Ham Slicer?

A photo of the Slicing & Carving Knife 12" Gladiator Series | NSF Certified | Dalstrong with a ham sliced in two piecesSlicing & Carving Knife 12" Gladiator Series NSF Certified Dalstrong

A ham slicer knife is an essential tool for slicing ham and other meats with precision. These knives are made with stainless steel blades and often have serrated edges to cut through raw meats effortlessly. Some home cooks often use steak knives or meat slicers as their go-to ham-slicing tool.

Ham slicers or meat slicers are gaining popularity by the day and are becoming the go-to kitchen tool for slicing not only ham but also other meats.

There are plenty of ham slicers to choose from, but in this blog, I’ll be walking you through everything you need to know about Dalstrong’s knife sets and ham slicers/meat slicers. Made with modern design, exceptional dexterity, and a top-of-the-line stainless steel blade, your new favorite knife can cut through bones without any arm work.

Let's get to know more about ham slicers, how to use one, and discover the different factors to consider when buying the perfect ham slicer for yourself. 

2. Qualities Af A Good Ham Slicer

A photo of the Slicing & Carving Knife 12" Shadow Black Series | NSF Certified | Dalstrong  with three slices of ham on top of a wooden tableSlicing & Carving Knife 12" Shadow Black Series 

A high-quality ham slicer will have several essential qualities. Some of them are:

Stainless Steel Blade

A ham slicer with a stainless steel blade ensures durability and precise slicing without compromising the meat's integrity.

Ease of Sharpening

The ham slicer should be easy to sharpen to maintain its cutting performance over time.

Efficient Cutting

A ham slicer should efficiently slice through ham and other meats without tearing or damaging the food.

Easy to Clean

The ham-slicing knives must be easy to clean and allows hassle-free maintenance.

Durability

A high-quality ham slicer is made from durable materials, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Versatility

Some ham slicers may have the capability to cut through frozen meats and bones, offering versatility for different cutting tasks. Dalstrong knives are known to be ruthless against cutting through bones! 

3. How To Slice And Carve A Ham

  1. Prepare Your Ham: Before slicing, ensure your ham is fully cooked and has rested for a few minutes to retain its juices.
  2. Use a Sharp Ham Slicer Knife: If using a ham slicer knife, make sure it has a sharp stainless steel blade with serrated edges to achieve clean and smooth cuts. Dalstrong meat slicers can be used for precision slicing as they’re known for their durable, robust, and sharp nature. 
  3. Slice Against the Grain: For tender and flavorful meat slices, cut against the grain of the ham. This is the perfect technique for achieving uniform meat slices of mouthwatering meat! Steak knives are simply perfect for this. So, if you’ve got Dalstrong’s knife sets, you can slice without thinking twice. 
  4. Adjust Thickness: If your ham slicer knife or electric meat slicer allows for thickness adjustment, set it to your desired thickness. 
  5. Carve in Even Meat Slices: Start slicing from the wider end of the ham to maintain uniform slices. Aim for even cuts to present an appealing and professional appearance when serving. A serrated blade would be the cherry on top for achieving the most even slices! 
  6. Safety First: When using a ham slicer knife or electric meat slicer, prioritize safety by following the manufacturer's instructions and using any provided safety features.
  7. Efficient Cutting: With a sharp ham slicer knife or a reliable electric meat slicer, you can efficiently slice through the ham without causing unnecessary damage to the meat. A ham slicer or a meat slicer knife set can get the job done with ease. 
  8. Clean and Maintain Your Slicer: After slicing, clean your ham slicer knife or electric meat slicer thoroughly, following the recommended cleaning instructions to ensure its longevity.
Read about how to select and store a ham, here.

    4. Dalstrong Ham Slicers For You

    1. Firestorm Alpha Series Dalstrong

    Slicer Knife 12" Firestorm Alpha Series | Dalstrong

    Unleash the power of the Firestorm Alpha Slicer, the ultimate slicing tool for brisket, beef, and other large cuts of meat. This 12" beast of a blade is stunningly beautiful and dangerously sharp, making it ideal for carving up roast ham, or a turkey, or making clean cuts through a watermelon with precision. Crafted with 10CR15MOV high-carbon steel in 67 layers, this blade boasts beauty and strength, hand-sharpened to 8-12° degrees for ultra-precise slicing. If you’re a Dalstrong Pro, you know that this Firestorm Alpha Series didn’t come to play. 

    PROS:

    • Precision-forged 12" blade of 10CR15MOV high-carbon steel in 67 layers for beauty and strength.
    • Double bevel and hand-sharpened to 8-12° for ultra-thin slicing with confidence.
    • Stabilized wood and resin handle with a Red G10 ring for balance.
    • Elegant Japanese "Wa" shaped handle for ergonomic fit and iconic look.

    CONS:

    • The premium features of the Firestorm Alpha Slicer might lead to a higher price point compared to standard slicers.

    2. Gladiator Series NSF Certified Dalstrong

    Extra-Long Serrated Slicer 14" Gladiator Series | NSF Certified | Dalstrong

    Unlock the potential of precision slicing with the Gladiator Series 14” Extra-Long Serrated Slicer, a versatile knife designed for pitmasters, bakers, deli workers, sandwich shop owners, and chefs alike. This meat slicer is made with a razor-sharp blade that is crafted from high-carbon German ThyssenKrupp Steel and hand-sharpened to a satin finish at 16-18°, the blade ensures clean, picture-perfect meat slices with minimal tearing or shredding. If you’re a pitmaster or a meat enthusiast, you can’t ever go wrong with this bad boy. 

    PROS:

    • Precision-forged high-carbon German ThyssenKrupp Steel blade ensures exceptional sharpness and resilience.
    • Micro-serrated teeth for effortless slicing of briskets, roasts, large fruits, and crusty sandwiches.
    • Ergonomic imported black G10 Garolite handle offers maximum control and durability.
    • Tapered design with a polished satin finish blade ensures hardness, flexibility, and stain resistance.
    • Big on deli meats and sliders? This is the knife for you. 

    CONS:

    • The serrated edge might be a learning curve for novice users.

    3. Shadow Black Series NSF Certified Dalstrong

    Slicing & Carving Knife 14" Shadow Black Series | NSF Certified | Dalstrong

    The 14” Shadow Black Slicing & Carving knife is the ultimate weapon that is designed for the toughest of meats and for every meat enthusiast in the world who wants a kitchen tool to represent them at the grill. Crafted from high carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel with a non-reflective titanium-nitride coating, this knife boasts a razor-sharp cutting edge, impressive wear resistance, and enhanced non-stick properties. The unique design of this 14” knife offers you the best of both worlds with its dexterity and maneuverability. 

    PROS:

    • Precision forged high carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel blade ensures excellent sharpness and durability.
    • The sleek, non-reflective coating makes this knife extremely resistant to corrosion and rust, all while offering the best non-stick properties to home cooks. 
    • Unique handle design with G10 resin material on this kitchen tool offers a comfortable and rock-solid grip.
    • Tapered blade geometry provides minimal drag and precise cuts for culinary perfection.

    CONS:

    • The sleek black blade might be a little too bold for cooks who prefer a more traditional style.

    4. Helios Chef Slicer 17" Firestorm Alpha Series Dalstrong

    Helios Chef Slicer 17" Included Display Stand | Firestorm Alpha Series | Dalstrong

    Embrace the fierceness and sophistication of the Firestorm Alpha Helios Chef Slicer, drawing inspiration from the renowned maguro kiri bōchō and bringing the rich history of specialized Japanese cutlery traditions to your kitchen. This powerful tool boasts a stunning 17" single-bevel blade crafted from solid AUS-10V Japanese steel at 61 Rockwell Hardness, guaranteeing unrivaled performance and incredible edge retention. 

    With added cobalt for increased hardness and stain resistance, this slicer effortlessly conquers large roasts, whole hogs, and even tuna and swordfish. Experience effortless, ultra-thin slicing with a hand-sharpened 20° angle blade, complemented by the traditional Japanese octagon handle that provides superior hand control and tactile feedback for precise strikes and slices. 

    PROS:

    • Solid AUS-10V Japanese steel blade with 61 Rockwell Hardness ensures exceptional performance and edge retention.
    • Extra-long 17" blade length allows for combatting various culinary challenges effortlessly like slicing through deli meat.
    • Hand-sharpened 20° angle blade guarantees ultra-thin slicing with minimal resistance.
    • Traditional Japanese octagonal handle shape provides superior hand control and comfort.

    CONS:

    • The 17" blade length on this kitchen tool may be too large for some users' preferences or storage space.

    5. Offset Slicing Carving Knife 12"

    Offset Slicing Carving Knife 12" Shogun Series ELITE | Dalstrong 

    Elevate your culinary prowess with the Shogun Series 12" Offset Slicing & Carving Knife—a masterpiece that combines razor-sharp kitchen power with stunning elegance. Crafted over 60 days using premium Japanese high-carbon AUS-10V steel, this precision-forged knife boasts enhanced strength, flexibility, and hardness. With an acute 8-12 degree angle per side, the scalpel-like sharpness allows you to effortlessly slice through culinary challenges. 

    PROS:

    • Precision-forged from Japanese high-carbon AUS-10V steel for enhanced strength and sharpness.
    • Scalpel-like sharpness at an acute 8-12 degree angle per side allows for effortless slicing of deli meat.
    • Innovative L-shaped profile prevents knuckle scraping and provides comfortable control.
    • Military-grade G10 Garolite handle offers exceptional durability and non-slip grip.

    CONS:

    • The offset design of the blade can overwhelm cooks who are used to traditional slicing knives. In that case, the knives discussed above might be better options for you.

    5. Frequently Asked Questions

      What kind of knife is best for slicing ham?

      The best knife for slicing ham is a ham slicer knife, also known as a carving knife or slicer knife. A ham slicer knife typically features a long, narrow, and sharp blade with a pointed tip. It is designed to make clean, thin, and even slices of ham without tearing or shredding the meat. Ham slicer knives are ideal for deli foods, cutting meats that are stubborn or tough, and that cut through bones with ease. 

      What is a ham slicer knife used for?

      A ham slicer knife is specifically utilized for slicing ham and other big cuts of meat. These kitchen tools are designed for slicing through deli meats, and stubborn cuts of fat and joints, and are simply perfect for flipping patties or cutlets on the grill. Meat slicers are a must-have tool for meat enthusiasts or folks who prepare large batches of roasts and grills! 

      What knife is best for slicing meat?

      For slicing meat, a chef's knife or a slicing knife is generally considered the best choice. These knives are a classic and can never go wrong. They’re often loved for their variety of sizes and styles making them ideal for slicing most meats. Slicing knives, on the other hand, are specifically designed for slicing meats with precision and ease.

      SHOP DALSTRONG SLICING KNIVES

      Written by Ananya Tiwari
      Ananya loves the fine things in life. When she isn’t penning down poetry or song lyrics, she spends her time cooking and creating recipes while also enjoying new cuisines.

      How To Use A Ham Slicer With Ease

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