What Is A Sausage Knife Used For? The Complete Guide

As avid home cooks we often find ourselves discovering new and intriguing kitchen tools. Recently we came across the sausage knife and were curious about its unique serrated blade. What exactly is this specialized knife used for?

After doing some research, we realized the sausage knife is quite a versatile tool with a variety of uses beyond just slicing sausages. Read on as we provide a complete guide to this handy knife and explain what it can do for your cooking.

What Is A Sausage Knife?

A sausage knife is a knife specially designed for cutting and slicing sausages and other cured meats like salami and pepperoni. It features a long, thin, and flexible blade that is around 5 to 7 inches in length. The blade has very fine serrations along the edge that help it glide smoothly through the tough exterior casing of sausages.

The key characteristics that set this knife apart from other kitchen knives are

• Serrated edge to cut through tough sausages casings
• Long, narrow, and flexible blade
• Blade length between 5 to 7 inches
• Handle with finger guard for safety
• Very fine serrations along the blade edge

Compared to other serrated knives like bread knives, the serrations on a sausage knife are much finer and closer together. This allows it to slice through small or thin foods like sausages with more ease and precision.

What Makes The Sausage Knife Unique?

There are a few unique elements in the design of the sausage knife that makes it especially effective for its intended purpose.

The Serrated Edge

The fine serrated edge does all the hard work of penetrating the tough exterior of sausages and salamis without damaging the interior. Unlike a plain edge, the serrations cut through the casing cleanly without requiring excessive pressure. This prevents squashing of the sausage filling.

Narrow Blade

A sausage knife usually has a long, narrow blade that allows you to make smooth, even slices in a single long stroke. This helps when slicing sausages for dishes where presentation matters. The narrow blade also provides more control and accuracy.

Flexible Blade

Sausage knife blades are normally thinner and more flexible than those of other knives. The flexibility aids in cutting through cured meats and prevents cracking or breaking them.

Short Pointed Tip

Some sausage knives have a short, pointed tip rather than a blunt end. This helps pierce the sausage casing to start the cut. The pointed tip also enables you to use the knife like a carving fork to pick up sliced pieces.

What Can You Use A Sausage Knife For?

A sausage knife isn’t just a one-trick pony. Its versatile serrated edge and nimble blade make it useful for prepping various foods. Here are some of the tasks this knife can help with:

Slicing Sausage

This knife’s number one job is slicing sausages and salamis for charcuterie boards or to add to pastas, pizzas, soups etc. The serrated edge beautifully slices through the tough casing without mangling the inside.

Cutting Smoked Meats

Smoked meats like brisket, turkey, and ham have a dense, thick texture. The sausage knife can cleanly slice through the meat without shredding it.

Slicing Tomatoes

The tiny serrations easily cut through tomato skin without squashing the juicy interior. No more wrestling with tomatoes!

Cutting Sandwiches

Use the sausage knife to slice sandwiches into neat halves or triangles without crushing the bread. The thinner blade makes this easier.

Slicing Bread

The serrated edge of the sausage knife can also cut cleanly through crusty bread like baguettes, boules, etc without tearing the inside. The longer blade lets you slice the entire width in one go.

Cutting Cheese

Hard cheeses tend to crack or flake when cutting with larger knives. A sausage knife allows you to cut clean slices of parmesan, cheddar, Swiss, or any crumbly cheese variety.

Cutting Cakes and Pastries

For delicate cakes and pastries like tiramisu, the thin, serrated blade lets you slice perfect portions without squashing or damaging the dessert.

Slicing Fruit

Slice soft fruits like kiwis, mangoes, bananas etc into neat coins or chunks using a sausage knife. It won’t crush the fruit while cutting.

How To Choose The Right Sausage Knife

If you’re looking to add a sausage knife to your knife collection, keep the following tips in mind while shopping for one:

• Look for a knife with very fine, shallow serrations to easily glide through sausages.

• Go for a long, narrow, and flexible blade around 5 to 7 inches.

• Choose a knife with an ergonomic handle that feels comfortable and secure in your hand.

• Look for forged knives over stamped ones for durability and strength.

• High carbon stainless steel blades retain sharpness longest.

• Full tang knives (metal extends into handle) are more well-balanced.

Some popular brands that make high-quality sausage knives include Wüsthof, Victorinox, and Zwilling J.A Henckels.

How To Use And Care For A Sausage Knife

Using and maintaining your sausage knife properly will keep it in tip-top slicing condition for a long time. Follow these tips:

• When slicing, use a gentle sawing and pulling motion. Don’t apply excessive pressure.

• Use a wooden or plastic cutting board to avoid dulling the blade. Avoid glass or marble boards.

• Handwash with warm water and soap. Avoid putting in the dishwasher.

• Dry immediately with a soft towel. Don’t let it air dry.

• Use a honing steel weekly to realign and straighten the edge.

• Sharpen with a knife sharpener or whetstone as needed.

• Store in a knife block, sheath or drawer organizer to protect the edge.

With its specialized serrated blade, the humble sausage knife can do much more than meets the eye. Add this affordable and versatile tool to your kitchen arsenal for smooth sailing through all kinds of slicing and cutting tasks.