Outdoor BBQ Cutlery Guide: Best Knives and Tools for Cooking Outside
As summer approaches, outdoor gatherings like barbecues and camping trips become favorite pastimes, with cooking and sharing meals at their heart. To elevate these open-air feasts, the right tools are essential—starting with a sharp, reliable BBQ knife that handles everything from carving brisket to slicing garden-fresh vegetables.
That pursuit of uncompromising performance is precisely what drives JIKKO. For more than 120 years, the Sakai-based bladesmith has hand-forged kitchen knives that marry razor-edge precision with the durability required by professional chefs and serious grill enthusiasts alike. Their outdoor-ready models carry the same heritage steelwork and exacting hand-sharpened finish found in JIKKO’s flagship collections.
In this guide, we'll show you how to select the ideal BBQ knife, recommend top choices—including proven JIKKO options—tailored for outdoor use, and provide tips on maintenance and safe transport. Equip yourself with the perfect blade and make your next barbecue or camping meal a memorable success.
Why a Quality BBQ Knife Is Essential for Outdoor Cooking
Barbecuing is a classic outdoor activity enjoyed with family and friends. When you're gathered with your loved ones, you want to cook something delicious—but have you ever found yourself struggling because you don’t have the right tools or things just don’t go as planned?
Are you using just any knife simply because you're cooking outdoors? That might actually be the reason things aren't going well. By using a high-quality knife, you can significantly improve the results of your cooking and bring out the full flavor of your ingredients.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at the importance of knives in barbecuing and explore what makes them so essential.
Enhance Flavor with a Razor-Sharp Knife
One of the key attractions of barbecuing is cooking with fresh ingredients. That's where a sharp knife becomes essential. Using a high-quality, razor-sharp knife allows you to cut smoothly without damaging the fibers of the ingredients, helping preserve their natural flavor and texture.
For example, when carving a T-bone steak or trimming fat and sinew from a whole roast chicken, a sharp knife ensures smooth, precise cuts—resulting in juicy, tender meat after grilling. Likewise, slicing vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions with a well-sharpened blade not only guarantees even cooking but also enhances presentation. Even when served raw in a fresh salad, they retain a crisp, satisfying bite.
To take your barbecue cooking to the next level, a razor-sharp knife isn't just helpful—it’s essential.
The Appeal of Professional-Grade Japanese Knives
JIKKO knives are highly regarded—even among professional chefs around the world. In fact, many renowned chefs make a special trip to Japan just to purchase JIKKO knives in person. Their exceptional performance, combined with the heritage of Sakai craftsmanship, has earned the trust of culinary experts globally.
The secret lies in their razor-sharp edges, easy handling, and outstanding durability. Crafted from premium Japanese blade steel and meticulously finished by skilled blacksmiths, each knife glides effortlessly through any ingredient. The ergonomic handle is designed for a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue even during long prep sessions. Whether you're trimming brisket, slicing vegetables, or carving meat at the grill, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly a JIKKO knife performs.
JIKKO has physical stores in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, where you can experience the quality firsthand. If you're visiting Japan, don’t miss the chance to stop by.
【Click here to explore our store locations】
From ingredient prep to outdoor cooking, make the most of a high-quality knife and enjoy a truly delicious barbecue experience.
Top Outdoor BBQ Knives Recommended by JIKKO Cutlery
To elevate your cooking during outdoor activities like barbecues and camping, a high-quality knife is essential. Jikko Cutlery, with over 120 years of history and tradition, is a trusted brand among many outdoor enthusiasts.
Here, we introduce top barbecue and outdoor knives recommended by professional chefs, along with a detailed explanation of their features and how to choose the right one. With these knives, your outdoor cooking experience is sure to become more enjoyable—and more delicious.
How to Choose the Best Knife for BBQ and Camping
When choosing a knife for outdoor use, it’s important to keep the following points in mind.
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Sharpness of blade |
High-quality blade steel is used for long-lasting sharpness |
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Ease of carrying |
Knife case(sheath) or carrying case for safe transportation. |
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Durability and ease of maintenance |
Made of stainless steel, rust-resistant and easy to clean |
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Size and Shape |
Select a knife with a blade length appropriate for the food |
By keeping these points in mind and choosing a knife from Jikko Cutlery, your outdoor cooking experience will become even more enjoyable and satisfying.
Top 3 BBQ Knives Recommended by Experts
From here, we’ll introduce recommended knives carefully selected by the professionals at Jikko Cutlery.
There are three main types of all-purpose knives, categorized by size: the Santoku, the Petty Knife, and the Gyuto (Chef’s Knife). Each of these versatile knives can handle meat, fish, and vegetables with ease. Choosing the right knife based on the size of the ingredients will make cooking much smoother and more efficient.
Santoku Knife Section
The Santoku knife typically comes in blade lengths ranging from 165mm to 180mm, making it one of the most common and versatile sizes. It's easy to use for slicing barbecue meat or cutting vegetables, making it ideal for outdoor cooking as well.
See more JIKKO’s Santoku knives
Petty Knife Section
The compact Petty knife, with its shorter blade length, is a popular choice for outdoor use. It fits easily into your gear and adapts well to any setting. Despite its small size, it delivers impressive cutting performance and is capable of handling serious cooking just like larger knives.
It’s especially useful for delicate tasks such as prepping open sandwiches, pinchos, or skewers with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and bite-sized cuts of meat. Because it offers precise control, even in tight spaces, many seasoned campers and BBQ enthusiasts consider it a must-have item.
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Gyuto Knife Section
When you're hosting a large barbecue or need to cut big pieces of meat, a slightly larger knife than usual is essential. The Gyuto, also known as the Chef’s Knife, handles larger tasks effortlessly—from slicing thick T-bone steaks to scoring sausages for better flavor absorption.
It’s also perfect for chopping bulky vegetables like cabbage or squash and serves as a reliable all-rounder when preparing ingredients for large outdoor gatherings.
Best Knives for Different BBQ Ingredients
It is often said that you should carry an all-purpose knife for outdoor cooking, but in reality, knives that are suited to specific ingredients are even more useful. From here, we’ll introduce knives tailored to different types of ingredients.
Deba-Knife
This is a knife designed for filleting fish. It’s an essential tool for cutting through fish bones and removing heads. Additionally, it can be used for cutting through tough vegetables and meats, making it surprisingly well-suited for outdoor use. It’s highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a barbecue with fresh river fish, shellfish, or even tougher cuts of meat.
When considering a Deba knife for outdoor use, it’s a good idea to choose a slightly smaller size. A small Deba knife with a blade length of 120mm or 135mm is lightweight and makes it easier to prepare local catch or grilled seafood by the river or seaside. Ginsan steel, a rust-resistant stainless steel, offers excellent sharpness and is ideal for outdoor cooking.
Sujihiki Knife
The Sujihiki knife is characterized by its long blade and is designed specifically for slicing meat. While it may not be a commonly used knife for everyday cooking, it is surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle for its size. Since it has a double-edged blade like general-purpose knives, it is also suitable for cutting vegetables, bread, and more—not just meat.
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See more JIKKO’s Sujihiki knives
For Advanced Cooks: The Versatility of Single-Bevel Gyuto Knives
For advanced cooks looking to elevate their skills even further, we recommend a single-edged multi-purpose knife. With a blade sharpened on only one side, this type of knife offers incredibly sharp performance and allows for precise cuts. It can effortlessly slice through delicate ingredients like sashimi, producing clean, sharp-edged pieces with professional-level presentation.
Using this knife will elevate the presentation of your dishes, allowing you to achieve the refined techniques of a professional chef.
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Safe and Legal Ways to Transport Your Outdoor Knives
When it comes to outdoor events like barbecues and camping, safely carrying your knife is essential. You don’t want the blade to be exposed during transport, nor do you want to struggle with complicated packaging.
Here’s how to safely carry your knife—be sure to use these tips as a helpful reference for your next outdoor adventure.
Tips for Safely Carrying Knives During Outdoor Activities
When carrying a knife outdoors, safety should be your top priority. It’s essential to properly protect the blade to ensure the edge is not exposed.
Proper knife transportation also helps protect the blade itself. The sharp edge of a high-quality knife is delicate and prone to chipping if it comes into contact with other items or is dropped. By carrying it correctly, you can avoid damage and ensure the knife stays in top condition.
Knife Case Recommended by Cutlery Professionals
【Jikko knife case with 2 knives】
This is a slim knife case designed to store knives safely as they are. The interior is structured to prevent the blade tips from protruding, and different sizes are available depending on the knife. There is also a version that can hold up to four knives.
【Watch the video of Jikko Cutlery’s knife cases】
A Sheath（Saya） that protects the knife’s blade.
A knife sheath is used to safely cover the blade when transporting the knife. It prevents the blade from coming into contact with other items, reducing the risk of chipping, and protects the knife's edge.
【View the list of sheaths (Saya) from Jikko Cutlery】
DIY Knife Sheath: Using Newspaper for Safe Transport
The knife cases we, as knife makers, often use are made from newspaper. Newspaper is durable and, since it absorbs just the right amount of oil, it helps protect the blades from rust.
All you need is a newspaper. We have a video showing the proper way to wrap the blade to ensure it is well-protected, so please check it out. This knife cover is hard to slip off and is incredibly convenient because you can easily adjust it to fit any size knife.
【Watch the video on how to make a newspaper knife case】
Maintaining Your BBQ Knife After Outdoor Cooking
Taking proper care of your knife after outdoor cooking is key to maintaining its sharpness, appearance, and longevity. However, barbecues and camping trips often present challenges that don’t exist in a regular kitchen—like limited access to clean water, sinks, or cleaning tools. You may find yourself without running water immediately after use, or needing to pack up quickly before washing your tools properly.
That’s why outdoor knife care calls for a bit of extra knowledge and preparation.
In this section, we’ll introduce practical post-use cleaning methods, daily maintenance tips, and also cover temporary fixes for situations when you can’t wash your knife right away. By learning how to handle your knife even in less-than-ideal conditions, you can prevent rust, preserve sharpness, and keep your favorite blade ready for the next great barbecue.
Simple Cleaning Tips for BBQ Knives Post-Cooking
After using your knife for a barbecue, follow these simple steps for proper care:
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Wash Immediately: After use, wash the knife with lukewarm water to remove food remnants and oil. Leaving food on the knife can lead to rust, even with stainless steel knives.
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Dry Thoroughly: Wipe off all moisture and dry the knife completely. Moisture can cause rust, so it’s crucial to ensure the knife is fully dry.
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Protect the Blade: Store the knife in a sheath or a dedicated case to protect the blade. Make sure the knife is dry before storing it, as putting it into a sheath while still wet can damage both the knife and the sheath.
What to Do When You Can’t Wash Immediately:
In outdoor settings like barbecues or camping, you may not have access to clean water right away. In such cases, it’s a good idea to bring a damp towel or wet wipes with you. After use, carefully wipe the blade clean of any food residue or grease, even if you can’t wash it on the spot. This simple step can help prevent rusting and odor transfer, especially when dealing with meat juices, fish oils, or sauces. Once you’re back near running water, be sure to wash and dry the knife thoroughly.
Daily Maintenance to Prolong Your Knife's Lifespan
To make your knife last longer, the following tips and daily maintenance are essential:
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Regular Sharpening: To maintain its sharpness, it’s important to sharpen the knife regularly. You can either use a sharpening stone to do it yourself or take it to a professional.
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Proper Use: It’s crucial to use the knife for its intended purpose. For example, use a dedicated knife when cutting bones, and avoid forcing a general-purpose knife to do tasks it's not designed for.
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Storage Method: Store the knife in a sheath or dedicated knife stand, keeping it away from contact with other metal items. This will prevent chips and scratches on the blade.
By practicing these maintenance methods, you can keep your Jikko Cutlery knife in optimal condition. Even for outdoor-specific knives, be cautious not to leave them in your bag or in their cases and sheaths for long periods, as moisture may cause rusting. Always ensure proper storage to preserve the knife.
Elevate Your BBQ Experience with JIKKO Cutlery
Barbecues, camping, and fishing—outdoor activities like these are special moments to share with family and friends. To make those moments even more enjoyable, it’s essential to choose a knife that is not only exceptionally sharp but also safe to use.
JIKKO knives, backed by over 120 years of tradition and trust, are loved by a wide range of users—from professional chefs to outdoor enthusiasts. Designed with great attention to detail, they feature convenient carrying cases and stainless steel materials that are easy to maintain.
Make your summer outdoor adventures truly unforgettable with a JIKKO knife. Experience the outstanding quality and sharpness that ensure both safety and satisfaction.
Explore our full lineup of outdoor-friendly knives on the official JIKKO website and find the perfect tool for your next adventure.
