For both everyday meals and special occasion dinners, the proper tools make all the difference. A special carving knife is a serving utensil that provides the finishing touch on your dish. There’s no need to save this tool for Thanksgiving dinner — a good carving knife can help properly cut and serve a weeknight meal, too.

When you're looking for an investment knife that will last for generations, the Wüsthof Classic Carving Knife is a good choice.

The last thing you want at Christmas dinner is a dull carving knife that produces a hacked up roast or ham. Take the time to look for a few things before selecting the one that works best for you.

There are two main types of blade production: stamped or forged.

Stamped blades are produced with a special piece of machinery that presses the knife out of a large sheet of metal. This process produces a knife that is more affordable but not as durable.

The gold standard of carving knives is forged blades. Forged blades use molten metal poured into a mold. This blade is then sharpened to a fine edge. This process produces a blade that is more flexible than a stamped blade, able to bend without breaking.

The best carving knives are made from either German or Japanese high-carbon steel. These blades have a higher price tag, but they last longer than other materials.

You can also get a carving knife made from stainless steel or ceramic. These materials may be more affordable, but they are quick to dull and less likely to last longer than a few years with regular use.

If you prefer to exert no effort whatsoever in your carving tasks, an electric carving knife may be your best choice. This blade is not ideal for fine carving work, but it will get the job done on your Thanksgiving turkey.

A well-made, very sharp manual carving knife is nearly as easy and effortless to use as an electric one.

The tang is the part of the knife that is held by the handle. A full-tang knife extends all the way to the end of the handle (a partial tang stops a few inches into the handle). This type of knife construction is sturdier and provides more control over the blade than partial tang construction.

All but the very cheapest carving knives feature riveted handles. Riveted handles are sturdier and less likely to separate over time.

Look for metal dots in your knife handle. Triple riveted knives (as opposed to single- or double-riveted) have three dots that indicate where the handle is attached. These are going to feel more solid and well-constructed than knives with single rivets or glued handles.

Most carving knives are too large to fit in a standard knife block. Leaving them loose in a utensil drawer can result in a dull blade. The best knives will come with a sheath designed to protect the blade and keep it sharp.

An affordable, quality carving knife starts at right around $35. If you’re looking for a carving knife that will last a lifetime, expect to spend $150 or more.

A. The best carving knife is one that is kept impeccably sharp. Your knife should be honed before each use and sharpened after every four or five uses.

To hone your carving knife:

To sharpen your knife manually:

If you would prefer, you can use an electric knife sharpener or have your knives sharpened by a professional.

A. Well-crafted carving knives should have a blade with a little bit of give but not too much. Very flexible blades will not be strong enough for difficult cuts of meat or challenging carving tasks, but a blade that is too rigid can snap. As with most things, look for a good balance.

Wüsthof Classic Carving Knife: available at Amazon

Our take: Wüsthof is a trusted brand, and this knife is a beautiful example of their craftsmanship.

What we like: The 9-inch blade is crafted from a single block of German high-carbon steel with a triple-riveted handle. It feels substantial and well-balanced in the hand and is easy to use.

What we dislike: It's an expensive choice, but it will last a lifetime with proper care.

Mercer Culinary Genesis Carving Knife: available at Amazon

Our take: This is an affordable option for occasional carving tasks.

What we like: This 10-inch carving knife has good reach. This is also made of German steel and has full-tang construction. The handle has a good grip.

What we dislike: A single-riveted handle means it's not as stable as other knives.

Dalstrong Carving Knife: available at Amazon

Our take: This gorgeous carving knife is as functional as it is beautiful.

What we like: Forged out of 67 layers of Japanese high-carbon steel, this carving knife boasts a razor-sharp blade. It feels balanced in the hand. The blade is durable and resists corrosion, keeping its edge after many uses. This carving knife comes with a sheath to protect it.

What we dislike: Handle is small in proportion to the blade, and some cooks did not prefer its lightweight feel.

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Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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