When it comes to breaking down large game or processing meat in a commercial setting, the right tool is the difference between a smooth, clean cut and a choppy, rough result.
That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the Breaking Butcher, Montana Knife Company’s latest innovation that’s set to transform the way you process meat.
The Birth of a Beast
The Breaking Butcher knife is designed by butchers for butchers. It’s a chunky, borderline-oversized tool meant to break down carcasses efficiently.
The Breaking Butcher isn’t just another knife. It’s a marriage between centuries-old butchering wisdom and cutting-edge design. We partnered with Scott and Seth Perkins, better known as the Bearded Butchers, to create a tool that meets the demands of professional butchers and serious hunters alike.
We’ve worked with the Bearded Butchers several times now, and they’re the real deal when it comes to meat processing. As second-generation butchers and lifelong hunters, they know their way around a carcass, whether that’s farm-raised cattle or wild game fresh from the woods.
If you want to process your own meat, the Breaking Butcher will be an indispensable part of your toolkit, and the Bearded Butchers themselves will be a fantastic resource. Check out their videos if you’d like to learn their generations-old tips and tricks.
Comfort Meets Control
The Breaking Butcher — not to be confused with the Boning Butcher — is the first blade you pick up to break down an animal. It doesn’t do fine cuts, but that’s not what it’s made for.
The Breaking Butcher works best in conjunction with the Boning Butcher. Use the Breaking Butcher for the initial breakdown, then grab the Boning Butcher for deboning and final cuts.
The Bearded Butchers wanted to create a large, easy-to-grip knife. They use knives like the Breaking Butcher to power through joints, gristles, and huge chunks of meat. The blade is thick and tall enough to handle the force of those tasks.
The slightly larger handle accommodates gloved hands, ensuring a secure grip during extended use. We’ve also added small shelves on the handle’s sides, providing additional grip options for various cutting techniques.
Whether you prefer a hammer grip for power cuts, a saber grip for precision work, or a reverse grip for unique angles, the Breaking Butcher adapts to your style so you can work all day without fatigue.
It’s Time to Get Serious About Meat Processing
While we made the Breaking Butcher with commercial butchery in mind, it’s not just for pro butchers. It also works well as a general-purpose kitchen knife for tough cutting and slicing tasks. I love using it to prepare a big roast, ribs, or turkey when family is over for the holidays.
It’s also a great addition to your kit if you like to (or want to learn to) process whole animals. It’s perfect for quartering deer, elk, and bear out in the woods, too, if you like to field dress. With a blade like the Breaking Butcher in your arsenal, you’ll find it easy to make those first few cuts.
A Blade Like No Other
At the heart of the Breaking Butcher is a unique blade design.
With a highly upswept trailing point and an all-belly profile, this seven and five-eighths inch blade is engineered for long, continuous cuts through large pieces of meat. The generous belly allows you to slice through tough joints and connective tissue effortlessly rather than sawing through short cuts.
But a great design is nothing without the right materials. That’s why we crafted the Breaking Butcher’s blade from AEB-L stainless steel.
This premium steel perfectly balances edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. At one-tenth of an inch thick, it’s robust enough for heavy-duty tasks while maintaining the flexibility needed for precise cuts.
Built to Last, Backed for Life
Like all Montana Knife Company products, the Breaking Butcher is made in the USA and hand-finished at our facility in Montana. It comes with our exclusive MKC Kydex sheath, featuring a built-in retention screw for customized blade tension and versatile carrying options.
But our commitment to quality doesn’t stop there.
The Breaking Butcher is covered by our Generations® program — our promise to restore your knife to its original, unmatched working condition. We’ll clean, sharpen, repair, and even reshape your blade and rewrap your handle free of charge, ensuring your Breaking Butcher remains a reliable tool for generations to come.
With its innovative design, premium materials, and lifetime support, the Breaking Butcher is more than ready to meet the demands of professional butchers and serious hunters. It’s time to elevate your meat processing experience. It’s time for the Breaking Butcher.
by Josh Smith, Master Bladesmith and Founder of Montana Knife Company
