A watermelon is large, round and slippery, so the best knife to cut watermelon is a long, sharp blade that can pass through the whole fruit in one stroke. Slicing tools can also save time at a summer cookout, while a melon baller adds a decorative touch. Keep a large board and a damp towel nearby so the fruit stays put as you cut.
The six picks below include long knives and specialty tools for different ways of serving watermelon. Some are for big wedges at a barbecue, others for tidy cubes in a fruit salad. Lengths vary between listings, so sizes are described in general terms. We have not used these products ourselves, so please confirm the details on the current listing before you buy.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Blade length | A longer blade cuts through a whole melon in fewer strokes |
| Edge | Serrated edges grip the rind, while a sharp straight edge gives clean slices |
| Stability | Cut a flat base so the melon does not roll |
| Specialty tools | Slicers and ballers add speed and portion control |
Specs at a Glance
| Tool | Type | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wusthof Classic Cook’s Knife (10 inch) | Chef’s knife | Forged stainless steel | Long blade |
| Victorinox Fibrox Pro Bread Knife | Serrated | Stainless steel | Long serrated edge |
| Zwilling Pro Chef’s Knife (10 inch) | Chef’s knife | Forged German steel | Curved bolster |
| Progressive Prepworks Watermelon Slicer | Slicer | Plastic and stainless steel | Cuts into wedges |
| Zulay Watermelon Slicer Cutter | Slicer | Stainless steel | Easy cutting |
| OXO Good Grips Melon Baller | Baller | Stainless steel | Dual ends |
The 6 Best Knives and Tools to Cut Watermelon
1. Wusthof Classic Cook’s Knife (10 inch)
A long forged cook’s knife that can pass through a medium watermelon with a clean, powerful cut.
Suits: big melons. Strengths: reach and weight. Weaknesses: large for small hands. Skip it if you prefer a short knife.
View Wusthof Classic Cook’s Knife (10 inch) on Amazon
2. Victorinox Fibrox Pro Bread Knife
A long, serrated bread knife that grips the slick watermelon rind and slices through easily.
Suits: rind grip. Strengths: long blade with a light feel. Weaknesses: serrations leave a rougher cut. Skip it if you want a clean slice.
View Victorinox Fibrox Pro Bread Knife on Amazon
3. Zwilling Pro Chef’s Knife (10 inch)
A longer chef’s knife with a curved bolster that is comfortable in a pinch grip.
Suits: slicing large fruit. Strengths: a balanced forged feel. Weaknesses: bulky for small kitchens. Skip it if you prefer lightweight knives.
View Zwilling Pro Chef’s Knife (10 inch) on Amazon
4. Progressive Prepworks Watermelon Slicer
A slicer tool that cuts a watermelon into uniform pieces quickly.
Suits: parties. Strengths: speed. Weaknesses: single-purpose. Skip it if you slice melon once a year.
View Progressive Prepworks Watermelon Slicer on Amazon
5. Zulay Watermelon Slicer Cutter
A slicer tool for fruit that makes quick wedges and pieces, helpful for family gatherings.
Suits: quick wedges. Strengths: ease of use. Weaknesses: single-purpose. Skip it if you prefer a knife.
View Zulay Watermelon Slicer Cutter on Amazon
6. OXO Good Grips Melon Baller
A melon baller with a double-sided scoop, perfect for shaping fruit salads from watermelon flesh.
Suits: fruit salads. Strengths: dual scoops. Weaknesses: not for slicing. Skip it if you want large wedges.
View OXO Good Grips Melon Baller on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Wash knives right after cutting to remove sugar and juice.
- Dry blades fully before storing them. Sugar and juice can leave a sticky film, so a quick rinse helps.
- Use a large board with a juice groove.
- Wipe plastic slicers down and dry them. Rinse the baller after use so sugar does not leave a film.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting a round melon without a flat base.
- Using a short paring knife on a large melon.
- Pressing down on the tip of a long blade.
- Letting juice dry on the blade.
- Cutting without trimming the ends first.
Watermelon Cutting FAQ
What is the best way to start?
Cut off the ends, stand the melon on a flat end and slice downward.
Is a serrated knife better?
A serrated knife grips the rind well, while a sharp straight knife gives cleaner slices.
How do I keep the melon steady?
Use a large board and a damp towel underneath it. Slicing a thin sliver from one side also creates a flat base.
Can I use a chef’s knife?
Yes. A long, sharp chef’s knife handles watermelon well. Pick one longer than the melon is wide if you can.
The Short Version
Use a long blade or a specialty slicer. A long cook knife or bread knife handles whole melons, while slicers and ballers speed up serving at parties. For a long forged knife, the Wusthof Classic Cook’s Knife (10 inch). For a serrated option, the Victorinox Fibrox Pro Bread Knife. For a forged slicing option, the Zwilling Pro Chef’s Knife (10 inch). For a party slicer, the Progressive Prepworks Watermelon Slicer. For a quick wedge tool, the Zulay Watermelon Slicer Cutter. For a decorative scoop, the OXO Good Grips Melon Baller.