The role of knives in the meat processing industry

Knives in the meat processing industry perform key functions: carcass cutting, trimming, slicing and portioning. Their quality determines not only productivity, but also product safety and compliance with sanitary standards. Steiner supplies blades from leading brands such as Victorinox, made from high-carbon steel. The length of these knives varies from 150 to 300 mm, allowing for precise cutting without damaging the meat. For example, knives for Weber slicers or Marel automated lines have a blade thickness of 1-2 mm with a 15-20 degree angle, which ensures a clean cut and minimises waste.

Each knife is tested for balance and sharpness, meeting ISO 22000 standards for food safety. This is especially important for meat processing plants, where any blade defects can lead to product structure damage or contamination. We offer models for different stages of processing: from rough cutting to delicate slicing of delicacies. For example, Victorinox boning knives have an ergonomic design and a flexible blade that is ideal for working with bones and joints.

Knives for packaging equipment

In the packaging industry, knives are responsible for precise film cutting, sealing and packaging forming. Steiner supplies blades that are used for perforating and cutting. They are compatible with Multivac thermoforming machines, Ulma flow-pack equipment and Ishida or Bizerba weighing systems. The blades are made of AISI 420 stainless steel, withstand temperatures up to 150°C and have an anti-corrosion coating. The blades are 20-50 mm wide and have a productivity of up to 500 cycles per minute, ensuring smooth operation of the lines.

For Multivac vacuum packaging, we offer micro-serrated blades for clean film cutting without tearing. For Ulma equipment used for sealing trays, the blades have a reinforced design to withstand pressure and temperature. In Ishida weighing systems, the blades are adapted for cutting labels and thin film, ensuring accuracy to 0.1 mm. For Bizerba machines, which are often used in retail, we supply blades with increased wear resistance for long-term use.

Custom knife manufacturing

Not all tasks can be solved with standard blades. For non-standard equipment, such as Grasselli skinning machines or Cretel cleaning machines, Steiner offers custom manufacturing based on drawings. The customer sends technical specifications in DWG or PDF format, specifying the parameters: length, width, profile, steel type (e.g. AISI 420 or AISI 316 for aggressive environments). Production on numerically controlled (CNC) machines guarantees accuracy to 0.05 mm. The lead time is 10-14 working days, depending on the complexity of the order.

The manufacturing process involves several stages: analysis of drawings, selection of materials, creation of a prototype, testing and production. 

Materials and quality standards

Knives for meat processing and packaging are made of materials that are resistant to corrosion, wear and high temperatures. The main material is AISI 420 stainless steel, which has optimal hardness (52-56 HRC) and durability. For aggressive environments, such as when working with salt solutions, AISI 316 steel with increased corrosion resistance is used. Some models have a Teflon coating to reduce friction and make cleaning easier.

Each knife complies with international food safety standards, including ISO 22000 and HACCP. Before shipping, the blades are tested for sharpness (according to the CATRA standard), balance and resistance to deformation. For example, Weber slicer knives are tested to withstand up to 10,000 cuts without losing their sharpness. This ensures reliability and reduces the cost of frequent tool replacement.

How to choose a knife for your equipment

The choice of knife depends on the type of equipment, product and operating conditions. For meat processing, consider:

• Type of operation: cutting carcasses requires strong blades with a thickness of 2-3 mm, while portioning requires thinner blades (1-1.5 mm) for precision.
• Product material: knives with reinforced sharpening are suitable for frozen meat, while those with flexible blades are suitable for fresh meat.
• Compatibility with equipment: for example, Weber slicers require blades with a specific mounting profile, while Marel lines require high-hardness knives.

The following are important for packaging equipment:

• Film type: PET, PVC or multilayer films require different types of sharpening.
• Temperature and pressure: knives for Multivac or Ulma must withstand heating up to 150°C and pressure up to 5 bar.
• Productivity: Ishida high-speed lines require blades with a high cutting frequency.

Our specialists will help you choose a knife based on these parameters. Send us information about your equipment and task, and we will offer you the best solution.

Advantages of working with Steiner

• Wide range: knives for all types of meat processing and packaging equipment.
• Individual approach: manufacturing blades according to drawings for unique machines.
• Quality and certification: ISO 22000 compliance, HACCP, testing for sharpness and durability.
• Service support: advice on selection, assistance with installation, supply of spare parts (Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Lviv, Dnipro)

Ordering process

1. Request: send information about the equipment (Multivac, Ulma, etc.), product type and knife requirements.
2. Selection: our engineers analyse the task and propose the optimal solution.
3. Proposal: we provide a commercial offer with price, terms and conditions of delivery.
4. Production and delivery: standard knives are shipped within 10-14 days, custom knives within 14-20 days.
5. Support: we assist with installation and provide recommendations for operation.

Tips for use and care

To make your knives last longer, follow these recommendations:

• Regular cleaning: after each cycle, rinse the blades with warm water and a neutral detergent to prevent corrosion.
• Sharpening: use professional grinding machines with an angle of 15-20 degrees. 
• Storage: keep knives in a dry place, in special holders or covers, to avoid mechanical damage.
• Verification: regularly inspect the blades for chips or deformations, especially for high-speed machines.

Why choose Steiner?

Steiner cooperates with leading European brands, ensuring reliability and quality. We supply knives for all types of equipment, from slicers to Multivac and Ulma packaging machines. Custom manufacturing allows us to solve non-standard tasks and minimise downtime. Our knives are tested for operation in intensive conditions, which is confirmed by ISO 22000 and HACCP certificates.

To place an order, please call +38 044 390 7338 or use form on the website. 

Send us your equipment specifications and we will select or manufacture blades that will optimise your production process.