What characteristics distinguish a boning knife?

A boning knife is specifically designed for the precise task of removing bones from meat, poultry, and fish. The distinguishing characteristic of a boning knife is its thin, flexible blade, which allows for greater maneuverability and precision when working around joints and bones. This flexibility enables the blade to glide smoothly along the contours of the meat, making it easier to separate bones without damaging the surrounding flesh.

The thinness of the blade contributes to its sharpness and allows for delicate cuts, which is especially important when dealing with various types of protein. A boning knife's design is typically narrower than that of other knives, which helps the user achieve accuracy in their cuts, maximizing the yield of meat and minimizing waste. This is why the thin, flexible blade is the key characteristic that sets boning knives apart from other types of knives used in the kitchen.