CABELAS 97-3601-A Jerky Slicer Manual Meat Cutter Crank Cabela Blades

( Brand: Cabelas ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 97-3601-A ), ( Power Source: Manual ), ( Color: Silver ), ( Material: Aluminum ), ( Type: Jerky Slicer ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Features: Attachment Included, Manual, Multipurpose ), ( Components Included: Blades, Grinder, Grinding Plate, Feeding Tube, Base ), ( Country Of Origin: China )

Review CABELAS Jerky Slicer Manual Meat Cutter Hand Crank Blades

The **Cabela s 97-3601-A Jerky Slicer & Manual Meat Cutter** is a versatile, high-performance kitchen tool designed to elevate the art of meat preparation with precision and efficiency. Engineered for both home cooks and outdoor enthusiasts, this durable slicer features a robust, heavy-duty construction that ensures long-lasting performance under demanding use. Its crank-driven mechanism delivers consistent, clean cuts with minimal effort, making it ideal for slicing jerky, thinly cutting raw meat for jerky drying, or even preparing delicate ingredients like cheese or vegetables for salads and charcuterie boards. The adjustable blade tension allows users to fine-tune the thickness of each slice, accommodating everything from ultra-thin jerky strips to thicker cuts of cured or smoked meat. The sharp, high-quality stainless steel blades are designed to stay razor-sharp for extended periods, reducing the need for frequent sharpening and maintaining a clean, hygienic cutting surface. Whether you're crafting homemade jerky for camping trips, prepping meat for smoking, or experimenting with gourmet charcuterie at home, this slicer offers the reliability and versatility needed to achieve professional results. Its compact yet sturdy design makes it easy to store in a kitchen drawer or pack in a camping gear bag, ensuring it s always ready when you are. Built to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures and daily kitchen use, the Cabela s 97-3601-A is a must-have tool for anyone serious about meat preparation, blending functionality with durability in a single, indispensable appliance.

The Cabela s 97-3601-A Jerky Slicer/Manual Meat Cutter with Crank Blades is a popular tool for home processors, hunters, and meat preparers. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.

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### **Pros**

1. **Versatility**

The slicer is designed for multiple tasks, including slicing jerky, cutting meat for jerky drying, and processing other meats like bacon or sausage casings. Its adjustable blade height and crank mechanism allow for fine control over thickness, making it suitable for both thin jerky slices and thicker cuts.

2. **Durability and Build Quality**

Cabela s products are generally known for their sturdy construction, and this slicer appears to be no exception. The metal frame and blades are likely made from high-quality materials, ensuring longevity with proper care. Many users report that it holds up well to regular use, especially for home processors.

3. **Ease of Use**

The crank handle provides a manual, low-effort way to slice meat consistently. Unlike electric slicers, this tool doesn t require electricity or maintenance like sharpening blades, making it a low-maintenance option. The design is straightforward, with minimal parts to clean or replace.

4. **Portability**

Being manual and compact, this slicer is easy to store and transport. It s ideal for hunters who need to process meat in the field or for those with limited counter space. Its lightweight design makes it convenient for outdoor or travel use.

5. **Cost-Effective**

Compared to electric meat slicers, this tool is significantly cheaper. It s a budget-friendly option for those who don t need high-volume processing or advanced features. The initial investment is low, and replacement parts (like blades) are likely affordable.

6. **Consistent Slices**

With proper use, the crank mechanism ensures even, uniform slices. This is particularly useful for jerky, where thickness consistency is critical for even drying and texture. The adjustable blade height allows users to dial in their preferred slice thickness.

7. **Minimal Maintenance**

Unlike electric slicers, which require regular blade sharpening and motor maintenance, this manual slicer only needs occasional blade cleaning and occasional sharpening. This makes it a low-upkeep tool for occasional users.

8. **Safety Features**

The manual design eliminates the risk of electrical hazards. Additionally, the tool is designed to be stable during use, reducing the risk of accidents during slicing. However, users should still exercise caution, as sharp blades are involved.

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### **Cons**

1. **Labor-Intensive**

The manual crank requires physical effort, especially when slicing larger quantities of meat. Users with limited strength or endurance may find it tedious for bulk processing. It s not ideal for high-volume commercial use or large-scale meat preparation.

2. **Limited Speed**

The slicing speed is dependent on the user s cranking speed. While this can be controlled for precision, it also means that processing large amounts of meat will take significantly longer than with an electric slicer. Patience is required for consistent results.

3. **Blade Maintenance**

While the blades are durable, they will eventually dull over time, especially if used frequently. Sharpening or replacing blades may be necessary, which adds to the long-term cost. Users must also ensure the blades are clean and dry to prevent rust or bacterial growth.

4. **Space Requirements**

Although compact, the slicer still requires a stable surface and some counter space. It may not be as space-efficient as smaller handheld slicers or multi-functional kitchen tools. Users with very limited counter space may find it slightly cumbersome.

5. **Learning Curve**

Achieving consistent, thin slices takes practice. Users may need to experiment with blade height, crank speed, and meat placement to get the desired results. Inexperienced users might find it frustrating initially, especially if they re used to electric slicers with automatic feed mechanisms.

6. **Not Ideal for Wet Meat**

The design may not be optimal for slicing very wet or slippery meat, as the crank mechanism could cause the meat to shift or bind. Pre-freezing meat or using a non-slip surface can help, but it adds an extra step to the process.

7. **Limited Accessories**

Unlike some electric slicers, this tool comes with minimal accessories. Users may need to purchase additional blades or attachments separately if they want to expand functionality (e.g., different blade shapes or sizes).

8. **Potential for Uneven Slices**

If not used carefully, the crank mechanism can sometimes produce slightly uneven slices, especially if the meat is not held steady. This may require additional trimming or adjustments to achieve perfect results.

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### **Conclusion**

The Cabela s 97-3601-A Jerky Slicer/Manual Meat Cutter is a practical and affordable tool for home users, hunters, and occasional meat processors. Its strengths lie in its versatility, durability, ease of use, and low maintenance requirements. It s particularly well-suited for slicing jerky, bacon, or other meats where consistency and manual control are valued. The tool excels in scenarios where electricity is unavailable or where users prefer a hands-on approach.

However, its labor-intensive nature and slower processing speed make it less ideal for high-volume or commercial use. Users with physical limitations or those who prioritize speed may find it frustrating. Additionally, achieving perfect results requires practice and attention to detail.

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### **Recommendation**

- You are a home user, hunter, or occasional meat processor who needs a reliable, low-cost tool for slicing jerky, bacon, or other meats.

- You prefer manual control over slicing thickness and value durability and simplicity.

- You don t have access to electricity or prefer a tool that doesn t require electricity.

- You re willing to invest time in learning proper technique to achieve consistent results.

- You need to process large quantities of meat quickly (e.g., for a small business or frequent bulk processing).

- You have limited physical strength or endurance and find manual cranking tedious.

- You prioritize advanced features like automatic feed mechanisms or digital thickness adjustments.

- You frequently slice very wet or slippery meat and are concerned about uneven slices.

- If you frequently process meat and want speed, consider an electric meat slicer (e.g., from Cabela s or other brands like Hobart or KitchenAid).

- If you need a more compact or portable option, explore handheld meat slicers or multi-functional kitchen tools.

- If you re on a tight budget but want a slightly more advanced manual slicer, look for other manual slicers with similar features but potentially better ergonomics.

Overall, the Cabela s 97-3601-A is a solid choice for its intended purpose, offering a balance of affordability, durability, and functionality for the right user.

Details:

Note: I can usually do the same day or next morning shipping, depending on time of. Frame and crank operate smoothly. Cabelas jerky slicer manual meat cutter venison processing tool hand crank butcher equipment hunting gear stainless blade. Ideal for processing beef, venison, or other meats into uniform jerky strips.

All included components shown in photos are. Packed carefully to ensure safe delivery. Ships fast secure via USPS Priority Mail or Ground Advantage your choice. Built with a heavy-duty cast aluminum frame and stainless steel blade assemblies, this unit is designed for durability repeated use.

Stainless blade assemblies have light surface wear from normal use/ storage. Cabelas manual jerky slicer designed for producing consistent meat strips quickly using a hand crank mechanism. This slicer clamps securely to a table or work surface and is operated manually no electricity required. Includes original box, instruction manual, mounting clamps, Allen wrenches, and two stainless steel blade assemblies as shown.

If there is any issue, please reach out so I can make it right. Used condition with very good overall presentation. Includes original box with visible storage wear and creasing. Time Period / Era: Early 20002010based on model number, packaging, and Cabelas branding style.

Needs a run through the dishwasher or bleach cleaning before use. No damage or structural issues observed.

part #: 973601 prices

• $12.00-$29.99

specifications meatgrindesmal:

• brand: Cabelas
• mpn: 97-3601-a
• power source: Manual
• color: Silver
• material: Aluminum
• type: Jerky Slicer
• unit type: Unit
• features: Attachment Included, Manual, Multipurpose
• components included: Blades, Grinder, Grinding Plate, Feeding Tube, Base
• country of origin: China

offer meatgrindesmal:

• options: Ship-to-home
• quantity: 1
• best offers: True
• sold: 0
• availability: In Stock
• started: March 24, 2026

seller meatgrindesmal:

• rating: 99.7%
• # reviews: 856
• city: Freeland, Michigan

shipping meatgrindesmal:

• type: Calculated
• cost: $18.24
• class: Standard, Expedited
• carrier: USPS
• service: USPS Ground Advantage, USPS Priority Mail
• transit: 4-10 Days

general meatgrindesmal:

• condition: Used
• Kitchen, Dining Bar > Small Kitchen Appliances > Meat Grinders

payments meatgrindesmal:

• wallet: Apple-pay
• credit card: Diners-club
• other

returns meatgrindesmal:

• time: 14 Days
• policy: Returns Accepted
• paid by: Buyer
• method: Money back

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