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Kitchens and appliances might vary, but nothing can replace a well-loved chef's knife. Essentially a cornerstone on which great meals are built, a quality chef knife is needed for perfect slicing and dicing of ingredients.
However, with so many different types and models to choose from, the selection process can be rather tricky. The best knives come in a plethora of different styles, sizes, and shapes.
To help you find a unit that perfectly suits your needs, we've reviewed some of the best chef knives available today, along with what to consider when purchasing one and some tips on how to properly use it.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Chef Knife
- OUR TOP PICK: Victorinox 45520 Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife
- RUNNER-UP: Kramer by Zwilling 8" Chef's Knife
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Wusthof Classic Ikon Model 4596-7/20
Comparison of the Best Chef Knives
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What is a Chef Knife Used For?
Also known as a cook's knife, a chef's knife is, arguably, the most important blade in the kitchen. It's suitable for almost all cutting tasks in the kitchen, whether it's chopping carrots or cutting chicken. This must-have item has countless uses, including:
Chopping
This multi-purpose knife is designed to excel at numerous different kitchen tasks, instead of just one in particular. It's ideal for chopping vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
Mincing
Chef knives can be used for dicing and mincing nuts, vegetables, and herbs. However, they should not be used for carving or butchering poultry, smaller precision tasks, and peeling the skin of large vegetables.
Slicing
A chef's knife is suitable for disjointing large cuts and slicing meat. Since it's the go-to blade for almost all daily kitchen tasks, it's perfect for slicing meats, fruits, vegetables, and fish.
What Size of Chef Knife Do I Need?
Chef's knives come in several different sizes, ranging from 6 to 14 inches. Although professional chefs usually use 12-inch blades, home cooks should use a knife with an eight-inch blade. This is because nonindustrial cutting boards, civilian muscles, and residential-kitchen counters cannot handle anything larger than that.
It's advisable to choose a knife that has a blade length similar to your forearm's length. Measure your arm from the elbow to the wrist, and then choose a knife with the same measurements. If you have larger hands, then make sure you choose a model with a larger heel, so you have enough space between your fingers and cutting board.
Willy's Top Picks - Best Chef Knives
Here are the best chef knives:
Review of the Best Chef Knives
With such a bewildering range of models in the market, choosing the best one is no piece of cake. To help you make the right decision and make sense of the different units, we've reviewed some of the best chef knives available today:
Best Overall:
Victorinox 45520 Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Almost everyone who purchased this unit enjoyed using it and loved its sharp blade. They found the handle to be incredibly comfortable and stated that the balance and weight made it easy to use. Although most users said that it held a decent edge, some were disappointed with the knife's cutting ability.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit's 8-inch blade is crafted with high-carbon stainless steel to ensure it maintains its incredibly sharp edge. The straight blade has a gently curved tip that allows users to make a rocking motion, making it ideal for slicing meats as well.
Crafted with the patented Fibrox material, the handle is designed to provide a firm, non-slip grip. It's constructed in a way that prevents your knuckles from hitting the cutting board while providing an ergonomic and comfortable feel at the same time.
Lastly, it retains its edge exceptionally well and boasts an excellent nonstick finish, so almost nothing sticks to the blade, not even freshly cut cilantro!
Bottom Line
If you've just entered the world of cooking, then this unit is an excellent first choice and will serve you for numerous years. Boasting superior balance and weight, a razor-sharp edge, and a comfortable handle, the Victorinox is undoubtedly an essential kitchen tool. However, the handle surface could be smoother.
Runner-up:
Kramer by Zwilling 8"" Chef's Knife
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most people who invested in this unit were satisfied with it, with one user stating that its incredibly sharp blade allowed them to cut through tough potatoes and delicate herbs easily. Buyers found the handle to be comfortable and the length to be perfect for larger produce. However, some customers reported that it required frequent honing, while some were disappointed that it was hand-wash only.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Boasting an extremely wide blade, this unit is perfect for slicing large produce, like thick cuts of meat. Even if you're using tough meat, you'll be able to cut through it quickly and easily.
Furthermore, its wide and large blade has been crafted with pure FC61 fine-carbide steel. This means that it will maintain its razor-sharp edge for an incredibly long time, and you'll rarely need to hone and sharpen the knife.
Boasting a full tang handle, the unit is also designed with special grooves that protect your fingers and prevent you from cutting yourself.
Bottom Line
Influenced by European design, this unit will undoubtedly last you a lifetime. The FC61 steel is extremely durable and retains a razor-sharp edge, while the wide blade maximizes knuckle clearance for slicing large produce. However, you'll need to regularly oil the handle to prevent shrinkage.
Best Chef Knife for the Money:
Wusthof Classic Ikon Model 4596-7/20
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This unit has received a plethora of positive reviews. They loved the weight of the blade and said that they didn't have to muscle through. Buyers stated that it was well balanced, felt great in their hands, and cut through anything easily. However, some users complained that it did not hold its edge well, while some reported receiving defected items.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Boasting a distinctive, double bolster design, this unit stands out to us because of its exceptional balance, beauty, and professional-style heft. The tighter molecular structure of its highly durable Polyoxymethylene handle resists discoloration and fading, while the elegant design of the handle provides a comfortable grip.
Furthermore, this unit is incredibly versatile and can be used for slicing, dicing, chopping, and mincing. Its balance and weight further make it ideal for heavy-duty work, like cutting thick cuts of meat and hard-skinned vegetables.
Lastly, Wusthof's Precision Edge technology robotically sharpens the blade to an incredibly precise tolerance, giving it a razor-sharp edge that will surely last a long time.
Bottom Line
An ingenious combination of ergonomics, design, and the renowned Wusthof quality, this unit gives cooks the ultimate cutting experience. Although the knife is a workhorse in the kitchen, the handle might feel too heavy for some.
Best Japanese Chef Knife:
Shun Cutlery Premier 8" Chef's Knife
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of the buyers loved this unit and said that it felt good in their hands. They were particularly impressed with its fit and finish and found it to be beautifully balanced and extremely useful. However, some users reported that the blade chipped within a year of use, while one complained that it started gathering rust after a few weeks of use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit boasts a magnificent tsuchime finish. A combination of intricately layered Damascus and mirror blade polish, this hammered finish gives the blade a look that's sophisticated and rustic at the same time.
However, its performance is where it shines. Offering exceptionally agile handling, its lightweight, razor-sharp blade is quick and precise. Its handle further boasts a palm swell that comfortably fits in hand to give greater control, while the brass ring and embossed endcap enhance the beauty and balance of the blade.
Moreover, this model's wide blade prevents your knuckles from coming in contact with the cutting board and allows you to transfer food from the board to the pan quickly and easily. Lastly, its curved belly rocks through spices and fresh herbs, enabling cooks to create a very fine mince.
Bottom Line
Along with being incredibly effective at food preparation, this model is nothing less than a beautiful work of art. With its hammered tsuchime finish, embossed end cap, and contoured PakkaWood handle, it's a gorgeous and essential addition to every professional and home kitchen. However, the handle may be awkward to hold for some.
Best Chinese Chef Knife:
TUO Fiery Phoenix 7" Chef's Knife
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers were impressed with the performance of this unit and found it to be attractive, well-finished, and easy to control. Users loved its balance and stated that it excelled at chopping. However, customers were disappointed that it was unable to cut through bones, while some reported that the knife was not comfortable for extended use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With a narrow blade that allows nimble movement, this unit is purposefully functional and elegantly modern. Its blade is crafted with high-carbon stainless steel, which ensures flexibility, durability, strength, and exceptional performance.
Furthermore, it rates HRC56 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale and cuts with efficiency and ease. It's also suitable for a wide range of tasks, allowing cooks to tenderize meats, flatten garlic, and scoop up ingredients to carry them to the wok at the same time.
Lastly, the ergonomic Pakkawood handle is designed to fit comfortably in your hands, thus ensuring a relaxing and effortless cutting experience.
Bottom Line
A perfect blend of form and function, the TUO Fiery Phoenix is both practical and beautiful. Its high-quality steel, exceptional craftsmanship, and ergonomic design undoubtedly make it one of the best chef knives available today. Although it's incredibly resilient and versatile, it cannot be used to cut through bones, which may be disappointing for some.
Best Chef Knife Under $100:
J.A. Henckels 31161-201
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers loved this unit and said that it came out of the package incredibly sharp. They stated that the blade was well made and held its edge extremely well. Users also loved its handle and found it to be perfectly balanced. However, some customers reported that the unit discolored and oxidized after washing, while some found the handle to be uncomfortable for extended use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Boasting a stainless steel blade that's honed to an incredibly sharp edge, this unit allows cooks to make extremely precise cuts. This helps make a wide variety of tasks quick and easy.
It further features a full tang polymer handle that's triple-riveted, making it extremely sturdy. Designed to fit perfectly in your hands, the length of the handle is precisely calculated to make the knife beautifully balanced.
Lastly, this model comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can be assured that the knife will go the distance. If you split or chip the blade, you can easily have it replaced or fixed.
Bottom Line
Designed with precision, fine-edge blade that's honed for lasting sharpness, this unit can handle almost every kitchen task. Its fully forged construction offers better balance, while the triple-rivet handle ensures effortless cutting. However, it can only be washed by hand, which may be inconvenient for some.
Best Chef Knife Under $50:
Mercer Culinary M23510
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of the buyers were satisfied with their purchase and stated that the unit held its edge very well. They loved that it was well balanced and beautifully made, and said that it sharpened easily as well. While most users stated that the handle felt great in their hand, some reported that the knife was dull out of the box. One customer also complained that the blade chipped after a few weeks of use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit stands out to us for several different reasons. Firstly, its blade is crafted with high-carbon, stainless German steel to resist corrosion, discoloration, and rust. Its rounded spine and precision forged construction also give the knife enhanced durability and superior strength, while its taper-ground edge ensures long-lasting sharpness, increased efficiency, and added stability when chopping and cutting.
Secondly, its triple-riveted Delrin handle offers superior comfort and can withstand both cold and hot temperatures. Its shorter bolster further adds durability, provides excellent balance, and makes the knife easier to sharpen.
Lastly, the model is NSF certified and is backed by a lifetime warranty as well.
Bottom Line
A beautiful combination of quality, performance, and safety, this unit certainly deserves a place on our list of top picks. Its razor-sharp blade provides long-lasting sharpness, enhanced efficiency, and increased stability, while its bolster provides superior balance when cutting food.
Best 8-Inch Chef Knife:
Mac Knife MTH-80
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers were extremely happy with their purchase and were impressed with the sharpness of the blade, with one user stating that It cut through onions and carrots smoothly. They also found the unit to be well balanced and said that it felt great in their hand. However, customers were disappointed that it required more care than other models, while some reported that it chipped and started to gather rust after a few months of use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit primarily stands out to us because of its eight-inch nimble blade, which makes it perfect for cutting up herbs and tackling other delicate tasks, like boning fish. However, it can handle tougher kitchen tasks as well.
Boasting a Granton edge, this model can cut through even the toughest ingredients quickly and easily. The edge also prevents food from sticking to the blade, allowing you to have better traction.
Furthermore, its overall design is well balanced, which provides a secure grip and makes it comfortable enough for extended chopping. Lastly, its blade is thinner than other models, making it easier to slice snappier vegetables, like carrots.
Bottom Line
With a bolster and thin blade, this model can easily cut through any food. Along with a sophisticated design, it also boasts durable construction, enabling you to use the blade all day long. However, the lack of a sheath can be a problem, especially because of its razor-sharp edge.
Best Professional Chef Knife:
Zelite Infinity AUS-10
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Almost everyone who purchased this unit loved it and recommended it to other potential buyers as well. They were impressed with its sharp blade and stated that chopping required minimal effort. Users also found the blade quality to be excellent and were satisfied with the customer service. However, some customers reported that the blade developed rust and chips after a few months of use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Angled at around 12o, this unit features a razor-sharp blade that helps in smooth and easy chopping. The blade edge reduces wrist fatigue, allowing cooks to chop and cut faster with less effort and force. It also minimizes the chances of slipping, which helps prevent injuries.
Moreover, its full tang construction gives a solid feel, while its rounded handle ensures a secure and comfortable grip. It also cuts through vegetables and fruits effortlessly, making it ideal for creating thin slices. This reduced drag further means that no food will stick to the blade when you're dicing and slicing.
Bottom Line
Pairing brawn and beauty, the Zelite Infinity is undoubtedly one of the best chef knives available today. Its ergonomic design prevents wrist fatigue allows extended use, while its full tang construction ensures durability and reliability. However, it needs to be sharpened frequently, which may be disappointing for some.
Best Carbon Steel Chef Knife:
Dalstrong AUS8
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers were happy with their purchase and said that the knife cut effortlessly. They found it to be incredibly lightweight, well balanced, and extremely sharp and stated that the blade shape was excellent for food transfer. However, some users found the handle to a bit too long, while some reported that the blade broke after a few months of use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Precision-forged with high-carbon, ice tempered AUS-8 steel, this unit shows exceptional durability and strength. It boasts a 13o-15o cutting edge, and has excellent edge retention, even if used daily. It's also nitrogen cooled to enhance flexibility and hardness, while its tapered edge ensures it will last a long time.
The model also features a tapered bolster that adds weight, offers perfect balance, and protects your fingers. Its full-tang construction further ensures stability and prevents the blade from breaking under high hand pressure. Lastly, along with being highly impervious to cold, heat, and moisture, its laminated pakkawood handle offers superior hand control and agility as well.
Bottom Line
With a sturdy blade, a razor-sharp edge, and a comfortable handle, the Dalstrong AUS8 is certainly a tool you'll feel proud to own. While its perfectly balanced design allows cooks to make precise cuts with minimal force, slicing through light foods might be uncomfortable for some.
How to Choose a Chef Knife
A quality chef knife will last you many years, even if you're going to use it regularly. Thus, you must take the time to select a model that you're completely satisfied with. Following are some factors you should consider before you finalize your purchase:
The Blade
Make sure you choose a blade that's strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion. Carbon steel, ceramic, Damascus, and stainless steel are the most common materials used for chef knives.
Stainless steel blades are especially durable, but they need to be sharpened regularly. Carbon steel blades are excellent at retaining their edge, which makes them suitable for professional chefs. Finally, Damascus blades and ceramic blades are popular because of their ability to stay sharp.
The Balance
You must choose a well-balanced knife so that you have good control. Make sure you check whether the blade and handle have approximately the same weight as a lighter handle can make it difficult to wield the blade.
The Handle
Chef knife handles are crafted with a wide range of materials, including wood, plastic, and resin. It's advisable to choose a model that has an especially sturdy handle. Make sure the handle fits comfortably in your hand and provides you with a good, firm grip when you're slicing and dicing.
How to Hold a Chef Knife
Chef knives are one of the most important kitchen tools, but not a lot of people know how to hold and grip the knife properly. That's not a big issue as the best hold is the one you're most comfortable with, but it's still better to know how cooking professionals hold a chef's knife:
- Choke up on the blade to maximize control. Position your hand on the handle in such a way that it straddles the knife's bolster. This grip may seem scary and difficult, but it's not risky at all, and after a bit of practice, you'll see that it gives you control and offers an excellent balance of stability and dexterity.
- Grip the handle using your pinkie, ring, and middle fingers.
- Place the index finger against the blade close to the handle, curling it back towards the handle, and rest your thumb on the other side of the blade. This grip will help make the knife function as an extension of your arm, offering you greater precision and control in cutting.
- Curl in the fingers of the hand that's not wielding the knife, so you don't cut yourself. This will also enable you to use your knuckles to guide and align the blade as you slice.
For a better understanding of how to hold a chef knife, make sure you watch the video below:
How to Use a Chef Knife
Whether you're a professional chef or are just entering the world of cooking, it's important to hone your knife skills, so you don't hurt yourself and can make mouth-watering dishes. When using a chef knife, it's advisable to adhere to the following steps:
- Since this blade is primarily used for chopping, move it in an up and down motion, using your wrist as a pivotal joint. The proper hold gives you better control of the blade, enables you to make precise, accurate cuts, and protects your fingers.
- Don't saw the blade back and forth through ingredients. If you want to mince or finely chop foods, like small bunches of garlic or herbs, then hold the handle in one hand and rest the other hand on top of the blade.
- Keep the tip of the blade in contact with your cutting board. It's advisable to rock the blade in an up and down motion until you've achieved the desired size.
- Cut fruits and vegetables in half before chopping or slicing further to prevent them from slipping on the cutting board. This anchors them on the cutting board and prevents you from cutting your finger.
If you're still unclear on how to use a chef knife, then you can watch the following video:
How to Sharpen a Chef Knife
It's essential to keep your knives honed and sharp, so they're able to slice through food smoothly, easily, and without slippage. Dull blades are extremely dangerous because they require more force to cut through foods, and thus, have a higher chance of missing their mark.
It's advisable to use a whetstone to sharpen your knives as it can accommodate all kinds of knives, regardless of the level of dullness and defects. Here's how you sharpen a chef knife with a whetstone:
- Soak the whetstone before you start sharpening to avoid further chipping or scratching of the blade. You can soak it for 15 minutes, but it's better to leave it in the water for half an hour.
- Position your thumb on the blade's spine, your index finger on the knife's heel, and wrap the three remaining fingers around the handle.
- Place the knife face down on the whetstone, positioning two fingers on the edge.
- Use your fingers to keep the edge of the blade on the stone and lift the knife with your other hand until you've positioned the blade at the shallowest angle possible.
- Keeping the blade against the whetstone with two fingers, pull the knife towards you and then push it back.
- Slightly slide your fingers down the blade with each downstroke as the blade won't sharpen if you don't apply pressure.
- Constantly splash the stone with water before and after sharpening your knife to avoid damaging it.
For a visual representation of the aforementioned steps, you can watch the following video:
Comparison Overview
To a beginner's untrained eye, most knives may appear to be incredibly similar. However, some important distinctions make each suitable for a different task. You must understand these differences, so you're able to choose a knife that best suits your cutting needs.
Santoku vs. Chef Knife
Technically, a Santoku knife is a kind of chef's knife, but it varies in style and shape to the traditional German and French knives. Santoku knives require a cutting technique that slices through ingredients in a smooth backward and forward motion, while a chef's knife cuts with a rocking back and forth movement.
Gyuto vs. Chef Knife
Gyutos and western chef's knives have a similar shape and are used in the same way. Both types are essentially the same, and it's almost impossible to differentiate a chef's knife from a slightly thicker Gyuto that boasts a western-style handle and a double bevel. However, one major difference is that a Gyuto is crafted with harder steel and has a thinner blade.
Butcher Knife vs. Chef Knife
Chef knives are sturdy tools that can be used for all kinds of prep work, including chopping, dicing, slicing, mincing, and more. On the other hand, a butcher's knife is a heavy and bulky tool designed for cutting through bones and thick meat. Butcher knives don't require a lot of precision and are ideal for powering through big cuts of meat.
Nakiri vs. Chef Knife
Also called a nakiri bocho, a nakiri knife is a Japanese-style blade that's ideal for chopping vegetables. Featuring squared-off tips and a straight blade edge, it enables you to cut through vegetables without using a horizontal push and pull motion. However, chef knives are one of the most versatile kitchen tools and can be used for a wide range of kitchen tasks. They have a sharp and broad blade and measure around 6 to 14 inches.
Kirtsuke vs. Chef Knife
The kiritsuke is longer than a chef's knife and features an angled tip. It's perfect for slicing fish but is traditionally used by executive chefs only because of its difficulty of use and status symbol. On the other hand, chef knives can be easily used for rock-chopping and slicing numerous different foods in the kitchen.
French vs. German Chef Knife
German knives are curved continuously and more deeply along their cutting edge, whereas French knives have a straighter edge, which then curves to the tip. French chef knives are also thinner than German ones and give cooks greater control. However, both knives are used in the same way.
6 Inch Chef Knife vs. 8 Inch
8-inch chef knives are incredibly versatile and are commonly used among home cooks. Meanwhile, 6-inch chef knives offer dexterity and agility but are unable to cut through larger fruits and vegetables, such as watermelons.
Carving Knife vs. Chef Knife
Chef knives are ideal for dicing vegetables, slicing herbs, chopping nuts, cutting meat, and disjointing cuts. On the other hand, carving knives are perfect for carving and slicing dense meats as their narrow, long blade cuts through poultry quickly and easily.
Conclusion
If you're able to find the perfect fit, then a chef's knife can turn into your best friend. So, go through all the aforementioned products, determine exactly what you want from the blade, and don't hesitate to invest. Once you purchase the knife, make sure you also sharpen and maintain it properly, so it's able to serve you for decades.
People Also Ask
A chef's knife is one of the most essential and useful tools in the kitchen. To ensure you choose a model that best suits your cutting needs, and to clear away any confusions you may have, here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding chef knives:
What is a Chef's Knife?
Also called a cook's knife, a chef's knife is a simple cutting tool used for food preparation. Although it was originally designed to disjoint and slice large cuts of beef, the modern chef's knife can be used for many different kitchen tasks, such as slicing, chopping, and mincing vegetables and slicing meat.
Is a 6 Inch Chef Knife Too Small?
A 6-inch knife is extremely versatile but is not as efficient as standard size knives. It offers agility similar to a paring knife, but cannot be used for slicing larger fruits and vegetables. Ultimately, the length of a knife should depend on what you're going to use it for and how comfortable it feels.
How Many Chef Knives Do You Need?
A paring knife, a serrated knife, and a chef's knife are the only three knives that are essential in every kitchen. While other types of knives certainly make cooking more enjoyable, they are unnecessary.
A chef's knife is, arguably, the most crucial knife in your kitchen.
Why Are Chef Knives so Expensive?
Quality chef knives are crafted with premium steel, resulting in a stronger, sharper blade that can be honed easily and last you a significantly long time. This also makes them suitable for cutting extremely tough foods.
What Chef Knife Does Gordon Ramsey Use?
Gordon Ramsey uses Henckels and Wusthof branded knives. His list of important knives includes a paring knife for cutting and peeling small fruits and vegetables and a chef's knife for chopping.
How Much Should a Chef Knife Cost?
A chef's knife can cost anywhere from $10 to $1,000. While budget knives can be used to get the job done, spending more money can get you a work of art that will last you forever. Still, it's advisable to choose a knife that falls within the $50 - $100 range.
