Finding that perfect chef’s knife improves your cooking capabilities. It allows you to get the ideal cuts for food preparation and enhances your ability to complete all other cooking tasks when preparing a great family meal. Of course, the best chef knives will fit comfortably into your grip, but what do you do when you have smaller hands? Knives Academy has put together an excellent list of fantastic chef knives like the Sun Classic 6” Chef Knife for people with smaller hands who want to make incredible food.
Top 10 Chef’s Knives for Small Hands
  Editor's Choice | ||||
 Best Damascus Chef Knife for Small Hands | ||||
 Best German Chef’s Knife for Small Hands | ||||
 Best Budget Chef Knife for Small Hands | Check Price | |||
 Best Chef Knife Under $200 for Small Hands | Check Price | |||
 | Check Price | |||
 Best Chef Knife Under $50 for Small Hands | Check Price | |||
 Best Chef Knife Under $150 for Small Hands | Check Price | |||
 Best Santoku Chef Knife for Small Hands | Check Price | |||
 Best Santoku Chef Knife for Small Hands | Check Price |
1. Shun Classic 6’’ Chef Knife – Editor’s Choice
The Shun Classic hits all the right attributes for our top choice. Between the well-balanced blade, features, quality materials, and excellent reviews, this knife gives you incredible versatility when cooking, all at a comfortable size.
Shun Classic 6’’ Chef Knife Specifications
About the Knife
This is not a dishwasher-safe blade. The steel could handle the water temperature, but not at continual exposure The price tag of the Shun Classic may look high, but the quality material and incredible construction will last for years if well maintained. That means you get a slim enough handle and lighter knife to craft gorgeous meals without straining your wrist or struggling to hold the blade for dexterous cuts. The hardness and cutting edge make this one of the sharper knives we have seen at this size, and the balance is perfect for everything from carving away lamb chops to making salads full of your favorite vegetables. You get a lot of versatility with the Shun Classic.
Maintenance
This is not a dishwasher-safe blade. The steel could handle the water temperature, but not at continual exposure as most of us like to let dishes air dry inside the machine. This is a blade you want to hand wash and then dry completely before returning to its case.
Pros:
- A thinner handle makes it much easier to maintain a grip
- Excellent blade angle for sharper cuts
- Extremely well-balanced to maintain control
Cons:
- On the higher end of our price spectrum
- Edge texture can be challenging for sensitive hands
- Thinner blade requires more care
2. Dalstrong 7’’ Chef Knife Shogun Series – Best Damascus Chef Knife for Small Hands
We had to include a Damascus blade because it holds its edge so well and were lucky enough to come across the 7” version of a Dalstrong for those with more delectate hands or sensitive finger grips.
Dalstrong 7’’ Chef Knife Shogun Series Specifications
About the Knife
Right off the bat, you will notice the tapered blade. This is like slicing through butter for practically any kind of ingredient you are working with when prepping a meal. While the blade angle is not as extreme as our top choice, the overall handle shape and knife construction offer excellent control and agility for dealing with more complex needs. This is a great price value for one of the best Damascus Chef Knives of this size. That increases the value and longevity you will receive from a single blade.
Maintenance
Do not put this blade in the dishwasher. You will get longer use out of the edge by handwashing it with a bit of soap in warm water and then completely air drying it before storing. You should also oil the blade occasionally to maintain the material’s strength.
Pros:
- Made from durable Damascus steel
- A tapered blade allows for smooth cuts
- The handle is designed for improved agility
Cons:
- The sheath can dull the blade if not used correctly
- Food can stick to the blade if not oiled routinely
- Not the best for rocking motions
3. Zwilling Professional “S” 6’’ Chef’s Knife – Best German Chef’s Knife for Small Hands
A strong German-made knife with a thick bolster and traditional blade profile for chopping, slicing, and prepping any meal you would like.
Zwilling Professional “S” 6’’ Chef’s Knife Specifications
About the Knife
Some may shy away from having a dull heel on the blade, but that is actually why we love this knife. The full bolster and dull heel give you more of a rocking ability which is what you want for traditional chef knife prep work. This is a softer material compared to other knives on our list, but made from stainless steel, making it easier to hone and maintain. That translates to years of use for any home kitchen chef that needs a smaller blade to show off their skills.
Maintenance
Stainless steel is much easier to clean than others can technically be put in a machine, but we still do not recommend you put this knife in a dishwasher. Use some dish soap and warm water like when doing your pots and pans, but be sure to hand dry as well to avoid any leftover water damage.
Pros:
- Excellent traditional design for all-around use
- Full bolster allows greater hand control
- Stainless steel is easier to maintain
Cons:
- On the higher end of the pricing
- A bit more rigid than we’d like
- Edge requires honing out of the box
4. Henckels Classic 6’’ Chef’s Knife – Best Budget Chef Knife for Small Hands
It is surprisingly challenging to find a quality-made chef’s knife at a lower price point. So when we discovered the versatility of the Henckels Classic and saw the lower price, we had to jump on the opportunity.
Henckels Classic 6’’ Chef’s Knife Specifications
About the Knife
If you are nervous about finding a quality knife for your smaller grip, this is an excellent place to start. The smaller blade length offers a decent amount of agility without placing too much weight in your hands. This is a thinner blade that requires a bit more care while using, so you avoid any chipping and be warned this is not as much flexibility as some of the other options, but at the affordable price point, more than worth the trade-offs. We consider this one of the best chef knives under $100. We think many of our readers will enjoy the all-around versatility the German-made knife provides.
Maintenance
This is one of the few chef’s knives that are okay to put in a dishwasher. The polymer handle and stainless steel mean you do not have to worry about rust or leftover food pieces. We still recommend hand drying once the washing cycle is complete to avoid long-term water damage.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- A well-balanced blade for beginners
- Lightweight construction for effortless agility
Cons:
- The thinner blade requires more care
- Not meant for larger pieces of meat or veg
- The unfinished spine that can be a little rough on fingers
5. Wüsthof 6″ Cook’s Knife – Best Chef Knife Under $200 for Small Hands
The double bolster and fantastic design make this one of the more attractive blades on our list that offers a ton of precision cutting for your hand size.
Wüsthof 6″ Cook’s Knife Specifications
About the Knife
We wanted to include a more beautifully designed blade that still had the same practical use as the rest of the chef knives on our list, and the Wusthof worked perfectly. This is a 6” blade that is made from quality German stainless steel but also has a synthetic handle that includes a slight texture to improve your grip. The blade is made using PEtec, which almost always results in a sharper edge and increased retention over time, so be careful when picking this knife up for the first time. It is usually ready to go from the moment it arrives on your doorstep. Hands down the best all-around blade for those wanting chef knives under $200 for small hands.
Maintenance
Not dishwasher safe. You must hand wash and hand dry this blade to keep the materials in good condition and because the sharpness is a real danger if you are not too careful.
Pros:
- Exceptional design is aesthetically pleasing
- Long-lasting grip material that improves agility
- Made with PEtec for enhanced sharpness
Cons:
- Expensive for a beginner
- Slightly heavier than others on our list
- The sharpness increases the risk factor
6. Dalstrong 6’’ Chef Knife Gladiator Series
While we have already had a Dalstrong on our list, this is a far more traditional design at a much more affordable price for those who do not want to spend the big bucks if unsure how a smaller blade feels.
Dalstrong 6’’ Chef Knife Gladiator Series Specifications
About the Knife
Considering the steel material and much taller blade height, you get a surprisingly high amount of flexibility with this chef knife. This is a great option for those that like to cut then scoop ingredients into a bowl. Overall a decent option compared to the more expensive version near the top of our list. We strongly encourage beginners to consider this knife. The price point and excellent blade material are a good value if you are working with a budget.
Maintenance
Not dishwasher safe and a good introduction into proper blade maintenance for those just getting started in professional-grade knives. You need to hand wash in warm water with a bit of soap. This is another blade you should oil to food doesn’t stick to the sides.
Pros:
- Fantastic price point for the quality
- Taller blade allows more prep options
- Excellent material for a long-lasting edge
Cons:
- You do need to hone the blade a bit more often
- Riveted handle is not quite a flush
- Handle can get slippery if too moist
7. Victorinox 6’’ Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife – Best Chef Knife Under $50 for Small Hands
For those working on an extreme budget, this is the blade for you. There is still plenty of sharpness and versatility but in a less traditional blade shape.
Victorinox 6’’ Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife Specifications
About the Knife
Yes, the price point on this chef knife is very budget-friendly, but you are also not getting a fully functional blade. This is more for smaller apartments or households who want a quality knife for quick fixes and not the full spectrum of professional-grade blades needed with detailed prep work. However, the blade is still sharp enough to get the job done, and you cannot go wrong with a slip-resistant handle to keep you safe. This is also a much smaller form factor, which helps those with smaller hands. All in all a reasonable choice and one of our favorite chef knives under $50.
Maintenance
Yes, you can put this in the dishwasher worry-free and are welcome to let it air dry. Just be a little careful when pulling it out, as it does have a decent edge sharpness.
Pros:
- Great price point
- Incredibly easy to maintain
- Fits well into a knife block or magnetic strip
Cons:
- Not traditional chef knife shape
- A shorter blade reduces the versatility
- Less knuckle-cutting clearance
8. WÜSTHOF Classic 6″ Chef’s Knife – Best Chef Knife Under $150 for Small Hands
An excellent blade with a handle construction that ensures you get all the agility you want while prepping without any of the slipping worries.
WÜSTHOF Classic 6″ Chef’s Knife Specifications
About the Knife
We struggle with where to place this Wustholf because it is superior quality compared to others. The blade length is a little longer, and you get all the qualities of German engineering, but the sharpness is a little less than we would like to see. Otherwise, this is a great option for those who understand the value of a well-designed chef knife and need an addition to their tools. That is why we have also included this blade on our list of the best chef knives under $150 as well. It is not the best and not the worst. A very Goldilocks blade option.
Maintenance
Yes, technically this can be put in the dishwasher, but the blade material and construction make us lean more towards hand washing in warm water with some soap and then drying off completely before storing.
Pros:
- The grip is amazing!
- Excellent sharpness and material for the price
- Good gift option for friends and family
Cons:
- Some reports of bad shipping packaging
- Less surface area for full prep agility
- Does require occasional honing
9. Shun Sora 6’’ Chef Knife – Best Santoku Chef Knife for Small Hands
Wonderful knife shape and design in the traditional Japanese Santoku style for mincing, dicing, and slicing.
Shun Sora 6’’ Chef Knife Specifications
About the Knife
If you have never had the pleasure of working with Santoku chef knives, now is your chance. The only reason this blade is low on our list is that the Santoku style is a bit of an acquired taste. The chef knife looks straight from a Kurosawa film where samurai prepare all of your dishes. That is also why the height is so tall compared to others. This is the type of blade you use for practically any dish as it offers a lot of angles and surface area to manipulate ingredients.
Maintenance
Please never put this knife in a dishwasher. The specialty edge is meant to be taken care of by hand washing and drying with the occasional oiling. You will not need to hone the blade that often.
Pros:
- High versatility with a large surface area
- Excellent sharpness food does not stick to
- Traditional Santoku design
Cons:
- Not meant for those who do not appreciate Santoku
- Thinner blade requires more care
- Not the best quality from the Shun series
10. Victorinox Fibrox Pro 5’’ Chef’s Knife
The shortest blade on our list, making it the optimal choice for those with sensitive or smaller hands and at a great price point.
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 5’’ Chef’s Knife
About the Knife
This may be the last option on our chef’s knife list, but it is the best for those with weaker wrists, smaller hands, or chronic pain. The handle is designed incredibly well to avoid slippage or accidents, and the overall blade weight is light, so you are not putting a lot of pressure on your body. This is a stamped blade though, so you are trading off a bit of quality to get a smaller size and lower weight class. Still, at such an affordable price point, an excellent solution for those with smaller hands.
Maintenance
Easily maintained with the occasional honing and dishwasher safe for cleaning.
Pros:
- Great design for weaker wrists
- Excellent grip material and texture
- Affordable price point for budgets
Cons:
- Stamped blade with an only a partial tang
- A shorter blade restricts ingredient use
- Does require honing from time to time
Things to Consider When Buying a Chef Knife for Small Hands – Buying Guide
We have a quick chef knife buying guide for those preparing food with smaller hands. In general, you want to find a blade that works for you personally. Your comfort and confidence in the kitchen make the most significant difference in how your meals turn out. However, a few details to watch out for can help improve your buying decision-making the next time you are on the hunt.
Blade and handle length
Smaller hands require a shorter blade. We suggest looking for something between 5-7 inches with a decent balance. You do not want to go too lightweight unless you also have wrist issues because then the blade will not do its work as efficiently. Your goal is a long enough knife to get you through the ingredients you use the most without placing too much strain on your hand while maneuvering around the kitchen.
How to choose the knife length
The knife is relative to your body size. If you are an average-sized person, a length of 7-10 inches works fine. If you are shorter or have smaller hands, you should shoot for 5-7 inches. If you want to get really specific, measure the distance from your wrist to your elbow and find a blade with a similar length.
The handle fell and grip
Chef knives are meant to be agile because you use them for a lot of prep work. Therefore, you want a handle that has some texture, so you avoid any slipping while working and one that has a decent bolster for ergonomics. That way, you are not placing too much strain on your hand, wrist, or forearm.
Purpose of the knife
Every professional-grade knife has a purpose. For example, a meat cleaver is designed for chopping through thick pieces of flesh or vegies, and a boning knife is designed to be flexible enough to work around animal bones. A chef’s knife is intended to offer slicing, chopping, mincing, and agility work when preparing ingredients for meals.
Conclusion
We hope this list of chef knives for small hands comes in handy (get it?). There are many great options in different lengths, sharpness, maintenance, and uses designed for a broad audience, so you should be able to find a solution to your kitchen needs. We strongly encourage you to consider our top choice – the Shun Classic 6” Chef Knife as it fits most hands exceptionally well and has a balance of the all-around features you would want out of a quality chef knife.
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