The chef knife is the most versatile knife in the kitchen and a chef’s best friend. Choosing a quality knife that fits your specific needs and preferences will ensure years of safe, enjoyable use.
In addition to our detailed chef knife buying guide, which we recommend you check out, here are five of our favorite knives currently on the market.
An all-rounder with some of the best reviews and rankings – and a surprisingly modest price tag.
General
Brand
Victorinox
Price Range
$35-$60
Balance
Balanced
Manufacturing Country
Switzerland
Warranty
Lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship
Most suitable for
All-around use – from carving meats to dicing vegetables and herbs
Dimensions
Total Knife Length (In/cm)
17/43.18
Cleaver Weight (Oz/Gr)
7.5/212.62
Blade Length (Inches)
7.9
Blade Height (Inches)
1.25
The Blade
Forged/stamped
Stamped
Blade Material
Stainless Steel
Blade Flexibility
Not very Flexible
Tang
Partial Tang
Blade Edge
Double Bevel
Straight/Serrated
Straight
Blade angle
19 degrees.
HRC (Rockwell Hardness)
55-56
The Handle
Handle Feel
Ergonomic, Non-slip
Handle Material
Thermoplastic Elastomers (Plastic)
Handle Color
Black
If you’re looking for a solid, general-purpose chef knife, you won’t go far wrong with the Fibrox Pro 8” from Victorinox. Featuring an ergonomic non-slip TPE handle and an extra-wide blade, this knife is built for easy, efficient use. We especially liked the double bevel edge, which protects the blade against rolling and cracking and makes for longer-lasting sharpness.
Maintenance
How to Clean? Wash immediately after use with soap and running water. Also dishwasher safe. Is the knife dishwasher safe? Yes
A sleek and stylish all-purpose option. Razor-sharp and comfortable.
General
Brand
Imarku
Price Range
$40 - $50
Balance
Balanced
Manufacturing Country
China
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty from Manufacturer
Most suitable for
All-around
Dimensions
Total Knife Length (In/cm)
13/33.02
Knife Weight (Oz/Gr)
12.8/362.87
Blade Length (Inches)
8
Blade Height (Inches)
1.7
Blade thickness/width (Inches)
0.1
The Blade
Forged/stamped
Stamped
Blade Material
German High-carbon stainless steel
Blade Flexibility
Not Flexible
Tang
Full Tang
Blade Edge
Double Bevel
Straight/Serrated
Straight
Blade angle
23-25
HRC (Rockwell Hardness)
56-58
The Handle
Handle Feel
Ergonomic
Handle Material
Pakkawood
Handle Color
Brown and silver
A multipurpose chef knife with a high-carbon stainless-steel blade and a Pakkawood handle for easier grip. If you’re looking for a budget option that balances looks with performance, the iMarku 8” is a good bet. The double-bevel edge and stiff blade (56-58 HRC) deliver a combination of both sharpness and stability – ideal for the beginning chef.
Maintenance
How to Clean? Wash with warm, soapy water and dry immediately after use Is the knife dishwasher safe? No
A classic functional design for sturdy and reliable performance.
General
Brand
Mercer Culinary
Price Range
$55-$70
Balance
Well Balanced
Manufacturing Country
Taiwan
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Most suitable for
All-around – slicing and dicing meat, vegetables, fruits, and herbs
Dimensions
Total Knife Length (In/cm)
15/38.10
Cleaver Weight (Oz/Gr)
9.1/257.98
Blade Length (Inches)
8
Blade Height (Inches)
1.9375
The Blade
Forged/stamped
Forged
Blade Material
High-carbon stainless steel
Blade Flexibility
Unknown
Tang
Full Tang
Blade Edge
Double Bevel
Straight/Serrated
Straight
Blade angle
15 degrees on each side
HRC (Rockwell Hardness)
56+/-1
The Handle
Handle Feel
Ergonomic
Handle Material
Delrin
Handle Color
Black
Part of Mercer’s Renaissance line of products, this chef knife is true to its name, with a modern rendering of classic features, such as a full tang, a taper-ground edge, and an ergonomic handle in black Delrin. With good maintenance – hand-cleaning and drying the knife after each use – the Mercer Renaissance 8” should provide you with years of enjoyable use.
Maintenance
How to Clean? Hand-wash with warm water and soap and then dry immediately after use Is the knife dishwasher safe? No
Japanese-style chef knife in German steel for the best of both worlds.
General
Brand
Imarku
Price Range
$35 - $50
Balance
Well Balanced
Manufacturing Country
China
Warranty
1-year Warranty
Most suitable for
All-around
Dimensions
Total Knife Length (In/cm)
12/30.48
Knife Weight (Oz/Gr)
6.9/195.61
Blade Length (Inches)
7
Blade Height (Inches)
1.7
Blade thickness/width (Inches)
0.1
The Blade
Forged/stamped
Forged
Blade Material
German High-carbon stainless steel
Blade Flexibility
Flexible
Tang
Full Tang
Blade Edge
Hollow
Straight/Serrated
Straight
Blade angle
15-18
HRC (Rockwell Hardness)
57+1
The Handle
Handle Feel
Ergonomic
Handle Material
PakkaWood
Handle Color
Brown and silver
The Imarku Santoku is a wonderful option for those looking to branch out into Japanese-style chef knives. This all-purpose knife comes with a comfy Pakkawood handle and a dimpled Granton edge to prevent adhesion while chopping. At 7”, it’s slightly shorter than the other models on this list, but more than makes up for it with its keen edge and ease of use.
Maintenance
How to Clean? Hand-wash with warm water and soap and then dry immediately after use Is the knife dishwasher safe? No
An affordable precision product from a world-leading brand.
General
Brand
J.A Henckels International (Zwilling)
Price Range
$65-$110
Balance
Balanced
Manufacturing Country
Spain
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Most suitable for
All-around – chopping, dicing and mincing anything from potatoes and apples to salmon and shallots
Dimensions
Total Knife Length (In/cm)
13.39/34.01
Cleaver Weight (Oz/Gr)
11.20/317.51
Blade Length (Inches)
7.87
Blade Height (Inches)
1.81
The Blade
Forged/stamped
Forged
Blade Material
German stainless steel
Blade Flexibility
Not very Flexible
Tang
Full Tang
Blade Edge
V-edge
Straight/Serrated
Straight
Blade angle
15 degrees on each side
HRC (Rockwell Hardness)
55-58
The Handle
Handle Feel
Ergonomic
Handle Material
Plastic
Handle Color
Black
There’s no mistaking a Henckels chef knife. If you’re looking to spend just a little more but get a lot more, this classic 8” chef knife from Henckels is a good place to start. Forged in Spain from German-sourced steel, it features a stiff blade with a V-edge, providing all the function and comfort we’ve come to expect from one of the world’s top cutlery brands.
Maintenance
How to Clean? Either hand-wash with warm soapy water and then dry, or use in a dishwasher. Is the knife dishwasher safe? Yes
Some reviewers find the blade to be overly flexible
Conclusion
The market for chef knives is immense, and the models covered here don’t even begin to cover everything that is available – but they will start you off nicely without breaking the bank. Buy a knife that’s right for you, depending on your preference and what you intend to use it for, and you can’t go far wrong. We also recommend you check out our list of chef knives under $100.
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