Perhaps you’re taking the next step in your home cooking. Or, maybe you’re starting down the path of becoming a chef and need some more professional knives. Regardless of the reason, it can be challenging to find knives that won’t break the bank. We’ve curated a list of the top 7 chef knives under $150 to save you from researching.
Our first recommendation is the Wüsthof 1040100116 Classic Chef’s Knife; the best chef knife available for under $150. Below, you’ll find details on this top-rated knife along with six other chef knives so you can choose the best fit for your needs.
Top 7 Chef Knives for Under $150
  Editor's Choice | ||||
 Best Damascus Chef Knife for Under $150 | ||||
 Best Santoku Chef Knife for Under $150 | ||||
 Best Kiritsuke Chef Knife for Under $150 | Check Price | |||
 Best Japanese Chef Knife for Under $150 | Check Price | |||
 Best Serbian Chef Knife for Under $150 | Check Price | |||
 | Check Price |
1. Wüsthof 1040100116 Classic Chef’s Knife – Editor’s Choice
This Wüsthof classic chef’s knife is ranked at number one and won our editor’s approval for multiple reasons, including having the best reviews, best rank, and an unbeatable price for the quality.
Wüsthof 1040100116 Classic Chef’s Knife Specifications
About the Knife
This Wüsthof chef’s knife is on the higher end, coming close to $150. However, you’re paying for a high-quality knife that will last a long time if well-maintained. This knife is sturdy and arrives with a razor-sharp edge. It can easily cut through meat and vegetables. Because of its versatility, the Wüsthof 1040100116 is an excellent primary knife for chefs of all skill levels.
Maintenance
When using a Wüsthof Classic Chef’s Knife, make sure to wipe the blade off if you won’t be using the knife for a while before washing it. This will aid in preventing corrosion.
How to Clean?
Hand washing is an essential step in the cleaning process. Use warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly for the best outcome. Dry immediately. An electric sharpener can be used on this chef’s knife to keep it in top shape.
Read now >> How to test knife sharpness?
Is the Knife Dishwasher Safe?
No, it’s not. Avoid cleaning this Wüsthof chef’s knife in the dishwasher; it will cause a dull knife and shorten the knife’s life span.
Pros:
- Better control than larger knives
- Long-lasting and sharp blade
- Perfect for meat/vegetables
Cons:
- Higher pricing than other knives
- Not dishwasher-friendly.
2. DALSTRONG 8” Chef Knife Shogun Series – Best Damascus Chef Knife Under $150
The Dalstrong 8” Chef Knife is a great option that performs well with a low angle for precise fits and a more budget-friendly price.
DALSTRONG Chef Knife – 8 inch – Shogun Series Specifications
About the Knife
With a price below $40, the Dalstrong Chef Knife is a steal, especially considering how well it works. The Dalstrong knife arrives in exceptional packaging, making it feel more luxurious. It’s a good chef’s knife with an 8°-12° angle; you’re in control of the blade. This knife also offers an ergonomic handle, making it easy to prep for hours.
Maintenance
If you have rust spots down the line, you can use a rust eraser to remove them. This will help your knife look brand new.
How to Clean?
Avoid soaking the knives. Instead, wash them with mild soap as this will not react with the metal. Dry after rinsing, as it will help keep the knife from staining.
Is the Knife Dishwasher Safe?
No, it is not dishwasher-friendly. Like with most higher-quality knives, you will want to avoid the dishwasher. Washing a chef’s knife in the dishwasher can also cause damage to other items and the dishwasher itself.
Pros:
- Higher angle/more precise cuts
- Comfortable, ergonomic handle
- Elegant Tuschimi/”dot” design
- Well-designed luxe packaging
- Shipped with protective sleeve
Cons:
- Prone to chipping
- Falling can cause knife damage
- Not dishwasher-friendly.
3. Wusthof 7” Santoku Knife – Best Santoku Chef Knife Under $150
The Wüsthof Santoku Knife is an excellent option for those who plan to debone fish and slice sashimi.
Wusthof Santoku Knife – 7″ Specifications
About the Knife
The Wüsthof Santoku Knife is one of the more expensive knives on the list. This santoku knife is an excellent buy for those looking to recreate specific dishes that require precision knife skills. It is also very durable and well-balanced to help prevent wrist and hand aches as you cook.
Maintenance
Use the Wüsthof Santoku serrated knife on a softer material, like a wooden cutting board, for the best outcome.
How to Clean?
Like other Wüsthof knives, it’s best to clean the santoku knife with warm soapy water. Dry immediately after rinsing, do not air dry.
Is the Knife Dishwasher Safe?
No, this knife should be hand-washed to protect the knife and the dishwasher.
Read now >> Santoku vs Nakiri
Pros:
- Well-balanced knife
- Great durability
- Best for delicate, precision slicing
Cons:
- Pricier than classic Wüsthof knives
- The protective sleeve is not included
4. MITSUMOTO SAKARI 8” Chef Knife – Best Kiritsuke Chef Knife Under $150
This visually stunning Japanese-style knife will help you cut through meat and sushi easily.
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 8” Japanese Kiritsuke Chef Knife Specifications
About the Knife
The Mitsumoto Sakari is on the higher end of this price range. However, its multi-colored handle provides a unique look making it a great gift. This handle has eight sides, so you can continue chopping safely even with wet or oily hands. The 67 layers of steel on the blade of the knife help prevent corrosion and rust.
Maintenance
Avoid cutting hard items, like bones or cutting on a hard surface. This will help avoid chipping.
How to Clean?
Once done using this Mitsumoto Sakari knife, it’s advised to wash with water, dry, and leave in an area with sufficient air circulation (like a large/deep knife block).
Is the Knife Dishwasher Safe?
No, this knife is not dishwasher safe. It’s also best to avoid soap with the Mistumoto Sakari knife.
Pros:
- Octagonal handle for easy gripping
- Attractive and unique design
- Anti-rust/corrosion blade material
Cons:
- Not useable for deboning
- Thicker than traditional Japanese knives
5. Shun Sora 8-inch – Best Japanese Chef Knife for Under $150
The lightweight Shun Sora Chef Knife is long-lasting and used by home chefs, professional chefs, and celebrity chefs.
Shun Sora 8 inch Specifications
About the Knife
The Shun Chef Knife is a mid-tier knife in terms of cost. It provides a more affordable option than Wüsthof knives while still offering high-quality results. This is a great knife to gift any chef – it comes with a gift box, knife sharpener, finger guard, and blade guard. Users love how sharp the knife arrives, noting it as the sharpest chef’s knife available.
Maintenance
Make sure to store your Shun knife in a wooden block or case between uses. Avoid an up and down chopping method to maintain the knife’s integrity.
How to Clean?
This choice is one knife that you can use mild dishwashing soap to clean. However, it’s best to avoid soap that has citrus or bleach as it will be too acidic and cause damage. Rinse and dry the knife after washing, making sure to dry it completely before storing.
Is the Knife Dishwasher Safe?
No, the Shun knife is not dishwasher safe. This knife has a wooden handle that can swell in damp environments like dishwashers. Swelling can cause the handle to crack, making it difficult and unsafe to use.
Pros:
- Very sharp, makes cutting easy
- Durable and long-lasting
- NSF certified for professional kitchens
Cons:
- Plastic handle
- Not balanced, front-heavy
6. KOPALA Quality Kitchen Knife – Best Serbian Chef Knife for Under $150
The Kopala Quality Kitchen Knife is unique and a great option for chefs who want to make cooking a real experience.
KOPALA Quality Kitchen Knife Specifications
About the Knife
Pricing for this blade is mid-tier. It arrives with a knife sheath and a light oil layer to keep it protected. This style of knife is strong, making it perfect for cutting through meat and vegetables with ease. You can use this as a chef’s knife, making it a versatile option in the kitchen. The Kopala knife can cut through smaller bones, though only on the backend of the blade.
Maintenance
High carbon steel knives are unique because it’s best to avoid washing them if possible. Simply wiping the blade of these knives does wonders and provides a clean surface for most foods.
How to Clean?
If you need to wash the Kopala knife, you can wash it with water. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before storing it.
Is the Knife Dishwasher Safe?
No, the Kopala knife should not be put in the dishwasher. The knife’s material can rust easily, especially in damp environments.
Pros:
- Can cut through small bones
- excellent craftsmanship and unique appearance
- Arrives with leather sheaf
Cons:
- Material rusts easily
- Heavier than other chef knives
7. Zwilling J.A. Henckels 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
The Zwilling Chef’s Knife is a sharp, high-quality knife with durable stain-resistant material.
Zwilling J.A. Henckels 8-Inch Chef’s Knife Specifications
About the Knife
This Zwilling knife is in the $100 range and is created from high carbon steel, offering durability and a strong blade. The knife uses non-stain steel to aid in avoiding rust, lengthening the life of the knife. It’s well-balanced and easy to hold when chopping making for a great kitchen experience.
Maintenance
Do not cut on glass, marble, or granite using the Zwilling knife. These hard surfaces can damage the knife easily. Plus, you’ll leave scratches on the surface as well.
How to Clean?
To clean the Zwilling Chef’s Knife, use lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. Dry immediately and place in a knife block, knife case, or magnetic strip.
Is the Knife Dishwasher Safe?
Like the above options, this knife is not dishwasher safe. Washing it via this method will shorten the knife’s lifespan and can cause it to become dull.
Pros:
- Stain-free steel material
- Durable, long-lasting knife
- Well-balanced for easy chopping
- Ergonomic, easy to hold the handle
Cons:
- No knife sheath included
- Limited lifetime warranty
Conclusion
Overall, we recommend the Wüsthof 040100116 Classic Chef’s Knife as the top choice. Due to the overwhelming number of positive reviews, versatility, and quality of this chef’s knife, it remains an easy pick in our eyes.
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