A knife is perhaps the only kitchen item that you will need to use consistently while preparing meals. Even a stove is optional; you may create a salad or tartare without one if you choose.
However, a fine chef’s knife is required for any serious cooking. Humans’ dependence on knives dates back a very long time.
There is no such thing as the ideal chef’s knife. Rather, selecting the knife that works best for you requires taking into account a variety of factors, such as the size of your hands, the type of cooking you like, and what feels natural and comfortable to you while you are cooking.
Top 5 Chef Knives for Under $50
  Editor's Choice | ||||
 | ||||
 | Check Price | |||
 | ||||
 |
1. Imarku 8” Chef Knife – Editor’s Choice
Imarku 8” Chef Knife Specifications
Imarku cutlery is well-known for being one of the finest budget brands available. The blade of this specific model is made of high-carbon stainless steel with around 0.70% carbon content.
This is particularly advantageous since the majority of knives in this price range contain just 0.30% carbon. This particular knife is a Gyotu, which is essentially the Japanese equivalent of a chef’s knife.
It has the same dimensions as the original, but it has a thinner and sharper edge. A quality material, Pakka, is used for the handle, which is good to see on a low-cost alternative like this, especially because it’s a budget option.
Utilizing it in the kitchen may be really enjoyable because of its excellent balance and razor-sharp edge. It would be a wonderful addition to the kitchen of any home chef.
Using it to slice through frozen items is not recommended since it may cause the blade to lose its sharpness.
To prevent the protective finish from wearing away and leaving the blade with a permanently dull finish, the knife should not be used in a hot flame.
Maintenance
The chrome finish is resistant to corrosion and tarnish, and it takes little care to keep looking good. Furthermore, cleaning the knife is as easy as rinsing it with clean water and a mild soap solution. Hand washing is suggested rather than using a dishwasher to clean.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Made of high-carbon stainless steel
- Comfortable handle
- Full tang
Cons:
- Requires sharpening regularly
2. PAUDIN Pro 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
PAUDIN Pro 8-Inch Specifications
This could be one of the better affordable options for individuals who like a more exquisite appearance in their kitchen when it comes to chef knives. This one has a lovely design, as well as a sophisticated handle that is really pleasant in the palm.
It is constructed of German stainless steel, and the blade has a Rockwell hardness rating of 58+, which is comparable to that of knives in a more costly price range, but not quite. It may be used for just about any kind of preparation work in the kitchen.
It may make a significant impact on your productivity, particularly if you cook for a large number of people and need to perform a lot of preparation.
There are 8″ chef knives with extremely thin blades, which enable you to accomplish more complex cutting tasks such as slicing fish and making sushi with more ease.
It has a fantastic appearance and is really useful, which is something you won’t see too frequently in this price range.
Maintenance
Because of the intense detergent, the hot, soapy water will seep into any little crevice between the handle and the blade and ultimately loosen the handle. Moreover, it will rust the blade. In addition, the handle is made of wood that has been covered with plastic.
The handle would eventually be destroyed by a dishwasher.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Well-designed
- Comfortable to hold
- Sharp blade
- Full tang
Cons:
- Not very durable
3. Imarku 7-inch Chef Knife – Best Santoku Knife under $50
Imarku 7 inch Chef Knife Specifications
In terms of both quality and affordability, the Imarku Santoku Knife is among the finest available on the market. It is constructed of high-quality Japanese stainless steel and has a Damascus blade with 71 layers.
In addition to having a hand-hammered finish that reduces drag during cutting, it is also incredibly robust. The ergonomic handle fits perfectly in the palm, mimicking the natural contours of the hand’s surface.
This implies that it will accommodate a wide variety of various grips for a wide range of different users, as well as a wide range of different foods that are being sliced.
When using the knife, the sharpness and finish of the blade prevent food from sticking to the blade while it is being used. All of this results in objects that are finely sliced, diced, or chopped with the least amount of effort.
You needn’t go much farther than the Imarku Multi-Purpose Santoku if you’re seeking a quality Santoku knife but are concerned about the exorbitant pricing. In comparison to other comparable models, it is a high-quality Santoku knife that costs almost half as much.
Read now >> Santoku vs Nakiri
Maintenance
It should not be cleaned in a dishwasher because of the high temperatures and strong chemicals that may cause the handle to degrade. Hand-wash with soap and warm water, then rinse and dry with a soft towel to remove any remaining soap residue.
It is not recommended to immerse or submerge the blade in water for extended periods of time, nor to use chlorine bleach, as this may pit and discolor the blade.
It is best not to soak the blade in aluminum or stainless steel sinks since these metals may create pitting on the surface of the blade.
Pros:
- Ergonomic handle
- Full tang
- High carbon stainless steel
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
4. MOSFiATA 8″ chef’s knife
MOSFiATA 8″ chef’s knife Specifications
Almost every expert will tell you that MOSFiATA is an excellent place to seek a decent budget chef knife if you ask them where they recommend you look. Given the high level of functionality for the price, this is the one that many experts choose to begin with.
For those who like the aesthetic of a Damascus design but cannot buy a Damascus chef knife at present, this will be a suitable substitute. This would be a wonderful present for a home chef or a culinary student in training.
In addition to the knives themselves, it also comes with a gift box and a sharpener, both of which are useful when it comes to storing and maintaining one’s blades. The edge of this blade is really sharp, and the grip is quite pleasant to hold in hand.
When it comes to this particular brand, there isn’t much to be disappointed with.
Maintenance
Maintenance should be done appropriately. Because cast knives have a higher carbon content than other types of knives, it is important to remember to clean the knife after each use.
Acidic or alkaline chemicals should not be left on the blade for an extended period of time. After cleaning, such a knife must be wiped completely dry. After not being used for an extended period of time, it might benefit from a little coating of cooking oil on it.
In addition, it must be kept in a dry location when not in use.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Sharp blade
- Ergonomic design
- It comes with a sharpener
Cons:
- Artificial Damascus print
5. KYOKU Chef’s Knife – 6″ – Shogun Series
MOSFiATA 8″ chef’s knife Specifications
The Shogun Series is made of cryogenically-hardened VG-10 steel wrapped between Damascus steel and folded 33 times. It is the pinnacle of contemporary Japanese cutlery, resisting its ultrafine edge corrosion for a lifespan that outlasts the competition.
It has a superior design, and time-honored sword-making traditions give each Kyoku knife its own distinct appearance while also producing a thinner, tougher, and sharper blade than western knives.
A combination of the best and cutting-edge technology with centuries-old craftsmanship produces a blade edge that is as thin as a scalpel while providing robust nonstick performance.
Due to a wave pattern that gives way to a typical Damascus steel design, it has a distinctive look. With an etched mosaic pin, the ergonomic handle of this knife is aesthetically enhanced, showing its opulent origins.
To survive rigorous everyday usage while maintaining pleasant handling and balanced performance, a metal blade runs the whole length of the handle.
Maintenance
It is not dishwasher safe. Therefore, it must be washed by hand with mild soapy water. The harsh detergent might loosen the handle, and the handling gets destroyed.
Pros:
- Well balanced
- Ergonomic handling
- Excellent grip
- Full tang
Cons:
- Requires frequent sharpening
Conclusion
A knife is a versatile tool that can slice, dice, chop, and bash its way through a variety of foods. It’s worth your time to find the chef’s knife that’s suitable for you since it can be utilized for 95% of your kitchen knife needs.
To produce the best chef’s knives, a lot of effort has been put into forging very high-quality and specialized chef’s knives that are both comfortable to hold and razor-sharp. There are excellent chef’s knives available for less than $50.
However, with its sleek and contemporary style, the $50 Imarku 8” Chef Knife is an excellent choice for cooks. Chefs will appreciate its sturdy build, razor-sharp cutting edge, and user-friendly design.
Post Your Thoughts