10 Best 8 Chef Knife 2026 in the United States

The WÜSTHOF Classic 8" Chef’s Knife is a reliable and versatile kitchen tool ideal for both home cooks and professional chefs. It features a forged blade made from high carbon stainless steel, known for its sharpness and durability, tempered to maintain a strong edge longer than many other knives. The blade length of about 8 inches is perfect for a wide range of tasks like chopping, slicing, and dicing, making it a true all-purpose knife.

The handle is made from a synthetic material designed to be ergonomic and comfortable, with triple rivets for added strength and stability. Weighing 8.5 ounces, the knife has a good balance—not too heavy to tire your hand, yet substantial enough for controlled cutting. The blade edge is plain, which is standard for chef’s knives and works well for smooth, precise cuts. It is not dishwasher safe, so hand washing is recommended to maintain its quality.

The knife also includes a full bolster and finger guard, adding safety and balance during use. Since it is made in Germany with a long tradition of quality, this knife tends to last many years with proper care. Although it comes at a higher price point, the sharpness, edge retention, and comfortable handle make it a strong choice for anyone wanting a dependable, well-built chef’s knife.

The Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-inch chef's knife is a solid choice for home cooks and professionals looking for an affordable, reliable tool. It features a high-carbon Japanese steel blade known for being stain-resistant and easy to sharpen, which helps keep a sharp edge with less effort. The 8-inch blade length is versatile for most kitchen tasks, from slicing vegetables to cutting meat. The blade has a hollow edge, which creates small air pockets to reduce sticking and improve slicing performance.

The handle combines Santoprene and polypropylene, making it comfortable to hold and durable. It also has textured finger points for a secure grip and a protective finger guard, enhancing safety during use. Weighing just under 5 ounces, this knife is light enough for comfortable control over extended prep work.

The blade is stamped rather than forged, which may make it less robust or balanced compared to higher-end forged knives. It requires hand washing to preserve the blade and handle materials, so it is not dishwasher safe. This knife offers good sharpness, comfort, and safety features at a budget-friendly price, making it suitable for everyday kitchen use but less ideal for users seeking a top-tier professional-grade knife.

The WÜSTHOF Classic White 8" Chef's Knife is a solid choice for anyone needing a versatile, everyday kitchen knife. It features a high carbon stainless steel blade that is forged from a single piece of metal, offering excellent strength and sharpness that lasts longer thanks to its precision edge technology. The 8-inch blade length is the standard size for chef’s knives, making it suitable for most cutting tasks like chopping, slicing, and dicing. The blade has a plain edge which is ideal for clean, precise cuts.

Its handle is made from durable synthetic acrylic in a sleek white color, providing a comfortable grip and good resistance to wear and discoloration. Weighing just over 11 ounces, the knife strikes a balance between being sturdy enough for control but not too heavy for extended use. One thing to note is that this knife is not dishwasher safe, so hand washing is recommended to maintain its condition.

This knife benefits from WÜSTHOF’s long heritage of quality craftsmanship and is well-suited for home cooks and professionals who want a reliable, sharp, and comfortable chef’s knife with a modern look.