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10 Best Chef Knives 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Mercer Culinary M22608 Millennia Black Handle, 8-Inch, Chef's Knife

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,152
Blade Material
Blade Shape
Handle Material

Most important from
4443 reviews

Blade Material
The high-carbon Japanese steel construction is truly a game-changer, staying sharp through multiple uses over a few months.
Blade Shape
The tall blade design keeps knuckles off the cutting board, enhancing comfort during chopping.
Handle Material
The handle is ergonomically designed, providing a comfortable grip even during lengthy chopping sessions.
Edge Type
This knife made quick work of chopping onions, mincing garlic, and slicing through vegetables and meats with ease.

The Mercer Culinary M22608 Millennia 8-Inch Chef's Knife is crafted from high-carbon Japanese steel, providing excellent edge maintenance and long-lasting sharpness. The 8-inch blade length is ideal for a variety of kitchen tasks, including chopping, mincing, and slicing. Its plain blade edge ensures clean and precise cuts, making it suitable for both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts.

The knife has a stamped construction, which may not be as durable as forged alternatives, but it still offers good performance for everyday use. The ergonomic Santoprene handle with textured finger points provides a non-slip grip, adding comfort and safety during use. Weighing 6.7 ounces, the knife offers good balance, making it easy to handle for extended periods.

It requires careful hand washing to maintain its performance and longevity, as it is not dishwasher safe. While some users might prefer a forged knife for added durability, this chef's knife stands out for its affordability, quality construction, and user-friendly design. It is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and well-balanced knife for general kitchen use.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,152
Blade Material
Blade Shape
Handle Material

Most important from
4443 reviews

Blade Material
The high-carbon Japanese steel construction is truly a game-changer, staying sharp through multiple uses over a few months.
Blade Shape
The tall blade design keeps knuckles off the cutting board, enhancing comfort during chopping.
Handle Material
The handle is ergonomically designed, providing a comfortable grip even during lengthy chopping sessions.
Edge Type
This knife made quick work of chopping onions, mincing garlic, and slicing through vegetables and meats with ease.
#2

Shun Classic 8" Chef's Knife

Rating
9.6
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
2190 reviews

Blade Material
The Damascus pattern and profile of the blade are very pleasing, with very little food drag.
Handle Material
The handle is ergonomic, perfectly comfortable for both left and right-handed users.
Weight and Balance
Well balanced, it almost feels more like a knife you would carry than a kitchen tool.
Edge Type
The knife is sharp enough to comfortably shave with out of the box, much more so than anticipated.

The Shun Classic 8" Chef's Knife is a remarkable choice for both professional chefs and home cooks looking to elevate their kitchen experience. Its VG-MAX steel core combined with 68 layers of Damascus cladding ensures exceptional sharpness and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks like slicing, dicing, and mincing. With a 16-degree edge, this knife delivers impressive precision, which is essential for detailed cooking tasks.

One of its standout features is the D-shaped Pakkawood handle, designed for comfort and control. This ergonomic grip is beneficial for both left and right-handed users, allowing for longer cooking sessions without discomfort. The handcrafted nature of this knife speaks to its quality, reflecting a long-standing tradition of Japanese craftsmanship that many cooking enthusiasts admire.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, the knife's price point may be higher than some entry-level options, which could be a barrier for novice cooks or those on a tight budget. Additionally, while the blade's sharpness is a significant advantage, it requires proper care, specifically hand washing and avoiding dishwashers to maintain its quality over time. This might be inconvenient for some users who prefer low-maintenance kitchen tools.

Rating
9.6
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
2190 reviews

Blade Material
The Damascus pattern and profile of the blade are very pleasing, with very little food drag.
Handle Material
The handle is ergonomic, perfectly comfortable for both left and right-handed users.
Weight and Balance
Well balanced, it almost feels more like a knife you would carry than a kitchen tool.
Edge Type
The knife is sharp enough to comfortably shave with out of the box, much more so than anticipated.
#3

Professional S Zwilling J.A Henckels 3 Piece Knives Set, Black/Stainless Steel (35602-000-0)

Rating
9.3
Blade Material
Weight and Balance
Edge Type

Most important from
2436 reviews

Blade Material
The steel's toughness is remarkable, but the razor-thin edge demands gentle handling to avoid damage.
Weight and Balance
The set offers excellent balance and comfort, making them easy to control during extended use.
Edge Type
The knives deliver exceptional sharpness that holds up impressively long with proper care.

The Zwilling J.A Henckels 3 Piece Knives Set is designed for both professional chefs and home cooks who want reliable and versatile knives. It includes three essential blades: a 10 cm paring knife for detailed work like peeling and slicing small fruits and vegetables, a 16 cm slicing knife suited for larger cuts of meat, and a 20 cm chef’s knife that handles most general kitchen tasks. The blades are made from ice-hardened FRIODUR steel, which keeps them sharp longer and provides a good balance of strength and flexibility. This material also resists rust and corrosion, which helps with durability.

The handles are made of black plastic with a three-rivet design, offering a comfortable, secure grip and helping prevent slips during cutting. The knives have a well-balanced weight, making them easier to control and reducing hand fatigue. An integrated finger guard adds extra safety when working with these sharp tools. However, the plastic handle material might feel less premium to some compared to full steel or wood handles. Also, hand washing is recommended to maintain the knives, as they aren’t dishwasher-safe.

The blades have a smooth, sharp edge perfect for clean cuts, making them suitable for a wide range of kitchen tasks. While the set covers the most common needs with its three knives, those looking for specialized knives (like bread or boning knives) might need to add to their collection. This set is a solid choice for anyone seeking durable, well-made knives that balance comfort and performance without delving into overly complex or expensive options.

Rating
9.3
Blade Material
Weight and Balance
Edge Type

Most important from
2436 reviews

Blade Material
The steel's toughness is remarkable, but the razor-thin edge demands gentle handling to avoid damage.
Weight and Balance
The set offers excellent balance and comfort, making them easy to control during extended use.
Edge Type
The knives deliver exceptional sharpness that holds up impressively long with proper care.

Buying Guide for the Best Chef Knives

Choosing the right chef knife is essential for any cooking enthusiast or professional chef. A good chef knife can make food preparation easier, safer, and more enjoyable. When selecting a chef knife, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you find the best fit for your needs. Here are the most important factors to consider and how to navigate them.
Blade MaterialThe blade material of a chef knife affects its sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Common materials include stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and ceramic. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and easy to maintain, making it a good choice for home cooks. High-carbon steel is extremely sharp and holds its edge well but requires more maintenance to prevent rust. Ceramic blades are very sharp and lightweight but can be brittle and prone to chipping. Choose a blade material based on your willingness to maintain the knife and your preference for sharpness and durability.
Blade LengthBlade length determines the versatility and ease of handling of the knife. Common lengths range from 6 to 12 inches. Shorter blades (6-8 inches) are easier to control and are ideal for smaller hands or precision tasks. Medium blades (8-10 inches) offer a good balance of control and versatility, making them suitable for most home cooks. Longer blades (10-12 inches) are best for large-scale food preparation and professional use. Consider the types of tasks you'll be performing and your comfort level with handling different blade lengths.
Blade ShapeThe shape of the blade affects how the knife performs different cutting tasks. A curved blade is ideal for rocking motions, making it great for chopping herbs and vegetables. A straight blade is better for slicing and dicing. Some knives have a combination of both, offering versatility for various tasks. Think about the types of foods you prepare most often and choose a blade shape that complements your cutting style.
Handle MaterialThe handle material impacts the comfort, grip, and durability of the knife. Common materials include wood, plastic, and composite. Wooden handles offer a traditional feel and good grip but require more maintenance. Plastic handles are lightweight, easy to clean, and often more affordable. Composite handles combine the best of both worlds, offering durability and a comfortable grip. Choose a handle material that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your maintenance preferences.
Weight and BalanceThe weight and balance of a chef knife affect how it feels in your hand and how easy it is to use. A well-balanced knife will feel comfortable and stable, reducing fatigue during extended use. Heavier knives can provide more power for cutting through tough ingredients, while lighter knives offer greater control and precision. Test the knife in your hand to see how it feels and choose one that offers a good balance for your strength and cutting style.
Edge TypeThe edge type of a chef knife determines its cutting performance and maintenance needs. Common edge types include straight, serrated, and granton. Straight edges are versatile and easy to sharpen, making them suitable for most tasks. Serrated edges are great for cutting through tough or crusty surfaces but are harder to sharpen. Granton edges have small indentations that reduce friction and prevent food from sticking to the blade. Consider the types of foods you cut most often and choose an edge type that suits your needs.

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