10 Best Chef Knives 2025 in the United States

The Shun Premier Blonde 8" Chef's Knife is a beautifully crafted kitchen tool that suits both professional and home chefs. Its blade is made from VG-MAX steel with 68 layers of Damascus cladding, offering a sharp edge that holds well for precise slicing, dicing, and mincing. The hammered finish on the blade helps reduce food sticking, making your cutting smoother and quicker. At 8 inches, the blade length is versatile for most kitchen tasks without feeling too bulky.

The handle is made from blonde Pakkawood, shaped to fit comfortably in your hand and provide a secure grip whether you’re left or right-handed. Weighing about 5.6 ounces, the knife balances well, allowing good control without being too heavy or tiring to use. The edge is plain with a 16-degree angle, which is sharper than many Western knives, so it may require careful handling and regular honing to keep in top shape.

One downside to consider is that this knife is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing to maintain its quality. Additionally, while the handle looks elegant, wooden handles generally need more care over time compared to synthetic alternatives. This knife is a great choice if you value craftsmanship, sharpness, and a comfortable grip, especially if you like cooking with traditional Japanese-style knives.

The Shun Premier 6" Chef's Knife is a high-quality Japanese kitchen knife well suited for various cooking tasks like slicing, dicing, and mincing. Its 6-inch blade made from VG-MAX steel with 68 layers of Damascus cladding offers excellent sharpness and durability, maintaining a precise 16-degree edge that stays sharp longer than many other knives. The hammered tsuchime finish helps reduce food sticking to the blade, making cutting smoother and cleaner. The blade’s shape is traditional chef’s style, which is versatile for most kitchen jobs.

The handle is made of Pakkawood, providing a comfortable and secure grip for both right and left-handed users. At 4.9 ounces, the knife is lightweight and well-balanced, allowing easy handling without fatigue. While it can be washed in a dishwasher, hand washing is recommended to preserve the blade and handle quality over time.

This knife serves as an excellent choice for home cooks or anyone seeking a sharp, durable, and comfortable all-purpose chef’s knife with elegant craftsmanship and a lifetime warranty.

The Shun Premier Grey Chef's Knife (8-inch) is a well-crafted Japanese kitchen knife that suits a wide range of food preparation tasks, from slicing vegetables to trimming meat. It features a high-quality VG-MAX steel blade wrapped in 68 layers of Damascus steel, which adds corrosion resistance and gives the blade a sharp, durable edge. The wide, curved blade design helps keep your knuckles off the cutting board and allows for smooth rocking motions, making it easier to mince herbs finely.

Weighing about 10.4 ounces, it's light and thin, which is great for precise control without feeling bulky. The gray Pakkawood handle is comfortable, moisture-resistant, and designed to offer a good grip, contributing to better handling and balance. The blade edge is plain (straight), which is versatile for most kitchen tasks but may not be ideal if you specifically need a serrated edge for bread or tomatoes. Since it requires hand washing and cannot go in the dishwasher, it demands a bit more care to keep it in top shape.

Priced higher than average knives, this knife is handcrafted by skilled artisans and comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which adds value if you want a quality tool that lasts. It is ideal for someone who cooks regularly and values precision and craftsmanship in their kitchen tools.