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 Classic 6" Chef's Knife is a well-crafted kitchen tool designed for a wide range of cooking tasks like slicing, dicing, and mincing. Its blade is made from VG-MAX steel with 68 layers of Damascus cladding, offering excellent sharpness and edge retention thanks to its 16-degree plain edge. This means the blade stays sharper for longer and cuts precisely. The 6-inch blade length makes it more compact than the standard 8-inch chef knife, which is great for those who want better control or have smaller hands, but it might require more effort for larger chopping jobs. The blade’s shape is versatile, suitable for most everyday kitchen work.

The handle is made of D-shaped Pakkawood, providing a comfortable, secure grip that works well for both right- and left-handed users. At about 8 ounces, the knife strikes a good balance between being lightweight and sturdy, making it easy to handle without feeling flimsy. One downside is that it isn’t dishwasher safe, so it needs hand washing to keep it in the best condition. Also, the premium materials and craftsmanship make it a higher-priced option, which might not suit casual cooks on a tight budget.

This knife appeals to home cooks and enthusiasts who appreciate traditional Japanese craftsmanship and want a sharp, reliable tool that feels comfortable in the hand. Its durability, backed by a lifetime warranty and free sharpening support, enhances its value for those willing to invest in quality.