10 Best Chef Knives 2026 in the United States

The Dalstrong Valhalla Series 9.5-inch Chef Knife is designed to be a strong and reliable tool for both professional chefs and serious home cooks. Its blade is made from 9CR18MOV high carbon stainless steel, which is known for holding a sharp edge well and resisting wear over time. At 9.5 inches, the blade is a versatile length that suits a wide range of kitchen tasks, from slicing vegetables to cutting meat. The forged construction adds durability and balance, giving the knife a solid feel during use.

The edge is sharpened to a very fine angle (8-12 degrees per side), making it razor-sharp and precise, which is great for detailed cutting work. The blade shape is a classic chef’s style, making it easy to rock the knife while chopping. The handle combines celestial resin with stabilized wood and includes a stainless steel bolster, offering both comfort and a secure grip. This combination also gives the knife a distinctive and attractive look. Weighing about 1.9 pounds, it is slightly heavier than some other chef knives, which can provide extra control but might feel a bit tiring during very long prep sessions.

The knife comes with a leather sheath, which is a nice bonus for safe storage and transport. While it is dishwasher safe, hand washing is usually recommended to maintain the sharpness and finish. The Dalstrong brand offers a lifetime warranty and strong customer support, which adds confidence in the knife’s quality. This knife suits cooks who want a durable, sharp, and well-balanced chef knife with a stylish handle and don’t mind a bit of extra weight. It may be less ideal for those who prefer ultra-light knives or want a very budget-friendly option.

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 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.