10 Best Chef Knives 2025 in the United States

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.

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.