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10 Best Chefs Knives 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,219
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
42995 reviews

Blade Material
The high-carbon Japanese steel construction is truly a game-changer, staying sharp through multiple uses over a few months.
Handle Material
The handle is ergonomically designed, providing a comfortable grip even during lengthy chopping sessions.
Weight and Balance
The knife is lightweight and maintains sharpness well with proper care, such as washing and drying immediately after use.
Edge Type
The sharpness of this knife is evident right out of the box, making quick work of chopping onions, mincing garlic, and slicing through vegetables and meats with ease.

The Mercer Culinary M22608 Millennia Chef's Knife is a solid choice for both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts. Its blade is made from high-carbon Japanese steel, ensuring durability and long-lasting sharpness, which is important for maintaining a clean and precise cut. The knife features an 8-inch blade length, which is versatile and suitable for a variety of kitchen tasks such as chopping, mincing, and dicing.

Its ergonomic handle made from Santoprene provides a comfortable and non-slip grip, essential for safe and efficient use, though some might find the handle material less premium compared to wood or other materials. The knife weighs 6.7 ounces, striking a good balance between being lightweight and well-balanced, making it easy to maneuver without causing hand fatigue over extended use. However, one of the main drawbacks is that it requires hand washing and careful maintenance to preserve its edge and prevent rusting, as it is not dishwasher safe.

Additionally, the knife is constructed by stamping, which might not be as durable as forged alternatives. With its competitive price and reliable performance, this knife is a strong contender for anyone in need of a dependable kitchen tool, although those seeking a more premium feel or dishwasher-safe convenience may want to consider other options.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,219
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
42995 reviews

Blade Material
The high-carbon Japanese steel construction is truly a game-changer, staying sharp through multiple uses over a few months.
Handle Material
The handle is ergonomically designed, providing a comfortable grip even during lengthy chopping sessions.
Weight and Balance
The knife is lightweight and maintains sharpness well with proper care, such as washing and drying immediately after use.
Edge Type
The sharpness of this knife is evident right out of the box, making quick work of chopping onions, mincing garlic, and slicing through vegetables and meats with ease.
#2

Global 8-Inch Chef's Knife – Lightweight Japanese Stainless Steel, Razor-Sharp Edge, Made in Japan, G-2

Rating
9.6
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
3016 reviews

Blade Material
The steel is not overly hard, making it easy to maintain with any decent knife steel.
Handle Material
Ergonomics are a key benefit, allowing for comfortable chopping without discomfort, even with the metal handle.
Weight and Balance
The Global G-2 easily exceeds standards for balance, edge retention, and stain resistance, making it a top choice for a professional-grade chef's knife.

The Global 8" Chef's Knife is a well-regarded tool in the kitchen, notable for its lightweight and well-balanced design. The blade is made from high-tech molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel, which contributes to its durability and exceptional edge retention, meaning it stays sharp for a long time. The 8-inch blade length is versatile, making it suitable for a variety of cutting tasks.

The handle, also made of stainless steel, is molded for comfort and features dimples to ensure a secure grip, which can be very reassuring during extended use. One potential drawback is that the stainless steel handle, while durable and sleek, may not provide the warmth and comfort that some users prefer compared to traditional wooden or composite handles. Additionally, although the knife is lightweight, some might find it lacks the heft they are accustomed to in a chef's knife.

However, the lifetime warranty against defects and breakage offers peace of mind regarding its longevity. This knife is a great fit for both professional chefs and home cooks looking for a high-quality, reliable kitchen tool.

Rating
9.6
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
3016 reviews

Blade Material
The steel is not overly hard, making it easy to maintain with any decent knife steel.
Handle Material
Ergonomics are a key benefit, allowing for comfortable chopping without discomfort, even with the metal handle.
Weight and Balance
The Global G-2 easily exceeds standards for balance, edge retention, and stain resistance, making it a top choice for a professional-grade chef's knife.
#3

HENCKELS Classic Razor-Sharp 3-Piece Kitchen Knife Set, Chef Knife, Paring Knife, Utility Knife, German Engineered Informed by 100+ Years of Mastery, Stainless Steel

Rating
9.3
Blade Material
Blade Length
Weight and Balance

Most important from
4841 reviews

Blade Material
The full tang construction enhances durability, giving the knife a strong, balanced feel right where it matters.
Blade Length
The 4-inch knife excels at precision tasks like mincing garlic or slicing small fruits, offering excellent balance and comfort.
Weight and Balance
These knives are lightweight yet substantial, allowing for easy handling without causing fatigue during extended use.
Edge Type
The blade holds its sharpness very well and offers excellent control with a comfortable bolster that supports precision slicing.

The HENCKELS Classic Razor-Sharp 3-Piece Kitchen Knife Set is a solid choice for those seeking versatile knives for everyday kitchen tasks. The set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 6-inch utility knife, and a 4-inch paring/utility knife, covering a good range of cutting needs from chopping and mincing to slicing smaller fruits and vegetables. All blades are made from high-quality stainless steel, which promises durability and resistance to rust and stains. The blades come with a plain edge, designed for clean and precise cuts, and are noted to stay sharp longer than many competitors, which can save you time on sharpening.

The knives are forged, meaning they are crafted from a single piece of metal, providing strength and a smooth transition from blade to handle. The handles are also stainless steel, giving a sleek, modern look, but they might feel a bit slippery or less comfortable over long use compared to knives with softer or textured handles. Weighing about 1.1 pounds for the chef’s knife, the set is lightweight enough for easy handling, helping reduce fatigue during meal prep. Additionally, these knives are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy, although hand washing is recommended to maintain sharpness and finish.

This set is on the pricier side but is backed by a lifetime warranty, reflecting its professional-grade quality. It fits well for home cooks who want sharp, durable knives that perform a variety of tasks without needing frequent sharpening or replacement. However, if you prefer knives with ergonomic or non-slip handles, this all-metal design might not be the most comfortable for extended chopping sessions.

Rating
9.3
Blade Material
Blade Length
Weight and Balance

Most important from
4841 reviews

Blade Material
The full tang construction enhances durability, giving the knife a strong, balanced feel right where it matters.
Blade Length
The 4-inch knife excels at precision tasks like mincing garlic or slicing small fruits, offering excellent balance and comfort.
Weight and Balance
These knives are lightweight yet substantial, allowing for easy handling without causing fatigue during extended use.
Edge Type
The blade holds its sharpness very well and offers excellent control with a comfortable bolster that supports precision slicing.

Buying Guide for the Best Chefs Knives

Choosing the right chef's knife is crucial for any cooking enthusiast or professional chef. A good chef's knife can make food preparation easier, more efficient, and safer. When selecting a chef's knife, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you find the best fit for your needs. Here are the main aspects to consider when choosing a chef's knife.
Blade MaterialThe blade material of a chef's knife affects its sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Common materials include stainless steel, high-carbon stainless steel, and ceramic. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and easy to maintain, making it a good choice for everyday use. High-carbon stainless steel is sharper and holds its edge longer but requires more care to prevent rust. Ceramic blades are extremely sharp and lightweight but can be brittle and prone to chipping. Choose a blade material based on your preference for sharpness, maintenance, and durability.
Blade LengthThe length of the blade determines the knife's versatility and ease of use. Chef's knives typically range from 6 to 12 inches. A 6 to 8-inch blade is more maneuverable and suitable for smaller hands or detailed tasks like mincing herbs. A 8 to 10-inch blade is the most versatile and can handle a wide range of tasks, making it a popular choice for most users. A 10 to 12-inch blade offers more cutting power and is ideal for larger tasks like slicing through large vegetables or meats. Consider the types of tasks you'll be performing and choose a blade length that feels comfortable in your hand.
Handle MaterialThe handle material affects the knife's comfort, grip, and durability. Common handle materials include wood, plastic, and composite. Wood handles offer a traditional look and comfortable grip but require more maintenance to prevent damage from moisture. Plastic handles are durable, easy to clean, and often have a textured surface for a secure grip. Composite handles combine the best of both worlds, offering the look of wood with the durability and low maintenance of plastic. Choose a handle material that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your maintenance preferences.
Weight and BalanceThe weight and balance of a chef's knife affect its ease of use and control. A well-balanced knife will have its weight evenly distributed between the blade and handle, making it easier to control and reducing hand fatigue. Heavier knives can provide more cutting power and are better for tasks like chopping through dense vegetables or meats. Lighter knives are more maneuverable and better for tasks that require precision. Consider your strength and the types of tasks you'll be performing to choose a knife with the right weight and balance for you.
Edge TypeThe edge type of a chef's knife affects its cutting performance and maintenance. Common edge types include straight, serrated, and granton. Straight edges are the most versatile and can handle a wide range of tasks, but they require regular sharpening to maintain their performance. Serrated edges are great for cutting through tough or crusty surfaces, like bread, but can be more difficult to sharpen. Granton edges have small indentations along the blade that reduce friction and prevent food from sticking, making them ideal for slicing. Choose an edge type based on the types of tasks you'll be performing and your willingness to maintain the knife.

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