10 Best Forged Chef Knives 2025 in the United States

The Matsato Chef Knife appears to be a versatile and well-crafted option for both home cooks and professional chefs. Its blade is made from stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to chipping, which is essential for maintaining a sharp edge. The blade length of 6.2 inches makes it suitable for a variety of kitchen tasks, from chopping vegetables to slicing meats.

One of the standout features is the solid oak handle, which offers a comfortable and firm grip, making the knife easy and safe to use. The knife's weight of 176 grams provides a balanced feel, enhancing control during cutting tasks. Additionally, the forged construction indicates robust quality. However, the knife is not dishwasher safe, requiring manual cleaning to maintain its condition. The edge retention is highlighted as being superior, so users can expect less frequent sharpening needs.

The Matsato Chef Knife is also designed to be a multi-purpose tool, making it a good fit for outdoor activities like camping and BBQs. While the knife holds a strong position in best sellers rankings and has favorable customer reviews, potential buyers should consider the need for manual cleaning and care due to its non-dishwasher safe nature.

The Cutluxe Butcher Knife from the Artisan Series is an impressive choice for those who need a reliable, high-performing kitchen tool. With a 10-inch blade made from high carbon German steel, this knife promises durability and excellent edge retention, qualities that are essential for efficient and precise meat carving. The blade is also hand-sharpened to 14-16 degrees per side for maximum sharpness, making it easier to break down, trim, cut, and skin meat with minimal effort. The Granton edge design further enhances its slicing capabilities by reducing drag and preventing meat from sticking to the blade.

Weighing 1.39 pounds, it has a well-considered balance that makes it easy to handle during extended use. The full tang construction ensures stability and strength, giving users confidence in its structural integrity. Comfort is also a key feature of this knife. The pakkawood handle is not only ergonomic and triple-riveted for a secure grip but also laminated and polished for a smooth, sanitary finish – perfect for busy kitchens. However, this knife is not dishwasher safe, which means it requires careful hand washing to maintain its quality.

Additionally, while the knife's origin is China, it is engineered to high standards, as evidenced by a 56+ Rockwell hardness rating that reinforces its durability. The lifetime warranty is a testament to Cutluxe's confidence in their product, offering peace of mind to buyers. This knife stands out with its blend of performance, comfort, and durability, making it a top choice for both professional chefs and home cooks looking to elevate their culinary skills.

The Shun Classic Blonde 6" Chef's Knife is a high-quality forged knife suitable for professional chefs and home cooks who value precision and craftsmanship. Its blade is made from VG-MAX steel, known for excellent edge retention, and features 68 layers of Damascus stainless steel cladding, which adds durability and a beautiful pattern. The 6-inch blade length offers great control for detailed tasks, although it might feel small for those who prefer larger knives for heavy chopping.

Weighing just under half a pound, the knife is well balanced, making it comfortable to handle and reducing wrist fatigue during extended use. The D-shaped blonde Pakkawood handle provides a secure, comfortable grip and is designed for both right- and left-handed users. However, the handle requires hand washing to maintain its condition, as it is not dishwasher safe. The full tang forged construction ensures strength and stability, a hallmark of quality forged knives.

The blade’s 16-degree edge angle delivers exceptional sharpness but may require occasional honing to maintain performance. Shun’s attention to traditional Japanese craftsmanship is evident in this knife, and the included limited lifetime warranty adds confidence for buyers. While the smaller blade size and need for careful hand washing may not suit every cooking style, this knife represents an excellent choice for those seeking a sharp, durable, and beautifully crafted forged chef’s knife with a comfortable handle.