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10 Best Forged Knives 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

DALSTRONG Gladiator Series Elite-18pc Stainless Steel Knife Set with Block-High Carbon German Steel-Acacia Wood Block-Gift Knife Set w/Black Handles - NSF Certified

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,451
Handle Material
Weight and Balance
Tang

Most important from
1963 reviews

Handle Material
The knife handles match perfectly with the blade tang, and the Acacia wood block is a fine piece of woodwork.
Weight and Balance
The Dalstrong Gladiator knife set is aesthetically pleasing, well-crafted, and balanced, making it a joy to use.
Tang
The knife handles match perfectly with the blade tang, and the Acacia wood block is a fine piece of woodwork.

The Dalstrong Gladiator Series Elite-18pc Knife Set is crafted from high-carbon German stainless steel, known for its sharpness and durability. With a Rockwell hardness rating of 56+, these knives promise a strong and resilient edge, hand-polished to 16-18 degrees on each side for precise cutting. The blade lengths vary to suit different kitchen tasks and include essential knives like a chef knife, bread knife, and paring knife, ensuring versatility in the kitchen. The knife handles are made from triple-riveted ABS polymer, offering a comfortable and secure grip, though they might not feel as premium as other materials like wood or micarta.

The full tang construction enhances the balance and strength of the knives, making them reliable for heavy-duty use. Weighing 4.2 pounds, the set is relatively lightweight, which could be a plus for extended use but may lack the heft some users prefer. The knives come housed in an elegant Acacia wood block, which not only serves as a stylish storage solution but also keeps the knives organized and easily accessible.

A notable drawback is that the knives are not dishwasher safe, requiring careful hand washing to maintain their quality. The plain edge type allows for smooth and clean cuts but might need regular honing to stay sharp. With a lifetime warranty, this knife set is a great option for home cooks and professional chefs alike, though the ABS handles and the need for hand washing might be minor considerations for some buyers.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,451
Handle Material
Weight and Balance
Tang

Most important from
1963 reviews

Handle Material
The knife handles match perfectly with the blade tang, and the Acacia wood block is a fine piece of woodwork.
Weight and Balance
The Dalstrong Gladiator knife set is aesthetically pleasing, well-crafted, and balanced, making it a joy to use.
Tang
The knife handles match perfectly with the blade tang, and the Acacia wood block is a fine piece of woodwork.
#2

Cutluxe Butcher Knife – 10″ Cimeter Breaking Knife, Razor Sharp Forged High Carbon German Steel, Full Tang Meat Carving Knife, Ergonomic Handle Design – Artisan Series

Rating
9.4
Blade Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
8156 reviews

Blade Material
Quality craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of this knife, with a high-carbon stainless steel blade that is both durable and resistant to corrosion.
Weight and Balance
The balance of the knife offers exceptional control and precision, reducing strain on the wrist and making long cutting sessions a breeze.

The Cutluxe Butcher Knife is designed for butchering tasks with a 10-inch blade made from high-carbon German steel. This material ensures durability, sharpness, and resistance to rust and stains. The blade is hand-sharpened to a precise 14-16 degrees per side, offering excellent edge retention and making slicing effortless. The hollow edge further aids in reducing friction and prevents meat from sticking to the blade, enhancing the cutting experience.

The knife features a full tang construction, meaning the blade extends through the handle, providing stability and balance. The handle is made from luxury pakkawood, which is laminated and polished for hygiene and comfort. It is triple-riveted, ensuring a secure grip and maneuverability.

Weighing 1.39 pounds, the knife balances well in hand, making it suitable for extended use in busy kitchens. However, it's not dishwasher safe, requiring manual cleaning and careful maintenance. This knife comes with a lifetime warranty, highlighting confidence in its craftsmanship. This product is ideal for those who frequently handle large cuts of meat and require a robust, reliable tool.

Rating
9.4
Blade Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
8156 reviews

Blade Material
Quality craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of this knife, with a high-carbon stainless steel blade that is both durable and resistant to corrosion.
Weight and Balance
The balance of the knife offers exceptional control and precision, reducing strain on the wrist and making long cutting sessions a breeze.
#3

HexClad Santoku Knife, 7-Inch Japanese Damascus Stainless Steel Blade, Pakkawood Handle

Rating
9.4
Handle Material
Weight and Balance
Edge Type

Most important from
989 reviews

Handle Material
The knife offers exceptional balance and a comfortable wooden handle, making it a pleasure to use every day.
Weight and Balance
The knife offers exceptional balance and a comfortable wooden handle, making it a pleasure to use every day.
Edge Type
Its sharpness is remarkable, delivering precise cuts that inspire confidence and careful handling.

The HexClad Santoku Knife is a well-crafted kitchen tool designed for versatile use, especially suited for chopping meat, fish, and vegetables. Its blade is made from 67 layers of Japanese Damascus stainless steel, which means it’s not only tough but also holds its sharpness longer than many ordinary knives. The blade length is about 6.7 inches, a practical size that offers good control without feeling too bulky. The edge is finely sharpened to 12 degrees, allowing for precise and smooth cuts.

The handle is made from Pakkawood, a durable and water-resistant material shaped ergonomically to provide a comfortable grip during use. This knife weighs roughly 9.9 ounces, striking a reasonable balance that isn’t too heavy or too light, helping with control and reducing hand fatigue. It’s forged, so the blade and handle are made from a single piece of metal, giving it strength and better balance.

This knife requires careful maintenance; it’s not dishwasher safe and needs hand washing plus frequent honing to keep its edge sharp. The warranty covers manufacturing defects but not wear from regular use or improper care. It suits home cooks who want a durable, attractive, and sharp all-purpose knife without needing professional sharpening skills. If you prefer low-maintenance knives or plan to clean in a dishwasher, this might require extra attention.

Rating
9.4
Handle Material
Weight and Balance
Edge Type

Most important from
989 reviews

Handle Material
The knife offers exceptional balance and a comfortable wooden handle, making it a pleasure to use every day.
Weight and Balance
The knife offers exceptional balance and a comfortable wooden handle, making it a pleasure to use every day.
Edge Type
Its sharpness is remarkable, delivering precise cuts that inspire confidence and careful handling.

Buying Guide for the Best Forged Knives

Choosing the right forged knife can significantly enhance your cooking experience. Forged knives are known for their durability, balance, and sharpness. They are made from a single piece of metal, which is heated and then hammered into shape. This process makes them stronger and more reliable than stamped knives. When selecting a forged knife, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.
Blade MaterialThe blade material is crucial as it affects the knife's sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Common materials include stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and Damascus steel. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and easy to maintain, making it ideal for everyday use. High-carbon steel is extremely sharp and holds its edge well but requires more maintenance to prevent rust. Damascus steel is known for its beautiful patterns and excellent performance but can be more expensive. Choose stainless steel for low maintenance, high-carbon steel for sharpness, and Damascus steel for aesthetics and performance.
Blade LengthBlade length determines the knife's versatility and ease of use. Common lengths range from 6 to 12 inches. Shorter blades (6-8 inches) are easier to control and are great for precision tasks like chopping vegetables. Medium blades (8-10 inches) offer a balance between control and versatility, suitable for most kitchen tasks. Longer blades (10-12 inches) are ideal for slicing large cuts of meat but can be harder to handle. Choose a blade length based on the types of tasks you perform most frequently in the kitchen.
Handle MaterialThe handle material affects the knife's comfort, grip, and durability. Common materials include wood, plastic, and composite. Wooden 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 grip for safety. Composite handles combine the best of both worlds, offering durability and a comfortable grip. Choose a handle material that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your maintenance preferences.
Weight and BalanceThe weight and balance of a knife affect how it feels and performs during use. A well-balanced knife has its weight evenly distributed between the blade and handle, making it easier to control. Heavier knives can provide more cutting power but may cause fatigue during extended use. Lighter knives are easier to maneuver but may require more effort for tougher tasks. Test the knife in your hand to see if it feels comfortable and balanced. Choose a weight that suits your strength and the types of tasks you perform.
TangThe tang is the part of the blade that extends into the handle. A full tang runs the entire length of the handle, providing better balance and durability. A partial tang only extends partway into the handle, which can make the knife less durable. Full tang knives are generally preferred for their strength and balance, especially for heavy-duty tasks. Choose a full tang knife for better performance and longevity.
Edge TypeThe edge type affects the knife's cutting performance and maintenance. Common edge types include straight, serrated, and granton. Straight edges are versatile and easy to sharpen, making them ideal for most kitchen tasks. Serrated edges are great for cutting through tough or crusty surfaces, like bread, but are harder to sharpen. Granton edges have small indentations that reduce friction and prevent food from sticking, making them ideal for slicing. Choose an edge type based on the tasks you perform most frequently and your willingness to maintain the edge.

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