10 Best Knives 2025 in the United States

The Shun Classic 8" Chef's Knife stands out with its VG-MAX core and 68 layers of Damascus stainless steel cladding, ensuring remarkable sharpness and durability. This construction not only guarantees precision but also maintains a long-lasting sharp edge. The blade length of 8 inches is versatile, making it suitable for various kitchen tasks like slicing, dicing, and mincing.

The plain edge type further enhances its versatility, providing clean and precise cuts without tearing food items. Weighing 10.9 ounces, the knife is well-balanced, offering a comfortable and controlled handling experience. The Pakkawood handle features a D-shaped design, which provides a secure grip for both right and left-handed users, complementing the blade's balance and making it easy to maneuver.

One of the notable features of the Shun Classic knife is its handcrafted Japanese craftsmanship, ensuring high-quality production standards. However, it is worth noting that the knife requires hand washing to maintain its quality, which might be less convenient for some users. Additionally, its premium materials and construction come at a higher price point, which may not be suitable for all budgets. This knife is ideally suited for both professional chefs and home cooks who value precision, balance, and high-quality materials in their kitchen tools.

The Miyabi Mizu SG2 10-pc Magnetic Easel Knife Set is a high-quality kitchen knife collection that stands out mainly for its blade material and craftsmanship. The blades are made from SG2 micro carbide powder steel, known for exceptional sharpness and durability, enhanced by a unique ice-hardening process that makes the steel very hard (63 Rockwell hardness). This means the knives hold their edge longer and resist dulling. Each blade has a traditional Japanese hand-honed edge sharpened between 9 to 12 degrees, which allows for precise and clean cuts, especially useful for slicing vegetables or delicate tasks. The Damascus-style hammered finish is not only visually appealing but also helps reduce food sticking to the blade.

The Micarta D-shaped handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, with added style from mosaic accents and a metal end cap. The total set weighs about 9 pounds, which is quite heavy and may feel bulky for some users, especially if lighter knives are preferred for easier handling. The set includes a variety of blade sizes, making it versatile for various kitchen tasks.

This knife set is ideal for cooking enthusiasts who value traditional Japanese blade quality and aesthetics and want a durable, well-balanced set. The lifetime warranty and handmade origin in Seki, Japan, add to its appeal. The price and weight might be considerations for casual cooks or those looking for simpler, lighter knives.

The Shun Premier 8 Piece Professional Block Set is a high-quality kitchen knife collection ideal for home cooks who want reliable, sharp knives with a touch of craftsmanship. The blades are made from VG-MAX steel wrapped in 68 layers of Damascus cladding, which gives excellent edge retention and a sharp 16-degree edge for precise cutting. The hammered finish is not only attractive but helps prevent food from sticking to the blade, making slicing smoother. The set includes popular knife types like a chef’s knife, paring knife, bread knife, and more, covering most kitchen tasks. The handles are made of Pakkawood, a durable engineered wood that feels comfortable and secure in your hand, suitable for both left and right-handed users.

At about 11 pounds total including the bamboo block, the set is a bit heavy, but the knives themselves are well balanced for control. These knives require careful hand washing, as dishwasher use is not recommended to maintain their finish and sharpness. The edge type varies, with a serrated bread knife included, which is good for cutting crusty bread but less versatile than straight edges. For those seeking a professional-style Japanese knife set with excellent sharpness and classic styling, this Shun set represents a strong choice, especially if willing to invest time in proper care.