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 Shun Premier 3 Piece Starter Set includes an 8-inch Chef’s Knife, a 4-inch Paring Knife, and a 6.5-inch Utility Knife, making it a versatile choice for anyone starting their knife collection. A key strength of this set is the VG-MAX core with 68 layers of Damascus stainless steel cladding, which ensures the blades are not only sharp but also durable. The hammered tsuchime finish is a thoughtful design feature that reduces drag and prevents food from sticking to the blade, enhancing the user experience during food prep.

Furthermore, the Pakkawood handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, accommodating both left and right-handed users. The knives are well-balanced, which helps reduce fatigue during prolonged use, making them a solid choice for regular cooking tasks. However, it’s worth noting that the premium materials and craftsmanship come at a higher price point, which may not be suitable for all budgets.

Additionally, while the 16-degree edge offers superior sharpness, it might require more frequent maintenance to keep in top condition compared to some other knives. On the plus side, Shun offers free sharpening and honing, which can help maintain the knives' performance over time. This set is a great investment for cooking enthusiasts who value high-quality, handcrafted tools and are willing to invest in proper care and maintenance.

The WÜSTHOF Classic 8" Chef's Knife is a strong choice for both home cooks and professionals who want a dependable, versatile knife. Its blade is forged from high carbon stainless steel, known for holding a sharp edge longer and resisting rust, which makes it easier to maintain. At nearly 8 inches, the blade length is ideal for most kitchen tasks like chopping, slicing, and dicing. The knife features a plain edge, which is great for clean cuts and easy sharpening. The full tang and triple-riveted handle provide excellent balance and durability, while the ergonomic synthetic handle resists fading and discoloration, making it comfortable for extended use. Weighing about 8.5 ounces, it offers a balanced feel—not too heavy or light, allowing good control.

One downside is that it’s not dishwasher safe, so it requires hand washing to keep its quality intact. Also, the stainless steel handle, while durable, may feel colder or less natural compared to wooden handles some users prefer. This knife fits perfectly for those who want a lifelong kitchen tool that performs well across many tasks without needing frequent sharpening. If you want a high-quality chef's knife with a solid build and sharp edge retention, this model should meet your needs.