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10 Best Knives For Chefs 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dalstrong Chef Knife - 9.5 inch - Valhalla Series - 9CR18MOV HC Steel Kitchen Knife - White Resin & Wood Handle - Razor Sharp Chef's Knife - Kitchen Knife - Professional Cooking - w/Leather Sheath

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,188
Weight and Balance

Most important from
875 reviews

Weight and Balance
Plenty of knuckle clearance and excellent weight and balance make it a perfect choice for those with larger hands.

The Dalstrong Chef Knife from the Valhalla Series features a 9.5-inch blade made of high carbon stainless steel (9CR18MOV HC), known for its durability and sharpness. The blade is precision-forged and achieves a Rockwell hardness of 60+, making it a reliable choice for various kitchen tasks. Hand-sharpened to a razor-sharp 8-12 degrees per side, it promises excellent cutting performance. The knife's blade length of 9.5 inches is versatile, suitable for slicing, dicing, and chopping a variety of ingredients. Its plain edge type ensures smooth and clean cuts without tearing the food.

The handle is a blend of celestial resin and stabilized wood, reinforced with a stainless steel bolster, offering both sturdiness and a visually striking design. While the handle's material adds to the aesthetic appeal, it may not provide the same level of grip as traditional materials like rubber or plain wood, particularly if it becomes wet. Weighing 1.9 pounds, the knife is on the heavier side, which might be a drawback for those who prefer lighter knives for extended use. However, this weight contributes to its balance, making it easier to control during use.

The inclusion of a leather sheath with a Valhalla-embossed design is a nice touch, providing safe storage and portability. The knife comes with a lifetime warranty and a satisfaction or money-back guarantee, adding peace of mind to the purchase. The Dalstrong Chef Knife is a robust and stylish option for professional chefs and home cooks alike, though its weight and handle material might require some getting used to for optimal comfort and performance.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,188
Weight and Balance

Most important from
875 reviews

Weight and Balance
Plenty of knuckle clearance and excellent weight and balance make it a perfect choice for those with larger hands.
#2

MAC Knife Professional series 8" Chef's knife w/dimples MTH-80

Rating
10.0
Blade Material
Blade Length
Blade Shape

Most important from
1909 reviews

Blade Material
Hand wash and thoroughly dry only; treat this knife with care to maintain its quality and avoid rusting.
Blade Length
The 8-inch hollow edge chef's knife is a workhorse, deftly handling tasks such as chopping tough veggies, filleting salmon, and trimming roast fat with minimal effort.
Blade Shape
Be careful with this knife; it is very unforgiving and can easily cut you if not handled properly, especially since the rear of the blade is as sharp as the tip.
Weight and Balance
The knife feels wonderful in the hand and is by far the sharpest knife ever held, making slicing through tough vegetables effortless.
Edge Type
This knife turns nearly every task into a 'like a knife through butter' experience, making food preparation almost laughably easy.

The MAC Knife Professional series 8" Chef's knife with dimples (MTH-80) is a versatile kitchen tool designed for chefs and culinary enthusiasts. This knife features a 2.5mm blade made of alloy steel, which is known for its sharpness and durability. The 8-inch blade length is ideal for a wide range of cutting tasks, from chopping vegetables to slicing meats. The dimples on the blade help prevent food from sticking, making your cutting experience smoother and more efficient.

The knife is lightweight at 10 ounces, which combined with its well-balanced design, ensures comfortable handling and reduced hand fatigue during extended use. The Pakka wood handle not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also provides a secure and comfortable grip. However, it is important to note that the knife requires hand washing, as it is not dishwasher safe. This extra care can be a minor inconvenience for some users.

While the knife is well-suited for a variety of tasks, those who prefer a heavier blade may find it too light for their liking. Made in Japan, this knife brings quality craftsmanship to your kitchen. This knife is ideal for anyone from home cooks to professional chefs who need a reliable, sharp, and efficient cutting tool. It’s best suited for those who are willing to invest time in proper care and maintenance to keep the blade in top condition.

Rating
10.0
Blade Material
Blade Length
Blade Shape

Most important from
1909 reviews

Blade Material
Hand wash and thoroughly dry only; treat this knife with care to maintain its quality and avoid rusting.
Blade Length
The 8-inch hollow edge chef's knife is a workhorse, deftly handling tasks such as chopping tough veggies, filleting salmon, and trimming roast fat with minimal effort.
Blade Shape
Be careful with this knife; it is very unforgiving and can easily cut you if not handled properly, especially since the rear of the blade is as sharp as the tip.
Weight and Balance
The knife feels wonderful in the hand and is by far the sharpest knife ever held, making slicing through tough vegetables effortless.
Edge Type
This knife turns nearly every task into a 'like a knife through butter' experience, making food preparation almost laughably easy.
#3

Global 8" Chef's Knife

Rating
10.0
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
2983 reviews

Blade Material
This knife is exceptionally sharp—slicing through vegetables feels effortless, almost like cutting through air.
Handle Material
Despite its modern stainless steel handle, the grip provides secure handling, though it may feel less cushioned than traditional materials.
Weight and Balance
The lightweight design reduces fatigue during use, allowing for comfortable handling over extended periods.
Edge Type
Its razor-sharp edge can even slice through extremely tough materials with minimal effort, showcasing outstanding cutting power.

The Global 8" Chef's Knife is a well-regarded choice for both home cooks and professional chefs who want a lightweight and precisely balanced blade. Its 8-inch blade, made from high-tech molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel, holds an edge remarkably well, meaning less frequent sharpening is needed. The plain edge blade is versatile for slicing, chopping, and dicing tasks common in most kitchens.

The stainless steel handle is unique, molded for comfort and designed with dimples to offer a secure grip, although some may find it less warm or cushioned compared to wooden or synthetic handles. Weighing about 7.8 ounces, this knife is lighter than many traditional chef knives, which can reduce fatigue during extended use but might feel less sturdy for those used to heavier blades. The knife is stamped rather than forged, which usually means it’s thinner and lighter but might not have the same heft or durability as forged knives.

It’s not dishwasher safe, so hand washing is recommended to maintain the blade and handle quality. Backed by a lifetime warranty, this knife is a reliable and sharp tool that suits users who appreciate a modern design and razor-sharp performance, especially if they value ease of handling and minimal maintenance.

Rating
10.0
Blade Material
Handle Material
Weight and Balance

Most important from
2983 reviews

Blade Material
This knife is exceptionally sharp—slicing through vegetables feels effortless, almost like cutting through air.
Handle Material
Despite its modern stainless steel handle, the grip provides secure handling, though it may feel less cushioned than traditional materials.
Weight and Balance
The lightweight design reduces fatigue during use, allowing for comfortable handling over extended periods.
Edge Type
Its razor-sharp edge can even slice through extremely tough materials with minimal effort, showcasing outstanding cutting power.

Buying Guide for the Best Knives For Chefs

Choosing the right chef's knife is crucial for any cooking enthusiast or professional chef. A good knife can make food preparation easier, safer, and more enjoyable. 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 factors to consider and how to navigate them.
Blade MaterialThe blade material affects the knife's sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Common materials include stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and ceramic. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and easy to maintain, making it a good choice for home cooks. High-carbon steel is extremely sharp and holds its edge well but requires more maintenance to prevent rust. Ceramic blades are very sharp and lightweight but can be brittle and prone to chipping. Choose a material based on your willingness to maintain the knife and your preference for sharpness and durability.
Blade LengthBlade length typically ranges from 6 to 12 inches. Shorter blades (6-8 inches) offer more control and are easier to handle, making them suitable for smaller hands or precision tasks. Medium blades (8-10 inches) are versatile and can handle a wide range of tasks, making them a popular choice for most home cooks. Longer blades (10-12 inches) are ideal for larger tasks and professional use but can be more challenging to control. Consider the types of tasks you'll be performing and your comfort level with different blade lengths.
Blade ShapeThe shape of the blade affects how the knife performs different cutting techniques. A curved blade is great for rocking motions, making it ideal for chopping herbs and vegetables. A straight blade is better for slicing and dicing. Some knives have a combination of both, offering versatility. Think about the types of foods you prepare most often and choose a blade shape that complements your cutting style.
Handle MaterialHandle material impacts the knife's comfort, grip, and durability. Common materials include wood, plastic, and composite. Wood handles offer a traditional feel and good grip but require more maintenance. Plastic handles are durable, easy to clean, and often more affordable. 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 in your hand and how easy it is to control. A well-balanced knife will feel comfortable and stable, with the weight evenly distributed between the blade and handle. Heavier knives can make cutting through tough ingredients easier but may cause fatigue during extended use. Lighter knives offer more agility and are easier to handle for delicate tasks. Try holding different knives to see which weight and balance feel best for you.
Edge TypeThe edge type determines how the knife cuts and how often it needs sharpening. Straight edges are versatile and suitable for most tasks, while serrated edges are great for cutting through tough or crusty surfaces like bread. Granton edges (with small indentations) reduce friction and prevent food from sticking to the blade. Consider the types of foods you cut most often and choose an edge type that suits your needs.

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