Best Chef Knives of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2025

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Chef knives are an essential tool for any home cook or professional chef. These versatile knives can be used for a variety of tasks, from chopping vegetables to slicing meat. They typically have a sharp blade that is between 6 and 12 inches long, with a curved edge that makes it easy to rock the knife back and forth while cutting. The handle is usually made of wood, plastic, or metal and is designed to provide a comfortable grip. Chef knives come in a range of prices and styles, from budget-friendly options to high-end models that are handcrafted from premium materials. Whether you're a novice cook or an experienced chef, a good chef knife is a must-have in your kitchen.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

HOSHANHO 7 Inch Japanese Chef Knife Cover #TOP 1
HOSHANHO 7 Inch Japanese Chef Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
WÜSTHOF Classic 8-Inch Cook's Knife Cover #TOP 2
WÜSTHOF Classic 8-Inch Cook's Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Victorinox Fibrox Chef's Knife 8 in Cover #TOP 3
Victorinox Fibrox Chef's Knife 8 in
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Chef Knives

HOSHANHO 7 Inch Japanese Chef Knife

7 inch Santoku Knife
Silver
HOSHANHO 7 Inch Japanese Chef Knife Cover
HOSHANHO 7 Inch Japanese Chef Knife, Ultra Sharp High Carbon Stainless Steel AUS-10 Kitchen Knife, Professional Santoku Knives with Ergonomic Pakkawood Handle

HOSHANHO Chef Knife is a high-quality kitchen knife made of ultra-tough stainless steel. Its blade is forged with triple-layer laminated steel, providing durability and resistance to cold, heat, and corrosion. The blade is made of high-end Japanese steel AUS-10, which is two times harder than other knives in its class. The unique design of the knife includes a frosted finish and a hand-sharpened 15° blade angle, allowing for thinner cuts and more precise tasks in the kitchen. The double-side groove design reduces cutting resistance and prevents food from sticking. The knife also features an ergonomic Pakkawood handle, ensuring optimum comfort, control, and agility. With its versatility, this Santoku knife is suitable for both home and professional use, making it perfect for chopping, slicing, dicing, and cutting various ingredients. The knife comes packaged in a luxurious gift box, making it an ideal gift for any cook or knife enthusiast.

What We Like
Super sharp blade
Beautifully crafted design
Comfortable wooden handle
Excellent cutting precision
Great value for money
What We Don't Like
May require careful handling
Initial sharpening might be needed
#TOP 2

WÜSTHOF Classic 8-Inch Cook's Knife

4582-7/20
Black
WÜSTHOF Classic 8-Inch Cook's Knife Cover
WÜSTHOF Classic 8 Inch Chef’s Knife,Black,8-Inch

The WÜSTHOF Classic 8-Inch Cook's Knife is a kitchen workhorse that is essential for preparing any meal. This all-purpose cook's knife can be used for chopping, mincing, slicing, and dicing. The full tang, triple-riveted handles of the classic line offer the widest range of cutlery that can satisfy every home cook or professional chef. The knife is precision-forged from a single block of high-carbon stainless steel and features an ergonomic handle design made from a long-lasting synthetic material to resist fading and discoloration. The Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) yields a blade that is 20% sharper with twice the edge retention than previous models. WÜSTHOF's cutlery carries the Solingen name, a designation reserved for products that meet the strictest quality standards.

What We Like
Excellent sharpness
Comfortable handle
Durable construction
High-quality materials
Great for meal prep
What We Don't Like
Basic packaging
Price may seem high
#TOP 3

Victorinox Fibrox Chef's Knife 8 in

45520
Black
Victorinox Fibrox Chef's Knife 8 in Cover
Victorinox Swiss Army 5.2063.20-X14 Fibrox Chef's Knife Black 8 in

Victorinox Chef's Knife is a top choice for both home chefs and professionals. With a tapered stainless steel edge, it effortlessly handles chopping, mincing, slicing, and dicing tasks. The ergonomic handle ensures a non-slip grip, even when wet, making it easy to use. The balanced weight adds to the ease of handling. This durable knife is dishwasher safe, simplifying the cleaning process. Crafted in Switzerland, it comes with a lifetime warranty, ensuring quality and durability for all kitchen needs.

What We Like
Exceptional sharpness
Comfortable grip
Lightweight and balanced
Affordable price
Easy to maintain
What We Don't Like
Cosmetic scuffing on blade
Poor packaging for gift

HENCKELS CLASSIC 3-pc Knife Set

31425-000
Stainless Steel
HENCKELS CLASSIC 3-pc Knife Set Cover
HENCKELS Classic Razor-Sharp 3-Piece Kitchen Knife Set, Chef Knife, Paring Knife, Utility Knife, German Engineered Informed by 100+ Years of Mastery, Stainless Steel

HENCKELS Knife Set is a high-quality set of three knives that includes a 4-inch pairing knife, a 6-inch utility/sandwich knife, and an 8-inch chef's knife. These knives are manufactured from German stainless steel and made in Spain with fully forged construction, providing durability and a seamless transition from blade to handle. The professional, satin-finished blade boasts precision cutting and is finely honed for long-lasting sharpness, making it perfect for various cutting tasks. The ergonomic, traditional triple-rivet handle offers a balanced grip and comfort, ensuring smooth and easy cutting. Additionally, this knife set is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean up after use.

What We Like
Maintains sharpness well
Comfortable weight and balance
High quality materials
Great value for price
Lifetime warranty included
What We Don't Like
Narrow handle on paring knife
Hard angles on handles
#TOP 5

Victorinox 8 Inch Swiss Classic Chef's Knife

6.8063.20-X2
Black
8 IN
Victorinox 8 Inch Swiss Classic Chef's Knife Cover
Victorinox Swiss Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife with Straight-Edge Blade and Black Handle

This multipurpose chef's knife is perfect for chopping, mincing, slicing, and dicing with its razor sharp, tapered knife edge. Its ergonomic, slip-resistant handle is paired with lightweight European steel for a balanced design. The knife has been "recommended" by a leading gourmet consumer magazine and is designed for both professionals and home chefs. Expertly crafted in Switzerland since 1884, it comes with a lifetime warranty against defects.

What We Like
Excellent value for the price
Incredibly sharp out of the box
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Durable and versatile use
Lightweight and easy to handle
What We Don't Like
Packaging could be improved
#TOP 6

Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI 5-Piece Chef Knife Set

BREWIN-US
Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI 5-Piece Chef Knife Set Cover
Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI Japanese Chef Knife Set 5 PCS with Elegant Red Pakkawood Handle Ergonomic Design,Professional Ultra Sharp Kitchen Knives for Cooking High Carbon Stainless Steel

Brewin's CHEFILOSOPHI 5-Piece Chef Knife Set is a top-shelf cooking knife set that has been painstakingly crafted with expert chefs in mind. Featuring ultra-tough 1.4116 German stainless steel with a Rockwell hardness score of 56+, these knives are razor sharp and highly durable. The ergonomic design of the Pakkawood handles ensures perfect balance and a luxurious feel. This set includes two 8-inch knives, a Santoku Japanese knife, a 5-inch utility knife, and a smaller paring knife for peeling and prep.

What We Like
Sharp and durable
Comfortable handles
Well-balanced design
Elegant packaging
Great value on sale
What We Don't Like
Slightly bowed chef knife
No serrated knife included
#TOP 7

WÜSTHOF Classic 8" Chef's Knife

1040100120
Black
WÜSTHOF Classic 8" Chef's Knife Cover
WÜSTHOF Classic 8" Chef's Knife, Black

The WÜSTHOF Classic 8" Chef's Knife is an essential kitchen tool for any home cook or professional chef. This all-purpose cook's knife is forged from a single block of high carbon stainless steel and is 20% sharper than previous models. The ergonomic handle is made from a long-lasting synthetic material and features a full bolster and finger guard for added comfort and safety. This knife is perfect for chopping, mincing, slicing, and dicing and is sure to last for generations.

What We Like
Excellent sharpness
Comfortable grip
Well balanced
Durable and long-lasting
Great value for quality
What We Don't Like
Requires careful handling
No protective cover included
#TOP 8

MOSFiATA 8" Professional Chef's Knife

CK0401
Silver
MOSFiATA 8" Professional Chef's Knife Cover
MOSFiATA 8" Super Sharp Professional Chef's Knife with Finger Guard and Knife Sharpener, German High Carbon Stainless Steel EN1.4116 with Micarta Handle and Gift Box

The MOSFiATA 8" Professional Chef's Knife is a high-quality kitchen tool made from German EN1.4116 stainless steel with a laser-engraved pattern and a 15% chrome anti-tarnish finish. The ergonomic handle is made of santoprene and polypropylene for comfort and durability, and the full tang construction provides extra strength and stability. Customers love the sharpness and ease of use, and appreciate the included stainless steel finger guard, knife sharpener, and blade guard.

What We Like
Exceptional sharpness
Beautiful design
Excellent balance
Durable materials
Includes sharpener and finger guard
What We Don't Like
Some misinformation noted
#TOP 9

PAUDIN 8 Inch Chef Knife with Ergonomic Handle

N1-Chef Knife
Silver
PAUDIN 8 Inch Chef Knife with Ergonomic Handle Cover
PAUDIN Chef Knife, 8 Inch High Carbon Stainless Steel Sharp Kitchen Knife with Ergonomic Handle, Gift Box for Family & Restaurant

Designed for both home and professional use, the PAUDIN 8 Inch Chef Knife is a versatile tool that can handle all your chopping, slicing, mincing, and dicing needs. The ultra-sharp 2mm thick blade is hand-polished for long-lasting sharpness, while the ergonomic wooden handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. This knife also comes with a special waved pattern on the blade, adding to its striking design. PAUDIN offers a 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee, as well as a lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship.

What We Like
Super sharp blade
Well balanced design
Great price for quality
Comfortable handle
Attractive wood grain design
What We Don't Like
Square back edge
Handle length could be longer

MITSUMOTO SAKARI 8 inch Japanese Gyuto Chef Knife, Professional Hand Forged Kitchen Chef Knife, 3 Layers 9CR18MOV High Carbon Meat Sushi Knife (Rosewood Handle & Sandalwood Box)

MS-135
wooden,Black
8 inch
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 8 inch Japanese Gyuto Chef Knife, Professional Hand Forged Kitchen Chef Knife, 3 Layers 9CR18MOV High Carbon Meat Sushi Knife (Rosewood Handle & Sandalwood Box) Cover
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 8 inch Japanese Gyuto Chef Knife, Professional Hand Forged Kitchen Chef Knife, 3 Layers 9CR18MOV High Carbon Meat Sushi Knife (Rosewood Handle & Sandalwood Box)

The MITSUMOTO SAKARI 8 inch Japanese Gyuto Chef Knife is a professional kitchen knife made with traditional Japanese hand forging method, 3 layers of top grade 9CR18MOV high carbon steel, and a solid rosewood handle. It is a great choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike, and comes with a professional gift box packaging. It is a great starter knife, with a sharp blade and durable edge, although the balance between the blade and the handle could be improved.

What We Like
Incredibly sharp
Comfortable handle
Beautiful design
Durable construction
Easy to maintain
What We Don't Like
Handle may not be comfortable
Received as opened box
Best Chef Knives Feature Image

Everything You Need to Know About Buying Chef Knives

Choosing the right chef knife is essential for any kitchen. But with so many different brands, materials, and sizes on the market, it can be tricky to know where to start. That's why we've put together this handy guide to help you choose the best chef knife for your needs.

Type

There are many different types of chef knives, each designed for a specific purpose.

Ulu knives, for example, are traditionally used by Inuit women for skinning and cleaning animals.

Sashimi knives are designed for slicing raw fish, while gyuto knives are meant for general purpose chopping.

Kiritsuke knives are a type of all-purpose knife that can be used for both slicing and chopping.

Deba knives are designed specifically for butchering fish, while boning knives are ideal for removing bones from meat.

Petty knives are smaller knives that are perfect for peeling fruits and vegetables, while yanagiba knives are long and narrow, making them ideal for slicing sushi.

Utility knives are versatile all-purpose knives that can be used for both chopping and slicing, while butcher knives are heavy duty blades that are perfect for cutting through tough meat.

Cleaver knives are large and powerful blades that can be used to chop through bones, while santoku knives are Japanese all-purpose kitchen knives.

With so many different types of chef knives available, it is easy to find the perfect knife for any task.

Brand

Here is a brief introduction to some of the most popular chef knife brands:

HENCKELS is a German company that has been making knives for over 200 years. Their blades are made of high-carbon stainless steel and are known for their durability and sharpness. HENCKELS also offers a wide range of blade sizes and shapes, making it easy to find the perfect knife for any task.

Mercer Culinary is another popular brand, and their knives are made from Japanese steel.

Victorinox is best known for their Swiss Army knives, but they also make excellent chef knives. Their blades are made from a tough alloy of carbon and stainless steel, and they feature a comfortable ergonomic grip.

MAC knives are known for their sharpness and durability. They are made from high-quality Japanese steel and are handcrafted in Seki, Japan.

ZWILLING is a German company that has been making knives for over 280 years. Their knives are made from high-carbon stainless steel and are designed for both professional and home cooks.

Miyabi knives are made in Japan using traditional methods. They are crafted from high-carbon steel and have a hardwood or staghorn handle.

Cutco is an American company that has been making knives since 1949. Their knives are made from high-carbon stainless steel and have a synthetic polymer handle.

Wüsthof is a German company that has been making knives since 1814. Their knives are made from high-carbon stainless steel and have a riveted synthetic polymer handle.

Kitory is a Japanese knife company. It produces all types of kitchen cutlery, including Western style chefs’ knives. All Kitory blades are manufactured from Hitachi white #2 carbon steel. Handles are Magnolia wood with water buffalo bolster.

Dexter-Russell is an American manufacturer of professional cutlery located in Southbridge.

All shun blades use VG10 “super steel” which contains cobalt for strength and hardness as well as chromium for rust resistance. Shun also offers beautiful Damascus cladding to many of their blades which protects the interior VG10 super steel.

XYJ focuses on developing and manufacturing kitchen knives better, which has won a good reputation among our customers all over the world.

As you can see, there are many different chef knife brands to choose from. Each brand has its own unique features and benefits. So, when choosing a chef knife, it is important to consider your own needs and preferences. With so many great options on the market, you're sure to find the perfect chef knife for your kitchen!

Style

There are many different styles of chef knives, each with its own unique features and benefits.

French chef knives, for example, are often used for slicing and dicing vegetables. They typically have a narrow blade and a sharp point, making them ideal for precision cutting.

Chinese chef knives, on the other hand, often have a wider blade that is curved at the end. This design allows for more aggressive chopping and slicing, making them ideal for preparing stir-fries and other dishes that require large amounts of ingredients to be cut quickly.

Serbian chef knives, meanwhile, are known for their durability and versatility. With a thick blade and a sturdy handle, they can tackle even the toughest cutting jobs.

And finally, German chef knives are prized for their sharpness and precision. These blades are typically made of high-carbon steel, which helps to ensure a long-lasting edge.

Whether you're looking for a knife to dice vegetables or chop meat, there's sure to be a chef knife that's perfect for your needs.

Material

There are many different types of chef knives on the market, each made from a different type of material.

Ceramic knives are extremely sharp and resistant to corrosion, but they can be brittle and difficult to sharpen.

Plastic knives are a more economical option, but they lack the durability of other materials.

Carbon steel knives are very strong and easy to sharpen, but they can rust if not properly cared for.

Titanium knives are lightweight and durable, but they can be expensive.

Damascus steel knives are known for their beautiful patterns, but they can be difficult to maintain.

Ultimately, the best type of knife for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Features

Folding chef knives are a great option for portability and convenience. They are typically smaller and lighter than traditional chef knives, making them easy to transport.

Handmade chef knives are an excellent choice for those who value quality and craftsmanship. These knives are made by skilled artisans using traditional methods, resulting in a high-quality product.

Custom chef knives are an ideal option for those who want a unique knife that is tailored to their specific needs. Custom knives can be made from a variety of materials and feature different blade shapes, sizes, and finishes.

Rust-resistant chef knives are a great choice for those who want a durable knife that can stand up to heavy use. These knives are made with special alloys that resist corrosion, making them an excellent choice for professional kitchens.

High carbon chef knives are a great option for those who want a sharp, durable knife. High carbon steel is known for its exceptional edge retention and durability, making it an ideal choice for demanding cooks.

Multi-functional chef knives are an excellent choice for those who want a versatile tool for their kitchen. These knives can be used for a variety of tasks, making them an essential part of any cook’s arsenal.

Dishwasher safe chef knives are a great option for busy cooks who don’t have time to hand wash their knives after each use. These knives can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher, making them an easy and convenient option.

Damascus chef knives are an excellent choice for those who want a unique and beautiful knife. Damascus steel is formed by folding multiple layers of steel together, resulting in a distinctive pattern that is both visually stunning and extremely strong.

Full tang chef knives are an excellent choice for those who want a durable and well-balanced knife. Full tang construction provides superior strength and stability, making these knives ideal for professional use.

Forged chef knives are an excellent choice for those who want a tough and durable knife. Forged blades are made by pounding hot steel into shape, resulting in a robust blade that can withstand heavy use.

Size

When it comes to chef knives, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The ideal size for a chef knife depends on a variety of factors, including the size of your hands and the type of food you typically prepare. For most home cooks, a 6 or 8 inch chef knife is a good all-purpose option.

A 6 inch knife is small enough to maneuver easily, but large enough to handle most kitchen tasks.

An 8 inch knife provides more cutting power for larger tasks such as slicing through thick cuts of meat or chopping large vegetables. However, it can be more difficult to control than a smaller knife.

Ultimately, the best way to determine the right size chef knife for you is to experiment with different sizes and see what feels comfortable in your hand.

Final Words

Now that you know the basics of what to look for in a chef knife, it's time to make your purchase. The most important thing to remember is that the best knife for you is the one that feels the most comfortable in your hand. Once you've found the perfect knife, be sure to keep it well-maintained by regularly honing and sharpening it. With proper care, your knife will last for years to come, making meal prep a breeze. Bon appetit!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What knives do most chefs use?

The most commonly used knife among professional chefs is the chef's knife. It is a versatile all-purpose knife that can handle various tasks, such as chopping vegetables and slicing meat. Chef's knives typically have a blade length of 8 to 10 inches and are made of high-carbon stainless steel.

2. What are the 3 main chef knives?

The three main chef knives that are essential in a kitchen are the chef's knife, paring knife, and serrated knife. These knives cover the majority of tasks in the kitchen. While other knives can be useful, they are not crucial. The chef's knife, also known as a cook's knife, is considered the most important knife to have in any kitchen.

Editor's Notes

During our chef knives research, we found 24 chef knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 172,665 customer reviews through our big data system to write the chef knives list. We found that most customers choose chef knives with an average price of $88.42.

The chef knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of chef knives, including HOSHANHO, Victorinox, HENCKELS, Brewin, MOSFiATA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 554 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.

Chef Knives Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand HOSHANHO Wüsthof Victorinox HENCKELS Victorinox Brewin Wüsthof MOSFiATA PAUDIN MITSUMOTO SAKARI
Blade Material High Carbon Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel High Carbon Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel High Carbon Stainless Steel High Carbon Steel
Color Silver Black Black Stainless Steel Black Red Black Silver Silver wooden,Black
Handle Material Pakkawood Stainless Steel Fibrox or Pro Stainless Steel thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) Metal,Stainless,Steel Stainless Steel Stainless,Stainless Steel,Steel Wood Wood,Wood Handle,Steel
Blade Edge Plain Chef's Knife Plain Chef's Knife normal straight edge Plain Plain Plain Plain Plain
Blade Length 7 Inches 8 Inches 8 Inches 8 Inches 20.3 Centimeters 8 Inches 8 Inches 8 Inches 8 Inches 8.6 Inches
Item Weight 349 Grams 11.1 Ounces 5.9 ounces 1.1 Pounds 181 Grams 2.6 Pounds 8 Ounces 7.84 ounces 6.88 ounces 279 Grams
Blade Color Silver Silver Silver silver Silver Stainless Steel Silver silver Silver Gray
Is Dishwasher Safe
Item Length 7 Inches 14 Inches 17 Inches 8 Inches 13.6 Inches 13 Inches 8 Inches 14.76 Inches 13 Inches 8.66 Inches
Construction Type Forged Forged Stamped Forged Stamped - Forged Forged Forged Forged
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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