Best Carbon Steel Chef Knives of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Carbon steel chef knives are a popular choice among professional chefs and home cooks alike. These knives are made from a high-quality steel that is durable, sharp, and easy to maintain. Carbon steel chef knives are prized for their ability to hold a sharp edge for longer periods of time than other types of knives. They are also less brittle than other types of steel, making them less likely to chip or break. Additionally, carbon steel chef knives are often more affordable than other high-end knives, making them a great choice for those who want a quality knife without breaking the bank.

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
Sunnecko 8 Inch Damascus Chef Knife Cover #TOP 2
Sunnecko 8 Inch Damascus Chef Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.7
SHAN ZU 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Chef Knife Cover #TOP 3
SHAN ZU 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Chef Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Carbon Steel 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
Ultra-tough stainless steel blade
Unique and fashion design
Ergonomic Pakkawood handle

Sunnecko 8 Inch Damascus Chef Knife

Sonne-ABS-S-8IN
Chef Knife
Sunnecko 8 Inch Damascus Chef Knife Cover
Sunnecko Chef Knife 8 Inch, Damascus Kitchen Knife Japanese Chefs Knife Vg10 High Carbon Stainless Steel

The Sunnecko 8 Inch Damascus Chef Knife is a high-quality kitchen knife made from VG-10 steel that offers superior balance between long-lasting sharpness and durability. The soft and comfortable handle creates a perfect grip, ensuring optimum comfort, control, and agility. The blade is sharpened by experienced craftsmen to achieve the best sharp angle for cutting knives. This chef knife is suitable for home and professional use, making it perfect for daily kitchen tasks like cutting meat and vegetables. In addition, Sunnecko is a company that specializes in the design and production of kitchen utensils, ensuring high-end quality.

What We Like
Made from high-quality VG-10 steel for superior sharpness and durability
Soft and comfortable handle for optimum comfort, control, and agility
Sharpened by experienced craftsmen to achieve the best sharp angle for cutting knives
Suitable for both home and professional use
Produced by Sunnecko, a company specializing in high-end kitchen utensils

SHAN ZU 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Chef Knife

SZPCS-2017-002
SHAN ZU 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Chef Knife Cover
SHAN ZU Chef Knife 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Kitchen Knife, Professional Kitchen Knives Sharp High Carbon Super Steel Kitchen Utility Knife

Experience the beauty and efficiency of a real Damascus knife with SHAN ZU 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Chef Knife. The 67-layer carbon steel structure ensures long-lasting use, while the real Damascus pattern is achieved through layering and heat treatment, not laser-etching. The frosted glass fiber G10 handle provides a comfortable and solid grip for high-performance cutting of meat, vegetables, and fish. Remember to follow the precautions for knife care and enjoy the 12-month warranty provided by SHAN ZU.

What We Like
67-layer carbon steel structure ensures long-lasting use
Real Damascus pattern achieved through layering and heat treatment
Frosted glass fiber G10 handle provides comfortable and solid grip
#TOP 4

Dalstrong Vanquish 8" Chef Knife

Dalstrong Inc.
Black POM Handle
8" Chef
Dalstrong Vanquish 8" Chef Knife Cover
Dalstrong Chef Knife - 8 inch - Vanquish Series - Forged High Carbon German Steel - POM Handle - Professional Kitchen Knife Gift- Razor Sharp Chef's Knife - NSF Certified

The Dalstrong Chef Knife is designed for culinary enthusiasts who demand performance and style. Its high-carbon steel blade, rated at 55+ Rockwell hardness, ensures exceptional sharpness, making your slicing, chopping, and mincing tasks effortless. The tapered and stone-polished design means every cut is precise, enhancing your cooking experience. The comfortable POM handle is not only durable but also resistant to water and heat, providing a secure grip. With its sophisticated appearance, this knife is perfect for both everyday use and special occasions, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

What We Like
Exceptional sharpness
Comfortable, durable handle
Stylish design
NSF certified
#TOP 5

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
Versatile tool for all your chopping and slicing needs
Ultra-sharp 2mm thick blade hand-polished for long-lasting sharpness
Ergonomic wooden handle provides a comfortable and secure grip
Special waved pattern on the blade adds to the knife's striking design
Comes with 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee and lifetime warranty against defects
#TOP 6

Cutluxe 8" Chef Knife - High Carbon German Steel Blade

ART-CHE-08-1
Black
Chef Knife 8"
Cutluxe 8" Chef Knife - High Carbon German Steel Blade Cover
Cutluxe Chef Knife – 8" Razor Sharp Blade, Ergonomic Handle Design, Full Tang High Carbon German Steel, Sheath Included – Artisan Series

Upgrade your kitchen game with Cutluxe's 8" Chef Knife. This full tang knife is made from premium German 4116 steel, offering long-lasting durability and a razor-sharp blade with a Rockwell hardness of 56+. The ergonomic handle is designed with alloy steel for added durability and rust resistance. Use it for chopping, cutting, mincing and dicing a variety of foods. The knife is perfect for home use, and it's an essential addition to any kitchen's knife set.

What We Like
Razor-sharp blade for easy cutting and slicing
Ergonomic handle design for comfortable grip
High-carbon German steel material for long-lasting durability

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
Super sharp
Comfortable handle
Includes finger guard and knife sharpener
Durable and long-lasting

MITSUMOTO SAKARI 9 inch Japanese Kiritsuke Chef Knife

Gray
9 inch
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 9 inch Japanese Kiritsuke Chef Knife Cover
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 9 inch Japanese Kiritsuke Chef Knife, High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife, Professional Hand Forged Meat Sushi Knife (Rosewood Handle & Sandalwood Box)

The MITSUMOTO SAKARI 9 inch Japanese Kiritsuke Chef Knife is a professional-grade kitchen tool that boasts traditional Japanese hand forging, combined with modern technology and materials. The 3-layer top-grade 9CR18MOV high carbon steel blade is vacuum cold nitrogen-treated, enhancing its corrosion resistance, rust prevention, and toughness. The ultra-thin 2.5mm blade ensures optimal cutting precision, while the solid rosewood handle offers an ergonomic design that minimizes wrist tension and provides a comfortable grip. This knife is perfect for both home cooks and professional chefs, and comes with a professional gift box for special occasions.

What We Like
Traditional Japanese hand forging method
High-quality 3-layer top-grade 9CR18MOV high carbon steel blade
Ergonomic solid rosewood handle
Perfect for both home cooks and professional chefs
Comes with a professional gift box for special occasions
#TOP 9

Sunnecko 8-inch Chef Knife with Pakkawood Handle

2010103S
8 inch Chef Knife
Sunnecko 8-inch Chef Knife with Pakkawood Handle Cover
Sunnecko Chef Knife 8 inch,High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife,Ultra Sharp Gyutou Cutting Knife with Sheath and Gift Box for Family & Restaurant

The Sunnecko 8-inch Chef Knife is a professional-grade kitchen tool made from high-carbon German stainless steel that is sturdy, rust-resistant, durable, and long-lasting. The blade is ultra-sharp with a thickness of 2.5mm and a 58±2 HRC rockwell hardness, making it efficient and fast when cutting. It has an ergonomic Pakkawood handle that is lightweight, non-slip, safe, and comfortable to grip. Its multi-purpose design is suitable for both home and professional use for cutting meat, vegetables, fruits, bread, fish fillets, and more. The knife also comes with an elegant gift box, making it a perfect gift for elders, chefs, cooking lovers, and friends.

What We Like
Professional-grade, high-carbon German stainless steel
Ultra-sharp blade for efficient and fast cutting
Ergonomic Pakkawood handle for a safe, comfortable, and non-slip grip
#TOP 10

PAUDIN Kitchen Knife Set with Ultra Sharp Blade & Wooden Handle, 3 Pieces High Carbon Stainless Steel Knife Set

Silver, Brown
3 PCS Knife Set
PAUDIN Kitchen Knife Set with Ultra Sharp Blade & Wooden Handle, 3 Pieces High Carbon Stainless Steel Knife Set Cover
PAUDIN Kitchen Knife Set, 3 Piece High Carbon Stainless Steel Professional Chef Knife Set with Ultra Sharp Blade & Wooden Handle (Kitchen Knife Set 3 Pcs)

Upgrade your kitchen with the PAUDIN Kitchen Knife Set! Made of 5Cr15MoV high carbon stainless steel with a 56+ Rockwell hardness, the blades are durable, rust-resistant, and maintain their original sharpness. The 2mm thick blades are ultra-sharp with a 15-degree edge on both sides, making them suitable for both left and right-handed users. The ergonomic pakkawood handles provide a comfortable and non-slip grip, even when wet. This 3-piece knife set includes an 8'' chef's knife, a 7'' nakiri knife, and a 3.5'' paring knife, perfect for all your kitchen tasks. Plus, with professional customer service, you can trust in the quality of this knife set.

What We Like
Made of durable and rust-resistant high carbon stainless steel
Ultra-sharp blades with a 15-degree edge on both sides
Ergonomic pakkawood handles provide a comfortable and non-slip grip
Includes 3 essential knives for all your kitchen tasks
Professional customer service team available for any questions or concerns
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are carbon steel knives worth it?

Yes, carbon steel knives are worth it if you want a knife that stays sharp for a long time and can cut through tough materials like bone. They are preferred by chefs for their sharpness and performance.

2. What is the main disadvantage of a carbon steel knife?

The main disadvantage of carbon steel knives is that they require more maintenance due to their susceptibility to rust and corrosion. They are also more brittle and can break if put in a dishwasher. In contrast, stainless steel knives are low maintenance and almost rustproof.

3. Do I need to oil carbon steel knives?

Yes, it is recommended to oil carbon steel knives regularly, especially if you use them daily. This helps prevent rust and corrosion. After each use, make sure to clean and dry the knife, and periodically apply a light coating of oil to keep it in optimal condition.

4. What's the problem with a carbon steel knife?

The main problems with carbon steel knives are their fragility and susceptibility to rust and stains. They are more likely to chip if dropped or put in the dishwasher. Prolonged exposure to certain foods can also cause a reaction, darkening the knife and affecting its appearance.

5. What are the problems with carbon steel?

The main problem with carbon steel is its high iron content. While this makes it strong and sturdy, it also makes it prone to rusting when exposed to moisture. Oxygen bonds with iron, leading to rust and corrosion. Regular maintenance and care are necessary to prevent these issues.

Editor's Notes

During our carbon steel chef knives research, we found 24 carbon steel chef knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 113,103 customer reviews through our big data system to write the carbon steel chef knives list. We found that most customers choose carbon steel chef knives with an average price of $57.06.

The carbon steel chef knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of carbon steel chef knives, including HOSHANHO, Sunnecko, SHAN ZU, Dalstrong, PAUDIN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 545 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.