Best Chef Knives of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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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

Matsato 6.3 Inch Japanese Steel Chef Knife Cover #TOP 1
Matsato 6.3 Inch Japanese Steel Chef Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef's Knife Cover #TOP 2
HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef'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

Matsato 6.3 Inch Japanese Steel Chef Knife

Matsato
Brown, Silver
6.3"
Matsato 6.3 Inch Japanese Steel Chef Knife Cover
Matsato Chef Knife - Perfect Kitchen Knive for Cooking, Chopping. Japanese Steel Knife for Home, BBQ. For Balance & Control, 6.3 Inch

The Matsato Chef Knife is designed for both home cooks and professionals, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. Its strong Japanese steel blade ensures durability and sharpness, helping you slice and chop with precision. The knife features a solid oak handle that offers a comfortable and secure grip, so you can work safely and confidently. Handcrafted with traditional Japanese techniques, this knife combines classic style with modern performance, allowing you to handle a variety of kitchen tasks with ease. Whether you’re preparing vegetables, meats, or herbs, this well-balanced knife enhances your cooking experience.

What We Like
Extremely sharp blade
High-quality construction
Comfortable, sturdy handle
Great value for price
Effortless cutting performance
What We Don't Like
Handle blade with care
Edge retention untested

HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef's Knife

8 inch Chef Knife
8 inch Chef Knife
HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef's Knife Cover
HOSHANHO Kitchen Knife in Japanese High Carbon Steel, Professional High-Class Chef's Knife 8 inch, Non-slip Ultra Sharp Cooking Knives with Ergonomic Handle

HOSHANHO's 8 inch Chef's Knife is made of high-end Japanese steel AUS-10, providing high sharpness and durability at a reasonable cost. The matte finish of the blade adds a touch of fashion to your cooking. The handle made of ultra-durable wood is designed with a sloped bolster shape, which encourages proper and safer grip while ensuring comfortable use. It is a versatile knife suitable for everyday kitchen tasks such as chopping, cutting, and dicing vegetables, fruits, meat, and cheese.

What We Like
Extremely sharp blade
Excellent balance and control
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Great value for price
High quality construction
What We Don't Like
Slightly heavy for some users
Chunky handle for smaller hands
#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 and edge retention
Lightweight and well-balanced
Comfortable, secure handle grip
Excellent value for price
Easy to clean and maintain
What We Don't Like
Handle aesthetics could be improved
Large size may not suit everyone

HENCKELS Solution Razor-Sharp 4-inch Paring Knife

17540-093
HENCKELS Solution Razor-Sharp 4-inch Paring Knife Cover
HENCKELS Solution Razor-Sharp 4-inch Compact Chef Knife, German Engineered Informed by 100+ Years of Mastery, Black/Stainless Steel

The HENCKELS Solution Razor-Sharp 4-inch Paring Knife is a German-engineered knife built to last, informed by over 100 years of mastery. With ultra-sharp blades, effortless cutting, and quick clean-up, it is perfect for detailed kitchen tasks such as prepping fruits, vegetables, and meats. The single-piece, precision-stamped blade construction provides durability and stays sharp longer, even with minimal care. This knife is worth the splurge and is a great addition to any kitchen.

What We Like
Very sharp blade
Excellent value for money
Comfortable handle grip
Durable full tang construction
Good for detailed cutting
What We Don't Like
Blade may rust
Thicker spine than expected

Amazon Basics 8-inch Chef’s Knife

Amazon Basics
P766_A
Silver
Amazon Basics 8-inch Chef’s Knife Cover
Amazon Basics Classic 8-inch Full Tang Stainless Steel Chef's Knife with Three Rivets, Silver

The Amazon Basics Chef Knife is a versatile 8-inch tool for cutting, chopping, dicing, and mincing. Its high carbon stainless steel blade with a satin finish resists stains, rust, and pits. The forged stainless steel construction with a full tang and three rivets ensures durability. The semi bolster design adds weight and balance, allowing full blade access when chopping or sharpening. This knife is a reliable companion for all your kitchen tasks.

What We Like
Sharp and holds edge
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Excellent balance and weight
Great value for price
Durable stainless steel blade
What We Don't Like
Not favorite for everyone
#TOP 6

Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife

6.8063.20B
Black
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife Cover
Victorinox Swiss Classic 8 Inch Chef's Knife, Straight Edge, Black

The Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife is a versatile tool that can handle all types of food preparation, including slicing, dicing, chopping, and mincing. Its ergonomic fibrox handle ensures a comfortable grip, and the knife is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The knife is manufactured in Switzerland, ensuring high quality and durability.

What We Like
Razor-sharp blade
Excellent value for price
Comfortable, non-slip handle
Easy to maintain
Lightweight and well-balanced
What We Don't Like
Plastic handle slightly uncomfortable for long use
Edge retention could be better

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
Razor sharp blade
Excellent for thin slicing
Comfortable ergonomic handle
High quality for the price
Attractive presentation box
What We Don't Like
Requires occasional sharpening
Not dishwasher safe

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 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-sharp blade
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Excellent value for price
Good weight and balance
Durable build quality
What We Don't Like
Struggles with very tough foods
Blade size preference varies
#TOP 9

Mac Knife 8 Inch Chef Knife

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

The Mac Knife Professional 8 Inch Hollow Edge Chef Knife features a lightweight design with a 2.5mm blade and added dimples that allow it to cut through sticky foods with ease. The knife also has a Pakka wood handle and is made in Japan. It is recommended to be hand washed and is not dishwasher safe.

What We Like
Exceptional sharpness
Excellent balance and control
High-quality handle feel
Effortless cutting performance
Beautiful design
What We Don't Like
Requires careful maintenance
Blade may not fit all blocks

Huusk 3PCS Butcher Knife Set

HK-KKSET
6.3 inches
Huusk 3PCS Butcher Knife Set Cover
Huusk Butcher Knife Set Hand Forged Serbian Chef Knife Viking Boning Knife Cleaver Knife 3PCS Kitchen Knife Set for Meat Cutting Home & Outdoor Cooking BBQ Knives Gift for Men

The Huusk Butcher Knife Set is crafted from high carbon steel, ensuring exceptional sharpness and durability for all your meat cutting needs. Each knife is designed for specific tasks, making your cooking experience easier and more efficient. The elegant rosewood handles not only provide a stylish touch but also offer a comfortable grip, allowing you to cut with precision and ease. With a full tang design, these knives reduce fatigue, making them perfect for extended use in the kitchen or during outdoor cooking sessions.

What We Like
Heavy, solid construction
Very sharp blades
Attractive, unique design
Comfortable grip
Full tang for durability
What We Don't Like
Blade dulls a bit quickly
Not ideal for daily use
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 168,427 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 $39.82.

The chef knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of chef knives, including Matsato, HOSHANHO, Victorinox, HENCKELS, PAUDIN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,168 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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 Matsato HOSHANHO Victorinox HENCKELS Amazon Basics Victorinox PAUDIN HOSHANHO Mac Knife Huusk
Blade Material Stainless Steel High Carbon Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel High Carbon Stainless Steel High Carbon Stainless Steel Alloy Steel High Carbon Steel
Color Brown, Silver 8 inch Chef Knife Black Black/Stainless Steel Silver Black Silver Silver Stainless steel with Black Pakka wood handle Black-Butcher Knives Set
Handle Material Wood Pakkawood Fibrox or Pro Stainless Steel Metal, Stainless Steel Polypropylene Wood Pakkawood Wood Rosewood
Blade Edge Plain Plain Plain Plain Plain Plain Plain Plain Hollow Plain
Blade Length 6.3 Inches 8 Inches 8 Inches 4 Inches 8 Inches 8 Inches 8 Inches 7 Inches 13 Inches 6.3 Inches
Construction Type Forged Forged Stamped Stamped Forged Stamped Stamped Forged Forged Forged
Item Weight 176 Grams 350 Grams 22.68 g 2.6 Ounces 0.23 Kilograms 0.18 Kilograms 6.88 ounces 11.2 ounces 10 Ounces 1356 Grams
Blade Color Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver
Is Dishwasher Safe
Item Length 10.8 Inches 8 Inches 17 Inches 4 Inches 13.28 Inches 12.4 Inches 13 Inches 7 Inches 13 Inches 10 Inches
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 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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