Best High Carbon Chef Knives of 2025

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

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High Carbon Chef Knives are a must-have for any serious cook or chef. These knives are made from high-quality steel, which is known for its durability and sharpness. The high carbon content in the steel allows the knives to hold their edge longer, making them perfect for cutting through tough meats and vegetables. These knives are also easy to sharpen, ensuring that they remain razor-sharp for years to come. With a comfortable handle and balanced weight, High Carbon Chef Knives are a pleasure to use and will quickly become a favorite tool in any 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
Sunnecko 8 Inch Damascus Chef Knife Cover #TOP 2
Sunnecko 8 Inch Damascus Chef Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Astercook Chef Knife, 8 Inch Professional Kitchen Chef Knife, German High Carbon Stainless Steel Ultra Sharp Knife Cover #TOP 3
Astercook Chef Knife, 8 Inch Professional Kitchen Chef Knife, German High Carbon Stainless Steel Ultra Sharp Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 High Carbon 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
#TOP 3

Astercook Chef Knife, 8 Inch Professional Kitchen Chef Knife, German High Carbon Stainless Steel Ultra Sharp Knife

chef knife
Black
Astercook Chef Knife, 8 Inch Professional Kitchen Chef Knife, German High Carbon Stainless Steel Ultra Sharp Knife Cover
Astercook Chef Knife, 8 Inch Professional Kitchen Chef Knife, German High Carbon Stainless Steel Ultra Sharp Knife, Chefs Knives with Ergonomic Handle and Gift Box

The Astercook 8" Chef's Knife is a great addition to any kitchen. It is made of high quality German stainless steel with a thickness of 2.5 mm, providing a perfect balance of sturdiness and sharpness. The ergonomic wooden handle fits perfectly in the hand and reduces wrist tension. It also comes in a high quality black gift box, making it the perfect present. Plus, it is backed by a lifetime warranty, so customers can purchase with confidence.

What We Like
High quality German stainless steel
Ergonomic wooden handle
Comes in a high quality black gift box
Lifetime warranty
Very sharp out of the box
Good balance
Comfortable and sharp
Dishwasher safe
Cuts great and sturdy
#TOP 4

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

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

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 8 inch Japanese Gyuto Chef Knife, Professional Hand Forged Kitchen Chef Knife, 3 Layers 9CR18MOV High Carbon Meat Sushi Knife

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 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
Traditional Japanese Hand Forging Method
High Quality Cooking Chef Knives
Solid Rosewood Knife Handle
Perfect Cooking Cookware Gift Choice
Sharp Blade and Durable Edge
#TOP 8

Astercook 8 Inch Chef Knife

Black
Astercook 8 Inch Chef Knife Cover
Astercook Chef Knife, 8 Inch Pro Kitchen Knife Dishwasher Safe, High Carbon German Stainless Steel Chef's Knives with Ergonomic Handle, Elegant Black

The Astercook Chef Knife is a versatile 8-inch kitchen essential designed to elevate your cooking experience. Its high-carbon stainless steel blade ensures durability and rust resistance, making it perfect for slicing through meats, cakes, and cheeses without worry. The ergonomic handle features non-slip air holes, providing a secure grip for safer, more efficient chopping, whether your hands are wet or dry. Plus, this knife is dishwasher safe, thanks to its unique anti-rust Teflon coating, allowing for easy cleanup. With proper care, it will maintain its sharpness and last for years to come.

What We Like
High-quality stainless steel
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Dishwasher safe
Lifetime warranty
#TOP 9

HOSHANHO 8 Inch Chef Knife

HSHCS-2023-018
Silver
HOSHANHO 8 Inch Chef Knife Cover
HOSHANHO 8 Inch Chef Knife for Cooking, Super Sharp German High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife, Professional Japanese Knife with Durable Wood Handle

The HOSHANHO Chef Knife is crafted from high-quality German stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting sharpness and durability. With a carbon content that enhances its strength, this knife also resists rust and corrosion, making it a reliable kitchen companion. Its sharp V-shaped edges, set at a precise 15-degree angle, allow you to cut through ingredients effortlessly. This versatile tool can handle various tasks, from slicing vegetables to cutting meat. The ergonomic wooden handle not only provides a secure grip but also reduces fatigue during extended use, enhancing your cooking experience.

What We Like
High-quality stainless steel
Effortless cutting
Versatile for multiple tasks
Ergonomic wooden handle
#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

Everything You Need to Know About Buying High Carbon Chef Knives

As a chef, one of the most important tools in your kitchen is your knife. A high-carbon chef knife is a crucial investment for any serious culinary enthusiast, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

Consider your needs

Before making a decision, it's important to consider what type of knife will best suit your needs. Are you a professional chef looking for a durable knife for daily use, or are you a home cook looking for a versatile knife for occasional use?

Research different brands

With so many brands on the market, it's important to do your research and read reviews from other chefs. Consider the reputation of the brand, the quality of their materials, and the durability of their knives.

Test out the knife

Once you've narrowed down your options, it's important to test out the knife before making a purchase. Hold the knife in your hand and make sure it feels comfortable and well-balanced. Test the sharpness of the blade and see how easily it cuts through different foods.

Invest in quality

When it comes to high-carbon chef knives, it's worth investing in quality. A well-made knife will last for years, if not decades, and will make cooking tasks easier and more enjoyable. Don't be afraid to spend a little extra on a knife that will serve you well for years to come.

Take care of your knife

 

Once you've made your decision and purchased a high-carbon chef knife, it's important to take care of it. Always hand wash and dry your knife, and store it properly to prevent dulling or damage. With proper care, your knife will last for years to come, and will become an indispensable tool in your kitchen.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are high carbon knives better?

High carbon knives are often preferred by professional chefs for their ability to be honed to a sharp edge and their wear resistance. They hold a finer edge even with regular tough use, making them a popular choice for chefs.

2. Do professional chefs use carbon steel knives?

Yes, many professional chefs and cooks prefer carbon steel knives over stainless steel. Carbon steel knives offer superior sharpness, durability, and ease of re-sharpening. They are favored by renowned chefs like Aaron Franklin, Chris Bianco, Gabriel Rucker, and Paul Kahan, among others.

3. What are the disadvantages of high carbon steel knives?

One disadvantage of high carbon steel knives is their lower corrosion resistance compared to stainless steel. They are more susceptible to darkening and rust, especially in wet environments or when exposed to acidic foods. Regular maintenance and cleaning are necessary to prevent rust and keep the blades in good condition.

4. What are the cons of high carbon steel knives?

High carbon steel knives may turn black over time, but this does not affect their cutting ability or food taste. They are also prone to rust and require regular cleaning with stainless steel pads to maintain their shine. Despite these cons, many chefs still appreciate the performance and qualities of high carbon steel knives.

Editor's Notes

During our high carbon chef knives research, we found 24 high carbon chef knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 108,444 customer reviews through our big data system to write the high carbon chef knives list. We found that most customers choose high carbon chef knives with an average price of $55.96.

The high carbon chef knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of high carbon chef knives, including HOSHANHO, Sunnecko, Astercook, PAUDIN, SHAN ZU. 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.