Best Professional Chef Knives of 2026

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

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Professional Chef Knives are a must-have in any serious cook's arsenal. These knives are designed to withstand the rigors of a busy kitchen and provide precise, efficient cuts every time. Made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel and carbon fiber, these knives are durable and long-lasting. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own unique purpose. From slicing and dicing vegetables to carving meats and filleting fish, professional chef knives make any kitchen task easier and more enjoyable. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, investing in a set of these knives is a wise choice.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SHAN ZU Damascus Kitchen Knife Set Cover #TOP 1
SHAN ZU Damascus Kitchen Knife Set
ftb score rating icon 9.9
HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef's Knife Cover #TOP 2
HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef's Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Mac Knife 8 Inch Chef Knife Cover #TOP 3
Mac Knife 8 Inch Chef Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Professional Chef Knives

SHAN ZU Damascus Kitchen Knife Set

SZPCST-2023-001
SHAN ZU Damascus Kitchen Knife Set Cover
SHAN ZU Damascus Knife Set, Japanese Super Steel 3 PCS Damascus High Carbon Professional Ultra-Sharp Kitchen Chef Knife Set with G10 Handle Gift Box

The SHAN ZU Damascus Knife Set features a core made from AUS-10 Japanese steel, ensuring a super sharp edge that can handle all your kitchen tasks with ease. The real Damascus design, achieved through meticulous layering and heat treatment, not only enhances its beauty but also its durability. With a total of 67 layers of steel, this knife offers exceptional resistance to wear and rust, making it a reliable choice for long-term use. The G10 handle provides a comfortable grip and solid balance, allowing you to cut with precision and control while reducing hand fatigue.

What We Like
Incredibly sharp blades
Beautiful design and craftsmanship
Comfortable handle
Great balance
Affordable pricing

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
#TOP 3

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

SHAN ZU 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Chef Knife

SZPCS-2017-002
Chef Knife
8 inch
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

Brewin CHEFILOSOPHI 5-Piece Chef Knife Set

BREWIN-US
8 inches
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
Easy to clean
Sharp and durable
Well-balanced design
Elegant packaging
Great value for price

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

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
#TOP 8

QKOQKO Damascus 8-Inch VG10 Chef Knife

DCF-001
Damascus, Wood
QKOQKO Damascus 8-Inch VG10 Chef Knife Cover
Damascus Chef Knife, 8-Inch Kitchen Knives with VG10 Steel Core, Japanese Chef Knife with Durable Wood Handle - Professional Razor Sharp Cooking Chef Knife for Kitchen with Gift Box

The QKOQKO Damascus Chef Knife features an 8-inch blade made from 67 layers of premium Damascus steel with a strong VG10 core, giving you a sharp and durable cutting edge perfect for any kitchen task. Its razor-sharp blade stays sharp longer and resists rust, making your food prep easier and more efficient. The ergonomic wooden handle offers a comfortable, balanced grip, helping you maintain control and reduce hand fatigue while slicing, chopping, or dicing. Crafted from traditional Japanese steel, this versatile knife handles all ingredients smoothly, making it a reliable tool for both home cooks and professionals alike.

What We Like
Damascus steel blade
VG10 core durability
Ergonomic wooden handle
Rust-resistant sharpness
Versatile kitchen use
#TOP 9

Wakoli Damascus 5-Piece Knife Set

6DM-HOL-EDB
Wakoli Damascus 5-Piece Knife Set Cover
Wakoli EDIB 5-Piece Damascus Knife Set – Professional Chef Knives Set with VG10 Core Blades, 67-Layer Damascus Steel and Ergonomic Pakkawood Handles – Premium Kitchen Knives in Wooden Gift Box

The Wakoli Knife Set is designed for both professional chefs and home cooks, offering five expertly crafted knives that make meal preparation a breeze. Each knife features a razor-sharp edge and is made from 67 layers of high-quality Damascus steel, ensuring durability and longevity. The ergonomic Pakkawood handles provide a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. With superior edge retention, you’ll spend less time sharpening and more time enjoying cooking. This set is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their culinary skills with precision and ease.

What We Like
Sharp and well-balanced
Beautiful design
Comfortable grips
Excellent value for money
High-quality materials
#TOP 10

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
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What brand of knives do professional chefs prefer?

Many chefs prefer Japanese brands like Shun and Kamikoto, made from high-quality steel. Some others opt for high-quality stainless-steel knives from famous French and German brands like Wüstoff and Henckels.

2. What knives do Gordon Ramsay use?

Gordon Ramsay uses both Wüsthof and Henckels branded knives; the brands are known for quality products, and they are two of the best knife manufacturers in the world. Wüstoff has been making knives since 1814, and Henckels has been around since 1895.

3. How much is a professional chef knife?

When it comes to chef's knives, you can pay basically anything you want, from $10 to $1,000 (or more) — and there are cases to be made for both ends of the spectrum. Budget knives can get the job done and they're basically worry-free.

Editor's Notes

During our professional chef knives research, we found 24 professional chef knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 248,100 customer reviews through our big data system to write the professional chef knives list. We found that most customers choose professional chef knives with an average price of $93.68.

The professional chef knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of professional chef knives, including SHAN ZU, HOSHANHO, Mac Knife, Brewin, MOSFiATA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 165 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.