Best Steel Chef Knives of 2025

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

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Steel chef knives are essential tools for any serious cook. These knives are made from high-quality steel that is durable and resistant to wear and tear. They are designed to be versatile, allowing chefs to chop, slice, and dice with ease. Steel chef knives come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own unique purpose. Some are designed for precision work, while others are better suited for heavy-duty tasks. No matter what your cooking needs may be, there is a steel chef knife that is perfect for the job.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SHAN ZU 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Chef Knife Cover #TOP 1
SHAN ZU 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Chef Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HOSHANHO 7 Inch Japanese Chef Knife Cover #TOP 2
HOSHANHO 7 Inch Japanese Chef Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.7
HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef's Knife Cover #TOP 3
HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef's Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Steel Chef Knives

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

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
#TOP 3

HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef's Knife

8 inch Chef Knife
Silver
HOSHANHO 8 inch Japanese Steel Chef's Knife Cover
HOSHANHO Kitchen Knife in Japanese Steel AUS-10, High-Class Chef's Knife 8 inch Professional Cooking Knife, Non-slip Ultra Sharp Knife 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
High-end Japanese steel for sharpness and durability at a reasonable price
Matte finish of the blade for a touch of fashion
Ultra-durable wood handle with a sloped bolster shape for proper and safer grip and comfortable use
#TOP 4

KitchenAid 8-inch Chef Knife with Blade Cover

KO8ICKFOHSSA
Stainless Steel
KitchenAid 8-inch Chef Knife with Blade Cover Cover
KitchenAid Gourmet Forged Triple-Rivet Chef Knife with Custom-Fit Blade Cover, 8-inch, Sharp Kitchen Knife, High-Carbon Japanese Stainless Steel Blade, Black

The KitchenAid 8-inch chef knife is the perfect tool for all your cutting tasks. Its forged blade is made of semi-polished, high-carbon imported Japanese steel, ensuring long-lasting sharpness for professional cuts every time. The ergonomic handle is well-balanced and features a brushed stainless steel finish for a comfortable, stable grip. The knife comes with a custom-fit blade cover for safe storage. Plus, it's top rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning (although hand washing is recommended for longevity).

What We Like
Forged from high-carbon Japanese steel for long-lasting sharpness
Ergonomic handle provides optimal control and comfort
Comes with a custom-fit blade cover for safe storage
#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

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

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
#TOP 8

bloomhouse 8 Inch German Steel Chef Knife W/Italian Olive Wood Forged Handle

bloomhouse
137702.01
bloomhouse 8 Inch German Steel Chef Knife W/Italian Olive Wood Forged Handle Cover
Bloomhouse - Oprah's Favorite Things - 8 Inch German Steel Chef Knife W/Italian Olive Wood Forged Handle

bloomhouse Chef Knife is a versatile and high-quality knife that combines precision with flair and finesse. With its 8-inch German Steel blade and Italian Olive Wood handle, this knife offers superior strength and easy alignment. The full tang construction ensures even weight distribution, providing support to the wrist and reducing pressure and fatigue. The natural-grained Italian Olive Wood handle not only resists stains but also adds a rustic appeal to any kitchen or table. The stainless steel rivets secure the handle, offering a strong grip with improved control. Hand wash only, this knife comes with a protective canvas sleeve for safe storage and protection. With bloomhouse's responsible, nature-positive ethos, every purchase of this knife contributes to planting a tree around the world, making it good for you and good for the planet.

What We Like
Versatile and precise
High-quality German Steel blade
Even weight distribution for reduced fatigue
#TOP 9

BULOFE 8" Professional Chef Knife, Super Sharp Chef's Knife with Finger Guard and Knife Sharpener, High Stainless Steel

BULOFE
Chef knife-2
Black
BULOFE 8" Professional Chef Knife, Super Sharp Chef's Knife with Finger Guard and Knife Sharpener, High Stainless Steel Cover
BULOFE 8" Professional Chef Knife, Super Sharp Chef's Knife with Finger Guard and Knife Sharpener, High Stainless Steel with Ergonomic Handle

Features
Ultra Sharp Edges: Advanced Forging And Unique Polishing Techniques Are Used To Ensure The Chef's Knife Maintains Its Sharpness. The Sharp Blade Allows You To Effortlessly Cut Food, Making It Perfect For Cutting Bread, Vegetables, Fish Slices, Or Meat
High Carbon Stainless Steel Chef Knife: This Kitchen Knife Is Made Of High-Quality Stainless Steel, It Is More Sturdy, Less Prone To Rust, Discoloration, And Corrosion. The Laser Engraved Pattern On The Surface Of The Knife Is Not Only Practical But Also Visually Appealing
Value Chef Knife Set: The Set Includes A Chef Knife, A Stainless Steel Finger Guard, Sharpening Stone, Blade Guard, And An Exquisite Gift Box. It Is The Perfect Daily Gift And The Best Gift For Holidays Such As Christmas, Weddings, Birthdays, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Etc!
Professional Chefs Knife: This Professional Chef Knife Can Easily Handle Your Daily Chores In The Kitchen, Including Cutting, Slicing, Chopping, Chopping, And Diced Fruits, Vegetables, And Various Meats. Easy To Clean And Maintain, Very Suitable For Home And Restaurant Kitchens.
Humanized Design: The Ergonomic Handle Is Made Of Wooden Material, Which Is More Comfortable And Durable, Providing A Safe Grip While Effectively Preventing Slipping, Maintaining Cutting Balance, And Facilitating Movement

SAMCOOK Damascus Chef Knife

SAMCOOK
WW-SC-003
8 Inch
SAMCOOK Damascus Chef Knife Cover
SAMCOOK Damascus Chef Knife - 8 Inch Professional Sharp Gyuto Knife - Japanese VG-10 High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Cooking knife - Ergonomic Blue Resin Wood Handle with Gift Box

SAMCOOK Damascus Knife is a high-quality chef knife made of 67 layers of VG-10 high-carbon stainless steel. The blade is extremely durable, rust-resistant, and easy to maintain. With its super sharp 8-inch blade and perfect arc, this knife meets all the requirements of a professional chef. The ergonomic blue resin wood handle provides excellent grip, balance, and control, making it comfortable to use for long periods. This versatile knife can handle all your kitchen tasks, from slicing and dicing to chopping and shredding. It comes in an exquisite gift box, making it a perfect gift for home chefs and cooking enthusiasts.

What We Like
High-Quality Blade
Super Sharp
Ergonomic Handle
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best hardness of steel for a chef knife?

For a chef knife, a hardness of around 60 HRC is considered optimal. This level of hardness ensures that the knife can be used in various ways without being too difficult to sharpen. It will maintain a sharp and true edge for a significant period of time.

2. What knives do most chefs use?

The most commonly used knife among professional chefs is the chef's knife. This versatile knife can handle a wide range of tasks, from chopping vegetables to slicing meat. It usually has a blade length of eight to ten inches and is made of high-carbon stainless steel, which provides durability and corrosion resistance.

Editor's Notes

During our steel chef knives research, we found 24 steel chef knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 98,843 customer reviews through our big data system to write the steel chef knives list. We found that most customers choose steel chef knives with an average price of $52.14.

The steel chef knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of steel chef knives, including SHAN ZU, HOSHANHO, KitchenAid, PAUDIN, Astercook. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 130 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.