Best Carbon Steel Kitchen Utility Knives of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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Carbon steel kitchen utility knives are an essential tool for any home cook or professional chef. Made from high-quality carbon steel, these knives are known for their durability, sharpness, and ability to hold an edge. They are perfect for slicing, dicing, and chopping a variety of ingredients, from vegetables to meats. Carbon steel knives are also easy to sharpen and maintain, making them a great investment for any kitchen. With their sleek design and superior performance, these knives are a must-have for anyone who takes their cooking seriously.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Cutluxe Artisan Series Utility Knife Cover #TOP 1
Cutluxe Artisan Series Utility Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Babish 5 Inch Utility Knife Cover #TOP 2
Babish 5 Inch Utility Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.7
KitchenAid Gourmet Utility Knife Cover #TOP 3
KitchenAid Gourmet Utility Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Carbon Steel Kitchen Utility Knives

Cutluxe Artisan Series Utility Knife

ART-UTL-05-1
Black
5.5" Straight Edge
Cutluxe Artisan Series Utility Knife Cover
Cutluxe Kitchen Utility Knife, 5.5" Paring Kitchen Knife – Razor Sharp Blade, High Carbon German Steel, Full Tang Ergonomic Handle Design – Artisan Series

The Cutluxe Utility Knife from the Artisan Series is a multipurpose kitchen knife that is perfect for all your slicing needs. Its razor-sharp edge effortlessly slices through vegetables, fruits, sandwiches, cheeses, fish, and meat. The blade edge is hand sharpened to ensure maximum sharpness and edge retention. The luxury pakkawood handle is laminated and polished for a sanitary build and is triple-riveted for a sure grip and absolute stability, ensuring comfort and maneuverability. The knife is precisely forged of high-carbon German steel engineered to perfection at 56+ Rockwell hardness for long-lasting performance, rust, and stain resistance. The Cutluxe Utility Knife comes with a lifetime warranty against material or workmanship defects, making it a risk-free purchase.

What We Like
Precise and effortless slicing
Razor-sharp edge retention
Comfortable and maneuverable grip
Long-lasting performance
Lifetime warranty
#TOP 2

Babish 5 Inch Utility Knife

138196.01R
Babish 5 Inch Utility Knife Cover
Babish High-Carbon 1.4116 German Steel 5 Inch Full Tang, Forged Utility Kitchen Knife

The Babish Utility Kitchen Knife is crafted from high-carbon 1.4116 German steel, ensuring you have a durable and precise tool for your kitchen. Its sharp 13° cutting edge allows you to make clean, accurate cuts, making meal prep a breeze. The full-tang design and double-bolstered handle provide excellent balance and strength, giving you confidence while slicing ingredients. With this knife, you can enjoy effortless handling and control, enhancing your cooking experience.

What We Like
High-carbon German steel
Precise 13° cutting edge
Strong and balanced design
Easy to maintain
#TOP 3

KitchenAid Gourmet Utility Knife

KO55DSFOHSSA
Stainless Steel
5.5"
KitchenAid Gourmet Utility Knife Cover
KitchenAid Gourmet Forged Stainless Steel Serrated Utility Knife with Custom-Fit Blade Cover, 5.5-inch, Sharp Kitchen Knife, High-Carbon Japanese Stainless Steel Blade, Brushed Stainless Steel Handle

The KitchenAid Utility Knife is a must-have tool for your kitchen. With its sharp, scalloped blade, it effortlessly cuts through delicate crust or skin without crushing. Whether you're slicing tomatoes or bread, this knife provides a professional, quality cut every time. The high-carbon Japanese steel blade is forged to ensure long-lasting sharpness, while the ergonomic handle offers perfect stability and control. The brushed stainless steel finish not only provides a secure grip but also adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen. Plus, the custom-fit blade cover ensures safe storage. With easy care and top-rack dishwasher safe design, the KitchenAid Utility Knife is a convenient and reliable choice for all your meal prep needs.

What We Like
Sharp and precise
Long-lasting sharpness
Ergonomic handle for perfect control
#TOP 4

KitchenAid 4.5-inch Utility Knife

KO45FUFOHSSA
Stainless Steel
4.5"
KitchenAid 4.5-inch Utility Knife Cover
KitchenAid Gourmet Forged Stainless Steel Fine-Edge Utility Knife with Custom-Fit Blade Cover, 4.5-inch, Sharp Kitchen Knife, High-Carbon Japanese Stainless Steel Blade, Brushed Stainless Steel Handle

The KitchenAid Utility Knife is perfect for your everyday food preparation tasks. Its fine-edge blade effortlessly slices through delicate fruits and snacks, making meal prep quick and easy. Crafted from high-carbon Japanese stainless steel, this knife maintains its sharpness for a professional cut every time. You’ll appreciate the ergonomic handle, designed for stability and control, ensuring a comfortable grip as you work. Plus, the included blade cover provides safe storage, keeping your knife protected when not in use.

What We Like
Sharp, durable blade
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Safe storage cover
Easy to clean
#TOP 5

Sunnecko 5.5 Inch Utility Knife

Sheng Series
5.5"
Sunnecko 5.5 Inch Utility Knife Cover
Sunnecko 5.5 Inch Utility Knife, Kitchen Utility Knife Japanese 9CR18MOV 3-Layered High Carbon Stainless Steel Utility Knife Wood Handle

The Sunnecko Utility Knife is a versatile 5.5-inch kitchen tool perfect for slicing through everything from herbs to meats. Its double-sided beveled edge ensures you can make precise cuts effortlessly, enhancing your cooking experience. Made from a strong, three-layered clad steel, this knife offers excellent durability and edge retention, meaning it will stay sharp longer. The unique hammer-patterned design prevents food from sticking, making your prep work smoother. Plus, the comfortable octagonal rosewood handle provides a secure grip, even when your hands are wet, ensuring safety and ease during use.

What We Like
Versatile for various ingredients
Durable three-layered construction
Prevents food from sticking
Comfortable, secure grip

KESSAKU Samurai Series Utility Knife

KES23052
KESSAKU Samurai Series Utility Knife Cover
KESSAKU Serrated Utility Knife - 5.5 inch - Samurai Series - Razor Sharp Kitchen Knife - Forged 7Cr17MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel - Wood Handle with Blade Guard

Introducing the KESSAKU Samurai Series Utility Knife, a sleek and gorgeous kitchen knife that combines unparalleled craftsmanship with modern refinements. Designed by master artisans, this knife features a perfectly balanced and ergonomic grip for amazing comfort and safety. Its blade is made from specially formulated high carbon stainless steel, ensuring relentless sharpness and enhanced corrosion resistance. The knife's wondrous comfort is further enhanced by its mirror-polished smooth Pakka Wood handle, which offers superior full tang strength and is nearly impervious to heat, cold, and moisture. Constructed to last forever, this knife comes with Kessaku's 100% Lifetime Warranty. With its exquisite design and exceptional quality, the KESSAKU Samurai Series Utility Knife makes an amazing present for any occasion.

What We Like
Visually stylish
Relentlessly sharp
Wondrous comfort
#TOP 7

SHAN ZU 8-inch Damascus Chef Knife

SZPCS-2018-001-US
SHAN ZU 8-inch Damascus Chef Knife Cover
SHAN ZU Damascus Chef Knife 8 inch, 67-Layer High Carbon Steel Kitchen Knife,Ultra Sharp Japanese Chef Knife,Professional Kitchen Utility Knives with G11 Ergonomic Handle Cooking Knife with Gift Box

The SHAN ZU Damascus Knife is crafted from high-quality Japanese AUS-10 steel, ensuring a sharp edge that lasts longer for effortless cutting. Its stunning Damascus patterns not only add beauty but also signify durability, as the knife is forged with 67 layers of carbon steel for enhanced strength and resistance to corrosion. The ergonomic G10 handle provides a comfortable grip, allowing you to chop, slice, and dice with ease, even during extended use. This knife combines functionality and aesthetics, making it an essential tool for any kitchen.

What We Like
Ultra-sharp cutting edge
Durable and corrosion-resistant
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Beautiful Damascus pattern
#TOP 8

DALSTRONG Gladiator Utility Knife

GS-6inch-Utility
6" Utility Knife
DALSTRONG Gladiator Utility Knife Cover
DALSTRONG Utility Knife - 6 inch - Gladiator Series Elite - Forged High-Carbon German Steel Kitchen Knife - Black G10 Handle - Paring Cooking Knife Gift - Chef's Knife - Sheath - NSF Certified

The DALSTRONG Utility Knife offers exceptional performance for all your kitchen needs. With its razor-sharp high-carbon German steel blade, you can effortlessly slice through vegetables, fruits, and meats. The ergonomic G10 handle provides comfort and control, making it easy to maneuver while preparing meals. Designed with a full tang for strength and balance, this knife ensures durability during heavy use. Plus, its NSF certification means it meets strict hygiene standards, giving you peace of mind while cooking. Experience the quality and craftsmanship that thousands of chefs trust every day.

What We Like
Razor-sharp blade
Ergonomic handle
Durable construction
NSF certified
#TOP 9

WÜSTHOF Gourmet 6" Utility Knife

4114-7/16
Black
WÜSTHOF Gourmet 6" Utility Knife Cover
WÜSTHOF Gourmet Six Inch Utility Knife | 6" German Utility Knife | Precise Laser Cut High Carbon Stainless Steel Utility Knife – Model, Black

The WÜSTHOF Gourmet 6" Utility Knife is a versatile and durable kitchen knife. The high carbon stainless steel blade is precisely cut with state-of-the-art technology to provide incredible sharpness and easy maintenance. The synthetic polypropylene handle is resistant to fading, discoloration, heat, and impact. This knife is perfect for a variety of tasks, such as mincing shallots, onions, and herbs, cutting vegetables, or cutting small meats. WÜSTHOF Cutlery is crafted to resist corrosion and dulling, and the knife comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

What We Like
Versatile and durable
Razor sharp blade
Resistant to fading, discoloration, heat, and impact
#TOP 10

Tramontina Pro Series Utility Knife

6-Inch Utility Knife
Tramontina Pro Series Utility Knife Cover
Tramontina Pro Series Forged 6-inch Utility Knife, Stain-free High-Carbon Steel Kitchen Knives for Cooking

The Tramontina Utility Knife is expertly crafted from high-carbon steel, ensuring exceptional durability and a long-lasting sharp edge. Its ice-hardened blade with hand-honed edges provides outstanding sharpness, making slicing and dicing effortless. The ergonomic handle design offers great comfort and balance, allowing you to maintain precise control while you cook. Plus, its NSF certification means it meets strict food safety standards, so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your knife is hygienic and easy to clean, even in the dishwasher.

What We Like
Durable high-carbon steel
Exceptional sharpness
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Dishwasher safe
Lifetime warranty
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is carbon steel good for a knife?

Carbon and stainless steel are both capable of making excellent knives that are durable and can get very sharp.

2. What steel are utility knife blades made of?

Almost all utility knife brands use some type of carbon steel to construct their blades. Carbon steel boasts a high carbon content, which allows manufacturers to make these blades incredibly sharp. However, they aren't very durable, as coarse materials like drywall or insulation can quickly dull the edge.

3. Which utility knives are the safest?

The Slice® 10558 Smart-Retracting Utility Knife is our safest knife yet and, we believe, the safest knife on the market. In the following video, our founder TJ Scimone demonstrates the Smart Retract feature. Many safety managers require that workers use auto-retractable handles for safety reasons.

4. Is high carbon stainless steel good for knives?

Without question, high carbon steel is the best knife blade material. It is nearly indestructible, even when used to cut and chop food on metal or natural stone surfaces. It is easy to sharpen to a supreme cutting edge with a sharpening steel or other honing tools.

Editor's Notes

During our carbon steel kitchen utility knives research, we found 24 carbon steel kitchen utility knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 65,641 customer reviews through our big data system to write the carbon steel kitchen utility knives list. We found that most customers choose carbon steel kitchen utility knives with an average price of $18.95.

The carbon steel kitchen utility knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of carbon steel kitchen utility knives, including Cutluxe, Babish, KitchenAid, Sunnecko, KESSAKU. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 642 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.