Best Chef Knife 2021 Beginner to Professional

If you’re looking for the best chef knife you are in the right place. We know that finding the best chef’s knife to suit your particular need is not always easy and that is why we’ve created a series of reviews to help you out. With over 307 hours of testing and research of all the kitchen knives on the market we are quite confident we have the right answer. Below you’ll find a selection of the best overall chef knives but you can also take a look at our more in-depth articles of the best beginner chef knives, best budget chef’s knife and best professional chef knives.

The chef knife is probably the most versatile tool between your kitchen knives. Because of its high use you should choose carefully before going out on a shopping spree. Be careful of knives that are too expensive or you are not ready to use and maintain. There are the factors you have to take into account when buying the best chef knife.

The process of production, the materials used, the sharpening angle and the characteristics of the different styles are basically all you need to know when buying the best chef knife that fits you.

Top 10 Chef Knives 2021

 

The importance of a chef knife in food preparation cannot be ignored. It is the knife you will go to for everything. Thus, it’s imperative you buy only the best chef knives. Most chef knives range from 6 inches to 10 inches and many models have various features you can choose from. Here is a detailed review of the top 10 best chef knives.

We have divided the knives into three categories: beginners, professional and luxury chef knives. Chef knives placed in the beginners’ category have a maximum length of 8 inches, made of stainless steel and require less care. Chef knives in the professionals’ category have a larger blade size of up to 10 inches and are mostly Japanese style knives. Chef knives in the Luxury  category are handmade, made of hard steel and are highly prized.

 

Best Chef Knife for Beginners

 

 

 

Henckels Zwilling Pro -8″ Chef’s Knife

 

 

The JA Henckels chef knife Zwilling Pro -8″ is a European style chef knife made in Germany. The handle of the knife measures 5.5 inches in length. It features ZWILLING Special Formula Steel, which means it is extra easy to sharpen and holds to its edge. In addition, it is sharpened at a steeper angle than most European knives and its razor sharp out of the box.

The ergonomics of this chef knife are well thought out with a polished spine to prevent irritation to the skin or calluses if you are professional. The construction makes it a less costly alternative than most other offerings and it maintains a decent edge. More importantly, since stainless steel is very easy to straighten up and sharpen, using a steel to refine the edge has made this the best chef knife ideal for those who are looking to get into their first great blade.

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The Anatomy of the Knife

The Henckels Zwilling Pro -8″ Chef’s measures 8 inches in length. This enables it to handle residential kitchen counters, non-industrial cutting boards and civilian muscles. The 8 inches blade also ensures that the knife is comfortable in hand. The unique blade shape and ergonomic bolster are the result of 280 years of experience in chef knife making, and rigorous study of how knives are used.

The Zwilling Pro 8 inches knife is sturdy knife, with a fine cutting edge and a broad, strong blade. The high carbon steel knife weighs 9.5 ounces, making it one of the heftiest knives on the market. This weight gives the knife the strength to handled heavy duty tasks thrown at it, cutting via butternut squash easily. Heavy chef knives are less adept when it comes to precise cuts, but the Zwilling Pro-8 chef knife has a super edge that slices tomatoes easily without issues. The knife comes with a wide, tampered bolster that makes it easy to grip and comfortable to use.

 

How is the Zwilling Chef Knife Made?

The Henckels Zwilling Pro -8″ Chef’s Knife is forged from one single piece of steel. Its blade is ice hardened to make it sturdy and strong. It is then hand sharpened and polished to give it a shiny and fine cutting edge. It is suitable for slicing and dicing meat and fish, cutting vegetables and chopping herbs.

The 15 degree blade will not disappoint you in terms of sharpness. It effortlessly and easily cuts through almost everything you place in its path. The knife’ blade is forged from one single piece of steel and features a sweeping curve designed to easily rock back and forth during different cutting tasks. The forged stainless steel gives this knife more strength and durability in its blades. Forged knives, are becoming more and more difficult to find, which increases the value of the Zwilling Pro 8 chef knife. Interestingly, this knife is actually inexpensive making it a perfect chef knife for those looking for a high quality knife at an affordable price.

 

Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife

 

 

The Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife is a European Style chef knife made in Germany. This chef knife is an excellent addition to a kitchen set for serious cooking hobbyist, home cooking enthusiasts or a culinary student. Professional chefs also prize this knife as a top quality workhorse knife, well worth the investment.

The knife is forged with precision manufacturing and highest quality materials. It is ideal for dicing, slicing, chopping and carving and great for meat and both hard and soft vegetables. Based on the reviews of this knife, it would make one of the best gifts. Practically, any chef looking for a high quality 8-inch knife would enjoy using this knife.

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The Anatomy of the Knife

· Material and Finish

The Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife is forged from one piece of specially tempered high carbon steel, with a stain resistant alloy. It is buffed by hand and seamlessly fixed to a sturdy lasting polymer handle.

· Length of the Blade

The Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife measures obviously 8 inches in length. This makes perfect for carving, dicing, slicing and chopping and ideal for meat as well as hard and soft vegetables. The 8-inch size is the most versatile. A long chef knife can get in your way while cutting smaller items. Similarly, a short chef knife, like the 6 inches or 5 inches knife is just not long enough to do your kitchen work. However, the length on the blade is a really a personal thing. If you happen to be really tall or really short, you may need a longer blade or a shorter blade because of the distance between you and the food you are working on. Likewise, if you are doing a lot of massive roasts, watermelons, squashes, then a longer knife may be better for you.

 

Bolster, Full Tang and Granton Edge

The manufacturer enhances the performance of this knife by adding a precision bolster. This gives you an excellent heft and balance, thereby improving the knife’s abilities to chop, slice or cut easily. Due to this excellent balance, the knife does not put a strain on your hand or arm. It is very comfortable for an extended daily use in the kitchen. Additionally, the knife is designed with a triple-riveted full tang and composition handle. Plus it’s sharpened with the Wusthof PEtec manufacturing process. This makes the knife incredibly sharp with an edge that can be maintained with proper care. The Wusthof 8-inch classic chef does not have a granton edge.

 

· Edge Angle

The Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife features a 14 degrees edge, which is just slightly sharper than the usual 15 degrees. This gives you more precise cutting. The manufacturer started making knives with a thinner edge to compete with Japenese knives. The knife features the WÜSTHOF’s patented Precision Edge Technology, (PEtec). This technology incorporates a new computer controlled technique for putting the edge on forged knives. With this patented technology, the knives are made sharper to 14 degrees per side. This not only increases the knife’s sharpness retention but also ensures that edges last longer.

 

· Weight and Handle

The knife weighs 9.6 ounces which allows it cut cleanly and easily. The handle features a full tang, triple-riveted design for precision handling . It is also contoured to provide a comfortable grip. The handle is also very sturdy and durable.

 

How is the Wusthof Classic Chef’s Knife Made?

The Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife is forged from one piece of specially tempered high carbon steel, with a stain resistant alloy. It is buffed by hand and seamlessly affixed to sturdy lasting polymer handle. It is ideal for dicing, slicing, chopping and carving and great for meat and both hard and soft vegetables.

 

Pros 

· Lifetime guarantee
· Dishwasher safe, though not recommended
· Traditional-style composition handle is triple-riveted for strength and durability
· Forged high-carbon stainless steel blade, hand-honed for razor-like sharpness
· Heavy 8-inch blade superior for chopping and other cutting tasks

Cons 

· A bit on the pricey side for the home cook

 

 

J.A. HENCKELS INTERNATIONAL Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife

 

 

The J.A. HENCKELS INTERNATIONAL Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife is a European style chef knife made in China. or Spain. which accounts for its low price. It features a sporting classic German design with a riveted handle, a thick bolster and a relatively flat edge. Just like the Wusthof Classic 8-inch knife, this knife is an excellent addition for a culinary student, home cooking enthusiasts and serious cooking hobbyist. The manufacturer of this knife pairs impeccable craftsmanship with modern materials and techniques to create a knife that performs perfectly well for all types of chefs

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The Anatomy of the Knife

The J.A. HENCKELS INTERNATIONAL Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife is forged from one piece of specially tempered high carbon steel. This knife is engineered for outstanding strength and years of exceptional performance. The ergonomics of this chef knife are well thought out with a polished spine to prevent irritation to the skin.

The J.A. HENCKELS INTERNATIONAL Classic 8 inch Chef’s Knife measures can handle a tremendous portion of your kitchen tasks. It can be used for dicing, chopping, mincing and slicing all kinds of food. The straight edge and near perfect balance enables you to slice cleanly and easily without tearing fibers while cutting. This ensures you always get an even cut or slice whether you are cutting fruits, vegetables or meats.

 

· Bolster, Full Tang and Granton Edge

The J.A. HENCKELS INTERNATIONAL knives are constructed to the highest standards. The manufacturer adds to the knife’s performance by adding a precision bolster. This enhances the knife’s balance, making it easy to chop, slice or cut all kinds of foods. Since this knife does not put a strain on your hand or arm, you can use it comfortably for an extended period of time. The handle features a 3-rivet full tang construction for optimal balance and support. It is also contoured to provide a comfortable grip. The J.A. HENCKELS INTERNATIONAL Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife does not have a granton edge.

 

· Edge Angle

The J.A. HENCKELS INTERNATIONAL Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife comes with a 15 degrees edge angle. This edge angle will not disappoint you in terms of sharpness. It easily and effortlessly cuts through almost everything you place in its path. The blade is extra wide, which gives this model a great” old world” feel, additional heft and balance. This knife is an ideal option if you are looking for the heft of an older-style knife, but still want to enjoy the benefits of a modern steel and longer lasting construction.

 

· Weight and Handle

The knife weighs about 9.5 ounces, allowing it to cut easily and cleanly. It features a traditional three rivet handle for optimal balance and support. It is one of the most lightweight German Steel knives on the marked. Its weight and balance makes it easy to control when tackling both heavy duty and precision kitchen tasks. It is also well suited for dicing onions. Just like the Wusthof Classic 8-inch knife, the handle of this knife is contoured to provide cooks a comfortable grip. The knife is made from synthetic plastic which is friendly to your hands and does not become sweaty with extended use.

 

How is the J.A. HENCKELS Chef Knife Made?

The J.A. HENCKELS INTERNATIONAL Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife is forged from one piece of specially tempered high carbon steel. The bolster is well shaped and comfortable when slicing. The knife is nicely curved and assists in the rocking motion as well. Overall, it is an excellent knife that meets the feel standards for a wide range of cooks.

 

Pros

· Dishwasher safe (Hand-washing recommended)

· Lifetime manufacturer warranty

· Forged with high carbon stainless steel

· Full tang construction for balance and support

· European design style

Cons

· Handle is made of synthetic plastic that is not durable

Other chef knifes that are ideal for beginners include the Mac Knife Chef Series Hollow Edge 8-inch Chef’s Knife and the Messermeister Meridian Elite Stealth 8-inch Chef Knife

 

 

Best Chef Knife for Professional Cooks

 

 

Wusthof Classic Ikon 10-Inch Cook’s Knife, Black

The Wusthof Classic Ikon 10-Inch Cook’s Knife is a European style chef knife made in Solingen, Germany. Design, ergonomics and the well known Wusthof quality are perfectly combined to give you the ultimate cutting experience. The Classic Ikon 10-inch knife is the essential kitchen.tool. It is an indispensable all purpose kitchen knife that can be used for dicing, slicing, mincing and chopping. Because of the balance and weight of the knife, it can also be used for heavy duty tasks, such as cutting meat and hard vegetables. Practically, any professional chef looking for a high quality 10-inch knife will certainly enjoy using this knife.

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The Anatomy of the Knife

 

· Material and Finish

The Wusthof Classic Ikon 10-Inch Cook’s Knife is precision forged from a single piece of chrome molybdenum vanadium steel. Its finish features a specialized high carbon stain resistant alloy that ensures that the vital features of this chef knife are maintained. The handle is made of a highly durable synthetic plastic – Polyoxymethylene (POM) – which has a tighter molecular structure to resist discoloration and fading.

 

· Length of the Blade

The Wusthof Classic Ikon 10-Inch Cook’s Knife measures 10 inches in length. This makes it the workhorse of the kitchen, ideal for dicing, slicing, mincing and chopping. The heavy weight of the blade also makes it perfect for heavy duty work, such as cutting thicker vegetables and meats. If you are doing massive squashes, watermelons and even small bones, then this chef knife is perfect for you. Keep in mind a heavier blade helps you cut easier and safer as you don’t have to apply that much pressure on the knife.

 

· Bolster, Full Tang and Granton Edge

The Classic Ikon Chef knife features a rear bolster that acts as a counter balance when using the knife. The second bolster provides significant blade control. The knife also features a forward bolster too. The forward partial bolster makes it easy for you to sharpen the entire length of the blade. Also, the bolster is curved inwards, allowing your fingers greater control while you pinch the knife by the blade.

The Wusthof Classic Ikon 10-Inch Cook’s Knife is designed with a triple-riveted full tang and composition handle and sharpened with the Wusthof PEtech manufacturing process. This ensures that the knife is incredibly sharp. The Classic Ikon 10-inch does not feature a granton cutting edge.

 

· Edge Angle

The Classic Ikon 10-inch knife comes with a 14 degrees edge angle. The edge of the knife’s blade is skillfully honed by hand and is incredibly sharp. The knife is Laser tested to perfection, long lasting and easily re-sharpened. The use of the Wusthof Precision Technology (PEtech) yields a blade that is two percent sharper with twice the edge retention. The edge of this chef knife is the business end of a knife. It is skillfully honed and incredibly sharp.

 

· Weight and Handle

The Wusthof Classic Ikon 10-Inch Cook’s Knife weighs 10.6 ounces, making it perfect for cutting thicker vegetables and meats. The handle is made of a long lasting synthetic material, Polyoymethylene (POM) that has a tighter molecular structure to resist discoloration and fading. The elegant shape of the handle is designed to offer you a comfortable grip. The handle is also contoured for a more comfortable fit and a contemporary appearance.

 

How is the Wusthof Chef Knife Made?

The Wusthof Classic Ikon 10-Inch Cook’s Knife is forged from a single piece of chrome –molybdenum-vanadium steel. The type of steel used in this best chef knife is Stainless steel 50, which contains 0.5 percent of carbon for significant sharpness, edge retention and stain resistance. Chromium and molybdenum helps to improve the knife’s stain resistant properties. Vanadium, on the other hand, helps to improve the hardness and edge retention of the Wusthof Classic Ikon knife.

 

Pros

· Lifetime Limited Manufacturer Warranty

· Specially designed bolster.

· Full tang that is triple riveted to the handle for precise control

· Innovative handle design for comfort and control

· Ergonomic handle design developed in consultation with professional chefs

· High Quality materials to ensure the knife’s durability

Cons

· The plastic handle is not ideal for extended use

 

Global G-16 – 10 inch, 24cm Chef’s Knife

 

The Global knives company makes high quality Japanese style chef knives and one of them is the G-16. The global knife looks like it was made of one piece. But the truth is that there are two materials used in its composition. The blade consists of high tech vanadium/molybdenum stainless steel. And, the handle is made of pure stainless. Because of the materials used the blade retains its sharpness for longer.

The Global G-16 10-inch knife is designed for large handed cooks and is relatively heavy. It ideal for butchering chicken, cutting thin slices of tomato or finely mincing parsley. Just like the Wusthof Classic Ikon 10-inch chef knife, the Global G-16 knife is ideal for professional cooks looking for a knife to carry out heavy duty kitchen tasks, such as cutting meat and hard vegetables for a extended period of time.

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The Anatomy of the Knife

 

· Material and Finish

The Global G-16 – 10 inch, 24cm Chef’s Knife is made with a two layer blade construction. The blade is made of high tech vanadium/molybdenum stainless steel that has been tempered and heat treated to new levels of satisfaction. This makes up the edge of the knife and helps it to stay sharp for longer.

The vanadium/molybdenum stainless steel layer also helps to protect the knife from rust and other damage. The two layers together result in a knife that maintains its sharp edge for an extended period, and resists to damage from moisture and other elements. The knife features a stainless steel handle molded for comfort and dimpled for a safe grip.

 

· Length of the Blade

The Global G-16 Chef’s Knife measures 10 inches in length. This makes it an all-purpose kitchen knife for chopping, mincing, slicing and dicing. The heavy weight of the blade allows the knife to be used for heavy duty kitchen tasks, such as cutting thick meats and long or thick vegetables. The 10 inch blade is also useful to cooks who do massive squashes, roasts and watermelons. It is also ideal for tall people as it allows them to distance themselves from the food they are working on.

 

· Bolster and Tang

The Global 16 10 inches chef knife is dispensed with bolsters to reduce weight. The balance of the knife is accomplished by injecting a precise amount of sand for a particular blade style into a hollow handle. The sand flows inside the handle as the blade is maneuvered to ensure that the balance is continuous. The Global 16 chef knife does not have a full tang like the Classic Ikon 10-inch chef knife by Wusthof. It only features a small tang that is attached to the hollow handle filled with sand. Unlike most modern Japanese chef knives, the Global 16 10-inch cook’s knife does not have a granton cutting edge.

 

· Edge Angle

The Global 16 10 inches chef knife features a 15 degree edge angle. A 15 degrees edge angle will not let you down in terms of sharpness. It will effortless and easily cut through nearly everything you place in its path. The blade is extra wide to give the knife additional heft and balance. This makes the Global 16 10-inch chef knife ideal for those looking for the heft of an older style knife, but still want modern, long lasting construction.

 

· Weight and Handle

The Global 16 10 inches cook’s knife weighs 15.6 ounces, making ideal for cutting hard vegetables and metal. The handle is made of stainless steel and is filled with sand to provide balance to the knife. The sand flows inside the handle as the blade is maneuvered to ensure that the balance is continuous. The handle is also molded for comfort and dimpled for a safe grip.

 

How is the Global Chef Knife Made?

The Global G-16 – 10 inch, 24cm Chef’s Knife is made with a two layer blade construction. The made of high tech vanadium/molybdenum stainless steel that has been tempered and heat treated to new levels of satisfaction. They make up the edge of the knife and help it to stay sharp for longer. Molybdenum helps to improve the knife’s stain resistant properties. Vanadium, on the other hand, helps to improve the hardness and edge retention of the knife.

 

Pros

· Lifetime warranty against defects and breakage

· Blade made of high tech molybdenum/vanadium stainless

· Ideal for heavy duty tasks

· Handle made of stainless steel for enhanced durability

Cons

· Its length and heavy weight makes it less effective for light kitchen tasks

 

ZELITE INFINITY Chef Knife 10 Inch (Alpha-Royal Series) Cook’s Knife

 

The ZELITE INFINITY Chef Knife 10 Inch is a Japanese style chef knife. This is a beautiful knife offering a sleek, ergonomic design and comes at a bargain price compared to the Wusthof Classic Ikon 10-inch knife. The blade is made of laminated high carbon steel blade that is resistant to shattering and is capable of being honed to a very resilient sharp edge. The bolster is large and easy enough to grasp with a pinch grip. The handle is contoured at the end to enhance comfort and balance. Similar to the Wusthof Classic Ikon, the blade offers heft that feels sturdy and durable. The weight of the knife is perfectly balance right across the bolster, making cutting work a pleasure as much less fatigue is exerted on your wrist hand.

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The Anatomy of the Knife

 

· Material and Finish

The ZELITE INFINITY 10-inch Chef Knife is made of laminated high carbon steel. The knife’s high carbon stainless steel is a hybrid of high carbon steel and stainless steel, both of which help the knife stay stronger, sharp and resistant to rust. The handle is made from G-10 military grade steel that is triple riveted to the high carbon stainless steel frame with authentic Japanese rivets. The handle is ergonomically designed and very comfortable. It features a rounded design and shape, making it an absolute pleasure to hold.

 

· Length of the Blade

The ZELITE INFINITY Chef Knife measures 10 inches in length. Thus, it can be used for chopping, slicing, mincing and dicing. The knife weighs 9.6 ounces, making it perfect for heavy duty tasks, such as cutting through heavy vegetables and meats. Its 10-inch size makes it a perfect construction for chefs who do heavy duty work for an extended period of time.

 

· Bolster, Full Tang and Granton Edge

The ZELITE INFINITY 10-inch Chef Knife features a bolster that is large and easy to grasp with a pinch. The bolster tapers forward from the top of the knife to the bottom, giving you comfort in style. The knife is designed with a triple riveted full tang and rounded handle for maximum comfort and durability. The knife features a granton edge to help with foods getting stuck to the blade.

 

· Edge Angle

The ZELITE INFINITY 10-inch Chef Knife comes with an edge of 12 degrees. This blade angle offers you great razor sharpness and superb edge holding capabilities. Plus, the weight and balance and overall feel for power and strength resemble that of a European knife style.

 

· Weight and Handle

The ZELITE INFINITY 10-inch Chef Knife weighs 9.6 ounces, which makes it ideal for cutting thicker meats and vegetables. The handle is made from G-10 military grade steel that is triple riveted to the high carbon stainless steel frame with authentic Japanese rivets. The handle is ergonomically designed and very comfortable. It features a rounded design and shape, making it an absolute pleasure to hold.

 

How is the ZELITE INFINITY Chef Knife Made?

This best chef knife is made of laminated high carbon stainless steel. The type of steel used is the Premier Japanese VG-10 Super Steel with 67-layer High Carbon Stainless Steel featuring a beautiful Tsunami Rose Damascus pattern. The 67 layers of steel used to make this knife are incredibly strong. To create a knife this way, the manufacturer, first forges a single piece of metal. He then fits another metal around it and hammers it into shape and so on.

 

Pros

· Unrivaled performance , ruthless sharp

· 100 percent satisfaction or money back guarantee

· Incredibly sharp Japanese steel blade

· Stain and rust resistant

· Ergonomically designed rounded handle

Cons

· The end blade is quite rounded, requires some getting used to

 

ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Professional “S”10-Inch Chef’s Knife

 

The ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Professional “S”10-Inch Chef’s Knife is a European style cook’s knife made in Solingen, Germany. It comes with a sporting German Design with a triple-riveted handle, a thick bolster and relatively flat fine cutting edge. The Zwilling J.A. Pro knife is an all rounder best chef knife for professional and hobby cooks. It is suitable for dicing and slicing fish and meat, cutting both hard and soft vegetables and chopping herbs. It is a versatile, professional knife that would satisfy any user.

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The Anatomy of the Knife

 

· Material and Finish

The ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Professional “S”10-Inch Chef’s Knife is forged from a one piece of specially tempered high carbon steel. The blade is then ice hardened for long lasting sharpness and outstanding the strength. The ergonomics of this chef knife are well thought out with a polished spine to prevent irritation to the skin.

 

· Length of the Blade

The ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Professional “S”10-Inch Chef’s Knife measures 10 inches in length. This makes it ideal for a wide range of kitchen tasks, including mincing, dicing, chopping and slicing all types of food. The sturdy feel and perfect balance gives a professional cutting experience at all times. The length of the blade makes this knife a valuable asset for chefs who cut large ingredients.

 

· Bolster, Full Tang and Granton Edge

The Zwilling J.A. Pro knife comes with a precision bolster that ensures the balance of the knife. This makes it easy to cut, slice or chop of kinds of food. The Pro S also features trustworthy quality and classic 2-rivet styling that is admired by both home cooks and professional chefs. The knife’s full visible tang construction provides proper balance and great strength and performance .The knife does not have a granton edge as it is the case with the ZELITE INFINITY Chef Knife.

 

· Edge Angle

The ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Professional “S”10-Inch Chef’s Knife comes with a 15 degrees edge angle. This edge gives chefs incredible sharpness that makes it easy to cut through almost everything. The blade is extra wide, giving the knife additional heft and balance.

 

· Weight and Handle

The ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Professional “S”10-Inch Chef’s Knife weighs about 12.2 ounces. This makes it cut through thicker meat, vegetables and even small bones easily and cleanly. The handle boasts the traditional three-riveting style for maximum balance and support. Its great weight and balance makes the knife easy to control when handling heavy duty and precision kitchen tasks, just like the Wusthof Classic Ikon 10-inch chef knife, the handle of this knife is contoured to provide cooks a comfortable grip.

 

How is the ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Professional Chef Knife Made?

The ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Professional “S”10-Inch Chef’s Knife is forged from one piece of specially tempered high carbon steel. This provides perfect geometry, high precision and enhances stability of the blade and structure thereby enhancing cutting edge retention and longer lasting sharpness. The blade of this chef knife is hardened using the ZWILLING J.A. Friodur ice hardening technique to not only improve its strength, but also resistance to corrosion, stains and pitting. The triple-riveted handle is smooth, strong and durable plus perfectly balanced.

 

Pros

· Lifetime warranty

· Dishwasher safe and easy to maintain

· Laser controlled cutting edge that stays sharp for longer

· Super bolster to ensure safety and add balance

· Sturdy durable high carbon stainless steel

Cons

· Handle is made of synthetic plastic that is not durable

Other chef knives classified in this category is the ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Pro 10″ Chef’s Knife.

 

 

The Best Chef Knife Luxury Handmade

 

 

Miyabi 5000MCD-B Gyutoh 9.5 Inch / 240 mm Chef Knife

The Miyabi 5000MCD-B Gyutoh chef knife is made in Seki, Japan. It is an all rounder chef‘s knife that can be used to perform both heavy duty and precise kitchen tasks. It is made of 101 layers of steel that are resistant to shattering. The blade is polished to reveal a one of kind flower Damascus pattern. The knife boasts a traditional D-shaped Birchwood handle enhanced with a metal end cap and mosaic pin. But check out more details on the whole Miyabi knives line here.

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The Anatomy of the Knife

· Material and Finish

The Miyabi 5000MCD-B Gyutoh 9.5 Inch / 240 mm chef knife is made of 101 layers of high quality steel. The type of stainless steel used in this chef knife helps the knife stay stronger, sharp and resistant to stains and rust. The handle does not have rivets. However, it is ergonomically designed and very comfortable. It features a luxurious metal end cap featuring the Miyabi logo and mosaic pin for enhance beauty. The 101 layers of stainless steel wrap the blade core and are polished to reveal a one of a kind flower Damascus pattern.

 

· Length of the Blade

The Miyabi 5000MCD-B Gyuto chef knife measures 9.5 inches in length. It weighs 22.4 ounces, making it ideal for cutting thicker vegetables and meats. The length of the blade also means that the knife can be used by both professional chefs and home cooks of all kinds. It can be used by both smaller and taller cooks looking to distance themselves from the food they are working on.

 

· Bolster, Full Tang and Granton Edge

The Miyabi 5000MCD-B Gyutoh 9.5 Inch / 240 mm chef knife comes with an round bolster that is easy to grasp. The knife does not use a riveted full tang as it is the case with most professional chef knives, such as the ZELITE INFINITY 10-inch Chef Knife. The knife features a granton edge to help with foods getting stuck to the blade.

 

· Edge Angle

The Miyabi 5000MCD-B Gyutoh 9.5 Inch / 240 mm chef knife comes with an edge angle of 12 degrees. This blade angle offers you great razor sharpness and superb edge holding capabilities. The curved blade provides a wide surface to allow for knuckle clearance and gathering of cut materials.

 

· Weight and Handle

The Miyabi 5000MCD-B Gyutoh 9.5 Inch / 240 mm chef knife weighs 22.4 ounces, making it one of the heaviest chef knives on the market. Its heavy weight makes it a perfect knife for cutting the thickest meats and vegetables. The handle is made of traditional D-shaped Birchwood and enhanced with a metal end cap and mosaic pin. It features a rounded design and shape, making it an absolute pleasure to hold.

 

How is the Miyabi Chef Knife Made?

The Miyabi 5000MCD-B Gyutoh 9.5 Inch chef knife is made of laminated stainless. Using Japanese craftsmanship there are over 100 layers of stainless steel that are hammered on top of each other. This makes the knife incredibly strong.

 

Pros

· Made of 101 layers of stainless steel

· Exquisite flower Damask pattern for enhanced beauty and luxury

· Curved blade to allow for knuckle clearance and gathering of cut materials

· Heavy weight making it easy to cut through the thickest meats

Cons

· Its heavy weight might be an issue to some cooks

 

Zwilling JA Henckels Bob Kramer 10″ Stainless Damascus Chef’s Knife

 

The Zwilling JA Henckels Bob Kramer 10″ Stainless Damascus Chef’s Knife is Japanese style chef knife. The knife is designed by Bob Kramer and crafted to his exact specification. Bob Kramer is a certified master bladesmith by the American Bladesmith Society. The 101 layer blade comes with a deep etched chevron. The knife is ice hardened for enhanced strength and durability. Also it is fitted with a Linen Micarta handle that resists wear, even after prolonged use. This unique chef knife is the kitchen workhorse, suitable for chopping, slicing and mincing meat and vegetables.

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The Anatomy of the Knife

· Material and Finish

The Zwilling JA Henckels Bob Kramer 10″ Stainless Damascus Chef’s Knife is a laminated knife with 101 layers of stainless steel. The knife is engineered for outstanding strength and years of exceptional performance. The ergonomics of the knife are well thought out with a deep-etched chevron Damascas designed by Bob Kramer himself.

 

· Length of the Blade

The Zwilling JA Henckels Bob Kramer Stainless Damascas Chef’s Knife measures 10 inches in length. Thus, it can be used to do a tremendous portion of kitchen tasks, including dicing, mincing, chopping and slicing meats, herbs and vegetables. The straight edge and near perfect balance enables you to slice cleanly and easily without tearing fibers while cutting.

 

· Bolster, Full Tang and Granton Edge

The Zwilling JA Henckels Bob Kramer 10″ Stainless Damascas Chef’s Knife is made to the highest standards. Bob Kramer adds to the knife’s performance by adding a precision bolster. This improves the balance of the knife, making it easy to cut, slice or chop all kinds of food. Because this knife does not put a strain on your arms or hands, it can be used comfortably for prolonged period of time. The knife boasts a granton edge to prevent food from getting stuck on the blade. The linen micarta handle features a triple-riveted full tang tampered to Bob’s specifications.

 

· Edge Angle

The Zwilling JA Henckels Bob Kramer 10″ Stainless Damascas Chef’s Knife comes with an edge angle of 12 degrees. The blade angle gives you great razor sharpness and superb edge holding capabilities. . The blade is extra wide, giving the knife an “old world” feel, additional heft and balance.

 

· Weight and Handle

The Zwilling JA Henckels Bob Kramer 10″ Stainless Damascas Chef’s Knife is heavier than the Miyabi 500MCD-B Gyutoh 9.5-inch knife, weighing 25.6 ounces. The knife is fitted with a Linen Micarta handle that resists wear, even after prolonged use. The handle boasts the traditional three-riveting style for maximum balance and support. Its great weight and balance makes the knife easy to control when handling heavy duty and precision kitchen tasks, just like the Wusthof Classic Ikon 10-inch chef knife, the handle of this knife is contoured to provide cooks with a comfortable grip.

 

How is the Zwilling JA Henckels Bob Kramer Chef Knife Made?

The Zwilling JA Henckels Bob Kramer 10″ Stainless Damascas Chef’s Knife is made using 101 layers of stainless steel. The knife is engineered for outstanding strength and years of exceptional performance. The ergonomics of the knife are well thought out with a deep-etched chevron Damascas designed by Bob Kramer. The blade of this best chef knife is hardened to not only improve its strength, but also resistance to corrosion, stains and pitting. The triple-riveted handle is smooth, strong. durable and perfectly balanced.

 

Pros

· Sturdy and durable Stainless

· SG2 super-steel core for razor-sharp, lasting edge

· Triple riveted for strength and control

· Lifetime warrant

· Linen micarta handle resists wear, even after prolonged use

Cons

· The knife is on the pricey side.

 

Ken Onion Limited Edition 8-inch Handmade Damascus Chef’s Knife

 

The Ken Onion Limited Edition 8-inch Handmade Damascus Chef’s Knife is Japanese style cook’s knife made in USA. The knife is created as collaboration between the award-winning knife maker, Ken Onion and renowned Damascus steel creator, Chad Nichols. The knife is uniquely designed and hand signed by Ken. The blade is made from stainless Damascus steel featuring the proprietary boomerang patterns by Chad. The handle is made of the beautiful Arizona Iron Wood. The knife comes with a signature drop handle and a control bump that enables you to use it efficiently and smoothly no matter how tall you are or which hand you cut with.

Best Price  

The Anatomy of the Knife

· Material and Finish

This Chef’s Knife is made of forged high carbon stainless steel. The knife is uniquely designed and hand signed by Ken. The blade is made Damascus steel while the he handle is made of the beautiful Arizona Iron Wood.

 

· Length of the Blade

The Ken Onion Limited Edition Handmade Damascus Chef’s Knife measures 8 inches in length. It can be used for dicing, chopping, mincing and slicing all kinds of food. The straight edge and near perfect balance enables you to slice cleanly and easily without tearing fibers while cutting. This ensures you always get an even cut or slice whether you are cutting fruits, vegetables or meats.

 

· Bolster, Full Tang and Granton Edge

The Ken Onion Limited Edition 8-inch Handmade Damascus Chef’s Knife is made to the highest standards. The knife has a bolster that improves its balance and helps it chop, slip or cut all types of foods. The handle features 2 rivet full tang construction for maximum balance and support. The handle is curved to provide a comfortable grip. Also the knife features a granton edge to prevent food from sticking on the knife.

 

· Edge Angle

The Ken Onion Limited Edition 8-inch Handmade Damascus Chef’s Knife with a 15 degrees edge angle. This means that the knife will not disappoint you in terms of sharpness. Its heavy weight ensures that the knife cuts everything you place in its path easily and effortlessly. The blade is forged with high carbon stainless and hand honed for razor sharpness.

 

· Weight and Handle

The knife weighs about 9.5 ounces, allowing it to cut easily and cleanly. It features a traditional three rivet handle for optimal balance and support. The handle is made of the beautiful Arizona Iron Wood. It features a signature drop handle and a control bump that enables you to use it efficiently and smoothly no matter which hand you cut with.

How is the Ken Onion Limited Edition Chef Knife Made?

The Ken Onion Limited Edition 8-inch Handmade Damascus Chef’s Knife is made of forged high carbon stainless steel. The knife is uniquely designed and hand signed by Ken. The blade is made from the Chad’s proprietary boomerang pattern stainless Damascus steel. The handle is made of the beautiful Arizona Iron Wood. Also the knife is nicely curved. Overall, it is an excellent knife that meets the feel standards for a wide range of cooks with high quality tastes.

 

Pros

· Made in USA

· Limited lifetime warranty

· Signature drop handle and control bump enables you to use the knife efficiently and smoothly

· Forged with high carbon stainless steel

Cons

· It is not dishwasher safe. It is recommended you hand wash it in hot water

Other luxury knifes you can choose from include Wusthof Limited Edition 200th Anniversary Carbon Steel 9-inch Chef’s Knife, Global SAI-06 Chef’s Knife, 9-3/4″, Silver chef knife and Shun Hana Limited Edition Damascus 8 Inch Chef’s Knife.

Keep in mind that all knives on our best chef knife list are top quality knives from the best knife producers around. All of them are produced with the highest care for your satisfaction. You just have to take a look and see what suits your needs the most.

Stamped, Forged or Laminated

 

The process of making knife blades is mostly based on three techniques, stamping, forging and laminating blades. This basically means how the blade is produced.

But how does this help you in deciding what to buy?

 

Stamped Chef Knife Blade

Generally a stamped blade will be cheaper than a forged or laminated blade because of the less labor intensive process of production. At the same time stamped blades will be of a lower quality than the latter. Imagine a huge sheet of metal from which a cookie cutter shapes out blades with the same thickness throughout. The blades are then grind and sharpened. So you’ll get a cheaper, lighter, lower quality knife for your money.

 

Forged Chef Knife Blade

On the other hand, forged blades are more expensive as the production process is more labour intensive. The blades are made by continuously beating a chunk of metal into shape by hand and machine. Thus a heavier, stronger, long lasting knife blade will be produced. Also, the spine of the knife will be thicker and it will get thinner towards the edge. In this case you’ll get a more expensive but high quality, long lasting knife. In a few words, value for cash.

 

Laminated Chef Knife Blade

Laminated blades are basically layered sheets of different strengths of steel. A high carbon core is sandwiched between a softer steel that gives the blade strength, flexibility and the possibility of creating a sharper edge that will last longer. At the same time, grinding or sharpening will be much easier. Because 80% of what you grind is softer steel, the sharpening process will take no time. Also, because the core is made up of a hard steel the edge you create will be sharper and hold for longer. Generally you find that Japanese knives have laminated blades, thus thinner blades with a sharper edge angle. A lot of care is put into producing laminated blades so they will mostly be made by hand. This means the laminated blades will be the most expensive. Basically you get a long lasting, high quality but expensive blade.

 

So now, what’s the best chef knife blade production type?

Stamped, Forged or Laminated?

 

	Stamped	Forged	Laminated
Price	low	medium	high
Quality	low	high	high
Weight	light	heavy	light

 

Because the best chef knife you pick will be the most used tool in your cooking endeavors you should first pick a higher quality blade. So do not pick the cheapest or you will face disappointment later in the kitchen. Also, do not pick a pretentious, high priced blade as a laminated Japanese knife for your first knife. Japanese knives need a certain amount of care and you’re not interested in constantly maintaining your blade. A laminated blade will be thinner and thus prone to nicks if used on harder ingredient like small bones.

We believe that a high quality forged knife is perfect for a beginner chef. The blade will last you a lifetime if minimal care is applied. Just use a steel for a couple of minutes before use and wipe it after washing. That is all you need to do in order to maintain the tool that will certainly be used most in your daily cutting, chopping or slicing.

So let’s recap what are the most important advantages for  beginner in the production of a knife blade:  

1  A forged or laminated blade required for a long lasting knife.

2  A thicker blade required so it’s not prone to nicks.

3 A heavier blade so that less effort is needed when cutting.

 

Chef Knife Blade Types

 

What is the best material for your knife blade?

There are three major types of materials used in the production of knives and you should apply this knowledge to choose the best chef knife for you.

 

1. Carbon steel

Carbon steel is an alloy between iron and a concentration of carbon ranged between 0.12–2.0%. Usually a high grade chef’s knife blade contains around 1% carbon in order to achieve a long lasting, sharp edge.

But what does this mean?

Basically more carbon, less sharpening needed. At the same time carbon steel blades are easy to sharpen and hold the edge for an extended period of time. The only issue is that a high level of care is needed as carbon steel can rust and stain. With a carbon steel knife you have to properly clean and lubricate the blade. If used excessively some chefs rest their knives for 24 hours in order for the patina to be restored and thus no metallic color infuses from the knife to the ingredients.

 

2. Stainless Steel

A stainless steel blade is easy to maintain but not as sharp as carbon steel. It is resistant to rust, stains and corrosion but looses sharpness much easier. Top quality stainless steel blades are produced in Japan with sharpness equivalent or even higher to carbon steel but at a high cost. A stainless steel knife is recommended for a less experienced chef as it requires less care.

 

3. Ceramic Blades

Ceramic blades hold sharpness the most but chip easily and are prone to breaking if dropped on a hard surface. As they are made from ceramic, chemical reaction between the blade and ingredients doesn’t take place. In this case ceramic blades are very good for cutting vegetables and fruit.

 

So which blade makes the best chef knife for you?

 

The material used in the blade has a number of advantages and disadvantages.

• Carbon steel holds an edge for longer and sharpens easily but high care is needed to maintain the knife.
  
• Stainless steel doesn’t hold an edge for too long but is resistant to rust, stains and corrosion.
  
• A ceramic blade holds the edge for the longest period of time and does not chemically react to any ingredients but it is most prone to breaking or nicks.

	Carbon steel	Stainless steel	Ceramic
holds edge	high	low	high
chemical resistance	low	high	high
blade strength	high	medium	low

Our suggestion is that a beginner cook should try a stainless steel knife as it is easier to maintain. But in this case you lack the advantages of a long lasting edge. So why not get the best of both worlds ? High carbon stainless steel knives can be found on the market. For example we use a Zwilling Pro line knife that is a forged high carbon, stainless steel knife. other companies produce blades out of the same materials which we think are best for you.

 

European vs Japanese Chef Knives

Edge Angle; 20-22° vs. 15-18°

 

Because of its sharpness and lightweight, the Japanese chef’s knife has increased its popularity between western chefs. To achieve such a sharp, thin and lightweight knife the hardness of the steel used is essential. Sometimes reaching values of over 60 HRC the steel permits for a sharper edge angle than European knives. Ranging between 15-18° compared to 20-22° the higher sharpness blade is optimal for vegetable cutting, dicing and slicing.

So European and Japanese knives are pretty different in their physical characteristics and process of production. The best chef knife for you is the one that feels best in your hand and matches the characteristics of your cooking style.

Basically the characteristics of the best chef knife for you in the two different styles are determined by the structure of the knife.

 

European

• Have a raised handle in order for your knuckles to avoid touching the cutting surface
• Generally made of hard steel, hot-forged or stamped, thicker and heavier than Japanese knives
• Between the blade and the handle, a European knife has a bolster that adds weight for better balance
• A quality knife blade will extends into the handle

Because of these characteristics the European chefs knife is suitable for cutting all foods. As it’s thicker and has added weight, it is also good at chopping tougher ingredients and small bones.

 

Japanese

• A thinner blade so it’s prone to nicks.
• Made of hard steel but lighter weight overall.
• Doesn’t have a bolster. In this case the wider end of the blade comes to a sharp edge.

Japanese style chef knives have a thinner blade and are lighter. Because of this, the knives are very good at cutting vegetables. Avoid cutting hard ingredients to prevent getting nicks in your blade’s edge.

 

So what style is best for you?

There is no straight answer here. Basically what feels best in your hand is the knife for you. A European knife tends to be heavier and the added bolster will give you a sense of security when using it.

A Japanese knife is a bit more pretentious because of the sharper edge so it has to be handled with a bit of knowledge and care. In this case we suggest a European style knife for beginners and a Japanese knife for cooks with some experience.

 

Are there other details I should look out for when buying the best chef knife ?

 

1. Handles are made out of wood, steel or composite materials. In general a high-grade finish to the handle is an indicator of a quality knife.

2. Size should be taken into account as chef’s knives vary from 12 to 6 inch. A longer knife is most used in professional kitchens and a shorter one is most probably best for beginners.

3. Budget should not be your biggest worry as your chef’s knife will be the most used item in your kitchen.

We have now covered the buildup of a knife. From the different production methods to the materials used and the characteristics of the two basic styles. Knowing these details you are now able to take an informed decision on what knife is best for you. Here are some recommendations made by us.