15 Best Chef’s Knives for 2024
Professional chefs rely on the best chef’s knives to tackle kitchen tasks precisely and efficiently, but a great chef’s knife is just as essential to the everyday cook. Investing in a high-quality chef’s knife is certain to make kitchen tasks easier and safer. But what are the best chef’s knives? How do you choose the best chef’s knife for you?
A great chef’s knife can make a world of difference in your kitchen, but prolific cooks might want to purchase an entire set to take on various culinary tasks. Whether you’re looking for a single chef’s knife or a quality set, you can’t go wrong with this selection of the best chef’s knives for 2022.
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Best Chef’s Knives
1. Kikuichi Ginsan Sanmai 7” Gyuto Knife
As artistic as it is functional, the Kikuichi Ginsan Sanmai 7” Gyuto Knife is an exquisitely handcrafted knife that celebrates 750 years of tradition in excellence. Balancing the simplicity and complexity inherent in Japanese design, this stunning stainless steel blade is thin, strong and precise. Hand engraved with the Kikuichi chrysanthemum logo, this elegant and versatile blade is one of the best chef’s knives and sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
2. Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 7” Santoku Knife
East meets West in the stunning Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 7” Santoku Knife. A Western handle and Japanese blade come together in this smaller version of a Western chef’s knife that is excellent for chopping, slicing and dicing. The hand-hammered finish helps release food from the blade for easy cleaning and safe cutting. This best chef’s knife, handcrafted in Japan, is a modern and versatile take on Kikuichi’s 750-year tradition of excellence.
3. Henckels Classic Precision 8” Chef’s Knife
The durable Henckels Classic Precision 8” Chef’s Knife is an elegant addition to any cook’s collection. This fine-edged blade forged from stainless steel is made to last and is perfect for chopping, mincing and slicing. Its durability and versatility make this one of the best chef’s knives for the everyday cook.
4. Henckels Solution 8” Chef’s Knife
For those who spend a lot of time prepping, chopping and slicing, the Henckels Solution 8” Chef’s Knife will add a sense of ease and comfort to your daily kitchen tasks. This lightweight blade is constructed of stainless steel with an ergonomic handle. Pairing comfort with durability and strength makes this one of the best chef’s knives for fatigue-free cutting. And, for those on a budget, this is one of the best chef's knives under $100.
5. Miyabi Artisan 8” Chef’s Knife
The Miyabi Artisan 8” Chef’s Knife blends old-world tradition with modern construction into one of the best chef’s knives on the market. Featuring an SG2 powder-steel core wrapped in layers of nickel and stainless steel with a hammered Tsuchime finish, this exquisite blade is designed for strength and performance while preventing sticking. Honed in Seki, Japan using traditional methods, each knife is finished with a true katana edge making them the sharpest cooking knives in the world.
6. Miyabi Evolution 8” Chef’s Knife
The Miyabi Evolution 8” Chef’s Knife brings together German engineering and Japanese craftsmanship resulting in a beautiful, high-performance piece. These unique knives are hand-honed in Seki, Japan and crafted through a process involving over 100 steps that take 42 days. Made from fine carbide FC61 steel and polished to a mirror finish, the ice-hardened blades are exceptionally durable and corrosion-resistant, featuring a triple-rivet handle to support both Western and Asian techniques.
7. Miyabi Koh 8” Chef’s Knife
The elegant Miyabi Koh 8” Chef’s Knife is handcrafted in Seki, Japan with an innovative process that results in remarkable durability, sharpness and performance. Finished with a true katana edge and an octagonal pakkawood handle, this impressive knife accommodates both Western and Asian techniques with precision and style.
8. Zwilling Four Star 8” Chef’s Knife
The international favorite Zwilling Four Star 8” Chef’s Knife was designed in collaboration with professional chefs. These stainless steel knives combine precision-forged blades ice-hardened for maximum strength with ergonomic handles contoured for comfort. This best chef’s knife features a hand-sharpened blade that is ideal for multipurpose cutting, slicing and dicing in any kitchen.
9. Zwilling Pro Chef’s Knife
The versatile Zwilling Pro Chef’s Knife is well-suited to both the professional chef and novice cook. Designed in Italy and made in Germany, the unique blade shape developed from nearly 300 years of knife-making experience. The broad, stainless steel blade and balanced size combined with the ergonomically curved bolster make this one of the best chef’s knives for every cook.
10. Zwilling Gourmet 7” Chinese Chef’s Knife
Lean into the art of Eastern-style cutting with the Zwilling Gourmet 7” Chinese Chef’s Knife. Harder than the average chef’s knife thanks to the special formula steel and Zwilling’s signature ice-hardening method, this stylish knife retains long-lasting sharpness. The triple-riveted handle is shaped for comfort while enhancing safety and reducing fatigue, making it one of the best chef’s knives.
11. Wüsthof Classic 8” Chef’s Knife
The workhorse of the kitchen, the Wüsthof Classic 8” Chef’s Knife is the all-purpose chef’s knife. The weight and balance make this one of the best chef’s knives not only for chopping and slicing, but also for heavy-duty work such as cutting thick vegetables or breaking down meat. Designed for comfort and precision, this best-selling knife is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
12. Wüsthof Classic 7” Hollow Edge Craftsman
The ultimate everyday knife, the Wüsthof Classic 7” Hollow Edge Craftsman combines the best features of a chef’s knife, boning knife and carving knife. One of the best chef’s knives for versatile use, the hybrid design allows you to expertly move from rocking cuts to filleting to slicing with precision edge technology to ensure a sharper blade with extended edge retention.
Best Sets
13. Henckels Solution 15-pc Knife Block Set
The Henckels Solution 15-Pc Knife Block Set includes all the quality knives you might need for a broad range of kitchen tasks. The beautifully crafted hardwood block contains a 4" paring knife, 5" serrated utility knife, 5.5" hollow edge santoku, 6" utility knife, 8" bread knife, 8" chef’s knife, a set of six 4.5" steak knives, a 9" sharpening steel and a pair of kitchen shears.
14. Henckels 3-Pc Knife Starter Set
Enhance your culinary skills with the hand-selected Henckels 3-Pc Knife Starter Set. Featuring the essentials for slicing, dicing and paring, this high-quality set is constructed of professionally satin-finished German stainless steel crafted for efficiency and balance. The set includes a 4" paring knife, 5" serrated utility knife and 8" chef’s knife.
15. Wüsthof Classic 3-Pc Cook’s Set
The Wüsthof Classic 3-Pc Cook’s Set includes high-quality, essential knives for the everyday cook. Easy to maintain with long-lasting sharpness, this best-selling set includes a 3.5" paring knife, 6" utility knife and 8" chef’s knife.
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Every cook should have a quality chef’s knife to ease the task of prepping, slicing and chopping. Select the best chef’s knife for you by choosing one that is comfortable and suits your cooking style and needs. Excelling in form, function and craftsmanship, you can’t go wrong with any of the best chef’s knives or sets on this list with options for everyone from the novice home cook to the professional chef.
For even more ways to elevate your kitchen, check out chef-recommended cutlery in the Cozymeal Shop.
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