8 Best Knife Brands for 2024
If you want to bring your culinary skills to the next level, it’s worthwhile to invest in the best knife brands. Nearly any recipe on earth requires a knife for cutting, peeling, scoring, slicing or mincing, so it’s important to have a good grip on this essential kitchen tool.
But before you dish out the dough for a new knife or knife set, you probably want to know, “What is the best knife brand? How do I know if a knife is good?” For answers to these questions and more, check out our guide to the best kitchen knife brands.
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1. Kikuichi
In addition to being one of the best knife brands in the world, Kikuichi may very well be one of the oldest knife manufacturers in the world. Kikuichi claims that the brand originally gained its reputation in the Nara region for crafting superior blades for famous warrior monks and samurai.
Since 1185, this carefully honed skill has been passed down through generations, and the company's expertise as one of the best Japanese knife brands continues to shine through in its kitchen knives.
Kikuichi sells both Japanese and Western types of kitchen knives, perfect for elite sushi chefs and home cooks alike. They’re recognized as one of the best chef knife brands for their outstanding craftsmanship, balanced weight and nimble handling, but there is also a simplistic beauty in each blade inscribed with the Kikuichi signature.
Our Favorite Kikuichi Knives
- Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 9.5" Gyuto Knife
- Kikuichi Ginsan Sanmai 6.5" Nakiri Knife
- Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 7" Santoku Knife
- Kikuichi Elite Warikomi Damascus Tsuchime 2-Pc Knife Set With Stone
2. Miyabi
Another one of the best Japanese knife brands and best knife brands in general, Miyabi knives are handcrafted in Seki City, Japan, using a 100-step process. The Miyabi brand is actually owned by German company, Zwilling, but there is a great amount of thought and care that goes into making these knives look and feel authentically Japanese.
With Miyabi knives, you truly can have the best of both worlds. Influenced by German design, refined with Japanese techniques and manufactured in Japan, Miyabi’s razor sharp and nimble blades earn them a title as one of the best knife brands and the best brand of knife sets. Miyabi specializes in knives that feel lightweight but reliable in the hand, making them perfect for detailed cuts and intricate home cooking.
Our Favorite Miyabi Knives
- Miyabi Birchwood SG2 7 Pc Knife Block Set
- Miyabi Artisan 4-Pc Steak Knife Set
- Miyabi Black 7-Inch Rocking Santoku Knife
3. Zwilling
Zwilling operates several off-shooting best knife brands around the world, including Miyabi, but it also made a name for itself with its Zwilling knives. Since 1731, all of Zwilling’s self-branded knives have been made in Solingen, Germany, also known as the “City of Blades.” Zwilling’s kitchen knives come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and purposes, and most collections are made with forged steel, rather than stamped.
Our Zwilling knife review makes it clear that Zwilling is one of the best kitchen knife brands and the best knife set brands for people who want to take the next step in their home chef skills. While still maintaining their affordable prices, Zwilling has mastered the art of making the best knife sets that will last for decades, which is why you’ll likely find this reliable household name mentioned in any knife guide.
Our Favorite Zwilling Knives
- Zwilling Pro 6-Pc Knife Block Set
- Zwilling TWIN Four Star II 7pc Knife Block Set
- Zwilling Pro Chef's Knife
4. J.A. Henckels
J.A. Henckels is yet another one of the best knife brands owned by Zwilling (what can we say, they really know what they’re doing!), but J.A. Henckels is considered the more affordable “entry-level” option compared to Zwilling. Don’t let that deter you; J.A. Henckels still makes some of the best kitchen knives that can last a lifetime with proper care. Contestants on the cooking show Hell’s Kitchen use J.A. Henckels knives, so you know it must be one of the best knife brands!
Despite being one of the best knife brands, J.A. Henckels maintains a slightly lower price range because they mostly use stamped blades, which are cut out from a large sheet of steel alloy rather than forged from stainless steel. These knives are manufactured in various locations including India, China, Thailand and Spain. If you’re looking for a starter set or an affordable wedding gift, J.A. Henckels offers the best brand of knife sets.
Our Favorite J.A. Henckels Knives
5. Shun
If you’re looking for a serious upgrade to your collection, Shun is one of the best chef knife brands trusted by professionals around the world. Shun brand knives are owned by Kai U.S.A. Ltd., a United States-based company run by Japanese leadership. Shun specializes in Japanese-style knives, and every knife is manufactured in Seiki, Japan, a city historically known for crafting samurai swords and hosting the best knife brands.
Each blade follows a 100-step process during manufacturing and must be approved through a rigorous evaluation before it can be sold. Most of Shun’s knives are made with multiple layers of soft Damascus steel surrounding a steel core, so they can be sharpened to a near razor-like degree while still holding their edge for a long time. Shun is one of the best knife brands for people who prefer a knife that’s pristinely sharp, lightweight and easy to maneuver.
6. Wüsthof
For over 200 years, Wüsthof has dominated the German bladesmithing game and solidified its reputation as one of the best knife brands in the world. Since 1814, Wüsthof has been dedicated to making knives only in the City of Blades, Solingen, Germany, and its manufacturing techniques are a true testament of excellent German bladesmithing.
When you’re looking for the best chef knife brands, you ought to trust the best chefs in the world, and Gordan Ramsey himself prefers to use Wüsthof knives on his show, Hell’s Kitchen. Wüsthof’s knives are exceptionally durable and manufactured with rust-resistant, a high-carbon steel alloy in a 40-step process. For home chefs who really love to throw their utensils around, Wüsthof is one of the best knife brands that can live up to the task.
7. Global
Global is one of the best kitchen knife brands for beginners, offering some of the best kitchen utility knives and knife sets on the market. Global is a Japanese-owned company, and while it takes inspiration from German craftsmanship, all of its knives are manufactured in Niigata, Japan. The company's knives take the precision of Japanese-style blades and combine it with the durability of Western designs to create one of the best knife brands.
Global’s knives are well known for being lightweight, well-balanced, easy to care for and easy to use, but they’re also one of the best knife brands in terms of aesthetic value. All of Global’s knife collections feature a seamless design with the stamped blade welded into a dimpled steel handle. Most Global knife sets come with a sleek and modern wood block holder that you can be proud to display on your counter.
8. Victorinox
Victorinox is the same manufacturer that patented the original Swiss Army knife in 1897, and just like the handy pocket knife, Victorinox’s kitchen knives are ready to handle any task time and time again. Victorinox is the only Swiss manufacturer to make our list of best knife brands. While some accessories come from China, all of its knives are manufactured near its headquarters in Ibach, Switzerland.
Victorinox knives are known for being solid, long-lasting and durable investment pieces, and they’re trusted by professionals and home chefs alike. Victorinox uses carbon-heavy steel, which helps the blades stay sharp for a long time. With comfortable and secure handle grips and extremely reliable construction, Victorinox is one of the best knife brands for kitchens that cook often and in large quantities.
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As you grow and learn new culinary skills, you deserve kitchen utensils that can grow with you and support your talent. Give any of these amazing kitchen knives a try, and you’ll quickly see why they’re hailed as the best knife brands in the world.
For even more ways to elevate your kitchen, check out chef-recommended cutlery in the Cozymeal Shop.
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