Although it was originally created to primarily disjoint and slice large cuts of meat, nowadays the chef’s knife is a versatile kitchen tool used by professional and amateur cooks alike. Due to its popularity, the market is ripe with options. In this article, we have included our top ten picks of best chef knives to suit a variety of skill levels and budgets.
Top 10 Chef Knives
1. Global G-48 Santoku
The Global G-48 Santoku chef’s knife is one of the best stainless-steel knives on the market. The Japanese manufacturer is well-known in the industry for some of the best knives there are, and this exquisite utensil is no different. It retails for $130, which is a justifiable price considering its razor-sharp design and durable components.
If you are looking for some more affordable stainless steel knives, you can check the linked article for a review of the top 10 chef knives that you can purchase starting this year. The experts at Chef Knives have researched anything from main features and pros and cons to quality and performance and suggested price to help readers make a truly informed choice.
2. Global G-48 Santoku
When it comes to the Western manufacturers of chef knives and other kitchen tools, Wüsthof is one of the leaders in the field. The company’s Classic model is forged from high-carbon stainless steel with a durable polyoxymethylene handle that completes its timeless, yet efficiently modern look. Its price tag is of $130 as well.
3. Mercer Culinary Genesis
Although it is produced in North America, the Mercer Culinary Genesis chef’s knife is a German-style model with a more accessible price tag. It will set you back just 30 dollars, which is fair enough considering that it is an excellent tool for beginners, with a blade that can slice and dice just about anything without snagging it.
4. Misono UX10
When it comes to Japanese chef’s knives without the classic Santoku design, we will always recommend the Misono UX10 to more experienced cooks. It is made of nearly indestructible stainless steel imported from Sweden, which justified its hefty price of $165. It is a thin and light tool, which makes it the most nimble and agile choices by far.
5. Tojiro’s DP Damascus
Founded more than half a century ago, Tojiro is another brand that is worth adding to the list of brands that produce high-quality Japanese chef’s knives. The DP Damascus model’s supple and sharp blade has a remarkable edge, even though it is definitely a bit thicker than other products on this list. It can be yours for $120, a price that should not come as a surprise with this degree of excellence.
6. Messermeister Meridian Elite
Returning to German-made products, the 130-dollar Messermeister Meridian Elite chef’s knife has an exquisite high-carbon, stainless alloy blade that is tough and durable. It is also corrosion-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about wear and tear over time. And thanks to the bolsterless heel, cooking with it will be incredibly easy.
7. Shun Classic
The Shun Classic 8-inch chef’s knife retails for $175, but you will truly get a bang for your buck. It is versatile enough to handle everything from chopping and slicing to delicate mincing and dicing. The stunning Damascus steel in the knife’s layered blade is patterned technology. The material is also rust-proof, which prolongs the lifespan of this tool tremendously.
8. Victorinox Fibrox Pro
The 40-dollar Victorinox Fibrox Pro chef’s knife is by far the most beginner-friendly option on our list. It comes in various sizes that range from 5 inches to 8 inches, and it can handle smoothly basic chopping, mincing, slicing, and dicing of ingredients. With such a sharp blade on hand, you won’t need much else.
9. MAC Professional Hollow Edge
The Santoku-inspired teardrop design on the Mac Knife Professional Hollow Edge 8-inch chef’s knife’s blade is a true trademark of the Japanese style, efficiency, and precision. The utensil has a sprightly 2.5 mm blade than can glide effortlessly even through the stickiest of ingredients. Its price matches its high quality, as you will have to shell out $175 dollars for it.
10. Miyabi Kaizen
The Japanese terms of “miyabi kaizen” can be roughly translated into the English phrase “change for the better,” which is exactly what this 8-inch Damascus layered chef’s knife will represent in your cooking arsenal. Thanks to its beautifully crafted blade and firm handle, you will improve your techniques in no time and prepare food like a pro.
Final Thoughts
The world’s top selection of chef’s knives includes products from either Japan or Germany usually, but you will surely find a reliable model locally as well. Our list is a mere selection of our favorite finds after carefully considering and testing various models.
As a rule of thumb, it is advisable to start off small, with a beginner-friendly knife that is also more on the affordable side. Once your skill level improves, you will be able to justify spending over 100 dollars on a chef’s knife. In the meantime, remember that practice makes perfect, just like with any other art forms.
Note:
This post is in partnership with Lucas Ferguson. He is solely responsible for the content of this post. Your Food Fantasy is acting merely as platform to share content as a paid service. However, you must not replicate or reproduce this post with out written permission of Your Food Fantasy.
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