Most Recommended Stainless Steel Chef's Knives
Updated
Check out Curated Kitchen Experts' top recommended stainless steel chef's knives. Note, however, that we don't believe in "best of" lists here at Curated – everyone has different needs and we believe in finding the best gear for you and not generally for the masses. Want to make sure you find the perfect stainless steel chef's knife for your culinary endeavors? Chat with a Kitchen Expert here on Curated to get free, personalized recommendations on the best stainless steel chef's knife for your needs.
By Kitchen ExpertsSarah, Kimbaly, John and others
The Global Classic Chef's Knife is a top pick for those seeking a versatile, reliable kitchen tool with a blend of Japanese and German style. Its premium Japanese craftsmanship, razor-sharp edge, and durable stainless steel construction offer excellent value. It's an all-around utility knife that can replace several others in your kitchen. However, it requires regular maintenance to keep its sharpness and the metal handle might take some getting used to.
by Curated experts Melissa Brunetti, Sarah Palmer, Ericka Johnson
Ideal for
- Those seeking a high-quality, versatile and reliable kitchen tool
- People who appreciate premium Japanese craftsmanship
- Users who prefer a durable stainless steel construction
- Culinary students or home cooks who prepare gourmet meals
- Those who value an all-around utility knife
Not ideal for
- People who prefer the heavier European style knives
- Those who are not willing to maintain the knife's sharpness regularly
- Users who may find the metal handle uncomfortable
EJ
The Zwilling Four Star Chef's Knife, a high-quality and versatile tool, is a top pick among stainless steel chef's knives. Crafted in Germany, it's known for its premium materials, comfortable grip, exceptional balance, and precision. Ideal for home cooks and professional chefs, it excels at chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing a variety of foods, from meats to vegetables and herbs.
by Curated experts Olivera N., Mike and Annette, Wendy M.
Ideal for
- Home cooks
- Professional chefs
- Versatile cutting tasks
- Chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing
- Handling a variety of food types
Not ideal for
- Cutting through bones
- Cutting frozen foods
The Shun Kanso Chef's Knife 8" is a top-notch choice for those who value quality, precision, and versatility in their kitchen tools. Crafted with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, this knife features a high-carbon stainless steel blade, full-tang construction, and an ergonomic handle made from Tagayasan wood. It's perfect for a variety of tasks, from slicing and dicing vegetables to chopping boneless meats. Its durability and edge retention make it a reliable tool for everyday cooking needs.
by Curated experts Olivera N., David Boyer, Soph J.
Ideal for
- Professional chefs
- Culinary enthusiasts
- Home cooks passionate about their culinary craft
- Individuals who value quality, precision, and versatility in their kitchen tools
- Those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and desire impeccable performance
Not ideal for
- Individuals who prefer heavier knives
- Those with specific cutting requirements that necessitate specialized blades
PROGRESS
What are you shopping for?
Answer a few questions to receive personalized recommendations from an Expert.
The Cangshan TS Series 8" Chef Knife is a top-notch stainless steel knife, ideal for both professional chefs and home cooks. It features a high-quality German steel blade that ensures excellent sharpness and durability for precise and effortless cutting. The blade's taper grind edge maintains its sharpness over time, while the ergonomic handle offers a comfortable grip and reduces fatigue during extended use. Its balance and weight distribution make it easy to control, enhancing the overall cutting experience.
by Curated experts Olivera N., Kaitlyn Gencarelli, Joel Fletcher
Ideal for
- Professional chefs who value high-quality tools
- Home cooks who frequently engage in food preparation tasks
- Individuals who spend extended periods working in the kitchen
- Those who appreciate superior craftsmanship and ergonomic design
Not ideal for
- Individuals with smaller hands who may find the size and weight of the 8" blade less comfortable or manageable
Miyabi Artisan Chef's Knife
$189.99
$249.99
9% off
The Miyabi Artisan Chef's Knife is a culinary marvel, merging traditional methods with innovative techniques. Its SG2 micro-carbide powder steel blade is perfect for various cutting tasks, while the Pakka wood handle ensures a comfortable grip. This knife is ideal for home cooks and culinary enthusiasts who value precision and craftsmanship. Its durability and versatility make it suitable for tougher cuts like proteins and root vegetables, while its delicate tip allows for intricate knife work.by Curated experts Melissa Brunetti, Olivera N., Mike and Annette
Ideal for
- Home cooks and culinary enthusiasts who value precision and craftsmanship
- Cutting through thick items like root vegetables or chicken bones
- Intricate precision work and beautiful knife cuts
- Cutting through protein, root vegetables, and melons
Not ideal for
- Those seeking the sharpness level of traditional Japanese knives
The Forge To Table 8" Gyuto Chef Knife is a top pick for any culinary enthusiast. This knife is praised for its perfect balance, low weight, and 17-degree angle, which allows for precision and ease in cutting. The octagonal handle ensures a firm grip, making it suitable for both left and right-handed users. Its higher carbon levels facilitate easy sharpening and precise edges. However, it requires careful maintenance, including hand washing and frequent sharpening.
by Curated experts Fiona Orel, Joel Fletcher, Soph J.
Ideal for
- Culinary enthusiasts who value precision and ease of use
- Both left and right-handed users due to its octagonal handle
- Those who prefer lightweight knives
- Users who appreciate easy sharpening and precise edges
Not ideal for
- Those who prefer dishwasher-safe kitchen tools
- Users who do not want to sharpen their knives frequently
The Shun Classic Blonde Chef's Knife is a versatile tool, perfect for chefs seeking a lightweight, nimble knife that can handle a variety of tasks. Handcrafted in Japan with Japanese Stainless Steel, VG Max Core, and Pakkawood handles, it's ideal for both left and right-handed users. The full tang ensures perfect balance, making it a must-have for any kitchen collection. Its 6" blade offers control, though it may be challenging to cut through large quantities of food. The knife's durability and long-lasting sharpness make it a 'gateway knife' for home chefs upgrading their equipment.
by Curated experts Jeremy Thornton, Michele J., Joel Fletcher
Ideal for
- Chefs looking for a lightweight and nimble knife
- Both left and right-handed users
- Chefs who need a versatile knife that can handle a variety of tasks
- Home chefs upgrading their equipment
- Users who value balance and control in a knife
Not ideal for
- Cutting through large quantities of food
Cangshan HAKU Series Chef Knife with Sheath · 8 Inch
$99.95
$129.95
23% off
The Cangshan Haku Series 8" Chef Knife is a top-notch stainless steel knife, perfect for chefs who appreciate both aesthetics and functionality. Crafted with Cangshan's proprietary X-7 Damascus steel, it features 67 layers of steel folded into a beautiful Damascus pattern. The knife is perfectly balanced, lightweight, and boasts a Rockwell hardness of 61. The full tang extends into an elegant African Blackwood handle. It's a Red Dot and German Design Award winner, and comes with a sheath for protection when not in use.
by Curated experts Trent F, Kaitlyn Gencarelli, Michele J.
Ideal for
- Chefs who value aesthetics and functionality
- Those who appreciate award-winning design
- Users seeking a lightweight, balanced knife
- Chefs seeking a durable knife with a high Rockwell hardness
- Those who value added protection with a sheath for storage
Mercer Culinary Damascus Chef's Knife · 8 Inch
$114.99
$157.50
27% off
The Mercer Culinary 8" Damascus Chef's Knife is a stylish, high-quality, and versatile tool that's ideal for both home cooks and professional chefs. It's capable of handling a wide range of tasks, from chopping vegetables to slicing meats. The knife's beautiful Damascus pattern makes it an attractive addition to any kitchen. However, it may not be suitable for those who prefer a longer blade or traditional looking knives.by Curated experts Olivera N., Mike and Annette, Wendy M.
Ideal for
- Home cooks
- Professional chefs
- Those who value style and functionality
- Wide range of kitchen tasks
- Those who appreciate the Damascus pattern design
Not ideal for
- Those who prefer a longer blade
- Those who prefer traditional looking knives
Mercer Culinary Renaissance Forged Chef's Knife · 8 Inch
$55.99
$96.00
42% off
The Mercer Culinary Renaissance Forged Chef's Knife, 8 Inch is a top pick for those seeking a durable, long-lasting kitchen tool. Crafted from high-carbon German cutlery steel, it resists rust, corrosion, and discoloration. Its full tang construction and ergonomically designed Delrin® handle provide superior balance and comfort. The shortened bolster and tapered ground edge make sharpening easier and ensure long-lasting sharpness. It's a favorite among culinary professionals and a staple in culinary schools.
by Curated experts Fiona Orel, David F, Kaitlyn Gencarelli
Ideal for
- Culinary professionals
- Culinary students
- Home cooks seeking a durable, long-lasting knife
- Those who value easy sharpening and long-lasting sharpness
- Those who appreciate superior balance and comfort in a knife
Not ideal for
- Those who prefer a less bulky handle
- Those who require an extremely sharp blade out of the box
- Those seeking a more lightweight knife
Other lists to consider
Curated experts can help
Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert and get free recommendations for whatever you’re looking for!Result Summary
- Global Classic Chef's Knife
- Zwilling Four Star Chef's Knife
- Shun Kanso Chef's Knife · 8 Inch
- Cangshan TS Series 8" Chef Knife · 8 Inch
- Miyabi Artisan Chef's Knife
- Forge To Table Gyuto Chef's Knife · 8 Inch
- Shun Classic Blonde Chef's Knife
- Cangshan HAKU Series Chef Knife with Sheath · 8 Inch
- Mercer Culinary Damascus Chef's Knife · 8 Inch
- Mercer Culinary Renaissance Forged Chef's Knife · 8 Inch
Which Kitchen product is right for you?
Get free recommendations from a certified expert. Take a short quiz to get started!