Most Recommended Chef's Knives
Updated
Check out the chef's knives recommended the most by Kitchen Experts here on Curated. Note, however, that we don't believe in "best of" lists 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 chef's knife for your culinary endeavors? Chat with a Kitchen Expert here on Curated to receive personalized recommendations on the best 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. Its premium Japanese craftsmanship, razor-sharp edge, and durable stainless steel construction offer excellent value. Ideal for culinary students or home chefs, it's a great all-around utility knife. However, it requires regular maintenance to keep its sharpness and the metal handle may take some getting used to.by Curated experts Melissa Brunetti, Sarah Palmer, Ericka Johnson
Ideal for
- Culinary students
- Home chefs cooking gourmet meals
- Those seeking a versatile, all-around utility knife
- Fans of Japanese craftsmanship and design
- People who value durability and sharpness in a knife
Not ideal for
- People who prefer heavier European style knives
- Those not willing to maintain the knife's sharpness regularly
- Those uncomfortable with a metal handle
EJ
The Cangshan Thomas Keller Signature Collection Chef's Knife is a top-notch choice for both aspiring home cooks and seasoned professionals. This knife, designed by renowned chef Thomas Keller, is a perfect blend of style and functionality. It boasts a modern European handle, a razor-sharp blade made from Swedish Damasteel, and a Rockwell hardness rating of 61. Its versatility and precision make it suitable for a wide range of cooking styles and techniques, making it a must-have in every kitchen.by Curated experts Trent F, Olivera N., Trent F
Ideal for
- Aspiring home cooks
- Seasoned professionals
- Individuals who appreciate craftsmanship and functionality
- Wide range of cooking styles and techniques
- Those who value a blend of style and functionality in their kitchen tools
The Zwilling Four Star Chef's Knife is a top-notch choice for both home cooks and professional chefs. Its high-quality, versatile design allows for a wide range of cutting tasks. Crafted with premium materials in Germany, this knife offers exceptional balance, precision, and durability. Its comfortable grip and seamless handling make it ideal for chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing various types of food, including meats, vegetables, and herbs. However, it's not recommended for cutting through bones and frozen foods.by Curated experts Olivera N., Mike and Annette, Wendy M.
Ideal for
- Home cooks
- Professional chefs
- Wide variety of cutting tasks
- Chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing all types of food
Not ideal for
- Cutting through bones
- Cutting frozen foods
PROGRESS
What are you shopping for?
Answer a few questions to receive personalized recommendations from an Expert.The Shun Kanso Chef's Knife 8" is a perfect blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern functionality. Its high-carbon stainless steel blade ensures long-lasting sharpness and excellent edge retention. The full-tang construction provides optimal balance and stability, while the ergonomic handle made from Tagayasan wood ensures a comfortable grip. This versatile knife excels in a wide range of kitchen tasks, making it an exceptional tool for professional chefs and passionate home cooks alike.by Curated experts Olivera N., David Boyer, Soph J.
Ideal for
- Professional chefs
- Culinary enthusiasts
- Home cooks who value quality and precision
- Individuals who appreciate fine craftsmanship
- Users who need a versatile knife for various cutting tasks
Not ideal for
- Individuals who prefer heavier knives
- Users with specific cutting requirements that necessitate specialized blades
The STEELPORT Carbon Steel Chef Knife is a top-notch choice for chefs and cooking enthusiasts alike. Handmade in Oregon, USA, this knife boasts a blade made from American 52100 Carbon Steel, ensuring durability and high quality. Its handle, crafted from Oregon Big Leaf Maple Burl and Resin, is not only robust but also visually appealing. The knife's design, featuring a rounded spine, finger groove in the pinch area, and a 'sheepsfoot' tip, ensures comfort and ease of use. Its versatility makes it perfect for a range of tasks, from chopping and dicing to fine work like breaking down fish and deboning.by Curated experts Michele J., Carlos M, Elizabeth H.
Ideal for
- Chefs and cooking enthusiasts looking for a high-quality, durable knife
- Those who appreciate a visually appealing, unique knife design
- Users who need a versatile knife for a range of cooking tasks
- Individuals seeking a comfortable and easy-to-use knife
- Anyone who values handmade, American-made products
The Miyabi Kaizen II Chef's Knife is a top-notch choice for both home cooks and professional chefs who value quality, sharpness, and comfort. Handcrafted in Japan, it boasts a 48-layer Damascus steel blade and a Pakkawood handle. Its 6" size is perfect for smaller tasks, and its thin Japanese style blade allows for light and easy control. The blade is made from Carbide steel FC61, arguably the best steel on earth, and is a bit softer than Shun, reducing the risk of chipping. This knife is a versatile and high-performing tool that can enhance any cooking experience.by Curated experts David Boyer, Elizabeth H., Olivera N.
Ideal for
- Home cooks
- Professional chefs
- Those who value top-quality craftsmanship
- Those who prefer a knife for smaller tasks
- Those who value sharpness and comfort in their kitchen tools
The Cangshan TS Series 8" Chef Knife is a top recommendation for both professional chefs and home cooks. Its high-quality German steel blade ensures excellent sharpness and durability for precise, effortless cutting. The blade's taper grind edge maintains sharpness over time, while the ergonomic handle design offers a comfortable grip, reducing fatigue during extended use. The knife's balance and weight distribution enhance control, making it a reliable tool for frequent food preparation tasks.by Curated experts Olivera N., Kaitlyn Gencarelli, Joel Fletcher
Ideal for
- Professional chefs who require high-quality tools
- Home cooks seeking an upgrade to their kitchen arsenal
- Individuals who frequently engage in food preparation tasks
- Those who spend extended periods working in the kitchen
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 top choice for both home cooks and professional chefs, thanks to its blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern techniques. Its SG2 micro-carbide powder steel blade ensures lasting sharpness, while the Pakka wood handle offers a comfortable grip. The knife's balance and precision make it ideal for a variety of cutting tasks, from breaking down proteins to intricate knife work. Its durability and versatility make it a standout in the Most Recommended Chef's Knives list.by Curated experts Melissa Brunetti, Olivera N., Mike and Annette
Ideal for
- Home cooks and culinary enthusiasts who value precision and craftsmanship
- Professional chefs seeking a high-quality, versatile knife
- Tasks requiring precision cutting and intricate knife work
- Cutting through thick items like root vegetables or chicken bones
Not ideal for
- Those seeking the extreme sharpness of traditional Japanese knives
The Shun Classic Blonde Chef's Knife is a top recommendation for chefs seeking a versatile, lightweight, and nimble tool. Handcrafted in Japan, it features Japanese Stainless Steel, a VG Max Core for corrosion resistance, and Pakkawood handles for comfort. It's perfect for both left and right-handed chefs. The full tang ensures perfect balance, and the 6" or 8" blade options cater to different needs. This knife is often the 'gateway knife' for home chefs upgrading their equipment.by Curated experts Jeremy Thornton, Michele J., Joel Fletcher
Ideal for
- Chefs seeking a versatile, lightweight, and nimble knife
- Both left and right-handed users
- Home chefs upgrading their equipment
- Those who prefer a knife with perfect balance
- Users who need a durable, corrosion-resistant knife
Not ideal for
- Those who need to cut through large quantities of food, such as Kale, Chard, and Cabbage, may find the 6" blade challenging
The Cangshan Haku Series 8" Chef Knife is a beautifully crafted, award-winning knife that is perfect for any chef. Made with Cangshan's proprietary X-7 Damascus steel, it features 67 layers of steel folded into a stunning Damascus pattern. The knife boasts a Rockwell hardness of 61 and a full tang that extends into an elegant African Blackwood handle. It's the lightest in the Cangshan line-up, perfectly balanced, and comes with a sheath for protection when not in use. This knife is not only a functional tool but a work of art.by Curated experts Trent F, Kaitlyn Gencarelli, Michele J.
Ideal for
- Chefs looking for a high-quality, durable knife
- Those who appreciate minimalist, award-winning design
- Individuals who value balance and lightness in a knife
- Users who require a sheath for safe storage
- Chefs on a budget seeking a lifetime warranty
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 to find exactly what you are looking for!Result Summary
- Global Classic Chef's Knife
- Cangshan Thomas Keller Signature Collection Chef's Knife
- Zwilling Four Star Chef's Knife
- Shun Kanso Chef's Knife · 8 Inch
- STEELPORT Carbon Steel Chef Knife
- Miyabi Kaizen II Chef's Knife
- Cangshan TS Series 8" Chef Knife · 8 Inch
- Miyabi Artisan Chef's Knife
- Shun Classic Blonde Chef's Knife
- Cangshan HAKU Series Chef Knife with Sheath · 8 Inch
Which Kitchen product is right for you?
Get personalized recommendations from a certified gear expert. Take a short quiz to get started!