Best kitchen knives for you and your home
What are some of the best kitchen knives for your home? If you know the slightest thing about cooking (which we are hoping you do) then certainly, you must know that nothing beats a satisfactory Do-It-All chef’s knife that can conveniently move from miniature knife jobs like chopping and slicing to very intense tasks like carving masterpieces out of food items like a whole chicken, a pineapple or a watermelon.
Whether as a professional chef or not, knowing that the shape and size of an ingredient can make or mar a dish you’ve labored for is really the starting point to creating a great dish, and keeping this in mind, we have made an effort to review the best kitchen knives for your chopping, slicing and mincing of food items.
Do you know the best part? You have to read the review to find out, so let’s get right into it! It is probably best to chip in that this review goes beyond kitchen knives with an ability to do the actual cutting to best beginner-friendly chef’s knife, sharpest chef’s knife, best lightweight knife, most user-friendly chef’s knife, and the most flexible chef’s knife amongst many others.
Best Chef’s Kitchen Knives for You
You have the option to choose from the German-Style Knives or the Japanese Style Knives when choosing a chef’s knife. Although not entirely different from each other, it is important to note what little difference is, as this helps you determine what works best for you as the unique individual you are.
You know a Japanese Style Knife with its lightweight, razor-sharp thin blades and unbent edges. These features make it perfect for simple tasks like slicing easy foods like cucumbers and dicing onions.
An added advantage is that the Japanese knife is made from hard steel, reducing the frequency of sharpening. However, it is important to note that this hard steel also predisposes them to easy fracture and damage.
On the other hand, the German-Style Knife set is heavier and thicker with curvy edges, unlike the Japanese sets. Although the German knives can be used for pretty much every task, their unique features (particularly the heavyweight and thicker blades) make them perfect for heavy-duty tasks such as cutting through chicken breasts.
Additionally, in contrast with the Japanese knives, the German knives are made from softer st, increasing the sharpening frequency.
Wusthof’s Classic 8-Inch Kitchen Knife
OVERALL BEST CHEF’S KNIFE
- Price: $150.00
- Description: The Wusthof’s Classic 8-Inch German chef’s knife levels easily as the overall best chef’s knife. This is because, in addition to its sharp blade, this knife is outstandingly flexible with its functionality as it can be used all around for any required knife task from a clear-cut slice through a cucumber to a heavy-duty chicken boning ting.
- Why it’s Great: This high-quality knife set is comfortable and user-friendly from its actual cutting job with its full tang handle. Even better is that it is safe with a dishwasher, although you do not want to make this a habit if its lifespan is a concern of yours, which it should be because it is over $150 on Amazon.
Wusthof’s Classic Craftsman Knife
MOST FLEXIBLE CHEF’S KNIFE
- Price: $140.00
- Description: This is a super versatile 7-inch knife that is as versatile as they come. This means that this kitchen knife is an all-purpose knife that performs all tasks a classic chef may require.
- Why It’s Great: From basic chopping, you are slicing and mincing, to somewhat difficult deboning tasks, to skillful tasks such as carvings and filleting. Even better is the added crevice design at the sides of the blades, leaving you with a clean knife even after use, and yes! This knife is as sharp as Japanese knife sets come, just in case you were wondering.
J.A. Henckels Classic Chef’s Knife Set
BEST VALUE CHEF’S KNIFE
- Price: $73.50
- Description: If you are on a budget but still want a classic value chef’s knife, then this is your go-to.
- Why it’s Great: At about $73 on Amazon, this knife set is easily adaptable for any required task, from large chops to mincing and the wide blade also makes it fit for deboning tasks, all at a budget-friendly price.
Shun’s Classic 6-Inch Chef’s Knife
BEST CHEF’S KNIFE FOR SMALL HANDS
- Price: $144.00
- Description: If you ever feel that a classic 8-inch size knife set is a bit too much for you in terms of its weight, then this 6-inch chef’s knife should be your Go-To.
- Why It’s Great: You want to comfortably work your vegetables with this small-blade knife set that lies easily in your hands than with a large knife set that requires an unnecessary skill set to use.
Pampered Chef 5-inch knife
BEST BEGINNER-FRIENDLY CHEF’S KNIFE
- Price: $16.99
- Description: A glance at the bolster (where the hand is placed on the knife) suggests that this knife was built either with a beginner knife-handler or a cautious professional chef in mind. This knife is designed so that it sits comfortably in the palm once the knife is held. The curves and crevices in the right places make it very practical and safe for use.
- Why It’s Great: One thing is certain; this is the best kitchen knife for beginners. Also, this knife comes with a plastic covering, which acts as a protective feature during storage, and with its thick high carbon steel blade, this German knife set allows a bit of flexibility within tasks. Furthermore, this knife is priced at $16.99 on Amazon, which is nothing compared to the safety and beginner-friendly features you get with this knife set.
Global’s Santoku 7-Inch Chef’s Knife
SHARPEST CHEF’S KNIFE
- Price: $129.95
- Description: As common with most Japanese knife sets, this knife set is designed with all-around hard stainless steel, including the handle. Another amazing and unique feature is the dent designed on the sides of the blade that prevents the sticking of food items to the knife while they are being cut.
- Why It’s Great: Suppose you think you’ve worked with a sharp knife. In that case, this Japanese knife set at $99.95 will blow your mind with just how much food item it can cut through sticky food items like sliced tomatoes without any difficulty whatsoever, and it is safe to say that this is the best kitchen knife when you have the sharp ability in mind.
Misen’s 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
BEST MULTI-PURPOSE CHEF’S KNIFE
- Price: $65.00
- Description: If you worry about the life span and resilience of your kitchen knife while at the same time looking out for a super sharp knife, then the Misen’s 8-inch Japanese chef’s knife is for you, as its multipurpose function covers these areas.
- Why It’s Great: With an AUS-8 high carbon stainless steel, you’re assured of a good life span plus an efficient result for a given task. This knife set is specifically good for slicing tasks. However, because of its narrow edge, it comfortably achieves other tasks. At $65.00, it is safe to say that you’re getting great value for this.
Mac’s Professional 8-Inch Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT CHEF’S KNIFE
- Price: $144.95
- Description: This knife set allows clean cuts through food items without wearing the user off with a thin and sharp edge steel blade. Additionally, as with only a few knives, apertures have been designed on this knife set to prevent food from sticking onto the knife when used.
- Why It’s Great: This is $144.95 on Amazon and is among the best kitchen knives where lightweight is a top priority.
The Kramer by Zwilling J.A. Henckels Chef’s Knife
THE MOST LONG-LASTING CHEF’S KNIFE
- Price: $279.00
- Description: Even at about $279.00 on Amazon, reviews on this knife set as one of the best kitchen knives will still get your mind reeling with questions. This is probably because it does not only get the job done but stays sharp for a long time after sharpening. This knife gets through the easy tasks and the difficult tasks, which is an added advantage.
- Why It’s Great: Who wants to spend half the cooking time sharpening knives when you could easily purchase one that stays sharp for a long time? Not us! A professional chef would rather do the actual cooking than anything, and this knife set gives you one less thing to worry about.
Victorinox’s Forged 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
BEST CONVENIENT CHEF’S KNIFE
- Price: $40.10
- Description: This Victorinox forged 8-inch chef’s knife will baffle you with its artistry for issues bothering on design. This knife set is for a classic chef in such a way that it adds beauty to your work arena and, alongside that, with a bolster design that is user-friendly.
- Why It’s Great: Beyond its beauty, this knife set burrows through kitchen tasks comfortably, chopping onions, slicing vegetables, and deboning chickens inclusive. An interesting fact is that this is one of the best kitchen knives, and at just about $40, you could have this knife sitting pretty in your kitchen, ready for use.
Mercer’s Renaissance 8-Inch Forged Chef’s Knife
MOST SOLID CHEF’S KNIFE
- Price: $32.70
- Description: Although this is an 8-inch chef’s knife, it is among the few not so heavy. Possessing a high carbon stainless steel, this German knife set comfortably glides through food items such as tomatoes and carrots as it is super sharp.
- Why It’s Great: This solid but not-so-heavy knife set is budget-friendly, too, as it goes for just a little of $32 on Amazon.
MAD SHARK 8-inch Chef’s Knife
MOST USER-FRIENDLY CHEF’S KNIFE
- Price: $36.99
- Description: This is one of those knives you want to get just because of how good it looks. However, with this MAD SHARK 8-Inch Chef’s Knife, beauty is not the only thing that comes with the beautiful package.
- Why It’s Great: You get a knife that gets your diced food items looking all smooth and clean. That’s how user-friendly this knife set is. If you’re wondering just how you can achieve that, there are helpful instructions that suggest to you just how you can get around to it.
What to Look out for When Getting a Chef’s Knife
Reading through our review should help you figure out one thing; getting a chef’s knife is just something you have to do alone if you can make the time to do so.
You want to decide whether you would rather have a lightweight or a heavyweight knife or whether you would rather get one for large hands or small hands. It all depends on your personal preference. However, below are the basic things to look out for when getting the best kitchen knife for your use:
- Handle: this stands out the most on the knife may very likely be what grabs your attention first. While it is important to note the knife’s beauty, you should understand that while some handles are made of wood and plastics, some are of steel. So don’t be surprised if their price ranges differ.
- Bolster: the bolster of a knife can either be a bit angled or fully straight. Your choice depends on your preference. While angled bolsters have proven to give a more user-friendly grip, straight bolsters enable a more powerful hold on the knife, which, most often than not, is suitable for professional chefs or professional knife-handlers.
- Tang: knives are either of a full tang or half tang. It is probably best to go for knives with full tangs as they run through the full length of the handle, giving you a firmer and more comfortable grip on the knife.
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Conclusion
We assure you, you don’t want a knife that is smaller or bigger than your hand. It would help if you had a knife that fits perfectly and gives you a more than adequate and comfy feel. That way, you know you’re very well on your way to getting the right cuts of shapes and sizes for your food items.
Another thing to remember is that nothing is as important as keeping your knives sharp, regardless of the kind and size of knife you get. That’s the only way you’re going to enjoy your cooking.
