Best Kitchen Knives for the At-Home Chef

A well-made set of knives with a classic look thanks to the wooden handles, the Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition Steak Knife Set is a great buy. The handle is made from walnut, and though it can get a little rough as the knife ages, this wooden accent really sets these knives apart from the competition. The blade is serrated, so it doesn't require frequent sharpening, and made from a high-carbon stainless steel that's sturdy enough to last for quite a number of years. The blade also has a Taper Grind edge, which is Chicago Cutlery's signature edging process that helps this knife stay sharper for longer. The blade has a full tang, so these sharp little knives are perfectly balanced.

Cutluxe has created a perfectly balanced knife that blends the best steel in the industry with the toughest grip. The knife has a full tang design with an 8-inch blade length, and the blade features high-carbon stainless steel construction. It has a Rockwell hardness of over 56 and provides durability, rust resistance, and stain resistance. The blade has a hardened, razor-sharp edge and has an angle of 14 to 16 degrees on each side. The razor-sharpness and edge retention of the blade guarantee precise cutting every time. The handle comes in premium pakkawood, giving it a lavish appearance. It has a triple-riveted construction for a stronghold and ultimate stability. It provides convenience and maneuverability. This kitchen knife is ideal for dicing, slicing, and mincing fruits, veggies, meat, and other foods with ease.

The non-stick, stainless steel kitchen knives are probably the most adorable-looking knives you can find. Boasting bright and beautiful colors, the set includes a variety of different blades for all your kitchen’s cutting needs. The set also includes a colorful cutting board and a sharpener, so you don’t have to get these things separately. By investing in this set, you get your hands on a chef knife, paring knife, utility knife, bread knife, slicing knife, and more. Each knife comes with a sheath for added safety.

Don’t let the colors bluff you because these are the most efficient and sharp knives you can get hold of. Add them to your kitchen for different cutting requirements, and you will never go back to your old knives again. Try them out yourself!

The makers of the Swiss Army knife have created a set of steak knives that are incredibly sharp and durable. These knives have high quality polymer handles that have been ergonomically designed for added comfort. The blades of these knives are serrated so they require very infrequent sharpening. Victorinox was able to keep the price low on this set of high quality knives by making them out of a stamped stainless steel that has been specially treated for added durability. The company is confident in their products and these knives come with a lifetime warranty.

Wusthof makes some incredible knives and this company's steak knife set is no exception. These knives have a straight edge that slices right through any meat. Since they aren't serrated, they're also very easy to sharpen, ensuring that they continue working like new for years. The chrome molybdenum vanadium steel blade is very strong, and the tang runs the entire length of the handle, adding to the strength and stability of these knives. The handle itself is comfortable to hold and made to last as long as the blade. These knives are also dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean them up after each use.

A sharp, serrated blade that never needs to be sharpened helps set the J.A. Henckles Gourmet 4-Piece Black Stamped Steak Set apart from the competition. These knives have very fine serrations that, at first glance, make the knife appear to have a straight edge. These serrations make it possible to easily cut through just about anything without ever needing sharpening. The blade is made of a stamped stainless steel that resists corrosion, even if you wash these knives in the dishwasher or leave them soaking in water overnight. The handles are curved to fit in the hand ergonomically while you cut.

Like all Global knives, the Global GSF-23 steak knife is a beautiful, high-tech piece of cutlery. The blades of these knives are made from high quality stainless steel that's thinner than the blades of most other knives. Though they're thinner, these knives are plenty strong and incredibly lightweight. The stainless steel handle, which looks like an extension of the blade, has been ergonomically designed for comfort and features numerous divots that help keep the knife from slipping in your hand. The serrations on the blade are very fine, making it possible to use this knife for years without sharpening it.

Hands down, the best santoku knife is the one made by MAC. This company is known for producing knives with incredibly sharp blades that can outperform most other santoku knives on the market, even those that cost a lot more money. This knife isn't as small as many other santokus, which makes it a better all-purpose knife that can take over many tasks that the chef's knife is often used for. The blade is also quite thin and the edge razor sharp, making it possible to chop straight through meats and veggies without applying much pressure. Though the blade is only between 2 and 2.5 mm thick, it is made from an incredibly durable stainless steel. The lightweight design and slightly elevated handle also make this one of the most comfortable knives on the market.

Made by one of the top names in Asian style blades, the Shun Sora Santoku is an incredibly well-made knife that can be used for just about any basic cutting task. The blade is made from two different steels, a Japanese stainless steel on the top to give the knife great durability, with an extra-sharp cutting edge that's made of expensive VG 10 san mai. Using the more expensive material just on the edge of this knife allows Shun to keep the cost low. The handle is made in a traditional Japanese style, and though it doesn't feature the ergonomic curves that many knives have, it's still incredibly comfortable to hold. At 7 inches long, this knife is a little shorter than a standard chef's knife, though it does offer better control than its longer, European counterpart.

Though Wusthof made it's name with its excellent European style knives, its Asian style blades are also some of the best on the market. The Wusthof Classic Santoku 6 1/2 inch knife has a straight edge which makes it incredibly accurate when thinly slicing vegetables or finely mincing herbs. The shape of the blade does, however, mean that it can't be used in the same way as a traditional chef's knife, since it doesn't rock back and forth on the cutting board. The edge is hollow so food slides away from the knife as you cut, decreasing prep time considerably. Like most other Wusthof knives, this one is made of forged stainless steel and is perfectly balanced with a full tang.

The Zwilling Henckles Four Star Santoku Knife features a thick blade that has a hollow edge that won't stick to food while you're cutting. The thickness of the blade makes this a more versatile knife than many other santokus, since it can handle chopping through tough foods such as butternut squash. This knife doesn't, however, create as thin, precise slices as santoku knives with thinner blades. The knife is well-balanced, with a 3/4 tang that makes the handle strong without weighing the knife down. It also features a classic 10 degree angle that Asian style blades are known for, so it can only be sharpened in sharpeners specifically designed to handle blades of this angle.

A great chef's knife can cost hundreds of dollars, but our pick for the best chef's knife on the market is an incredible value. The 8-inch Chef's Knife by Victorinox Swiss Army has managed to keep costs low by using a high carbon, stamped stainless steel. In the past, forged steel was always preferred over stamped, but the stamping process has undergone numerous advancements over the years. The blade of this knife is incredibly sharp and has been conical ground so that it can keep its edge for longer. The handle is comfortable and slip resistant, even when it's wet. This knife is well balanced, lightweight, and a favorite with home cooks and professional chefs.

It's no accident Wusthof has been one of the leading names in cutlery for decades. This company makes a wide variety of high-quality knives at incredibly reasonable prices. Though you will pay a little more for a Wusthof Classic Ikon Cook's Knife than you would for most of the other knives on this list, this chef's knife could easily be the last one you ever buy. The knife is forged from a single piece of high-carbon German stainless steel and sports an extremely sharp, laser-honed edge. It has a full tang for durability and balance, and a triple riveted handle with the slight curve that seems to be the comfortable for most cooks out there. This knife also comes in 6 inch, 9 inch, and even 10 inch models.

The Global G-2 may be on the expensive side when it comes to chef's knives, but it's also one of the most popular, and most attractive blades on the market. This knife is made of high-tech molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel that keeps a sharp edge for a long time between sharpenings. This knife also has a stainless steel handle that makes it appear that the blade and handle are forged from the same piece of steel. The handle has been shaped to be ergonomic, and while many cooks swear by this design, it can feel awkward to some, so be sure to try this one out before you buy.

Designed for home cooks who are looking for a great starter-knife, the Chicago Cutlery Essentials 8-inch Chef Knife offers a great balance between quality construction and affordable price. The high-carbon stainless steel blade has been finished with a "Taper Grind" remains sharp for a long time. The metal blade is thick enough to handle any tasks, even difficult ones such as hacking through a butternut squash. This knife also features a full tang that makes it stable and well-balanced. Though this knife comes with a lifetime guarantee, cooks who are looking for a more professional quality knife would do well to splurge on a more expensive knife.

The Mercer Cutlery 8-inch Forged Rivited Chef's Knife is excellent knife that can be picked up at a great value. The blade is made of high-carbon forged steel, and has a full tang. The slight curve in the blade also makes this knife rock perfectly on a hardwood or bamboo cutting board, making it ideal for chopping, dicing, and mincing. Though it's perfectly balanced, the handle is a bit on the heavy side, so cooks with smaller hands may struggle more with this knife if they're using it for many hours at a time.

The 6.5 inch long blade of the Shenzhen Ceramic Chef's Knife is long enough to handle most kitchen tasks. This knife can chop, slice, dice, and mince with ease, and since the blade is made from a high quality zirconium oxide, it'll stay sharp for years, even with daily use. The plastic handle has been recently redesigned for greater ergonomic comfort, though this knife is lightweight enough that it's easy to use for long periods of time without causing any fatigue. The main downside to this knife is that the tip of the blade is rounded, rather than pointed, so it can't be used to pierce the skin of fruits or slide under the silver skin on a cut of meat.

The best serrated knife on the market comes from one of the most well-known and respected knife makers in the world. The Wusthof Classic Bread Knife is our favorite because of its sharp blade, comfortable handle, and ease of care. The 10-inch blade of this knife is made from a forged high-carbon steel and tipped with tapered serrations that keep their sharp edge for a long time. This knife is easy to sharpen if you have a sharpener made for serrated knives. The handle is smooth and features a bolster to keep your hand in place while you slice. Unlike many high-quality blades, this knife is even dishwasher safe.

No stranger to praise, the Victorinox 10 1/4 inch Bread Knife is an excellent knife and one of the best values around. The blade is made from a high-carbon stainless steel and has been ice-tempered so that it will keep its sharp edge for longer. It's also easy to sharpen, just as long as you have a sharpener that's designed to acommodate serrated blades. Slightly wider at the base than at the tip, the Vicrorinox Bread Knife is strong enough to slice through crusty bread. Extremely well-balanced, this knife has a light-weight handle that has been ergonomically designed so that it's comfortable to hold for a long time.

Scallop-shaped serrations that gently cut through breads, veggies, and meats without tearing them make the Mac SB-105 Superior Series 10 1/2 inch Bread/Roast Slicer stand out from the competition. This knife is a little longer than many bread knives, which many cooks prefer because it makes it easier to slice through large loaves of bread. The knife is slightly curved, which improves its performance when cutting deli-thin slices from a roast beef or turkey. The best way to use this knife is to apply very little pressure, relying on the super-sharp serrations to saw through just about anything.

Made from a high-tech composite of molybdenum and vanadium steel, the Global G9 is an excellent, if a bit pricey bread knife. These knives are some of the most popular around, in no small part because of their beautiful design and stainless steel handles that make the handle and blade appear seamless. The handle is ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and covered with dimples that keep the knife from slipping as you use it. The blade of this 8 3/4 inch knife keeps its razor-sharp edge for a long time. The blade is also a bit thinner than many comparable knives, which makes the knife lighter without compromising strength.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginning home cook, the MAC Japanese Series 6 1/2 inch Japanese Vegetable Cleaver is one of the best butcher knives out there. This knife is so strong and sharp that it can cut through a butternut squash or a chicken with very little effort. It's relatively short, which gives cooks better control, though at nearly two inches in height, it can still handle big tasks with ease. The straight edge of the molybdenum steel blade makes it easy to chop without using the rocking motion required by the traditional chef's knife. Though this knife is powerful and versatile, it shouldn't be used to cut through cuts of meat that contain large bones or foods that are still frozen.

Like other nakiri knives, the Shun Classic Nakiri is prized for its versatility as a vegetable cleaver. The blade is straight across, giving the knife superior performance when dicing, chopping, and slicing. It's also made of a durable VG-MAX steel that resists corrosion and keeps its edge for a long time without sharpening. Newcomers to this style of knife may find it a little heavy and unwieldy at first but once you learn to use this knife properly, you'll find that it's added weight makes it easier to use as it requires less downward force. Though this knife is technically a vegetable cleaver, it's also useful as a meat cleaver, especially with more delicate meats such as chicken and fish. This knife should not, however, be used to cut through the bones of larger animals.

Made using traditional Japanese techniques, the Kasumi Damascus 7-Inch Vegetable Knife is an excellent butcher knife to have on hand. This knife is made from 33 layers of steel, though only the central layer serves as the cutting edge, making this knife sharp enough to split a hair. The blade is slightly curved, so cooks familiar with the rocking technique used in when cutting with a classic chef's knife will feel right at home with this knife in their hands. The handle is asymmetrical, which can be difficult to get used to at first, but which does offer superior control. Though this blade was not designed with meat in mind, it can be used on some types of butchering tasks, such as chopping up a cut of meat or quartering a chicken.

If you're on the market for a butcher knife in the traditional meat cleaver style, the Global 6-Inch Meat Cleaver should be at the top of your list. This knife sports a tall blade that, despite its size, is incredibly light weight. Unlike the handles of many of Global's knives, this one features synthetic grips that make it easy to keep hold of the knife, an incredibly important feature when you're bringing this knife down hard on a cut of beef. The blade is square-shaped and has a razor sharp edge that's designed to cut through just about anything. Though this is an incredibly superb meat cleaver, this isn't the most versatile knife on the list and really can't be used for anything besides chopping apart a large cut of meat.

The LamsonSharp 7-Inch Meat Cleaver is a butcher knife that relies more on its bulk than on the sharpness of its blade. It's a relatively wide butcher knife, and while that does mean it can't be used to chop or slice with any precision, it does mean that it can do one job extremely well: this knife can cut apart meat and bone like no other. It's made from hardened high-carbon steel that has been tempered to prevent the knife from cracking or breaking. The handle is a hard walnut that's attractive and durable. While there's not much else you can use this particular butcher knife for, if you're looking for a knife with supreme meat cleaving ability, this is the one.

Our favorite fillet knife is the Wusthof Classic 7-Inch Fish Fillet Knife. This knife is a great length for most medium-sized fish and has a slightly flexible blade. This flexibility allows the knife to slip easily through the body of a fish, though it can take some practice to get used to using a blade like this. Like all Wusthof knives, this one is made from a high-carbon German stainless steel that is finished with an extremely sharp edge. If you're looking for a knife to take with you on your next fishing trip, Wusthof also makes a fitted sheath that protects the knife from damage.

If you're looking for a professional-quality knife that's great for filleting and deboning, the Shun Classic Boning/Fillet Knife should be at the top of your list. Like most Shun knives, this one tends to be a little more expensive than some of the competition, but these really are some of the best knives around and a solid investment, especially if you're going to use your fillet knife often. This knife sports a curved tip that allows you to get close to the bone. It's also very narrow, making it lightweight and capable of slipping through the body of a fish with great ease. The grip on the handle on this knife is a little different than what you might find on many other fillet knives, but it does offer incredible control once you get used to it.

If you're looking for a fillet knife that can be used to prepare fish either in the kitchen or on the boat, the Dexter Sani Safe 7-Inch Narrow Fillet Knife is an excellent option. This knife is prized by fishermen because it's sharp, comfortable to hold, and durable enough to stand up to heavy duty outdoor use. The handle is textured so that it won't slip out of your hand, so it's safe to use on a fish that was flopping around on the boat just a moment before. The blade is made from a high-carbon steel and features a pointed tip that makes it easier to work this knife around bones. The blade and handle are also sealed so that there's no chance of water or debris leaking into the handle.

Our favorite carving knife is made by a company that has been crafting high-quality cutlery for over a hundred years. The Wusthof Classic 8 inch Carving Knife features a long, thin blade that can carve a roast into incredibly thin slices. The knife's tip is pointed to make it easy to carve between bones. The edge of the blade has been honed by hand until it is absolutely razor sharp, and keeping that sharp edge is easy with occasional sharpening. The blade is made from forged steel with a full tang that's attached to the tough handle with three strong rivets. For added convenience, this knife can even be thrown in the dishwasher when it's time to clean up. Wusthof also makes these knives in 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 12 inch long models, but the 8 inch is a great size to start with.

A full 10 inch long blade makes the Mercer Cutlery Forged Riveted Carving Knife a powerful tool that can slice through just about anything with great precision. Though it's made in Taiwan, this knife is made from a high-carbon German steel that's very sharp and incredibly durable. The tang is the full length of the handle, giving this knife great weight and balance. Mercer Cutlery is known for making high-quality knives at affordable prices. This carving knife, like most other Mercer knives, is backed by a lifetime warranty.

A slightly flexible blade gives the Wusthof Classic Boning Knife greater maneuverability when deboning and trimming meat. Though the tip isn't quite as sharp as some other boning knives, this is still an incredibly sharp knife that will keep its edge for a long time between sharpenings. The blade of this knife is made from forged high-carbon stainless steel that is honed by hand before it leaves the factory. The handle is quite heavy, and though this can cause wrist fatigue when you're working with a large quantity of meat, it also makes this knife feel substantial in the hand. This knife also comes in 4 and 5 inch models, though we recommend starting with a six-inch long blade because it's more versatile.

The forged steel blade of the Mundial Boning Knife is razor sharp all the way to the tip. The incredibly sharp tip makes this a great knife for removing silver skin and trimming fat off of cuts of meat. This knife sports a full tang and a durable, triple-riveted handle. It's a little on the heavy side, though the hefty handle and the thin, delicate blade are well-balanced. Though it's made to take the meat off of a bone, the blade is quite flexible, so some care should be taken when working it at an angle.

There aren't many knives on the market as elegant as Global's line of stainless steel blades. G 21 is Global's no-nonsense designation for its 6 1/4 inch boning knife. This knife has a flexible blade, an ergonomic handle, and a lifetime warranty. The blade is made from a high-carbon stainless steel that has been double beveled so that it works for both right and left handed cooks. It's also a well-balanced knife that has a textured, stainless steel handle that's comfortable to hold, even for long periods of time. Since the knife and its handle are both made of stainless steel, this knife has an almost futuristic look that makes it stand out from the crowd.

The Wusthof Classic 3 1/2 inch Paring Knife tops this list as the best paring knife on the market. The blade of this knife has been made with "Precision Edge Technology" which is a process Wushof uses to create an edge that will remain razor sharp for a long time without resharpening. The blade edge is narrower than most European style knives, which makes it possible to cut extremely thin slices or to peel fruits with ease. The knife also has a full tang and a classic triple riveted handle that's made from an incredibly durable plastic that's been designed to feel like wood. As a bonus, Wusthof also backs all of its knives with a lifetime warranty.

For a beautiful knife at a reasonable price, the Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition Slant Tip Paring Knife is a great choice. The blade of this knife is just shy of 3 inches, and the handle is extra long, making it very comfortable to perform precise cutting tasks in hand, even though it can take some time to get used to using this knife on a cutting board. The blade is made of a high-carbon steel that has been designed to resist rusting and to keep its edge for a long time without sharpening. Though this knife may not be quite as durable as some of the others on this list, it's a great deal and a good quality for casual home cooks.

The colorful blade of the Kuhn Rikon Colori Nonstick Paring Knife isn't just for looks. The colored portion is actually a special nonstick coating that keeps food from sticking to the blade while you cut. Underneath this coating, the blade is made from super-sharp carbon steel that keeps an edge very well. In order to protect the sharp edge from damage, these festive knives also come with fitted sheaths so that they can be safely stored in a drawer or brought along on a camping trip. This knife may not last forever, but it's cheap enough that replacing it after a few years isn't much of a hassle.

Hands down the best stamped stainless steel knife on the market, the Victorinox Fibrox Paring Knife is an incredible deal. Made by the same company that has been producing the Swiss Army knife for more than a hundred years, this paring knife is strong, durable and comfortable to hold. The blade is very sharp and made from light weight, stamped high-carbon steel. When the blade dulls, resharpening is easy thanks to a special tempering process that Victorinox uses on all of its knives. The handle is also light weight, and made from Fibrox plastic that's incredibly comfortable to hold, even if you have a lot to cut.