By Brittany Rowland

The finest quality chefs knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected our top 10 knives, including:

1. Durable, strong forged steel
2. A full tang for extra strength
3. Comfortable, non-slip handle for big or small hands
4. A balanced feel
5. A sharp, rounded edge that allows a quick rocking motion
6. Lightweight enough not to tire the arm
7. Hefty enough to cut through tough foods
8. A polished, stain-resistant blade
9. Ease of cleaning and sharpening

While some knives advertise being dishwasher safe, it’s always advisable with top-quality chefs knives to hand wash them with a special cleanser to lengthen their lifespan.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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If you’re hunting for a top-quality chefs knife, then it’s helpful to understand the basic components of a knife and what qualities makes it durable and strong.

Forged steel is always preferable. The steel should run in one piece from the tip of the knife to the tang, or the part that’s secured within the handle. This one-piece construction will make the knife last for years without breaking or becoming disjointed.

Material

The best chefs knives are forged from high carbon stainless steel, which is an extremely strong, hard metal that resists stains and rust. Hard steel is tougher to sharpen, but it already stays sharp for long periods. Some people like the softer carbon steel material because it’s easier to sharpen, but those knives go dull faster.

Length and shape of blade

Chefs knives are typically 8 to 12 inches long. The longer the blade, the more surface area the knife can cover in a single stroke.

You’ll notice some knives described as French- or German-style. French chefs knives have a flatter, more triangular blade which is ideal for slicing foods in a pull-back motion. German knives have a rounded blade that’s good for an up-and-down rocking motion, a faster, easier movement.

There are also special Japanese knives called santoku, which feature spaced-out dimples, or indentations, along the edge of the blade. These marks in the blade allow air pockets to form between the food and the knife, cutting down on friction and sticking.

Handle

Try handling a knife to see how easily it fits in your hand. Is the handle textured or contoured to prevent slips and provide comfort? It should be long enough to hold easily and provide proper balance to the knife.

Handles used to be exclusively made of wood, but now we recognize that there are disadvantages to that material. For one, wood can warp and crack if exposed to water for long periods. Also, wood is porous, meaning bacteria from food particles can grow in the handle or at the bolster where the handle meets the blade. For sanitary purposes, plastic or rubber handles are preferred for commercial kitchens. Of course, there’s always a compromise: wood infused with plastic resin, a composite that resembles wood but doesn’t pose hygienic risks.

Weight and heft

The longer the knife, the greater leverage you’ll have while cutting hard, large food objects. The heel, or widest portion of the blade, is responsible for cutting through carrots and other hard foods. You may prefer a hefty knife with enough cutting force to handle these tasks. Just be aware that a heavier knife will tire your arm out after extended periods of use.

Tang and rivets

Full tang knives are the best. Period. The tang may or may not be visible in the handle, but you can usually see the rivets, which secure the handle to the tang. They should not protrude from the handle or include crevices where crumbs and juices can get stuck.

Forged vs. stamped

If the knife has a bolster, or thick shoulder at the top of the blade, that indicates that the knife was forged from a big piece of steel. These types of knives are strongest, and the bolster keeps your hand from slipping or getting tired.

Stamped knives, in contrast, are made from a roll of sheet metal and aren’t as sturdy or long-lasting as forged knives. They do, however, have the advantage of being lighter and more comfortable to handle for long periods of time.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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The finest quality santoku knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. The word santoku means “three virtues,” after all. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected our top 10 knives, including: 1. Durable, strong forged steel, 2. A full tang for extra strength…. [more]

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Whether you’re a professional or amateur cook, knowing how to use a chefs knife properly will save you a lot of time and effort, and be safer too. When you have a lot of meats, fish, or vegetables to go through, it’s helpful to know how to wield and maneuver the knife effectively.

The grip

Most people are used to gripping a knife by the handle—that’s what the handle is there for, right? Professional chefs actually learn to use a chefs knife by gripping the top of the blade with the thumb and forefinger, and wrapping the other fingers around the bolster. The tightest part of your hand should be at the thumb and index finger; the rest of the hand gently curls around the handle. This grip may seem uncomfortable or awkward at first, but it offers the greatest control and maneuverability.

The guiding hand

You may have initially balked at gripping the knife partially by the blade, but the hand that’s actually at risk of being cut is the guiding hand, which holds the food steady. There are ways to avoid cutting yourself, luckily. Keep your fingers curled inward, like a claw, with only the fingernails gripping the food. The edge of the blade can rest against your first knuckle to keep the knife perpendicular to the cutting board, but your fingertips will be safely out of the way.

Safety

Cuts are almost unavoidable if you spend hours in the kitchen and if you work quickly. Just remember to always cut away from yourself, and don’t go too fast until you’re comfortable with the grip and the chopping motion. Never secure the food with an awkward hand position that puts your fingers at risk or requires you to cut sideways.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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How to Wash Your Knives

After a lot of busy work in the kitchen, chopping up and cooking food, you just want to enjoy the fine meal you’ve prepared and get the kitchen cleaned as quickly as possible. It’s tempting to throw your nice knives in the dishwasher along with all the other cookware, but you should resist the urge… [more]

The Importance of Chefs Knives

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Knife sets vary in the types of knives they offer. Typically, the more knives in a set, the higher the price rises. While it’s awfully convenient to have a versatile collection for all your cooking tasks, you also don’t want to get saddled with a bunch of frilly knives that you never use… [more]

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The finest quality chefs knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected our top 10 knives, including: Durable, strong forged steel… [more]

So you’re in charge of your own kitchen now and you need to build up your collection of kitchen tools. As any professional or aspiring chef knows, the greatest tools you have at your disposal are knives. Different knives perform different functions, of course, be it chopping, mincing, dicing, slicing, paring, scooping, sawing, or deboning.

With knives, you generally get what you pay for. There are plenty of decent knives out there for reasonable prices. For better quality performance, however, you should expect to shell out more money. Before you make any expensive purchases you need to decide exactly what you need and how much you’re willing to pay for it.

Do you need a whole set?

One of the first decisions you should make is whether to look for one really good open stock knife or a complete knife set. Often this choice boils down to your budget. Knife sets can be really economical if you find a decent set for a fair price. But you may also just want a good chefs knife or a basic utility knife. Perhaps you already have a knife set but a piece or two broke or went missing, and you really just want to replace those.

While a fine-quality chefs or santoku knife can serve you well in the kitchen, handling most of the basic cutting tasks, it can also be quite expensive—sometimes more expensive than a basic knife set that offers a bit of everything: paring, bread, utility, and steak knives. Sets typically come with a sharpening steel so you can keep the edges fine and sharp. Another benefit of the knife set is the convenient knife block that stores and protects your knives and looks so fancy on the counter.

Regular or professional quality

It’s perhaps unfair to compare regular kitchen knives to professional knives, because the knives you find in most kitchens are perfectly adequate for the tasks they’re assigned. Professionals look for knife sets with extra fine edges and ceramic blades. These knives are top-quality, but they also require a lot of maintenance—more maintenance than they’re worth if you’re just a regular person looking for regular kitchen knives. Regular knives, while still great quality, are much easier to upkeep. The stainless steel kind hold up well, don’t stain or rust with proper care, and sharpen easily.

Picking the best knives

Sometimes what qualifies as the best in knives comes down to personal preference. Some people like a heavy, sturdy feel. Forged stainless steel blades with bolsters fit big hands well and feel powerful. Other people prefer a lighter feel, a bit more flexibility. Stamped blades tend to be a little lighter and easier to handle.

Handle material also comes into play.

• Wooden handles are attractive and traditional, but if they’re left in water too long they can crack or warp. Bacteria also likes to hide in the wood’s porous surface.
• Plastic handles are usually of some cushioned, non-slip material. They’re hygienic and look fine if you like a contemporary style.
• Some knife handles use a composite of wood and plastic, providing the heft and aesthetic appeal of one and the sanitary features of the other.

Ultimately, you’re the best judge when it comes to determining what works for you. Shop around, read reviews, and compare prices before making your final purchase. Whenever possible, go to a store and handle different knives yourself to get a feel for the weight, balance, and style you prefer.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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How to Wash Your Knives

After a lot of busy work in the kitchen, chopping up and cooking food, you just want to enjoy the fine meal you’ve prepared and get the kitchen cleaned as quickly as possible. It’s tempting to throw your nice knives in the dishwasher along with all the other cookware, but you should resist the urge… [more]

The Importance of Chefs Knives

When it comes to preparing food, the knife is of utmost importance. For the greatest control and versatility, a chefs knife cannot be topped. Featuring a blade between 8 and 10 inches long, it’s expensive and requires special care… [more]

The Essential Knives You’ll Find in Most Knife Sets

Knife sets vary in the types of knives they offer. Typically, the more knives in a set, the higher the price rises. While it’s awfully convenient to have a versatile collection for all your cooking tasks, you also don’t want to get saddled with a bunch of frilly knives that you never use… [more]

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The finest quality chefs knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected our top 10 knives, including: Durable, strong forged steel… [more]

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The finest quality santoku knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. The word santoku means “three virtues,” after all. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected… [more]

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Knife sets can be a convenient solution if you want a complete set of all the essential tools but you don’t want to spend a fortune on each individual knife. Value was one of the key considerations…[more]

After a lot of busy work in the kitchen, chopping up and cooking food, you just want to enjoy the fine meal you’ve prepared and get the kitchen cleaned as quickly as possible. It’s tempting to throw your nice knives in the dishwasher along with all the other cookware, but you should resist the urge to hasten the cleanup process.

While some nice knives claim to be dishwasher safe (and most don’t), it’s really not recommended for a number of reasons.

• Knives in the dishwasher can bang against other items, potentially chipping the knives, your glasses, or the dishwasher racks.
• Dishwashers can hasten the dulling process.
• Prolonged exposure to water can cause the blades to rust and stain. If the handles are wood, they can warp and crack.
• You can accidentally cut your hand as you unload the racks.

In general, it’s always best to clean and dry your nice knives by hand after each use. After paying a lot for fine-quality knives, you want to preserve them for as long as possible. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to find out whether you need a specific cleanser. Some knives also need regular polishing to retain their luster.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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Top 10 Knife Sets

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Top 10 Santoku Knives

The finest quality santoku knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. The word santoku means “three virtues,” after all. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected our top 10 knives, including: 1. Durable, strong forged steel, 2. A full tang for extra strength…. [more]

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The finest quality chefs knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected our top 10 knives, including:1. Durable, strong forged steel, 2. A full tang for extra strength…. [more]

When it comes to preparing food, the knife is of utmost importance. For the greatest control and versatility, a chefs knife cannot be topped. Featuring a blade between 8 and 10 inches long, it’s expensive and requires special care, but it will also last for many years.

No matter what you’re chopping, slicing, or mincing, a chefs knife will typically be the first tool you reach for. Its razor-sharp blade cuts through even thick foods like butter. Some blades are slightly rounded, which allows you to adopt a rocking motion and speed up the cutting process.

Cleaning and Maintenance

You may have heard that a sharp knife is a safe knife. While the sharp blade and tip of a chefs knife requires careful handling, it’s far safer than a dull knife, which is more difficult to maneuver and can slip and cut you. Depending on the quality of the steel, chefs knives usually stay sharp for long periods of time, but it’s best to keep a professional sharpener or steel on hand. Cheap sharpening tools can severely damage the blade, which you definitely don’t want because the knife is so expensive.

Some chefs knives claim to be safe to go in the dishwasher. Generally that’s not a good idea. If it’s an inexpensive knife, you may not care and might be able to get away with cleaning it in the dishwasher. But expensive, top-quality knives are always best washed by hand with a special cleanser. Other risks of washing chefs knives in the dishwasher include:

• A chipped blade from knocking against other dishes
• A cheap blade could rust or become discolored from the dishwasher detergent
• A wooden handle could warp and crack
• A cut hand from reaching into the dishwasher without noticing the knife

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Knife Sets

Knife sets can be a convenient solution if you want a complete set of all the essential tools but you don’t want to spend a fortune on each individual knife. Value was one of the key considerations we had when choosing the top 10 knife sets. Other factors included:…. [more]

Top 10 Santoku Knives

The finest quality santoku knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. The word santoku means “three virtues,” after all. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected our top 10 knives, including: 1. Durable, strong forged steel, 2. A full tang for extra strength…. [more]

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The finest quality chefs knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected our top 10 knives, including:1. Durable, strong forged steel, 2. A full tang for extra strength…. [more]

By Brittany Rowland

The Finesseur Ceramic Knife asserts that its ultra-strong ceramic material holds its razor sharp edge longer than traditional stainless steel. We can certainly confirm that this is an extremely sharp knife with great balance and a comfortable handle. Lightweight and easy to wield, the Finesseur Ceramic Knife is very affordable at $29.97 and cuts through hard foods like sweet potatoes and hard cheeses with hardly any effort. Its non-porous material will withstand rust and odors. Just be sure that, as with most professional knives, you hand wash it to preserve its quality and sharp edge.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

A long, razor-sharp blade makes this Global 10 ½-inch chefs knife a boon to any kitchen. Perfectly suited to cutting large pieces of meat and fish, the blade stays sharp and thin for a long time. Its one-piece construction, featuring no seams between the blade and handle, means no food or juices will get trapped in crevices. The drop forged steel is extremely strong and holds up against rigorous use. While this knife is quite heavy, its ergonomic, dimpled handle is easy to grip and the provides excellent balance. This knife costs $176.95 and has a lifetime guarantee.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

A high-quality chefs knife for only $29.99, this Calphalon contemporary 8-inch knife is forged from high carbon stainless steel from its tip to its tang. Very secure and sturdy with no separate parts, the blade and full tang are resistant to rust, stains, and discolorations. We were satisfied with the contoured, ergonomic handle, which is easy for both small and large hands to grip. For the money, this chef’s knife is extremely sharp and well balanced and easy to maintain with sharpening and cleaning.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

The Chicago Cutlery Centurion 8-inch chefs knife features a sharp blade edge from the start, and it stays sharp for long periods of time with proper sharpening maintenance. The overall aesthetics of the knife is quite pleasing, with a polished blade and hand-contoured black polymer handle. The construction is also quite sturdy because of the three stainless steel rivets that secure the handle and provide excellent balance. As with most chefs knives, this Chicago Cutlery knife is best hand-washed to preserve its long life. We were impressed with the fine quality of this knife, which costs only $19.99.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

With incredible balance, this Henckels Four Star chefs knife allows you to rock the rounded blade up and down for fast, efficient chopping and mincing. Your knuckles won’t hit the cutting board, either. Possessing a full tang and ice-hardened blade for strength and durability, the knife comes very sharp and stays sharp for a long time. While it’s advertised as dishwasher safe, it’s always better to hand wash to lengthen the lifespan of the knife. This knife is reasonably priced at $99.95.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

A stunningly attractive Japanese chefs knife from Shun, this 8-inch knife has a double-beveled blade and a black laminated PakkaWood handle in a stylish D-shape. Comfortable to grip, especially if you have smaller hands, this knife’s rounded handle is designed not to rotate in your hand. The VG-10 steel used in the construction is harder and less brittle than other types of steel. Resistant to rust, this chefs knife is safe to wash in the dishwasher, but it requires weekly sharpening maintenance. It runs for $139.95.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

Designed to have a sturdy balance, this J. A. Henckels 8-inch chefs knife is perfectly suited to repetitive chopping, mincing, and slicing. The rounded blade allows you to work in a rocking, back-and-forth motion instead of up-and-down, so it’s easier on the arm. The handle is slightly heavy and long, but many chefs prefer a bit of heft to the knife. Or if you have big hands, a smaller knife could feel clumsy and awkward. This chefs knife is also surprisingly low-priced at $47.95, a great bargain.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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By Brittany Rowland

We were very impressed that the OXO Good Grips Professional 8-inch chef knife is as sharp and well balanced as it is, given the knife’s low price of $19.99. This chef knife has an ergonomic, soft, nonslip handle that is comfortable to grip for long periods while chopping or slicing—even when your hands are wet or greasy. OXO says that the knife can go in the dishwasher but recommends hand washing and drying to preserve the knife’s quality and sharpness. It’s full tang for extra durability and good balance, and overall it’s a user-friendly, affordable knife that gets the job done.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

A fine-quality chefs knife for only $24.98, this Victorinox 8-inch knife has a textured grip and a lightweight, balanced feel. Perfect for chopping, slicing, and mincing at great speeds, the blade features a surprisingly sharp, fine edge. If you prefer a heavy, forged knife, then this knife isn’t for you, but many professional chefs appreciate the lightness of the stamped blade, which reduces arm fatigue after hours of use. For the low price, we were satisfied with this chefs knife, which for the most part seems like it will hold up to repeated use.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

A high-quality chefs knife from Japan, this Global 8-inch knife features a razor-sharp blade that comes to a thin point instead of beveling. Lightweight at only one pound, and featuring a non-slip grip, you’ll enjoy using this knife for all sorts of tasks in the kitchen. Its high carbon stainless steel construction has no seams between the blade and the handle and is stain-resistant. At $114.95, it’s a great value and has a lifetime warranty.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices