10 Best 8 Chef Knife 2025 in the United States

The Mercer Culinary M22608 Millennia Chef's Knife is an 8-inch kitchen knife designed for both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts. It features a high-carbon Japanese steel blade, which is known for maintaining sharpness and being easy to maintain. The blade length of 8 inches makes it versatile for a variety of kitchen tasks like chopping, dicing, and mincing. The plain edge type ensures clean cuts through different types of food.

Its weight at 6.7 ounces makes it lightweight and easy to handle, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. The ergonomic handle made from Santoprene offers a comfortable and non-slip grip, enhancing safety and ease of use. However, the knife is not dishwasher safe, requiring careful hand washing to maintain longevity. While it comes with a strong warranty, it excludes damages from misuse or dishwasher use, which some users might find limiting.

The knife's construction type is stamped rather than forged, which can affect the durability and balance compared to more expensive forged knives. The blade shape is designed for efficient cutting, but users should be cautious to avoid bending or chipping under heavy use. This knife is well-received for its performance and value, making it an excellent choice for those in need of a reliable chef's knife without breaking the bank.

The Dalstrong Professional Chef Knife from the Shogun Series ELITE features an 8-inch blade made from AUS-10V Super Steel. This high-grade steel provides durability, strength, and a razor-sharp edge, which is essential for precision in slicing and cutting. The blade is layered with 66 folds of Damascus steel, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and reducing drag during use. The knife has a high Rockwell hardness rating of 62+, indicating it can maintain its sharpness over time, even with frequent use. The plain blade edge is ideal for general-purpose cutting tasks, making it versatile for various kitchen needs.

The G10 handle is another standout feature, made from military-grade fiberglass composite, it’s designed to be tough, resistant to impact, moisture, and extreme temperatures. This ensures that the handle remains sturdy and reliable over time. Triple rivets and a stainless steel end cap add to the knife's balance and control, making it comfortable to use even during extended cooking sessions. Weighing 9.6 ounces, the knife offers a substantial feel without being overly heavy, providing a good balance between control and ease of use.

Additionally, the knife comes with a PerfectFit thermoplastic sheath, which helps protect the blade from damage and keeps it safe when not in use. This product also includes a lifetime warranty against defects, offering peace of mind to the user. Some users might find the high hardness rating makes the blade more prone to chipping if not used carefully. Also, despite being labeled as dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended to preserve the knife's condition. The Dalstrong Professional Chef Knife is a durable, well-balanced tool suitable for professional chefs and home cooks looking for a high-quality, versatile knife.

The MAC Knife Professional series 8" Chef's knife MTH-80 is a well-regarded kitchen tool, especially known for its lightweight design and Japanese craftsmanship. Its blade is made from alloy steel, which is typically tough and can hold a sharp edge well. The 8-inch blade length is perfect for versatile kitchen tasks, whether you're slicing, dicing, or chopping.

One standout feature is the inclusion of dimples on the blade, aimed at reducing friction and preventing food from sticking while cutting through items like potatoes and apples. This makes it quite user-friendly for tasks that often leave other knives struggling.

The handle is made from Pakka wood, which is a durable material providing a comfortable grip. However, users should note that this knife is not dishwasher safe and should be hand-washed to maintain its quality. Weighing in at 10 ounces, it strikes a balance between sturdiness and ease of use, suitable for those who prefer a knife that's not too heavy.

Despite these strengths, users seeking a low-maintenance option might find the hand-wash requirement a minor inconvenience. Additionally, the relatively high price point typical of Japanese knives might not suit all budgets. Nevertheless, the MAC MTH-80 is an excellent choice for both professional chefs and home cooks looking for a reliable, high-quality kitchen knife.