10 Best Chef Knives 2025 in the United States

The Mercer Culinary M22608 Millennia 8-Inch Chef's Knife is crafted from high-carbon Japanese steel, providing excellent edge maintenance and long-lasting sharpness. The 8-inch blade length is ideal for a variety of kitchen tasks, including chopping, mincing, and slicing. Its plain blade edge ensures clean and precise cuts, making it suitable for both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts.

The knife has a stamped construction, which may not be as durable as forged alternatives, but it still offers good performance for everyday use. The ergonomic Santoprene handle with textured finger points provides a non-slip grip, adding comfort and safety during use. Weighing 6.7 ounces, the knife offers good balance, making it easy to handle for extended periods.

It requires careful hand washing to maintain its performance and longevity, as it is not dishwasher safe. While some users might prefer a forged knife for added durability, this chef's knife stands out for its affordability, quality construction, and user-friendly design. It is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and well-balanced knife for general kitchen use.

The Dalstrong Professional Chef Knife from the Shogun Series ELITE features an 8-inch blade made from Japanese AUS-10V Super Steel, known for its exceptional strength and durability. The blade's high carbon content ensures it remains razor-sharp, while the 66 layers of Damascus steel add both beauty and functionality by reducing drag and ensuring smooth, precise cuts. With a hardness rating of 62+ HRC, this knife is robust enough to handle tough culinary tasks efficiently.

The G10 handle is another standout feature, offering a military-grade fiberglass composite that resists impact, moisture, and extreme temperatures. The triple rivets and stainless steel end cap ensure a balanced, comfortable grip for extended use, making it ideal for professional chefs or serious home cooks. The knife's weight of 9.6 ounces provides a good balance that many users will find comfortable and easy to control.

Additionally, the knife comes with a thermoplastic sheath for blade protection, which is a nice touch for preserving its sharpness and appearance. However, the knife is listed as dishwasher safe, which might not be the best practice for maintaining the blade's quality over time. Hand washing is usually recommended for high-quality knives to prevent potential damage. While it might be on the higher end of the price spectrum, the lifetime warranty and satisfaction guarantee offer some peace of mind with this investment.

The Shun Classic 8" Chef's Knife is a remarkable choice for both professional chefs and home cooks looking to elevate their kitchen experience. Its VG-MAX steel core combined with 68 layers of Damascus cladding ensures exceptional sharpness and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks like slicing, dicing, and mincing. With a 16-degree edge, this knife delivers impressive precision, which is essential for detailed cooking tasks.

One of its standout features is the D-shaped Pakkawood handle, designed for comfort and control. This ergonomic grip is beneficial for both left and right-handed users, allowing for longer cooking sessions without discomfort. The handcrafted nature of this knife speaks to its quality, reflecting a long-standing tradition of Japanese craftsmanship that many cooking enthusiasts admire.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, the knife's price point may be higher than some entry-level options, which could be a barrier for novice cooks or those on a tight budget. Additionally, while the blade's sharpness is a significant advantage, it requires proper care, specifically hand washing and avoiding dishwashers to maintain its quality over time. This might be inconvenient for some users who prefer low-maintenance kitchen tools.