Best Kitchen Knives for Blade Quality (2024)

1

Wüsthof Classic Hollow Edge 2-Piece Chef's Knife Set

Score: 9/10

Wüsthof Classic Hollow Edge 2-Piece Chef's Knife Set

The knife set features extraordinarily sharp blades with Precision Edge technology, retaining their edge longer than most competitors.

Blade Quality

9/10

O

OUR BEST KNIFE

The blade is made with Wüsthof's Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) to create an extraordinarily sharp blade.

O

OUR BEST KNIFE

The blade retains its edge 30% longer than other blades and is stain-resistant.

Handle Comfort

8/10

The knives offer ergonomic comfort with a contoured shape and balanced design, though the handle may be low for larger hands.

Quotes from Reviewers

O

OUR BEST KNIFE

The contoured shape and perfect balance provide ergonomic comfort during use.

O

OUR BEST KNIFE

The Full Tang is triple-riveted to the handle, providing exceptional durability.

Versatility

8/10

Highly versatile for various kitchen tasks, though not suitable for heavy-duty cutting.

Quotes from Reviewers

Durability

9/10

Constructed from high-carbon stainless steel, these knives are durable and stain-resistant.

Quotes from Reviewers

O

OUR BEST KNIFE

It is forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel.

O

OUR BEST KNIFE

The full tang is triple-riveted to the handle, providing exceptional durability.

Ease Of Maintenance

7/10

Easy to maintain with electric sharpeners, though different blades require specific techniques.

Quotes from Reviewers

O

OUR BEST KNIFE

This knife can also be used with an electric sharpener to extend the blade's lifespan.

O

OUR BEST KNIFE

The blade retains its edge 30% longer than other blades and is stain-resistant.

2

WÜSTHOF Classic 8" Hollow Edge Artisan Butcher Knife, Black

Score: 9/10

WÜSTHOF Classic 8" Hollow Edge Artisan Butcher Knife, Black

The knife features a high-quality German steel blade that is fully forged and durable, with a razor-sharp edge for precise cuts.

Blade Quality

9/10

E

Engineer’s Perspective

Wusthof Classic and Gourmet blades are made from the same German steel, but Classic blades are forged.

E

Engineer’s Perspective

Wusthof Classic blades are hardened to 58 on the Rockwell scale.

E

Engineer’s Perspective

The bolster is the thick part of the blade that provides a smooth transition from the blade to the handle.

Handle Comfort

7/10

The handle offers a solid grip with a premium feel but may not be as comfortable as other models.

Quotes from Reviewers

E

Engineer’s Perspective

It has a full bolster and a fully forged palm resin handle that is triple riveted.

E

Engineer’s Perspective

But it's just an average handle that feels very similar to the Renaissance in terms of design.

E

Engineer’s Perspective

In my opinion, the Icon and the Messer Meister have much more comfortable handles.

Versatility

8/10

Ideal for various tasks, but best used in a set rather than standalone.

Quotes from Reviewers

E

Engineer’s Perspective

I think it's more of a beginner's knife if you are a beginner, but you're looking for the high-end luxury feel of a Wusthof.

E

Engineer’s Perspective

This knife is really useful in the set because you can get the eight-inch knife along with the paring, utility, and serrated knives.

E

Engineer’s Perspective

If you're looking for a standalone knife, I'd recommend buying either a Mercer, a Messermeister, or an Icon.

Durability

9/10

Highly durable with a thick forged blade, suitable for daily use.

Quotes from Reviewers

E

Engineer’s Perspective

However, the aspect I like most about these knives is their durability.

E

Engineer’s Perspective

I recommend using a honing steel to hone it daily, and then strop it weekly.

E

Engineer’s Perspective

If you're planning to do a lot of sharpening yourself, this bolster here is probably going to cause you some issues.

Ease Of Maintenance

7/10

Regular maintenance is required, with some challenges in sharpening due to the full bolster.

Quotes from Reviewers

E

Engineer’s Perspective

I recommend using a honing steel to hone it daily, then stropping it weekly, and sharpening it up to a 1k finish every three weeks or so.

E

Engineer’s Perspective

This bolster is likely to cause you some issues when sharpening because it's quite easy to create a recurve here.

E

Engineer’s Perspective

You can sharpen it by grinding it flat on a stone, and then you can round it out on a belt.

3

Wusthof 4183 Wusthof Classic Hollow Edge Santoku Knife 7, 7", Black

Score: 9/10

Wusthof 4183 Wusthof Classic Hollow Edge Santoku Knife 7, 7", Black

The knife boasts a high-quality blade forged from a single block of high carbon stainless steel, ensuring sharpness and precision.

Handle Comfort

8/10

The knife features synthetic polypropylene handles that resist fading, discoloration, heat, and impact, ensuring comfort and durability.

Quotes from Reviewers

O

Outdoor Gear Cart

Synthetic polypropylene handles that resist fading, discoloration, heat, and impact.

Versatility

7/10

The knife set includes various types such as paring, santoku, utility, and steak knives, offering a range of uses.

Quotes from Reviewers

O

Outdoor Gear Cart

Includes a three and a half inch paring knife, a five inch santoku, a six inch utility knife, and six four and a half inch steak knives.

Durability

9/10

Constructed with high carbon stainless steel and impact-resistant handles, the knife is built to last.

Quotes from Reviewers

O

Outdoor Gear Cart

Forged from a single block of high-carbon stainless steel.

O

Outdoor Gear Cart

Synthetic polypropylene handles that resist fading, discoloration, heat, and impact.

Ease Of Maintenance

8/10

The knife's handles resist fading and discoloration, indicating easy maintenance.

Quotes from Reviewers

O

Outdoor Gear Cart

Synthetic polypropylene handles that resist fading, discoloration, heat, and impact.

4

Shun Cutlery Classic Chef's Knife 8”

Score: 9/10

Shun Cutlery Classic Chef's Knife 8”

The blade is razor-sharp and made from durable VGMAX steel, offering excellent edge retention and resistance to rust.

Blade Quality

9/10

K

Knife Sharpener Guy

The blade of this knife is made from durable VGMAX steel with a Rockwell hardness of 60 to 61.

K

Knife Sharpener Guy

It offers an exceedingly sharp cutting-edge innovation and ancient blade-making traditions.

K

Knife Sharpener Guy

This technique ensures not only top performance but also incredible edge retention.

Handle Comfort

8/10

The Pakka wood handle offers a comfortable grip and resists moisture, though it may not be as grippy as synthetic options.

Quotes from Reviewers

K

Knife Sharpener Guy

The handle of this knife is made of Pakka wood.

K

Knife Sharpener Guy

It also features durable hardwood infused with resin to make it stronger, denser, and water-resistant.

K

Knife Sharpener Guy

The handle nestles comfortably in the hand, while the embossed end cap adds balance and beauty.

Versatility

8/10

An all-purpose blade ideal for various kitchen tasks, though larger models may be harder to control for delicate work.

Quotes from Reviewers

K

Knife Sharpener Guy

This 8-inch chef's knife is an all-purpose blade, ideal for a wide variety of cutting tasks.

K

Knife Sharpener Guy

The length is perfect for slicing, dicing, and chopping fruits, vegetables, and other foods.

Durability

8/10

The knife is durable, maintaining its appearance and performance over time, though smaller models may be more fragile.

Quotes from Reviewers

K

Knife Sharpener Guy

Now, I've had this for eight years already, and you can see that. Here's a look at the handles so you can see that as well. It still looks good after eight years.

Ease Of Maintenance

7/10

Easy to maintain with hand washing recommended, though Damascus cladding may complicate cleaning.

Quotes from Reviewers

K

Knife Sharpener Guy

Though the knife is dishwasher safe, it is recommended that hand washing and air drying will better preserve it.

5

Shun Cutlery Sora Chef's Knife 8”

Score: 9/10

Shun Cutlery Sora Chef's Knife 8”

The knife features a high-quality VG10 steel blade that is corrosion-resistant and razor-sharp, handcrafted for exceptional quality.

Blade Quality

9/10

M

MitGreen TV

The Sanmi Edge construction uses VG10 steel for a corrosion-resistant, razor-sharp cutting edge, supported by 420J stainless steel on the upper part of the blade.

M

MitGreen TV

Each knife is handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.

Handle Comfort

9/10

The knife's full tang handle is designed for a secure grip and balance, made from a durable PPTPE polymer blend.

Versatility

9/10

Ideal for a variety of tasks, the knife's less curved blade allows for efficient cutting of meat, vegetables, and more.

Durability

9/10

Constructed with high-quality materials, the knife offers long-lasting performance and durability.

Ease Of Maintenance

9/10

The knife is easy to maintain, with a corrosion-resistant blade and a handle that requires minimal upkeep.
6

Shun Cutlery Premier Kiritsuke Knife 8”

Score: 9/10

Shun Cutlery Premier Kiritsuke Knife 8”

The knife offers a sharp, precise blade with a VG-MAX super steel core and Damascus cladding, ideal for slicing and dicing.

Blade Quality

9/10

K

Knife Sharpener Guy

This breathtaking knife is lightweight, agile, and offers an extremely comfortable grip.

K

Knife Sharpener Guy

It features a proprietary VG-MAX super steel core, resulting in a harder, sharper, and lighter blade.

K

Knife Sharpener Guy

This knife also offers a razor-sharp cutting edge, which is perfect for slicing, dicing, and chopping a full range of fruits, vegetables, and other foods.

Handle Comfort

8/10

The walnut Pakka wood handle offers a comfortable grip, though it may not suit all hand sizes.

Versatility

7/10

Ideal for precision tasks, but not suitable for heavy-duty use or cutting hard materials.

Durability

7/10

Durable materials enhance longevity, but the blade may chip if not used properly.

Ease Of Maintenance

8/10

Requires regular maintenance for optimal performance, with hand washing recommended.
7

Shun Cutlery Classic Hollow Ground Chef's Knife 8”

Score: 9/10

Shun Cutlery Classic Hollow Ground Chef's Knife 8”

The knife features a strong VG-10 super steel blade with a unique wood grain look, offering reduced friction for uniform cuts.

Blade Quality

9/10

S

Shop Zappos

It's clad with 32 layers of VG-10 super steel, and that's how you get this almost wood grain look.

S

Shop Zappos

It has a grand edge that is hollow ground to create less friction between the food you're working with and the blade itself, ensuring more uniform cuts every single time.

Handle Comfort

9/10

The Pakkawood handle with a D shape offers ergonomic comfort.

Versatility

9/10

A chef's knife is an essential tool for various kitchen tasks.

Durability

9/10

Constructed with high-quality materials for long-lasting strength.

Ease Of Maintenance

5/10

No specific details on maintenance provided.
8

Mercer Culinary M22608 Millennia Black Handle

Score: 9/10

Mercer Culinary M22608 Millennia Black Handle

The blade is exceptionally sharp and retains its edge well over time.

Blade Quality

9/10

J

Joyce Reviews

The blade is very sharp, and it hasn't been damaged at all.

J

Joyce Reviews

I have been using it for more than a year.

Handle Comfort

7/10

The handle offers a good grip but may not be comfortable for everyone due to its metal construction.

Versatility

8/10

The knife is versatile and suitable for various kitchen tasks.

Durability

9/10

The knife is sturdy and withstands extensive use without damage.

Ease Of Maintenance

8/10

The knife maintains its sharpness well, requiring minimal sharpening.
9

ZWILLING Professional S 8-inch Razor-Sharp German Chef's Knife

Score: 9/10

ZWILLING Professional S 8-inch Razor-Sharp German Chef's Knife

The knife features a high carbon formula with excellent edge retention and durability, though it requires careful sharpening.

Blade Quality

9/10

G

Gadget Jungle Pro

This model is made from a high carbon formula that boasts a 57 Rockwell hardness.

G

Gadget Jungle Pro

The special Friday blade has been ice-hardened to enhance its durability.

G

Gadget Jungle Pro

The edge has also been sharpened using a laser.

Handle Comfort

8/10

Ergonomically designed handle offers comfort and stability, though the plastic material may not suit everyone's taste.

Versatility

8/10

Offers precise cutting for various tasks, ideal for both beginners and experienced chefs, but limited in block storage.

Durability

9/10

Constructed with durable materials for long-lasting use, though it is priced higher than some alternatives.

Ease Of Maintenance

7/10

Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, but requires careful sharpening to maintain edge quality.
10

Messermeister Oliva Elite Stealth 10” Chef’s Knife

Score: 9/10

Messermeister Oliva Elite Stealth 10” Chef’s Knife

The blade is sharp and durable, with good edge retention, though the short belly may not suit all users.

Blade Quality

9/10

B

Burrfection

The driven steel that they're using is the x50 CR MOV 15. The first thing out of the box was the sharpness, which was very impressive.

B

Burrfection

The blade of the knife has been created from one piece of hot-forged steel and carbon, making it very tough and durable.

Handle Comfort

8/10

The olive wood handle is comfortable and well-proportioned, but may require maintenance to prevent wear.

Versatility

8/10

The knife is versatile for various tasks, though the short belly may limit some techniques.

Durability

7/10

Made from durable materials, though the handle may show wear over time.

Ease Of Maintenance

7/10

The knife maintains sharpness well, but the handle may need oiling to prevent water absorption.