Not everyone has $200 – $400 to splurge on a knife especially when you’re not a professional chef working in a restaurant.
And that’s why we undertook days of extensive research to bring you this in-depth review of the best affordable chef’s knives in 2023.
This guide will show you the best chef’s knife under $100 as well as the features that make it and the other high-quality knives stand out from the many other chef’s knives. Keep in mind that chef’s knives are different from Santoku knives!
Let’s ‘cut’ to the chase and check out what we tried and tested!
Our Top Chef Knife Under $100 Picks
8 Best Chef Knives Under $100
1 - Misen 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
First, it’s one of the best affordable chef’s knives; since it’s competing with some of the most reputable knife brands in the market, it’s got to come at a disruptive price point. To ensure you get the best quality kitchen knife, Misen uses a direct-to-consumer sales model to offset the bills of middlemen (which typically drives prices up).
First, it’s one of the best affordable chef’s knives; since it’s competing with some of the most reputable knife brands in the market, it’s got to come at a disruptive price point.
To ensure you get the best quality kitchen knife, Misen uses a direct-to-consumer sales model to offset the bills of middlemen (which typically drives prices up).
However, its affordability isn’t its biggest selling point.
It’s a Western-Japanese hybrid knife with perfect balance. It’s constructed with durable materials and has got an impeccable design with a razor-sharp edge.
So it’s got the curved blade design of western knives and the thin lightweight details of Japanese knives. This makes it multi-functional in carrying out tasks like chopping herbs, slicing onions, deboning chickens, and cutting potatoes. So, compared to another one of the best chef’s knives under $100, the Misen knife has a sharper edge and more comfortable handle, but the J.A. Henckels International 8-inch Chef’s Knife with High-carbon Stainless we tested has a slightly thicker blade, making it more durable.
The Misen chef’s knife also has an ergonomic handle made with thermoplastic. Its full tang with dual rivets and half bolster makes it comfortable to grip. This will also make it last longer than a rabbeted knife like the Shun Sora.
You’ll also like the 15 degrees double-beveled knife made of premium AUS-8 Japanese high-quality steel. It’s got a 58 Rockwell Hardness score (which makes it very hard) and 0.75% carbon and vanadium (for improved robustness).
The deal-breaker for us is that the AUS-8 steel is not as durable as the X50 Cr Mo V15 German stainless steel in the J.A. Henckels and Wusthof knives. So you’ll need to hone it more often as it may dull faster than these other brands.
However, this sharp knife is easy to sharpen. And you can always send it to Misen to sharpen it for free when it dulls.
While this chef knife comes with a limited lifetime warranty, you can take it for a spin and return it within 60 days if you’re not cool with its quality.
And if you need the full package, you can order the 3-piece Essentials Knife Set that contains three knives; this 8-inch chef’s knife, a serrated knife, and a paring knife.
Here’s our review of the best-serrated knife for you.
You could also get the 5-piece Essentials Knife Set that contains the Santoku and Utility knives in addition to what’s in the 3-piece collection.
Misen is the first chef knife on this list for its high-end features that can only be made available to everyone because of the company’s direct-to-consumer model.
So dear home cooks looking for a durable knife that’s not of lesser quality like the cheaper options from established brands, the Misen chef’s knife will definitely be worth the purchase.
- We love this knife's versatility in chopping veggies and cutting watermelons.
- It’s made from high-carbon Japanese steel that’s lightweight and has got excellent edge retention.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty and free lifetime sharpening. And you can try the knife for 60 days.
- The handle comes in four colors; black, grey, blue, and red.
- It’s very sharp with a 15-degree double bevel.
- It’s got squared edges which makes it feel a bit heavy.
- It's a stamped blade, not forged.
Quick Facts:
- Blade material: Japanese steel
- Handle material: Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)
- Rockwell hardness: 58
- Factory edge angle: 30 degrees (15 degrees double bevel)
2 - J.A. Henckels International 8-Inch Chef’s Knife With High-Carbon Stainless
The basic difference between the German-manufactured blades and the International blades is that the former go through a more thorough manufacturing process. And one such process that the Henckels chef’s knife skips is the ice-hardening phase.
If you’re a home chef looking for the best affordable chef knife under $100, the J.A. Henckels International Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife is your best bet.
First, it’s made by a reputable German brand that’s been in existence since 1731 – Zwilling J.A Henckels. The company is located in Solingen, Germany, commonly referred to as ‘The City of Blades’.
However, the J.A. Henckels brand is different from Zwilling in that Zwilling manufactures premium knives in Germany. While the Henckels brand is part of its International collection manufactured in Spain.
The basic difference between the German-manufactured blades and the International blades is that the former go through a more thorough manufacturing process. And one such process that the Henckels chef’s knife skips are the ice-hardening phase.
So, when comparing J.A. Henckels International’s 8-inch Chef’s Knife with High-carbon Stainless to Wüsthof’s Classic 6-inch Chef’s Knife, the Wüsthof knife offers a more compact size and a sharper blade, making it a great option for precision cuts. However, the J.A. Henckels International 8-inch Chef’s Knife with High-carbon Stainless has a thicker blade and is more durable overall.
That said, the Henckels high-quality chef’s knife is forged from high carbon stainless steel – X50 CR MO V15 with a 0.55% carbon content. While this may not be as high as in the other best chef knives, the blade is very durable and meets the standard for Western knives.
The other chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and 15% steel content give this high-quality chef knife added wear- and rust resistance, hardness, and durability.
Furthermore, the blade has a Western-styled design with a full bolster and smooth curves on its spine and belly. The forged blades have a Rockwell Hardness of 57 to 58.
And the knife’s fully exposed tang, the triple-riveted handle is made of a durable high-quality thermoplastic material called polypropylene. And its design is such that the squared corners make it comfortable for everyday use. And its matte finish completes the gorgeous look.
This J.A. Henckels kitchen knife also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
So if you’re looking for the best affordable chef knife with the best value, the J.A. Henckels International 8-inch Chef’s Knife is the cutlery for you.
- This is the best affordable chef knife; costs around half the price of some kitchen knives.
- The 8-inch chef’s knife is larger than 6-inch blades for lovers of larger knives.
- The chef knife is from a reputable brand – Zwilling J.A. Henckels.
- It’s dishwasher-safe, wear-, and corrosion-resistant.
- It’s very sharp, durable, and comfortable to use.
- The knife made from German stainless steel is made of quality materials.
- Its full bolster and hammered production make the knife heavy.
- It doesn’t have the same quality as the ice-hardened blades from Zwilling.
Quick Facts:
- Factory edge angle: 30 degrees (15 degrees double bevel)
- Rockwell hardness: 57 to 58
- Handle material: Polypropylene
- Blade material: X50 Cr Mo V15 stainless steel
3 - Wüsthof Classic 6-Inch Chef’s Knife
This Wusthof Classic 6-inch chef’s knife is made by one of the most reputable knife makers in the world – Wüsthof, a German company also in Solingen that’s been making knives for over two centuries.
Following the J.A. Henckels kitchen knife is this Wüsthof Classic chef’s knife that can easily be the best chef knife under $100.
First, this Wusthof Classic 6-inch chef’s knife is made by one of the most reputable knife makers in the world – Wüsthof, a German company also in Solingen that’s been making knives for over two centuries.
This Wusthof knife also features a Western-style design like the J.A. Henckels.
Both the J.A. Henckels and Wusthof chef knives are of similar quality because they’re made from almost the same quality materials.
The Wusthof forged knives that are built from the same durable high-carbon stainless steel used by Zwilling undergo a 40-step process. This results in a blade that’s hard, durable, stain-, and corrosion-resistant.
The razor-sharp edge is sharpened using PETec (Precision Edge Technology) to design a very sharp knife with an extremely sharp cutting edge and exceptional cutting performance.
The blade design is such that it has a full bolster and tang that gives the 6-inch chef’s knife balance even though it’s lightweight. The bolster also protects your hand from slipping.
Now the triple-riveted handles of the Wusthof Classic knife are also made of a very durable material – Polyoxymethylene (POM) that’s resistant to discoloration and high temperatures. The ergonomic design also ensures safer cutting with its finger guard feature.
The edge angle has been sharpened to 14 degrees on both sides for a total of 28 degrees. This makes it probably the sharpest knife you can ever get as it’s sharper than most other best chef’s knives under $100.
The blade also has a Rockwell Hardness of 58 which makes it standard for performing your cutting functions.
Although the Classic chef’s knife is dishwasher-safe, don’t toss it in the dishwasher as other utensils can dull its sharpness. Also, don’t use harsh chemicals as they can cause them to discolor.
This best knife under $100 also comes with a limited lifetime warranty as well as all Wusthof knives.
Even if you’re a home chef who likes trying new recipes, the Wusthof Classic 6-inch Chef knife is the best knife under $100 for you. But if you’re not convinced when comparing the Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged 7-inch Santoku Knife and the Wüsthof Classic 6-inch Chef’s Knife, both excellent options for those seeking a smaller knife that is easy to handle. However, while the Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged 7-inch Santoku Knife has a more comfortable handle and a sharper edge, the Wüsthof knife is more durable and better for heavy use.
- It’s made from high-quality materials.
- It’s constructed by a respected brand in the knife-making business.
- It’s lightweight and has the finger guard feature for your safety.
- The blades are razor-sharp and sharper than many of the competitor knives.
- The full tang knife is well-balanced and durable.
- It’s quite heavy and doesn’t come with a protective sheath.
- The classic chef knife may lose its sharpness after a few months
- There were complaints that the 6-inch blade may be too small.
Quick Facts:
- Rockwell hardness: 58
- Handle material: Polyoxymethylene (POM)
- Blade material: carbon steel - X50 Cr Mo V15 stainless steel
- Factory edge angle: 28 degrees (14 degrees double bevel)
4 - Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged 7-Inch Santoku Knife
The Genesis collection is Mercer Culinary’s brand of professional chef’s knives designed for home cooks. This particular knife is NSF-certified and meets the quality, performance, and safety standards required of the best chef knives.
The Mercer Culinary Genesis knife is probably the sharpest knife on this list. A reviewer complained that the razor-sharp blade gave her multiple cuts, yet she gave the chef knife an excellent rating.
If you’re looking for a great alternative to French-styled knives, the Mercer Culinary Genesis Santoku Knife is the best affordable chef knife for you.
The Genesis collection is Mercer Culinary’s brand of professional chef’s knives designed for home cooks. This particular knife is NSF-certified and meets the quality, performance, and safety standards required of the best chef knives.
One feature that sets Santoku knives apart from the other ones we tried is their flat blade as opposed to traditional curved blades. Even though this is a Japanese-style knife, it’s made with similar quality European materials like the Wusthof and J.A. Henckels knives – high-carbon German steel that’s resistant to corrosion and discoloration.
It also uses Western technology in its construction. And the full tang design with a substantial bolster makes this great chef’s knife feel well-balanced and sturdy to hold and use.
Another feature we love about the knife is its lightweight which makes it comfortable to use. Its black-finish Santoprene handle also gives you a firm grip.
Although the knife is short, it can take on many culinary tasks. The taper-grind edges make cutting, chopping, mincing, and slicing steak and other items easier and more fun.
The Mercer Culinary Genesis knife is probably the sharpest knife on this list. A reviewer complained that the razor-sharp blade gave her multiple cuts, yet she gave the chef knife an excellent rating. So, while the Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged 7-inch Santoku Knife has a more comfortable handle and a sharper edge, the Shun Sora 8-inch Japanese Chef’s Knife knife is more durable and has a more balanced weight distribution.
Another thing you should know is that the blade can’t go in the dishwasher. So only hand-washing is allowed. But this isn’t much of a deal-breaker as most good knives aren’t dishwasher-safe.
- The knife is NSF-certified for its safety and quality performance.
- Its lightweight makes it maneuverable.
- The chef knife comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
- You may have difficulty cutting harder items due to its lightweight.
- Some reviewers didn’t find its small size comfortable.
Quick Facts:
- Blade material: X50 Cr Mo V15 German stainless steel
- Handle material: Santopren
- Factory edge angle: 28 degrees (14 degrees double bevel)
5 - Shun Sora 8-Inch Japanese Chef’s Knife
The Shun brand is made by a reputable Japanese knife-making company in Seki City – the KAI Group. This company is known for its high-quality blades. The Shun Sora is like the Santoku knife in that the blade is straighter and more lightweight than German knives.
One of the best Japanese knives that can easily feature as the best chef knife under $100 is the Shun Sora 8-inch Chef’s Knife.
The Shun brand is made by a reputable Japanese knife-making company in Seki City – the KAI Group. This company is known for its high-quality blades.
The Shun Sora is like the Santoku knife in that the blade is straighter and more lightweight than German knives. Also, compared to the first option we tested, the Shun knife has a more balanced weight distribution and a more comfortable handle, while the Misen knife has a sharper edge and is more affordable.
To demonstrate the utensil’s quality, the Shun Sora 8-inch chef’s knife passes through a 100-step handcrafting process. And they’re forged out of two layers of steel; one for the upper part of the blade and the other for the cutting edge.
For the cutting edge, Shun uses VG10 (premium steel) that’s very hard and durable with excellent edge retention; although this is softer steel than the X50 Cr Mo V15.
Another thing is that the knife doesn’t have a bolster, so this makes it lighter and increases its maneuverability.
The handle is made of TPE, a hard, durable, and easy-to-maintain thermoplastic. The simple design makes it comfortable for you to have a firm grip.
Another feature we find very interesting is that this Shun Sora is one of the hardest knives you can get. It’s got a Rockwell Hardness rating of 61. Regardless of its hardness, it’s not as durable as the Wusthof and J.A. Henckels knives.
This wife is also pretty difficult to maintain; you can only hand-wash it. And never use abrasive cleaners and scouring pads to clean this knife. Don’t also soak it for long periods.
And finally, this one comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
The Shun Sora is one of the best chef’s knives under $100 with a remarkable performance. It’s made by one of the premium quality brands so you can be sure you’re getting durable kitchenware.
- The ergonomic handle is comfortable to grip.
- Of all the knives on this list, this one has one of the highest hardness.
- The straight edge which is easy to rock back and forth looks like the Santoku style.
- The Japanese-style chef's knife is very lightweight and has excellent edge retention.
- This isn’t a full tang knife; it’s rabbeted without rivets which makes it likely to break off from the handle.
- Its lightweight is an issue for some customers.
Quick Facts:
- Factory edge angle: 32 degrees (16 degrees double bevel)
- ockwell hardness: 6
- Handle material: Thermoplastic blend (PP/TPE)
- Blade material: VG10 stainless steel
6 - Global G-4 7-Inch Chef’s Knife
The Global G-4 knife features the Cromova 18 steel which is an innovative blend of chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium; no other product on this list uses this kind of steel. The blend makes this chef knife super hard, durable, and resistant to corrosion.
The Global G-4 7-inch chef’s knife is another top-quality with a unique design.
First, the Global G-4 knife features the Cromova 18 steel which is an innovative blend of chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium; no other product on this list uses this kind of steel. The blend makes this chef knife super hard, durable, and resistant to corrosion.
The blade has no bolster and both surfaces are curved on the spine and smooth like the Wusthof blade.
Interestingly, it also features a stainless steel handle which makes it different from many chef knives including all the other ones on this list that have wooden or plastic handles.
To ensure your hand doesn’t slip, there are lots of dimple-like holes engraved in the handle. And because it feels hollow, the space in the handle has been filled with sand to give it a perfect balance.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Shun Sora, this Japanese-style chef’s knife is your best option. They’re very similar in their Eastern-style design; however, the Global G-4 is more durable and wear-resistant while the Shun Sora is harder.
With a Rockwell Hardness score of between 56 and 58, it’s got impressive durability and has a lower possibility of chipping than harder steel. However, the major drawbacks are that its edge retention isn’t impressive and you’ll need to sharpen the blade more often.
Finally, you can only clean this knife by handwashing it with mild soap and a soft sponge. And it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
If you’re looking for a hybrid knife with a modern and sleek look with high performance that costs less than $100, the G-4 7-inch chef knife from Global is a great option.
- The 7-inch chef knife is lightweight and comfortable to hold (features holes for a firm grip).
- It’s more durable and wear-resistant than harder knives like the Shun Sora.
- This is a good-quality knife with a Japanese-Western hybrid style.
- It’s got a modern and sleek one-piece look (even when it’s made up of two).
- The handle is small.
- Its lightweight is an issue for some customers.
- The chef knife won’t stay sharp like other sharper blades e.g. Misen, Zwilling, or Wusthof.
Quick Facts:
- Blade material: Cromova 18 steel
- Handle material: Stainless steel
- Rockwell hardness: 56 to 58
- Factory edge angle: 30 degrees
7 - Cangshan D Series 8-Inch Chef Knife
The Cangshsan D Series 8-inch is similar to the Misen 8-inch and Global G-4 7-inch chef knives in that they’re all hybrid Western-Japanese-styled knives. This makes their knives very functional while having a sleek appearance.
Experts have talked about the Cangshan BBQ knife set review on our blog!
The first unique thing we love about the Cangshan D Series is the multi-step ULTRA6 heat treatment used in the manufacturing process.
After evaluation, this makes the stainless steel ice-hardened blade come out as one of the sharper blades with a 32-degree edge angle. The manufacturing process also makes this silverware super durable and efficient in working on the cutting board for extended periods.
The German steel used in making this chef knife is also one of the most durable you can get. Also, with a Rockwell Hardness of 58, it’s one of the hardest steel blends you can find in a knife.
We also love that Cangshan is a young company like Misen. Both are known for making disruptive products, and the D Series is no exception.
The Cangshsan D Series 8-inch is similar to the Misen 8-inch and Global G-4 7-inch chef knives in that they’re all hybrid Western-Japanese-styled knives. This makes their knives very functional while having a sleek appearance.
This is also one of the best affordable chef’s knives. And their full-tang forged blades give the silverware the perfect balance chefs desire in a silverware.
Then the redesigned riveted handle also features magnets at the end of the sheath to protect both your fingers and the blade.
And finally, this best chef’s knife under $100 comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is NSF-certified.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
- It’s durable and has the perfect length.
- From cutting grill to veggies and hard-skin watermelons, it’s a very versatile knife.
- Due to its ULTRA6 heating process, it’s got excellent edge retention.
- The high-quality steel is one of the most durable you can find in good knives.
- Some customers weren’t comfortable with the grip Cangshan D Series offers.
- It’s manufactured in China like the Misen cutlery.
- Cleaning is done by handwashing.
Quick Facts:
- Blade material: X50 Cr Mo V15
- Handle material: Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
- Rockwell hardness: 58
- Factory edge angle: 32 degrees
8 - Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-Inch Chef Knife
The Victorinox brand is a Swiss company that has been in operation since 1884. They’re widely known for constructing durable, high-performance blades, and the Fibrox Pro 8-inch chef knife is no exception.
Many reviews consider the Victorinox Fibrox to be the best chef knife under $100, and the following reasons show us why.
First, the Victorinox brand is a Swiss company that has been in operation since 1884. They’re widely known for constructing durable, high-performance blades, and the Fibrox Pro 8-inch chef knife is no exception.
While the chef knife looks basic, its extra-wide blade makes it multi-functional to saw through a wide variety of foods, including grilled meat. Its ability to retain its sharp edges for a long time makes it a good knife.
We also love the perfect size of this good chef’s knife which makes it feel well-balanced in the hand. Furthermore, the handle is made of a thermoplastic elastomer with a textured build to give you a firm grip. The NSF-certified knife is also resistant to changes in temperature.
When you have this option from our list of the best chef’s knives under $100, you won’t have to bother about regularly sending your cutlery out for sharpening. Finally, this quality knife comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
All in all, this is a good chef knife from a dependable knife maker.
- The durable stainless blade is rust- and chip-resistant.
- A professional chef and a home cook can rely on this knife’s versatility.
- The patented non-slip ergonomic thermoplastic handle gives you a comfortable grip.
- The lightweight chef knife comes with a lifetime warranty.
- The extra-wide blade is great for carving all kinds of meat.
- Although the manufacturer says it’s dishwasher-safe, we recommend only handwashing it.
- Some reviewers complained it arrived dull out of the box.
- It’s got a basic design.
Quick Facts:
- Blade material: European steel
- Handle material: Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick The Best Chef Knife Under $100
Picking the best chef’s knife under $100 is not a walk in the park especially as most chef’s knives overpromise and underdeliver. Previously, we have covered best 6 inch chef knife on our blog!
You need to consider a few factors like the brand name, high-carbon stainless steel, and other high-quality materials used in making these kitchen knives.
While it may be difficult to get the best affordable Japanese knives with top qualities, we’ve put together the key features to help you whittle down the high-quality knives from the many chef knives in the market. This is also what we used to evaluate each knife when we tested them
1. Reputable knife maker
While you can find lots of affordable knives, the popular knife-producing brands are popular for a reason; they use high-quality materials in making their knives.
And to make sure you’re investing in a chef knife that’s worth it, we recommend you buy from reputable brands like Misen, Zwilling, Wüsthof, and basically any other brand on this list.
2. Quality materials
Typically, take into account the kind of stainless steel the manufacturer uses in constructing your blade. German steel like the X50 Cr Mo V15, Cromova, and Japanese steel is very durable.
And these are mostly what the top brands use. Just keep in mind that the more carbon content of your knife, the more durable it’ll be and the longer the sharp edge will hold.
Also, consider the kind of handle. The best handle materials are stainless steel and thermoplastic.
German and Japanese knives typically use quality materials in constructing their knives.
3. Tang
The tang has a couple of functions; it helps balance the weight of your knife. And it keeps your hand from sliding off the handle.
While there are knives like the Global G-4 without a tang, most of the other knives on this list have either a full tang or a partial (rabbeted) tang.
Chef’s knives with full tang are stronger and more durable while those with partial tang are lightweight and the blades tend to pull off from the handle.
4. Manufacturing location
The place a knife is made plays a role in determining its quality and design.
German-style knives usually have curved blades and wider angles. They’re also usually thicker and less likely to chip. This is unlike Japanese-style knives that are thinner and sharper.
Whatever the features are, a knife made in any of these locations will most likely be a good knife.
Chef Knife | Reputable Knife Maker | Quality Materials | Tang | Manufacturing Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
Misen 8-inch Chef’s Knife | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
J.A. Henckels International 8-inch Chef’s Knife with High-carbon Stainless | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Wüsthof Classic 6-inch Chef’s Knife | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged 7-inch Santoku Knife | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Shun Sora 8-inch Japanese Chef’s Knife | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Global G-4 7-inch Chef’s Knife | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Cangshan D Series 8-inch Chef Knife | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-inch Chef Knife | 5/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Conclusion
If you’re still not sure about the best chef’s knife under $100 that’ll be durable enough to take on your cooking tasks every day, then get the Misen 8-inch chef knife. It stole our hearts, and we’re convinced it’ll serve your kitchen duties optimally.
Besides, you can use it for a whole 60 days and still return it if you’re not cool with its quality after trying it out.
Misen 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
Our #1 Recommendation
- We love this knife's versatility in chopping veggies and cutting watermelons.
- It’s made from high-carbon Japanese steel that’s lightweight and has got excellent edge retention.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty and free lifetime sharpening. And you can try the knife for 60 days.
- The handle comes in four colors; black, grey, blue, and red.
- It’s very sharp with a 15-degree double bevel.