Knives play an important role in every kitchen. That’s why there are a variety of different types of knives that you can choose from depending on your needs. Using a high-quality knife can make all the difference in your cooking, so it’s important to choose a brand that you can trust.
A high-quality and sharp kitchen knife is one of the best ways to become a better home cook or efficient professional chef. However, not all brands make good knives out there. If you’re having trouble choosing a good knife brand, we have you covered. Here are the best knife brands we tried and tested that you can find on the market today.
1. Wüsthof Knives
Wüsthof is a German company that has been making knives since 1814. Today, the company offers a wide range of kitchen knives, all of which are made from high-quality materials. The best Wüsthof knives are particularly known for their precision and sharpness, making them a good choice for serious home cooks and professional chef master knives.
Primarily, Wusthof sells reasonably priced, high-end kitchen knives for home cooks and professional chefs. Whether Japanese or German knife-making approaches are better is a matter of personal preference, but Wusthof knives are definitely precision tools. Japanese knives are gorgeous and artistic, while German knives are solid and all business.
This brand we evaluated is also capable of standing a variety of uses, from rough chopping to fine dicing to even carving on bone meats. Wüsthof knives’s proprietary carbon blades sharpen easily, and the half bolster allows for both finger protection and easier sharpening.
Wüsthof knives and Zwilling J.A. Henckels are both German knife brands that are known for their high-quality knives. Wüsthof knives are made of high-carbon stainless steel and have a full tang for better balance and control. Zwilling J.A. Henckels knives are also made of high-quality steel and have a sturdy construction that makes them durable and long-lasting.
2. Zwilling J.A. Henckels Knives
Zwilling J. A Henckels is a German company that has been making knives since 1731. The company offers both stamped and forged knives, as well as a wide range of knife sets. 
Image credit: https://cdn.cutleryandmore.com/The knives also have a full-tang design, which gives them added strength and stability. Henckels J. A is one of the best kitchen knife brands because they offer a wide range of top-rated knife sets that are perfect for any kitchen. All made in Germany, J. A Henckels knives get high star ratings for Amazon customers and come with a lifetime warranty against defects and workmanship. J.A. Henckels brand and Victorinox are two very different knife brands. Zwilling J.A. Henckels produces tried and tested, high-end, professional-grade knives, while Victorinox is a Swiss brand that is known for producing reliable, affordable knives for home cooks. Both brands use high-quality materials in their knives and offer a range of styles and designs to suit different needs and preferences.
3. Victorinox Knives
Victorinox is a knife manufacturer that crafts knives in Switzerland. The company has been around since 1884 and is best known for its Swiss Army knives. The best Victorinox knives are made from high-quality stainless steel and have a comfortable grip. The blades we tested are also designed to resist rusting and staining.
Victorinox is one of the best knife brands that offers a wide range of knife sets that are perfect for any kitchen. The two most popular items of Victorinox company include bread knives and standard cooking knives. Home cooks, professional chefs, and the Swiss Army have been using Victorinox products for generations. With an expansive selection, you’ll find over 60 knives within its chef knife category and other categories, including santoku and paring knives.
Victorinox and Farberware are both budget-friendly knife brands that offer a range of affordable knives for home cooks. Victorinox knives are known for their reliability and durability, while Farberware knives are more basic and may not be as long-lasting. Overall, Victorinox knives are a better choice for those who want a reliable knife that can handle a variety of tasks, while Farberware knives are a good choice for those on a tight budget.
4. Farberware Knives
Farberware is a more budget-friendly option that’s still beloved by many professional chefs. The blades are made of high-carbon stainless steel, so they’re durable and can take a beating. Farberware knives are also dishwasher safe, which is always a bonus.
A Farberware 15-piece stainless steel knife block set looks gorgeous on any kitchen counter and has everything you need for basic food prep. There are many best Farbeware knives in the market that can handle various kitchen tasks with ease. Shop around and find your ideal Farbaware knife from online retail stores such as Amazon, Walmart, etc.
Compared to Cuisinart, both Farberware and Cuisinart are affordable knife brands we tested that are popular among home cooks. Farberware knives are known for their basic designs and affordable prices, while Cuisinart knives are a bit more expensive but offer more variety in terms of design and features.
5. Cuisinart Knife Brand
Cuisinart is another great kitchen brand that’s known for its high-quality, durable products. The blades on their knives are made of stainless steel, and they have a comfortable grip that makes them easy to hold and use. Plus, they’re dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. A Cuisinart knife set is a great option for anyone who wants a complete set of knives that will last them for years to come. There is a list of the best Cuisinart knife sets to check out!
Cuisinart combines both affordability and quality in its products. So, you can be sure to find the best Cuisinart knives in the market without breaking the bank. It’s a great value for the price and would make a great addition to any kitchen. Cuisinart’s reputation is stronger in small kitchen appliances and multiple brands with a stronger grip on the knife industry.
Across its different series, including Classic, Graphix, Nitrogen, Artisan, and Advantage, you’ll find different handle and blade upgrades to suit your different needs. This is one of the best-performing knife brands, with a great selection of both Western and Japanese knives.
How does this brand we tested compare to our first choice? Cuisinart and Wüsthof are both premium knife brands that offer high-quality knives for professional and home use. Wüsthof knives are known for their German craftsmanship and high-carbon stainless steel blades, while Cuisinart knives are known for their precision and versatility. While Wüsthof knives are generally considered to be of higher quality, Cuisinart knives are a more affordable option for those looking for a premium knife brand.
6. Shun Cutlery
Shun is a Japanese knife brand that’s part of the KAI Group, which also owns Kershaw and Zero Tolerance. Shun knives are all about precision and perfection, focusing on traditional Japanese knife-making techniques.
One of Shun’s selling points is its widely different collections, appealing to many different budgets and preferred features. Its blades are layered with Damascus steel and offer handles ranging from basic to artisan. It also offers both double and single-bevel collections. Several of the best Shun knives are only offered as individuals and not sets, which can be limiting depending on your needs.
Globally, Shun is one of the best knife brands we've treid out. It’s been featured in Cooking Light, Popular Mechanics, and The New York Times. The best value in Shun for most home cooks is the shun sora 6-piece set, which comes with a paring knife, utility knife, and chef master knives. It also comes with kitchen shears and five additional slots for add-in knives.
7. Tojiro Knife Brand
Tojiro is a Japanese knife company that produces both Western and Japanese-style knives. It’s one of the top brands in Japan, and its knives are used by many professional chefs. The Tojiro DP Cobalt Alloy Steel Gyuto Knife is one of the most popular Tojiro knives. It’s made with high-quality cobalt alloy steel and has a great balance of hardness and toughness.
Tojiro specializes in supremely sharp blades. Its knives are made with tough steel that can take and hold a very sharp edge. The blades are also easy to sharpen. Offering blades made of VG10, Molybdenum, Powered high-speed steel, Nickel Damascus, and other materials, you’ll have a wide range of options to choose from when shopping for a Tojiro knife.
While most of the best Tojiro knives we tested are on the expensive side, they’re definitely worth the investment if you’re looking for a top-quality knife that will last for years.
8. Global Kitchen Knives
Global kitchen knives are Japanese knives with a great reputation for being extremely sharp and durable. They are made with high carbon stainless steel, which is harder than most other types of steel, which gives the blades their incredible sharpness. The blades also hold their edge very well, making them ideal for repeated use.
Global knives are constructed using a process called cold forging, which helps to ensure that the blades are perfectly balanced. This also makes the knives less likely to break or chip during use. The handles on Global knives are made from a comfortable, non-slip material that is easy to grip, even when wet.
9. Lennox Kitchen Knives
Lennox kitchen knives is a German brand that is known for their high quality and durability. The blades we tested out are made from high-carbon stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion and chipping. The handles are ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable grip, even when wet.
German is known for producing high-quality materials, and knives are not left behind as Lennox kitchen knives are made with high-quality standards in mind.
10. Boker Kitchen Knives
Boker is another one of the best knife brands that produce high-quality kitchen knives. The blades from this German manufacturer are made from high-carbon stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion and chipping. The handles are ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable grip, even when wet. Boker also offers a lifetime warranty on their knives, so you can be sure you're getting a quality product.
Boker kitchen knives are a great option for those looking for a quality knife that will last a lifetime. Each blade is hand forged from one piece of high-carbon steel from Solingen, Germany. The chromium molybdenum vanadium alloy resists rust, corrosion, and discoloration. Each blade is integrated with a black, practical, and perfectly proportioned handle made of synthetic polymer.
The bolster and finger guard protect your fingers from slipping while also providing a comfortable grip. Boker offers a wide variety of kitchen knives to suit any need, including steak knives, bread knives, chef's knives, paring knives, and more.
11. Master Chef Kitchen Knives
Master Chef kitchen knives are darling to most cooks. The brand mostly sells its kitchen knives in sets and is sure to make meal preparation a walk in the park. The blades on these knives are made of high-quality German stainless steel that doesn't require too much maintenance.
The set of knives we evaluated includes the most useful knives for home kitchen knives, plus six steak knives, a pair of kitchen scissors and knife sharpening steel, and a wooden storage block. These features help to house the knives securely and protect their blades when not in use. The high-quality stainless steel blades are hand sharpened for long-lasting use.
How to Choose the Best Kitchen Knife Brand
Choosing the best kitchen knives is as personal as choosing any other item. There are pros and cons to all brands, so the best way to make a decision is by doing your research and then making a decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
When it comes to kitchen knives, there are three main types of blades: Western, Japanese, and German. Each type has its own set of characteristics that make it better or worse for certain tasks.
Western Knives
Western knives are typically made of softer steel, which means they’re less likely to chip or break. They also tend to be heavier and have a more robust handle. This makes them better for chopping and slicing tough meats and vegetables.
Japanese Knives
On the other hand, Japanese knives are usually made of harder steel. This gives them a sharper edge that stays sharp longer. However, it also makes them more likely to chip or break if used improperly. Japanese knives are lighter and have a thinner blades, making them better for precision tasks like slicing fish or sushi.
German Knives
Finally, German knives are a happy medium between Western and Japanese blades. They’re made of harder steel like Japanese knives, so they retain their edge well. But they’re also thicker and heavier like Western knives, making them a bit more versatile.
Factors to Consider When Shopping for the Best Kitchen Knives
Shopping online for kitchen knives can be a bit overwhelming. With so many different brands, materials, and sizes to choose from, how do you know which ones are right for you?
Here are a few things to keep in mind that will help you narrow down your options from the best knife brands on the market.
Blade Material
The material of the blade is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for knives. The most common materials are stainless steel, carbon steel, and ceramic.
Stainless steel is the most popular choice for kitchen knives because it’s durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. It’s also easy to sharpen and maintain. Carbon steel is another popular option because it’s also durable and holds an edge well.
However, it’s more susceptible to rust and corrosion than stainless steel. Ceramic knives are a newer option on the market, and they’re made from a strong, lightweight material that holds its edge for a long time. However, they can be difficult to sharpen and are more fragile than other types of knives.
You can find the best Zwilling J.Henckels knives whose blades are made from high-carbon stainless steel and are designed to resist rusting and staining.
Edge
The edge of a knife is the sharpened part that does the cutting. People often ask which Wusthof knives are the best? The truth is that The type of edge you need will depend on what you’ll be using your knife for.
A serrated edge is good for slicing bread and other soft foods. A straight or fine edge is better for precision cuts, like carving meat or chopping vegetables. A hollow ground edge is a combination of the two – it’s good for both slicing and chopping.
Handle
The handle of a knife is just as important as the blade. It should be comfortable to hold and provide a good grip, even when your hands are wet.
Handles can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. Some handles even have a built-in finger guard for added safety.
Forged and Stamped
There are two main types of construction for knives – forged and stamped. Forged knives are made from a single piece of metal that is heated and then shaped into the blade. Stamped knives are made by cutting the blade out of a sheet of metal.
Forged knives are usually more expensive, but they’re also stronger and more durable. Stamped knives are lighter and often have serrated edges, which can be helpful for cutting through tough materials.
We have also covered the best swiss knives on our blog.
Weight, Balance, and Control
The weight and balance of a knife are important considerations. Heavier knives can be more difficult to control, but they’re also less likely to slip in your hand.
Lighter knives are easier to control, but they may not have the same level of durability as heavier knives. The best way to choose the right weight and balance for you is to hold the knife in your hand and see how it feels.
| Knife Brand | Blade Material | Edge | Handle | Forged and Stamped | Weight, Balance, and Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wüsthof Knives | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Zwilling J.A. Henckels Knives | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Victorinox Knives | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Farberware Knives | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Cuisinart Knife Brand | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Shun Cutlery | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tojiro Knife Brand | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Global Kitchen Knives | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Lennox Kitchen Knives | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Boker Kitchen Knives | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Master Chef Kitchen Knives | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Common Types of Kitchen Knives
There are a few different types of kitchen knives that you’re likely to encounter. Here are some of the most common:
- Paring Knife: Paring knives are small, lightweight knives that are perfect for peeling and slicing fruits and vegetables. They typically have a 3-4 inch blade.
- Chef’s Knife: Chef’s knives are the workhorse of the kitchen. They’re versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, including chopping, slicing, and mincing. Chef’s knives typically have an 8-10 inch blade.
- Bread Knife: Bread knives have serrated blades that make them perfect for slicing bread. They can also be used for slicing tomatoes and other soft fruits and vegetables. Bread knives typically have an 8-10 inch blade.
- Cleaver: Cleavers are large, heavy knives that are designed for chopping through bone. They can also be used for chopping tough vegetables like squash and carrots. Cleavers typically have a 6-8 inch blade.
- Santoku Knife: Santoku knives are Japanese-style chef’s knives that are perfect for chopping, slicing, and mincing. Santoku knife is made from stainless steel, but you may also find it made from carbon steel or ceramic.
- Boning Knife: Boning knives are designed for removing bone from meat and poultry. They typically have a 6-inch blade.
FAQs on the Best Kitchen Knives
What is the best kitchen knife on the market?
The overall best kitchen knife on the market is the MAC professional chef’s knife. They’re perfect for either home use or a professional kitchen as they can handle anything from tough jobs to precise cuts.
What is the best all-purpose kitchen knife?
The best all-purpose kitchen knife is the Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Cook’s Knife. It’s perfect for any type of chopping, mincing, or slicing you need to do in the kitchen.
Final Thought on the Best Kitchen Knives
Owning a high-quality knife brand is an important part of being a great cook. With the right tools, you can make any dish taste incredible. The best kitchen knives will make your cooking experience more enjoyable and easier. Do your research and invest in a good quality knife set that will last you for years to come.
