5 Best Kitchen Knives
- by Kristina Perrin
- Last Updated: February 27, 2023
Kitchen knives are one of the most important tools in the kitchen. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, having a good set of kitchen knives is essential for preparing meals. The best kitchen knife ensures that your food is properly prepared, whether it’s being cooked, chopped, or sliced.
There are many different types of kitchen knives available on the market, so it’s important to know what to look for when purchasing a new set. In this article, we’re going to take a look at five of the best kitchen knives that are currently available.
But first…
Why Should You Trust Us
At kitchen infinity, we have a team of experts who are passionate about cooking and kitchen appliances. We’ve tested hundreds of different products, and we know what to look for in a good kitchen knife. We only recommend products that we believe are the best of the best.
Read on to learn about the different types of kitchen knives and what to consider when purchasing a new set.
Kitchen Knife Top Picks
- 1. Best Overall - Wusthof Classic 8 Inch Kitchen Knife
- 2. Best Value - J.A Henckels Classic 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
- 3. Best Multipurpose - Misen 8 Inch Professional Knife
- 4. Best Japanese Knife - Seki Magoroku Red Wooden Handle Santoku Knife
- 5. Best Budget Chef’s Knife - Mercer Culinary Genesis 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
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5 Best Knives for Kitchen
1. Wusthof Classic 8 Inch Kitchen Knife
Considered the best chef’s knife, the Wusthof Classic is made in Germany with a full-tang of high-carbon stainless steel. The blade is laser-cut and precisely tempered before being ground and polished by hand. There’s no bolster, so it’s easy to sharpen the entire length of the blade. The Wusthof Classic is tested and proven to offer a comfortable, triple-riveted polypropylene handle.
2. J.A Henckels Classic 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
A good quality chef’s knife doesn’t have to be expensive. The J.A. Henckels Classic is a great value for the price. It’s made in Germany with a full-tang of high-carbon stainless steel. The blade is laser-cut and tempered for durability and sharpness. The polypropylene handle is triple-riveted for strength. This is one of the knives tested to offer value for your money.
3. Mercer Culinary Genesis 8 Inch Forged Chef’s Knife
If you’re on a tight budget, the Mercer Culinary Genesis is a great option. It’s forged from high-carbon stainless steel and has a full tang for strength. The blade is precision ground and tempered for durability. The ergonomic handle is designed for comfort and is riveted for strength.
4. Misen 8 Inch Professional Chef’s Knife
Most of the best knives tested attributes from Japanese knife design to Western knife design, and Misen’s budget-friendly is no exception. The bolsters at the base of the blade slope allow for an easy pinch grip. Most Japanese knives don’t come with this feature; instead, the knife’s handle moves directly into the blade.
The shape and handle of the Misen are rooted in Western design, but the thinness of the blade is Japanese, making Misen knife a great option for those who want the best of both worlds. The Misen knife also comes with a saya, or sheath, which is not common in Western knives.
5. Seki Magoroku Red Wooden Handle Santoku Knife
If you’re looking for a Japanese knife, the Seki Magoroku is a great option. The Santoku knife is a versatile all-purpose kitchen knife tested to work well for slicing, dicing, and mincing.
The blade of the Seki Magoroku is made of high-carbon stainless steel, which is resistant to rust and corrosion. The blade is also sharpened on both sides, making it ideal for left-handed and right-handed users. The handle of the Seki Magoroku is made of redwood, which is comfortable to hold and provides a firm grip.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Knives for Your Kitchen
Before choosing your ideal type of kitchen knife, it is important to consider the following factors:
Blade Length
The length of the blade should be appropriate for the task at hand. For example, a paring knife has a shorter blade than a chef’s knife, making it better suited for smaller tasks such as peeling and slicing fruits and vegetables.
Handle
The handle of a kitchen knife is also important to consider. The most common type of handle is made from wood, but there are also handles made from plastic, metal, or even composites. When choosing a knife, make sure that the handle fits comfortably in your hand and that it is not too slippery. You should also make sure that the handle is durable and that it will not break easily.
Tang
The tang of a kitchen knife is the part of the blade that extends into the handle. The tang provides strength and stability to the knife. If a knife does not have a full tang, then it is likely to break easily. When choosing a knife, make sure that it has a full tang.
Bolster
The bolster is the thick part of the knife that connects the blade to the handle. The bolster provides balance and stability to the knife. When choosing a kitchen knife, make sure that it has a bolster. Some bolsters are angled, while others are straight. Angled bolsters allow for a proper and more protected grip, making it great for novices, while straight bolsters allow for a controlled grip for professional chefs who like to pinch the heel of the blade.
Weight and Balance
The weight and balance of a kitchen knife are important. A heavy knife will be difficult to control, while a light knife will be more prone to breaking. Choose a kitchen knife that is neither too heavy nor too light. The best way to test the weight and balance of a knife is to hold it in your hand and see how it feels.
Knife Material
The material of the kitchen knife is also important to consider. The most common materials are carbon steel, stainless steel, and ceramic. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Carbon steel is the sharpest but is also the most fragile. Stainless steel is less sharp but is more durable. Ceramic is the hardest but can break if dropped.
The Right Price
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a kitchen knife is the price. It is important to find a balance between quality and price. There are many expensive knives that are not necessarily the best quality. There are also many great quality knives that are very affordable. It is important to do your research and find the right knife for you.
The Right Size
Another important factor to consider when choosing a kitchen knife is the size. It is important to find a knife that is comfortable for you to hold and use. If you are not comfortable with a large knife, you may want to consider a smaller one. There are many different sizes of knives available, so it is important to find one that is right for you. Once you’ve tested several knives, you’ll have a better idea as to which one works best for you.
FAQs for Top Rated Knives for Kitchen
Why should you use a chef’s knife?
Well, you can use any knife in your kitchen. However, some tasks may be easier with specialty knives. For example, slicing tomatoes with a serrated knife or segmenting citrus with a paring knife
Do you need a chef’s knife and a Santoku knife?
Both knives are great for slicing and dicing vegetables. However, the Santoku knife is shorter and has a straighter edge, which some people find easier to control. With an upward slope, a chef’s knife is ideal for the rock chop motion. Santoku knives are fantastic at straight up and down chopping.
How often do you need to sharpen a chef’s knife?
It really varies depending on how often you use your knife and what type of cutting board you’re using. However, a good rule of thumb is to sharpen your knife every couple of months.
What’s the best way to store kitchen knives?
Ideally, you should store your knives in a block or in a drawer with a knife guard. This will help protect the blades and keep them sharp. If you don’t have a block or knife guard, you can store your knives in a zippered pouch or wrap them in a tea towel.
Our Recommendations
Overall, Wusthof’s classic 8-inch kitchen knife is the best knife you can buy with its all-around versatility, precision, and durability. If you’re looking for a top-quality knife that will last a lifetime, then this is the one for you. Wusthof is a well-known German company that has been making knives since 1814.
Our second best is J.A Henckels classic 8-inch chef’s knife. Tried and tested, this knife is perfect for those who want a high-quality, durable knife that will last them a lifetime. If you’re looking for a top-quality knife that’s slightly cheaper than Wusthof’s option, then this is the one for you.
Finally, if you’re on a budget and are looking for a quality knife that won’t break the bank, then we recommend Mercer Culinary Genesis 8-inch forged chef’s knife. Forged from high-carbon stainless steel, this knife is designed for precision and durability. It’s also dishwasher safe, making it easy to care for.
So there you have it, our three best kitchen knives for your kitchen. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect knife for your needs from our list. These knives are tried and tested by our team of experts, so you can be confident that they’ll perform well in your kitchen.
Why Trust Kitchen Infinity?
Our writers and reviewers thoroughly research every aspect of kitchen appliances or home improvement products so you can make a well-informed decision when investing in these products. We evaluate top quality products from several brands within budget friendly price ranges and contrast consumer reviews, surveys, satisfaction forms, brand performance, and annual appliance rankings. We go to great lengths to ensure that your next buy is worth every penny!
Kristina Perrin
Kristina is an expert DIY home remodeler and mom to three. When she's not cooking or experimenting with new recipes, you can find her working on new home improvement projects or writing about her favorite kitchen appliances or DIY projects on Kitchen Infinity blog.
