The Best Kitchen Knives 2022, According to Chefs
There are many kitchen utensils that could make cooking easier for you. But ultimately, the one essential kitchen utensil for home cooks and professional chefs alike is a trusty knife.
“What I always tell our team is that a chef is only as sharp as his knives,” says William Dissen, the chef and restaurateur behind The Market Place in Asheville, North Carolina.
While top-of-the-line knives can be expensive, you don’t have to spend your entire next paycheck on a good one.
“I would say that having sharp knives is far more important than having ‘good’ knives,” says Robert Ramsey, chef and culinary professor at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE).
Nathan Molina, executive chef at the Genesee Store in Genesee Valley, California, shares a similar sentiment. “Most importantly, a quality chef’s knife should be sharp from the moment you buy it and feel comfortable and balanced in your hand,” he says.
Most chefs forego knife sets and instead select individuals. However, for beginners and intermediates at home, a kit is a great place to start because it “provides a range of different knives as well as a safe place to keep them at home,” says Dissen.
How to take care of your knives
“Never put your knives in the dishwasher -[you] we might as well throw them in the garbage disposal,” says Chad Huff, executive chef at the Marisi in La Jolla, CA. Instead, hand wash them with a mild detergent and dry them completely.
As for storage? It’s easy.
“Keep the blade in a place that will protect it from accidental dents or scratches,” says Matthew Moore, chef and author of the forthcoming book Butcher on the block. This can be in a knife block, knife roll or wall magnet.
And as mentioned earlier, it’s important to keep your knives sharp.
“You’re more likely to cut yourself with a dull knife because you have to apply more pressure while a sharp knife slides through the product,” explains Huff. A whetstone is the best sharpening tool; Use one at home or enlist the help of a professional cutler.
Do you find that your knives dull quickly? Most knife sets come with a honing stick, which doesn’t technically sharpen the knives but can increase the time between sharpening.
With that in mind, here are the best knife sets and single knives, handpicked by the experts above, along with pro tips on how to keep them sharp.
The best knives
1. Best Chef’s Knife Overall
WÜSTHOF Classic 8 inch chef’s knife
Wüsthof was the most recommended by our experts. Moore calls them “tried and true, affordable and built on a reputation for quality.”
This Wüsthof chef’s knife has a “full tang” that Ramsey describes as “a continuation of the blade material to the end of the handle.” This not only makes the knife more durable, but also easier to use.
$170
Amazon
2. Best budget chef’s knife
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8 inch chef’s knife
“I like Victorinox because they always arrive razor sharp and they’re a very affordable brand,” says Huff.
At a fraction of the price of the Wüsthof, it doesn’t have the same full tang and premium craftsmanship, but weighs slightly less and is a reliable tool for beginners and cooks on a budget.
$54.99
Amazon
3. Best chef knife for boasting
Shun Cutlery Premier Gray Chef’s Knife 8″
Shun is another iconic knife brand recommended by many of our experts for its craftsmanship, durability and aesthetic value.
Its contoured Pakka wood handle offers precision and moisture resistance. Although it has the same full tang as the Wüsthof, it is lighter and more noticeable with its hammered finish.
In terms of function and beauty, a shun can hardly be surpassed.
$199.95
Amazon
4. Best knife set
WÜSTHOF gourmet knife block set 6 pieces
“Knife sets often contain a lot of things that you don’t need,” says Molina. If you’re buying a set, you can skip the 16- and 20-piece options and spend your money on a few quality tools instead.
According to Molina, the essentials are a chef’s knife, a paring knife or two, and a serrated bread knife, included in this Wüsthof set. Inside you will also find a honing rod and kitchen shears.
$195
Amazon
5. Best Budget Rate
Victorinox Swiss Classic kitchen knife set
This Victorinox set for under $100 includes a chef’s knife, a serrated knife, two paring knives, and a carving knife. There’s no block or holder, which the price reflects, but for a set of dependable, versatile kitchen knives, this is a steal.
It is also a great gift for students.
$98
Amazon
6. Best paring knife
Misono Handmade molybdenum paring knife
For those who prefer to buy individual knives, the Misono is thin, light, and built for precision.
“Made in Seki City, Japan, their knives are Western-style crafted using Swedish steel and modern forging techniques,” says Molina, who cites Misono as his favorite knife brand for its durability and craftsmanship.
$50
Amazon
7. Best Serrated/Bread Knife
WÜSTHOF Gourmet 8″ delicacy knife Offset
Serrated knives can of course be used to cut your favorite baguette, miche or bagel. But they have many other uses.
This 8-inch delicatessen knife has a pointed tip that allows it to gently and precisely cut through the juiciest summer tomatoes or the most delicate cuts of fish or meat.
$70
Amazon
Released September 26, 2022