Best Chef’s Knives: Top 5 Slicers & Dicers Most Recommended By Experts

One of the most important tools in the kitchen is a reliable knife. From slicing meat to crushing cloves of garlic, the versatility makes knives essential in any kitchen. But which chef-quality knives are the best and worth the investment? We took to expert reviewers to get an idea of the best chef’s knives that are most recommended.

Whether you’re someone who cooks every day or someone just dipping their toes in the culinary waters, having good knives is always a good thing. But for those less interested in cooking, you may have a change of heart. A recent study of over 400 people conducted by the University of Washington found that those who cooked at home at least three times per week or more had healthier diets than those who cooked at home less. Overall, their diets were lower in fat, calories, and sugar.

Another survey of 2,000 people looked at how people cook easy-to-make foods like eggs, pasta and pancakes. They found that over half of Americans mess up while making them, and that it’s discouraging when they do. Almost 3 in 5 feel embarrassed that they can’t cook certain foods well, and on average they will try to make a dish four times before giving up. Improvements will come with practice, but also reliable tools and gadgets that makes the process easier.

Although chef’s knives are often used by professionals, they aren’t just for them. High quality knives and other tools can make the process of learning to cook easier, more efficient, and even make your meals more nutritious. It turns out that using low-quality, dull knives can remove nutrients from your veggies and herbs, leaving them as green smudges on your cutting board instead intact in the food.

Wherever you are on your chef’s knife quest, StudyFinds is here to help. We did the research, visiting 10 ‘expert’ websites to find the best chef’s knives and came away with a list of the top five most recommended ones. As always, feel free to leave us your recommendations in the comments section below!

The List: Best Chef’s Knives, According to Experts

 

1. Global Classic Chef’s Knife

Consistently rated best, the Global Classic knife has a unique and sleek design and is made of stainless steel for sharp and concise cuts. “Unlike knives that have an attached handle, this entire knife is made from stainless steel, with no joints, rivets, or corners where food could accumulate. To provide a better grip, the handle has dimples that create a textured surface. The knife is designed to be lightweight (despite being made entirely from metal), so it’s easy to wield. Made from molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel, the blade is razor-sharp and will retain its edge,” writes The Spruce Eats.

Global 8 inch, 20 cm Chef's Knife
Global – 8 inch, 20cm Chef’s Knife

It also boasts the ability to give you some of the neatest knife cuts for a refined final meal. “If you want supreme stability while cutting and the ability to make super thin, delicate slices—this is the knife for you,” mentions Bon Appetit.

2. Mac Knife 8-Inch Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife

Praised for its sharpness, durability, and slip-free handle, the Mac Knife sits atop several reviewers’ lists as best overall chef’s knife. “Mac Knives have a long-standing reputation for quality Japanese craftsmanship, and it’s no surprise the Professional Series 8-Inch Hollow Edge Knife was the top overall choice in our lab testing. The hollow edge is the standout feature of this knife,” writes The Spruce Eats.

Mac Knife Professional 8 Inch Hollow Edge Chef Knife
Mac Knife Professional 8 Inch Hollow Edge Chef Knife

Food & Wine testers appreciated the lightweight knife and its dimples along the edge to keep food from sticking to it. “Overall, this knife has a super-sharp blade that is expertly balanced with the handle, so pressure and strain on our hands and wrists was minimal.”

And of course, perhaps most importantly, experts say the design of the Mac Knife clearly prioritizes safety. “Mac’s most popular chef knife is perfectly balanced, so you never feel at risk of losing control of the blade. Its belly is also comfortably rounded, which makes the rocking motion while mincing feels natural,” adds CNet.

3. Victorinox Fibrox Pro

If you’re just starting out in the kitchen, this knife can take care of all your cutting, slicing, chopping, and crushing needs. The Fibrox material helps you keep a firm grip on the handle.”The handle is made from the proprietary Fibrox material that is textured to provide a nonslip grip, and it’s designed to provide an ergonomic feel,” says The Spruce Eats, noting that it cut through and cubed a heavy butternut squash easily.

Victorinox Fibrox Pro
Victorinox Fibrox Pro

It particularly works well for a wide range of produce, and is incredibly durable, making it a solid choice if you’re looking for a knife that lasts. Wired adds: “It holds an edge well and has a nearly nonstick finish to it—hardly anything sticks to this blade, not even fresh cilantro.”

“They tend to last the longest and keep a sharp edge, even when being used daily on heavy projects,” says NY Magazine.

4. WÃœSTHOF Classic 8″ Chef’s Knife

Coming from Germany and made with high-carbon steel, this knife is made to perform well for a variety of kitchen tasks. “If you want a classic European-style knife, try Wüsthof. We named its knife set the best overall and with good reason — it’s the brand preferred by celebrity chefs like Ina Garten and Gordon Ramsay,” notes NY Magazine.

WÃœSTHOF Classic 8" Chef's Knife
WÃœSTHOF Classic 8″ Chef’s Knife

It’s also known for being well-balanced and giving you a nice grip and hand feel during your cook. “This German classic is fully forged and has a full tang (meaning the metal of the blade runs through the whole handle), which helps it feel perfectly balanced and ergonomic in your hand,” writes Good Housekeeping.

5. Material Kitchen Knife

Those interested in a more aesthetically pleasing knife that still gets the job done will love this one! “Aesthetes will appreciate that Material Kitchen’s chef’s knife has a handle that comes in three colors, but it’s more than just a pretty face: The blade is 8 inches of layered high-carbon and corrosion-resistant stainless Japanese steel,” says The Spruce Eats.

Material Knife Trio + Stand
Material Knife Trio + Stand

This one also masters the “even” feeling people look for in the weight of a knife, which is especially good for those just getting into the kitchen. “It has a thin, rounded handle, similar to Japanese-style knives, but feels sturdy and natural in the hand — a pro for new cooks,” states NY Magazine.

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.

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