The Best Chef's Knives of 2025, According to Professional Chefs

chef's knives

The Best Chef's Knives of 2025, According to Professional Chefs

July 11, 2025

Overview

Elevate your culinary skills with our expert guide to the best chef's knives of 2025, as recommended by professional chefs. We've meticulously researched and curated a selection of top-rated knives, evaluating their performance, durability, and value, so you can find the perfect blade to suit your needs. From precision slicing to heavy-duty chopping, this guide offers in-depth reviews and comparisons to help you choose the ultimate chef's knife that will transform your cooking experience. Discover the ideal tools used by culinary experts and upgrade your kitchen arsenal today.

Sam Beckstein

In this guide

Top Chef's Knives: Overall WinnerBest Chef's Knives for BeginnersHigh-End Chef's Knives: Premium PicksBest Value Chef's Knives

Our picks

The Overall Best Chef's Knife: The Pro's Pick: Miyabi Birchwood Chef's Knife, $299.95

The Best Chef's Knife for Beginner Home Cooks: OXO 8 Inch Chef's Knife, $19.59

The Best Value Chef's Knife: Top Performance on a Budget: HENCKELS Classic Precision Chef Knife, $78.35

The Best All-Around Chef's Knife for Everyday Use: Classic Chef's Knife, $170.00

The Best Chef's Knife for Precision Slicing: Misono Chef's Knife, $74.00

The Best Chef's Knife by Material Type: Stainless Steel: Global 8" Chef's Knife, $98.95

The Most Durable Chef's Knife Construction Type: Z Series 8-Inch Chef Knife, $119.95

Top Chef's Knives: Overall Winner

Our top pick, as chosen by professional chefs for its superior performance and value.

Global 8" Chef's Knife

$98.95

Chosen by chefs for its outstanding performance, this knife effortlessly handles all your kitchen prep tasks. Crafted from high-tech stainless steel, the razor-sharp blade offers lasting sharpness, while the comfortable, dimpled handle ensures a secure grip. Invest in a kitchen workhorse that will last a lifetime.

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$98.95

at Amazon


Classic Chef's Knife

$170.00

Chosen by chefs as the ultimate all-rounder, this iconic knife elevates every kitchen task. The WÜSTHOF Classic's superior design excels at mincing, chopping, and slicing, making food prep a joy. A true investment in quality and performance, this knife belongs in the hands of every serious cook.


Shun Classic Chef's Knife

$169.95

Chosen by the pros, this chef's knife elevates any culinary task. Effortlessly slice, dice, and mince with its razor-sharp blade and ergonomic design, perfect for both large and small jobs. Crafted with durable, beautiful materials and a free lifetime sharpening service, it's an investment in your passion for cooking, guaranteed to deliver precision and lasting performance.


MAC 8" Chef's Knife

$154.95

Selected by top chefs as the ultimate workhorse, this Japanese masterpiece boasts sub-zero tempered steel and a razor-sharp, double-beveled blade for effortless slicing. The riveted Pakkawood handle provides exceptional balance and control. With a 25-year warranty, this rust-resistant knife is a long-term investment in culinary excellence.


ZWILLING Pro Chef's Knife

$164.99

Chosen by the pros, this knife is a culinary powerhouse that excels at any task. Forged from a single piece of steel, its ergonomic design offers unparalleled comfort and control. This top-rated chef's knife ensures exceptional performance and lasting value, making it a worthy investment for any serious home cook.

Best Chef's Knives for Beginners

User-friendly and affordable knives ideal for home cooks just starting their culinary journey.

8" Knife

$105.00

Unlock your inner chef with this easy-to-wield knife. Its perfectly balanced design, non-slip grip, and incredibly sharp Japanese stainless steel blade make food prep a breeze. Say farewell to hand fatigue and hello to culinary confidence with this user-friendly, affordable knife – the perfect starting point for any home cook.


OXO 8 Inch Chef's Knife

$19.59

Starting your culinary journey? The OXO Good Grips Chef's Knife is a dream for beginners. Its comfortable, non-slip handle ensures a secure grip, while the sharp, stainless steel blade makes slicing and dicing a breeze. Durable and user-friendly, this knife is the perfect entry point to a lifetime of enjoyable cooking, and won't break the bank.


HENCKELS 8-inch Chef Knife

$16.37

New cooks, meet your kitchen MVP. This HENCKELS chef's knife offers German-engineered precision and lasting sharpness, making meal prep a breeze. Lightweight yet durable, its ergonomic handle ensures comfort and control as you master essential cutting techniques. Start your culinary journey with confidence, knowing this knife is built to perform and last.


Victorinox Chef's Knife

$45.17

Embark on your culinary adventure with this Swiss-made workhorse! This versatile 8" chef's knife boasts a razor-sharp, high-carbon stainless steel blade perfect for every chopping and slicing task. Its ergonomic, slip-resistant handle ensures comfort and control, making it ideal for beginner cooks. Plus, a lifetime warranty guarantees years of reliable performance in your kitchen.


Tojiro DP Bottom Blade Knife 240mm

$66.85

Elevate your culinary journey with this exceptional Japanese chef's knife, crafted for both sharpness and longevity. Built with a durable core and rust-resistant stainless steel, its ergonomic handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. This high-quality blade, built to last, is an investment in a lifetime of delicious meals.


Mercer Culinary Genesis Chef's Knife

$38.32

Starting your culinary journey? The Mercer Culinary Genesis chef's knife is a fantastic, affordable choice. Its high-carbon German steel blade provides lasting sharpness and durability, while the ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable, non-slip grip. Perfect for chopping, mincing, and dicing, this easy-to-care-for knife will quickly become an essential tool in your kitchen.


Chef's Knife

$99.00

New to the kitchen? This 8" chef's knife is your perfect culinary wingman. Its razor-sharp edge effortlessly handles everything from delicate herbs to hearty vegetables, making meal prep a breeze. Prepare to chop, slice, and dice like a pro, all while enjoying the incredible value this workhorse offers!

High-End Chef's Knives: Premium Picks

Luxury knives favored by professionals, known for exceptional craftsmanship and performance.

Shun Premier Chef's Knife

$229.95

Indulge in culinary artistry with the Shun Premier 10" Chef's Knife, a true luxury pick for the discerning chef. Handcrafted in Japan, its hammered blade minimizes drag while the VG-MAX steel core ensures exceptional sharpness and durability. Experience unparalleled comfort and control with the Pakkawood handle, and elevate your skills with this blend of tradition and innovation.


Miyabi Birchwood Chef's Knife

$299.95

Elevate your culinary experience with the Miyabi Birchwood SG2 Chef's Knife, our top overall pick. This handcrafted masterpiece, forged in Seki, Japan, boasts a razor-sharp SG2 steel core protected by 100 layers of steel. The exquisite Karelian Birch handle, prized for its beauty and ergonomic design, completes this ultimate chef's knife, delivering unparalleled performance and a touch of luxury.


Misono Chef's Knife

$74.00

Indulge in the pinnacle of culinary artistry with the Misono 8-inch Chef's Knife. Forged from premium stainless steel, this knife delivers unparalleled sharpness and precision. Its ergonomic design, featuring a luxurious wood handle, ensures comfort and control for hours in the kitchen, making it the ultimate choice for discerning chefs.


Shogun Chef's Knife by Dalstrong

$159.00

For the discerning chef, the Dalstrong Shogun Series X 8" chef knife delivers unparalleled performance and beauty. Its striking blue handle and tsuchime finish aren't just for show – this knife is a versatile powerhouse, built for professionals who demand precision and elegance in every cut. Experience the superior cutting prowess that elevates any culinary creation.


Kikuichi GM Series Gyuto 180mm

$130.00

Elevate your culinary game with the Kikuichi GM Series. This exceptional knife, crafted with AUS10 molybdenum stainless steel, offers a razor-sharp edge and remarkable durability. Its sleek design and comfortable Western handle make it a joy to use, while its impressive performance will quickly establish it as the centerpiece of any professional kitchen. A great value, and entry level knife!


Shiso Chef's Knife

$115.00

Elevate your culinary artistry with this chef's knife, meticulously crafted alongside professional chefs. Forged from premium Japanese steel, its design and balance are optimized for peak performance. This luxury knife endures the demands of even the most vigorous kitchens, promising a lifetime of exceptional cutting and effortless creation.


Miyabi Koh Chef's Knife

$125.95

Elevate your culinary experience with the MIYABI Koh 8-inch Chef's Knife. This luxurious workhorse blends German engineering with Japanese artistry, featuring an ultra-sharp, hand-honed blade crafted from revolutionary stainless steel. Experience unparalleled precision and durability with its stunning design, ensuring ergonomic perfection for every chop, slice, and dice. A true investment for the discerning chef.


ZWILLING Four Star Chef's Knife

$99.99

Elevate your culinary experience with the ZWILLING Four Star, a masterpiece forged for the discerning chef. This premium 8-inch chef's knife boasts unparalleled German craftsmanship, ensuring razor-sharp precision and enduring durability. Invest in a legacy of exceptional performance and enjoy the ultimate in control and balance, making every slice a delight.

Best Value Chef's Knives

Chef-recommended knives that offer outstanding performance without breaking the bank.

PAUDIN 8-Inch Chef Knife

$23.99

**PAUDIN Chef Knife:** Experience professional-grade performance without the premium price tag. This expertly forged chef's knife boasts a razor-sharp, high-carbon steel blade, ergonomic G10 handle, and perfect balance for effortless slicing and dicing. Durable and designed for comfort, it's the ideal workhorse for both home cooks and aspiring chefs seeking exceptional value.


Z Series 8-Inch Chef Knife

$119.95

Elevate your culinary game without emptying your wallet. The Z Series chef knife offers professional-grade performance with its ergonomic handle, unique mosaic rivet, and razor-sharp, forged German steel blade. This versatile 8-inch knife is perfect for all your chopping needs and comes with a stylish walnut sheath – a worthy investment for any aspiring chef.


Classic Ikon Chef's Knife

$200.00

Level up your kitchen game without emptying your wallet! This chef-recommended workhorse tackles any task with ease, from slicing vegetables to carving roasts. The perfectly balanced design and full blade access for sharpening ensure effortless maneuverability and enduring sharpness, making it an investment in culinary enjoyment.


Babish 8" Chef Knife

$27.99

Conquer your culinary challenges without emptying your wallet! This Babish chef's knife, crafted from high-carbon German steel, delivers exceptional performance thanks to its precision forging and hand-ground sharpness. Its full-tang handle offers a comfortable, balanced grip for effortless chopping and slicing, making it an ideal all-purpose knife for both home cooks and aspiring chefs.


HENCKELS Classic Precision Chef Knife

$78.35

Get professional performance without the premium price tag with this chef's knife. Crafted from high-quality German stainless steel and featuring a razor-sharp, satin-finished blade, it's built for everyday use. Its fully forged construction and ergonomic handle offer balance and comfort, making it the perfect value-driven choice for any home cook.

Topics

chef's knives
best chef knives
professional chef knives
kitchen knives
knife reviews
culinary knives
cooking tools
2025 knives

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