Chef knives – finding the best chef’s knife
The Chef’s Knife is indispensable
There’s no kitchen knife more important than a chef’s knife. Its an essential tool. You’ll use it for slicing and dicing. Chop carrots, cup up meat, and smash garlic. The chef knife is the cornerstone of any kitchen arsenal.
Specialised knives have their place but a sharp chef’s knife can handle most kitchen tasks.
Spend a little more on quality
Bread knives are a real challenge to sharpen and paring knives are relatively inexpensive. But a good chef’s knife is meant for everyday use and meant to be sharpened time and time again. So its worth spending a little bit more a good quality chef’s knife and a good knife sharpener.
The best Chef’s Knife
To find the best chefs knives we analysed the up-to-date testing and reviews done across the internet (see citation below).
Did any of the chefs knives made it onto everyone’s top 10?
These three knives represent a range of styles and price points. They consistently receive positive reviews for their performance, durability, and overall quality, making them popular choices of product testers, professional chefs and home cooks.
1. Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife
4.7 [icon name=”star” prefix=”fas”] 1,600+ [icon name=”user-check” prefix=”fas”]
This Swiss-made knife is often recommended as an excellent budget option. With an ergonomic, slip-resistant handle and high carbon steel blade, this multi purpose knife has a perfect balance between comfort and precision
It appears in lists from The Telegraph, The New York Times Wirecutter, Serious Eats, and Food & Wine.
Reviewers consistently praise its sharp edge, comfortable handle, and outstanding value for money.
The 8-inch (20 cm) version is the most commonly recommended.
Typical price range: £25 – £35
2. Global G-2 Chef’s Knife
4.6 [icon name=”star” prefix=”fas”] 2,500+ [icon name=”user-check” prefix=”fas”]
This Japanese-style knife is another frequent inclusion, appearing in lists from The Telegraph, Forbes, Good Housekeeping, and Food & Wine.
It’s known for its lightweight design, excellent balance, and razor-sharp edge.
The all-metal construction and dimpled handle are distinctive features that reviewers often highlight.
Typical price range: £100 – £125
3. Wüsthof Classic Chef’s Knife
4.5 [icon name=”star” prefix=”fas”] 2,600+ [icon name=”user-check” prefix=”fas”]
This German-made knife is consistently praised for its durability, balance, and versatility.
It appears in multiple lists, including those from The Telegraph, Forbes, The New York Times Wirecutter, and Serious Eats.
traditional craftsmanship with the latest advances in manufacturing technology
The 8-inch (20 cm) version is particularly popular, though some sources also recommend the 6-inch (15 cm) model for those who prefer a smaller knife.
Typical price range: £130 – £170
Best Value for Money?
The Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife is widely considered to represent the best value for money among these three options.
- Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife: This knife offers excellent performance at a significantly lower price point than the other two. It’s known for its sharp edge, comfortable handle, and durability, making it a favourite among both professional chefs and home cooks on a budget.
- Global G-2 Chef’s Knife: While more expensive than the Victorinox, the Global G-2 is still considered good value. It offers a lightweight design, excellent balance, and a razor-sharp edge. Its unique all-metal construction and dimpled handle make it stand out, and it’s often praised for its performance and longevity.
- Wüsthof Classic Chef’s Knife: This is typically the most expensive of the three. While it’s known for its exceptional quality, durability, and balance, the high price point means it may not represent the best value for money for all users, especially those on a tighter budget.
The Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife offers the best balance of performance and affordability, making it the best value for money. It provides professional-grade cutting ability at a fraction of the cost of high-end knives.
The Global G-2 is a close second, offering premium features and performance at a mid-range price point.
The Wüsthof, while excellent, is generally the most expensive and may be considered a luxury purchase rather than the best value option.
Personal Considerations
When selecting chefs knives you should always consider the following factors:
- Comfort and Grip: A knife should feel like an extension of your hand.
- Weight: Heavier knives are typically better for tougher tasks, while lighter knives offer agility.
- Material: High-carbon stainless steel is preferred for durability and sharpness retention.
- Price: There are excellent options across various price points.
Citations:
[1] Best kitchen knives and chef’s knives in 2024 for home use The Telegraph July24
[2] The Best Chef’s Knives, Rigorously Tested By A Former Line Cook Forbes Aug’24
[3] The Best Chef’s Knife NYTimes/Wirecutter Jul’24
[4] We Sliced, Diced, and Chopped with 33 Chef’s Knives to Find the Best Multitaskers Seriouseats Oct’24
[5] 11 best kitchen knives for 2024, expert tested Good Housekeeping Aug’24
[6] The best kitchen knives for every job – chosen by chefs The Guardian Jul’24
[7] We Tested the Best Chef’s Knives for Every Type of Task Food & Wine Oct’24
