The Best Kitchen Knives in 2024

A good kitchen knife is key to perfecting your kitchen culinary skills. Many kitchen knives come with long, sharp blades and they allow for all sorts of cutting tasks, so you can slice steak, chop a cucumber, dice an onion, or skin an orange. Of course, most of these are chef knives that come in a variety of sizes — from six- to 14-inch blades — so you can find one that feels comfortable and safe in your hand, whether you have a larger or smaller grip.

When shopping for the best kitchen knives, the main types you’ll find are German knives, which are often sturdy and thick, especially at the bolster (the point where the blade meets the handle), and Japanese knives, which are lightweight and razor-sharp with thinner blades. Still in these categories, you’ll come across a variety of blade and handle materials and build, which determines how the knife feels and how long it will last.

Therefore, investing in the best kitchen knife goes beyond meal-making. Many of these knives can be purchased as single units, while others are housed in kitchen sets; whichever you prefer, the best knife should make chopping items in your kitchen enjoyable.

To help you choose the best, we’ve listed top-rated kitchen knives that will take care of your shopping needs – from chopping fruit, veggies, herbs, bread, meat to onions and everything else.

The Best Kitchen Knives

BEST OVERALL KITCHEN KNIFE: Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Kitchen Knife

The Wüsthof Classic is an 8-inch, razor-sharp, and super versatile kitchen knife that doesn’t have many competitors. It’s the only knife you’d ever need to cleanly slice tomatoes, chop onions, cut up tomatoes, bone a chicken and slice a cucumber. This German classic is fully forged and has a full tang (meaning the metal of the blade runs through the whole handle), making for a perfectly balanced and ergonomic knife that will feel comfortable in your hand.

However, being a German knife, it can be on the heavier side for some. The Wüsthof Classic is dishwasher safe, which is rare for cutlery, but we recommend hand-washing to prolong its lifespan. It’s not cheap, but the sharp, sturdy blade justifies the extra bucks you’re spending for that exceptional cut on almost all foods.

BEST MULTI-PURPOSE KITCHEN KNIFE: Misen 8-Inch Professional Kitchen Knife

The Misen 8-inch Professional Kitchen Knife is a chef’s favorite made from Japanese AUS-8 high-carbon stainless steel, meaning it is tough, durable, and super sharp. Its blade is sharpened to a 15-degree inclination – a sharper angle than most traditional Western-style knives, which are mostly sharpened to 25 degrees. It gets an angled semi-bolster which encourages a proper pinch grip during use.

During use, this knife feels balanced, sturdy, and comfortable. While the blade feels slightly narrower than most other chef knives, it’s still great for slicing. For the price, you’re getting a beautifully designed knife (most knives of this quality cost upwards of twice as much). Be aware, though, that it’s heavier than most other kitchen knives you’d buy out there.

BEST JAPANESE KITCHEN KNIFE: Shun Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife

In addition to being our best overall Japanese knife, this 8-inch slicer from Shun is a masterpiece. You’ll particularly like it for durability but without a price that will break the bank. While it feels fairly delicate than competing German-made knives, it can effortlessly cut through everything from vegetables to meat with its light yet sturdy blade. What’s more, it remains sharp even after prolonged use, so you don’t have to worry about sharpening it quite often.

Also, Shun offers a smaller 6-inch knife that’s perfect for smaller hands and cuts through ripe tomatoes and pineapples with its sharp edge. Then there’s the Shun Premiere that’s a favorite with a wider handle that fits comfortably in the hand and a strong dimpled blade that cuts clean through food without feeling brittle.

BEST BUDGET KITCHEN KNIFE: Victorinox Fibrox 8-Inch Pro Chef’s Knife

The Victorinox Fibrox 8-inch Pro Chef’s Knife is the best kitchen knife you can buy for the price. It’s a favorite among budget-conscious home cooks, and it has an ergonomically shaped plastic handle that appeals to most people. While the factory edge isn’t as sharp as that of our other picks, so it might leave you with slightly split carrots.

However, it will allow you to cut a butternut squash clean in half. Compared with other budget knives out there, the Victorinox kitchen knife is a clear winner for its reachable price, maneuverability, and comfortable feel.

How to choose the best kitchen knife

When shopping for the best kitchen knife, it’s recommended to hold the ones you’re considering to have a feel of them. When all is said and done, your ideal knife is largely based on personal preference. What might feel perfectly balanced to one cook may feel heavy to another. Still, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Type: German or Western knives are usually perfect for heavy-duty tasks like chopping and breaking down a chicken; while Japanese knives are well suited for more delicate and precise tasks like slicing tomatoes and dicing onions. Since Japanese knives are cut from harder steel, they tend to last longer between sharpening sessions, but they may be susceptible to chipping or cracking. Western knives on the other hand are made from softer steel, meaning they might not hold an edge as long, but they tend to be sturdy.

Handle: The handle forms a very critical point of contact between a knife and the user. Knife handles are generally made of wood or wood composites, plastic, or metal. The type of material used for the handle affects the weight and feel of the knife, as well as the price. Choose a handle that feels comfortable, but take note wood might warp or splinter over time due to use and frequent washing.

Tang: A knife with a full tang is more recommendable, meaning the blade runs through the handle, rather than just being inserted into it. A full tang keeps the blade more secure during the knife’s lifespan and helps the knife feel balanced for better maneuverability and control.

Bottom line: Choosing the best kitchen knife is all about personal preference, and it’s always good to pick one that feels like an extension of your hand, and then ensure to keep it sharp. A sharp knife is not only secure, but it reduces the effort you’d need on your part, making slicing easier, safer, more stable, and less tiring.