If you’re shopping for a new chef’s knife, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best chef knives by price point.
When looking at all the possible chef knives on the market today there is a lot to consider. So much so that decision paralysis is a real consequence — leaving you to feel helpless and unsure of what it is you’re really looking for anyway. Anyone you know who has found “their” knife has an opinion too, and it only complicates your purchase further. Do you want a Japanese knife? European? What about size? Weight? Stainless? Carbon Steel? Jesus, now I’m getting dizzy.
Just breathe, everything will be okay. We’ll take the stress out of shopping with our list of the best 8” chef knives by price point, so all you have to worry about is how many days till your next paycheck.
High Range
These knives will cut straight through your bank account, into an onion and right in your finger and you still won’t know what hit you till after the shock wears off. We’re looking at knives with a price range of $200+
Kramer Carbon 8” Chef’s Knife by Zwilling J.A. Henckels $299.99
A Kramer knife is legendary in kitchen cutlery, but the prices can be pretty steep. You can definitely go the custom 8” chef’s knife route and spend well over $1000, or you can take a look at the Kramer licensed designs manufactured by Zwilling J.A. Henckels. The Carbon 8” Chef’s Knife runs around $300 and while it’s manufactured by Henckels, it maintains the rigid standards of a Kramer knife.
Carter 8” Stainless Fukugozai Perfect Kitchen Knife $575
Carter knives are sophisticated in design, recognized for keeping an edge, and backed by the skill of Murray Carter — who carries on a 420 year old family bladesmithing tradition as the 17th Generation Yoshimoto Bladesmith. You know these knives are bad-ass. The Carter 8” Stainless Fukugozai Perfect Kitchen Knife is just waiting to be taken home and chopped through something…preferably anything but a finger.
Custom Knife by any Bladesmith, $800-1,000+
Honestly, if you’re looking to break the bank and put some serious money on a statement chef knife, then there are a number of talented bladesmiths that make beautifully crafted 8” chef knives that will be unique to you as a tool and piece of art. Here are a few names to keep in mind: Chelsea Miller, Nafzger Forge and NHB KnifeWorks. (FYI, you’ll likely be spending $1,000+)
Mid Range
Fancy hand-forged cutlery might be the dream, but sometimes you just need something practical for your job and your finances. Here we’ll cover the best 8” chef knives in the price range of $100+
Zwilling Zwilling Pro 8” Chef’s Knife $149.99
Making knives since 1731, a Zwilling J.A. Henckel brand is a common choice in the kitchen. The Zwilling Zwilling Pro 8” Chef Knife runs around $150, but was made with the hand-placement and movement of a cook in mind. This classic beauty will reinvigorate your excitement toward dinner service prep.
Global Classic 8” Chef’s Knife $124.95
Award-winning knives from Niigata, Japan — Global has been a favored choice of cutlery in professional kitchens. The top selling knife is their stainless steel Classic 8” Chef’s Knife. Described as “the workhorse,” this chef knife was designed for longevity and comfort.
MAC Chef Series 8” Chef’s Knife $110
Manufactured in Japan, MAC is known for knives that are comfortable, balanced and maintain a sharp edge. The MAC Chef Series 8” Chef’s Knife is perfect for a variety of tasks — making it a staple in your rollup, but also one of the only knives you’ll really need.
Low Range
There are some great chef knives at lower prices and honestly a lot of the brands mentioned in the mid-range section have other brand lines with durable products at cheaper prices. Here are some more chef knives under $100 that are easy to find.
R. Murphy Chef Select 8” Chef’s Knife $95
R. Murphy knives have been manufactured in the U.S. since the 1800s and are a great option for those looking for a quality knife at a decent price. The Chef Select 8” Chef’s Knife is your basic workhorse and you can’t go wrong slicing around the kitchen with one of these…or chopping or dicing. It’s made to be versatile so it’ll quickly become your go-to tool.
Wusthof Pro Chef’s Knife $39.95
Wusthof is a well known German cutlery brand that originated with professional kitchens in mind. The Pro 8” Chef’s Knife is not only extremely affordable, but it’s balanced and durable so you don’t have to worry about buying another knife for years.
Victorinox 47520 8” Chef’s Knife $35.99
Known for the Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox is also well known for professional kitchen knives made at a very agreeable price. The Victorinox 47520 8” Chef’s Knife can be a great starter knife because it’s sharp, lightweight, made for speed and I’ll say it again, it’s fucking cheap.
