The Kitchen Bench
Chef Knives Buying Guide 2027
How to choose chef knives: the decisions that actually matter, the mistakes buyers make, and the checks that prevent a wrong purchase.
By The Kitchen Bench Research Team · Updated for 2027 · Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements
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The decisions that matter
A chef knife is the most-used knife in most kitchens: chopping, slicing, dicing and mincing. Blade steel, edge geometry, handle comfort and length decide whether it becomes an extension of your hand or a drawer weight.
Blade length
An 8-inch blade suits most hands and tasks. Longer blades cut more per stroke but feel unwieldy for small hands; shorter blades suit precise work.
Steel type
Harder steels hold an edge longer but chip more easily and are harder to sharpen. Softer steels sharpen easily but need honing more often.
Handle and balance
The knife should feel balanced at the bolster, not blade- or handle-heavy. Hold it before buying if you can.
Maintenance
Hand washing and honing keep any chef knife performing. Dishwashers dull edges and damage handles.
Reveal the winner
Every guide hides its No. 1 pick until you tap — then the full comparison follows.
The suspense ends hereReveal the No. 1 pick →Tap to uncover the winner — then compare the rest below.
Chef Knives
Shun Classic 8
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Products to buy
Reviewed chef knives you can buy from this guide — each card links to its full review and to the retailer price check. Verify the variant, size and capacity for your exact model before ordering.
Chef Knives
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Chef Knives
Wusthof Classic 8
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Chef Knives
Global G-2 8-Inch Chef Knife
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Chef Knives
MAC MTH-80 8-Inch Chef Knife with Dimples
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Chef Knives
Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-Inch Chef Knife
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Chef Knives
Tojiro DP Gyuto 8.2-Inch Chef Knife
Full review — what to verify before buying, who it suits, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Inside the chef knife
Illustrative exploded view — parts shown separated so you can see how it fits together. Not a photo of this exact product.
Guides for your situation
Buying for a specific situation? Each guide below is written for that use — same checks, tuned priorities, same products.
VIP pick — the winner is inside2027
Still deciding? Reveal the No. 1 pick.
The ranked roundup hides its winner until you tap — then shows the full ranking, the checks, and what to verify before buying.
Best Chef Knives →Browse all reviews
Independent · Reader-supported · No paid placements — every pick links to its full review.
The winner is insideWhat to verify before buying
Before you buy any chef knife
- ✓ Blade length for your hand and tasks
- ✓ Steel hardness and sharpening needs
- ✓ Balance at the bolster
- ✓ Handle comfort for long sessions
Prices and availability change; check the retailer page before buying. Specifications on a retailer listing can differ from the manufacturer sheet — where they conflict, the manufacturer sheet wins, and this site flags the conflict rather than publishing one figure as fact.
Frequently asked questions
How do I sharpen a chef knife?
Hone regularly with a steel to realign the edge, and sharpen on a stone or professionally when honing no longer restores it.
Can it go in the dishwasher?
It will survive, but the edge will dull faster and the handle may suffer. Hand wash and dry promptly.
What cutting board should I use?
Wood or soft plastic. Glass, stone and ceramic destroy edges.