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Because of its versatility, its one of the most importantkitchen toolsto have on hand.

Person using chef knife to slice red onions on wooden cutting board

Capelle.r

The two types of chefs knives

Full tang on the left, hidden tang on the right.

On the other hand, stainless steel is easier to maintain, but the quality isnt as high.

How often do it’s crucial that you sharpen your chefs knife?

full tang knife  and hidden tang knife

Full tang on the left, hidden tang on the right.

Feder recommends using a two-sided water stone or having it professionally sharpened at your local hardware store.

If you sharpen your knife regularly, itll take less time overall to keep the edge sharp.

If you wait until it’s super dull, its much harder to bring it back, Feder explains.

Shun Dual Core Chef’s Knife (7 in.)

[That’s] one of the reasons most people have dull knives.

In the end itll cost you less to maintain it than it would to buy a brand-new knife.

Do need to hone your chefs knife every week?

Shun Classic Chef’s Knife (8 in.)

You know those long metal rods that always come in the box knife sets?

Thats a honing tool called a steel, says Feder.

Go slowly, and repeat on both sides of the knife until youve honed the length of the blade.

Miyabi Koh Chef’s Knife (8 in.)

Though be advised that some high water pressure and detergents can dull the edge and loosen the handle.

Feder recommends hand-washing only and not letting it stay wet for too long to avoid the blade rusting.

Youll also want to factor in material and what youll be using it for the most.

Mercer Culinary Millennia Knife Set (10-Piece)

If you feel more confident chopping with something lightweight, reach for a hidden tang.

However, at the end of the day, it comes down to your personal preference.

Shun Dual Core Chefs Knife (7 in.)

Misono Swedish Carbon Steel Gyuto Knife (8 in.)

Amazon

Shun is a popular Japanese knife brand known for its expertise in knife making.

Its a terrific all-purpose chefs knife, says Chef Yankel Polak, head chef and culinary director atButcherBox.

It even works well as a slicer for large roasts or for carving a turkey, says Polak.

Hammer Stahl Chef Knife (6 in.)

Shun Classic Chefs Knife (8 in.)

Crate & Barrel

Williams Sonoma

Curren also recommends a Shun knife like this classic eight-inch chefs knife.

This particular chefs knife features a ripple Damascus finish, which is made by forging 68 layers of steel.

Friedr. Dick 1905 Exclusive Series Chef’s Knife (8 in.)

Miyabi Koh Chefs Knife (8 in.)

An incredible amount of attention is given to each knife.

I enjoy these knives because of the high-quality durability and ability to resharpen well, says Jamra.

Miyabi Fusion Morimoto Chef’s Knife (6 in.)

This handy kit includes a bread knife, a seven-inch santoku knife, and a razor-sharp seven-inch chefs knife.

Each knife is precision-forged with high-carbon German steel and features a nonslip grip handle.

I never knew how badly I needed these knives until I actually got them, says Mitchell.

HexClad Damascus Steel Chef’s Knife (8 in.)

They are sharp, clean-cutting, and lightweight.

Misono Swedish Carbon Steel Gyuto Knife (8 in.)

Misono knives use Swedish carbon steel, which is considered one of the purest forms of carbon steel.

Victorinox Chef’s Knife (10 in.)

These Japanese chefs knives are also lightweight, all-day workhorses that are easy to sharpen using a knife sharpener.

Hammer Stahl Chef Knife (6 in.)

Ive had mine for years and swear by them.

Wusthof Classic Chef’s Knife (8 in.)

Made from high-carbon stainless steel, each blade features a 20-degree bevel angle that makesmeal prepa piece of cake.

Dick 1905 Exclusive Series Chef’s Knife (8 in.)

Made from high-quality stainless steel, this German-style knife is heavy duty yet not incredibly heavy.

Mac Knife Series French Chef’s Knife (10 in.)

It stays sharp and offers a beautiful, clean cutwhether youre chopping vegetables or slicing steak.

Miyabi Fusion Morimoto Chefs Knife (6 in.)

Giancarla Bodoni, an executive chef atMonteverdi Tuscany, uses the Miyabi Morimotoedition chefs knife.

Zwilling Pro Slim Chef’s Knife (7 in.)

Its ergonomically-designed handle is also comfortable and easy to clean.

HexClad Damascus Steel Chefs Knife (8 in.)

Victorinox Chefs Knife (10 in.)

Messermeister Oliva Elite Chef’s Knife (10 in.)

Its really just a proper workhorse knife you need in your kitchen.

Wusthof Classic Chefs Knife (8 in.)

Mac Knife Series French Chefs Knife (10 in.)

J.A. Henckels Classic Chef’s Knife (10 in.)

Zwilling Pro Slim Chef’s Knife (7 in.)

Messermeister Oliva Elite Chefs Knife (10 in.)

Chef Melanie Underwoodof Gather Culinary names this Messermeister knife as her go-to.

Wusthof Classic Ikon Chef’s Knife (8 in.)

Messermeister is known for its high-quality knives and low-waste production processes.

Its also 100% family- and women-owned, to boot.

The weight is also very balanced and makes it easy to hold.

Mercer Culinary Genesis Chef’s Knife (8 in.)

Henckels Classic Chefs Knife (10 in.)

Henckels classic 8-inch and 10-inch chefs knives continuously for the past 15 years.

Affordably priced at just $60, this German-style multipurpose chefs knife is made from high-carbon stainless steel.

Misen Chef’s Knife (8 in.)

Wusthof Classic Ikon Chefs Knife (8 in.)

Mercer Culinary Genesis Chefs Knife (8 in.)

Boasting top ratings from Amazon customers, this beloved chefs knife is practically a steal at only $40.

Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife (8 in.)

Misen Chefs Knife (8 in.)

Littley points out that this durable knife holds its edge really well and comes with a reasonable price tag.

Ive purchased Misens whole line of knives and have them in both of my home kitchens, he adds.

Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chefs Knife (8 in.)