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Are you on the hunt for a high-quality but reasonably priced chef knife for all your culinary preparations?
We are here today to hook you up with the best chef knife under 200 out there!
When it comes to versatility in your cutting tasks, a good quality, well-balanced chef’s knife is unbeatable. It can accomplish 95% of your cutting needs in the kitchen. It is a pleasure to use- and it can make your everyday cooking even more fun than usual.
But the question — which one is best to pick in 2022 — is harder to answer.
Here we come to help you.
Stay with our chef knife under 200 review to find out what some of the best models have to offer.
Let’s start!
Our Top Picks
- KITCHEN WORKHORSE – The WÜSTHOF 8” Classic Chef’s Knife is essential for preparing any meal. This all-purpose cook’s knife can be used for chopping, mincing, slicing and dicing
- WÜSTHOF CLASSIC SERIES – The full Tang, Triple Riveted handles of the classic line offer the widest range of cutlery that can satisfy every home cook or professional chef. The WÜSTHOF classic series has been our best-selling series for generations
- CHEF’S KNIFE – Features an 8” long blade, 4.5” long handle and weighs 8.5 ounce Full Bolster and Finger Guard, German Made Cook’s Knife. Ergonomic handle design made from a long-lasting synthetic material to resist fading and discoloration
- PRECISION FORGED – The 8” Chef’s Knife is forged from a single block of high carbon stainless steel and tempered to 58-degree HRC. The Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) yields a blade that is 20% sharper with twice the edge retention than previous models
- ENTURIES OF TRADITION – Family owned for seven generations, WÜSTHOF was founded in Solingen, Germany over 200 years ago. WÜSTHOF’s cutlery carries the Solingen name, a designation reserved for products that meet the strictest quality standards
- JAPANESE CHEF'S KNIFE: The Shun 6-inch Premier Chef's knife is the perfect all-purpose kitchen knife. It's ideal for preparing fruit, vegetables, meat and more.
- SMALL, NIMBLE BLADE: This Japanese kitchen knife is small, light, and extremely maneuverable. It's wide enough to keep knuckles off the cutting board with a curved belly that can be "rocked" through herbs and spices.
- HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from Shun's proprietary VG-MAX cutting core and clad in 68 layers of stainless Damascus with a hammered TUSCHIME finish, this knife is corrosion and stain resistant with a strong, razor-sharp edge.
- BEAUTIFUL, DURABLE HANDLE: The walnut-finished, contoured Pakkawood handle resists moisture, is comfortable to use, and offers precise control.
- TRADITIONAL, ARTISAN CUTLERY: Inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, Shun knives are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
- ✅ Highest quality - our military grade G10 handle, and real 67-layer high carbon Japanese AUS-10 stainless steel is handcrafted by the most experienced knife specialists in the world.
- ✅ Sharpest Chef Knife – thanks to the 12-degree Damascus steel blade edge, slicing meat, chicken, steak, and sushi /sashimi feels like slicing butter. This full tang, double bevel knife was finished using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke Method.
- ✅ Perfectly Balanced - our Japanese chef knife (8-inch) is sharp, robust, and comfortable to work with and comes in a beautiful Damascus pattern. The Damascus steel chef knife is made from AUS10 high quality Japanese steel.
- ✅ Traditional Meets Practical – a true Japanese Damascus knife with elegant knife art, our 8-inch Gyoto Chef Knife is incredibly versatile - from cutting meat, vegetables or even as a sushi knife, it’s your perfect all-rounder.
- ✅ The Best Chef Knife – loved by professionals as well as hobby cooks for its sharpness, precision and easy maintenance. Join us and become part of the Zelite Infinity family.
- CHEF’S KNIFE - The blade, bolster & tang of Oliva Elite knives are one piece, hot-drop hammer forged in Solingen, Germany. They also boast a natural, Mediterranean olive wood handle for a secure, ergonomic grip with unsurpassed balance.
- BLADE WITH A PURPOSE - The smooth, fine 15-degree edge on this chef’s knife can be used to cut, chop, slice & dice all firm and soft fruits, vegetables, meats and fish.
- THINNER & LIGHTER - The Oliva Elite Stealth 8” Chef’s Knife is about 25% thinner and 10% lighter than our traditional chef’s knife.
- HIGH QUALITY - Our blades are handcrafted from German 1.4116 steel alloy for knives that are sharp & easy to maintain. Plus, the bosterless heel simplifies cutting, sharpening & honing tasks, making use of the entire blade from heel to tip.
- OUR STORY - Founded in 1981, Messermeister is a leading manufacturer of premium handcrafted kitchen cutlery. Today, we’re a family and women-owned company, continuing to bring innovation & creativity to kitchens around the world.
- QUALITY MANUFACTURING: Manufactured in Germany. Special formula high carbon no stain steel. Sigma forge knife is forged from a single piece of solid steel
- RESILIENT BLADE: Ice-hardened FRIODUR blade starts sharper stays sharper longer and has superior resilience
- PRECISE CUTTING: Precision honed blade and laser-controlled edge ensures ideal cutting angle for sharpness and durability
- BALANCED KNIFE: Ergonomic polymer three rivet handle is perfectly bonded to the full tang
- RETAINS SHARP EDGE: 57 Rockwell hardness is equal to excellent edge retention. Edge angle 15° per side
- A Dalstrong culinary revolution combining outstanding and award-winning craftsmanship, cutting-edge breakthrough technology, awe-inspiring design, and the absolute best materials available. Inspired by the design of the Tanto knife that was once used by Samurai’s to pierce through the tough armours of enemies, the Shogun Series 8” Tanto Chef Knife is your ultimate tool for overcoming any unexpected or expected food obstacles in the kitchen, no matter how hard or tough.
- Unrivalled Performance: Ruthlessly sharp scalpel like edge is hand finished to a mirror polish within a staggering 8-12°degree angle per side using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke method. Equipped with an extremely strong high point and a slight belly for versatility, the Shogun Series 8” Tanto Chef Knife is your everyday workhorse built to puncture, cut, slash, stab, slice, thrust, chop, and scrape various foods with ease.
- A higher concentration of The Shogun Series’ highly coveted ultra-premium Japanese high carbon AUS-10V steel is found near the tip of the blade, where the aesthetically pleasing blade point is perfectly aligned with its spine, to give the knife exceptional durability and optimal absorption power from the impact of repeated piercing through tougher foods that would likely damage or break other knives.
- Engineered to Perfection: Ultra-premium G-10 handle is military grade with life-long durability. Carefully hand polished, the ergonomic handle shape is engineered for superior hand control, agility and comfort. Hand-polished blade spine for smooth handling.
- Dalstrong Trust: Rocksolid 100% SATISFACTION OR MONEY BACK GUARANTEE, try it risk free. LIFETIME WARRANTY against defect. Renowned Dalstrong customer service. See why chef's around the world trust and love, 'The Dalstrong Difference'. Dalstrong luxury packaging. Now you are slicing with POWER. Dalstrong POWER!
- JAPANESE CHEF'S KNIFE: The Shun 10-inch Classic Chef's knife is the perfect all-purpose kitchen knife. It's ideal for preparing fruit, vegetables, meat and more.
- LONG 10-INCH KNIFE: This Japanese kitchen knife is perfect for people who prefer a longer chef's knife. It provides additional cutting leverage and allows you to cut more ingredients with fewer strokes.
- HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Constructed with Shun's proprietary VG-MAX cutting core and clad in 68 layers of stainless Damascus, this chef knife is corrosion and stain resistant with a strong, razor-sharp edge.
- COMFORTABLE HANDLE: The D-shaped, ebony-finished Pakkawood handle is durable, beautiful, doesn't harbor bacteria, and comfortable to use for both left- and right-handed users.
- TRADITIONAL, ARTISAN CUTLERY: Inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, Shun knives are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
- 2.5mm blade. The added dimples help the knife to glide through sticky foods such as potatoes, apples, and summer squash
- Lightweight. Knife Length- 12.63 inches
- Pakka wood handle. Blade thickness - 2.5 mm
- Hand wash is recommended Not dishwasher safe
- Made In Japan
- Lightweight, precisely balanced 8-inch or 20cm chef's knife
- Blade made of high-tech molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel
- Edge retains razor sharpness exceptionally well
- Stainless-steel handle molded for Comfort, dimpled for safe grip
- Lifetime warranty against defects and breakage
Here are the Best Chef Knife Under 200
Shopping for the best chef knives under 200 from this over-flooded market will be stressful for you.
Luckily, we’ve been through the entire journey of Chef’s knives research. While selecting, we’ve emphasized brand value, product value, quality, performance, durability, customer reviews & ratings.
Our team of experts has tested more than 100 models and, after conducting exclusive research, finally short-listed 9 most popular models, which are top-performers in every aspect.
Let’s dive into our comprehensive list and review of 9 sought-after chef’s knives.
1. WÜSTHOF 8 Inch Classic Chef Knife, 4582/20
- KITCHEN WORKHORSE – The WÜSTHOF 8” Classic Chef’s Knife is essential for preparing any meal. This all-purpose cook’s knife can be used for chopping, mincing, slicing and dicing
- WÜSTHOF CLASSIC SERIES – The full Tang, Triple Riveted handles of the classic line offer the widest range of cutlery that can satisfy every home cook or professional chef. The WÜSTHOF classic series has been our best-selling series for generations
- CHEF’S KNIFE – Features an 8” long blade, 4.5” long handle and weighs 8.5 ounce Full Bolster and Finger Guard, German Made Cook’s Knife. Ergonomic handle design made from a long-lasting synthetic material to resist fading and discoloration
- PRECISION FORGED – The 8” Chef’s Knife is forged from a single block of high carbon stainless steel and tempered to 58-degree HRC. The Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) yields a blade that is 20% sharper with twice the edge retention than previous models
- ENTURIES OF TRADITION – Family owned for seven generations, WÜSTHOF was founded in Solingen, Germany over 200 years ago. WÜSTHOF’s cutlery carries the Solingen name, a designation reserved for products that meet the strictest quality standards
WÜSTHOF Classic 4582/20 is an all-purpose cook’s knife. Its well-thought design will satisfy every home cook or professional chef.
This German-made knife features 8-inch long blade which is excellent for just about everything. This kitchen workhorse is perfect for dicing, slicing, mincing, and chopping.
The handle is 4.5-inch long and weighs only 8.5 ounces. It is perfectly balanced between the blade and handle. Due to its well-balanced, WÜSTHOF Classic knife feels great in hand. It is perfect for heavy-duty cutting task, such as cutting meats and thicker vegetables.
Its blade is precision-forged from a single block of high carbon stainless steel, which is further tempered to achieve 58-degree HRC. It is stain- and corrosion-resistant.
The blade is hand-honed for razor-like sharpness. Notably, it comes with 20% more sharpness and twice the edge retention than previous models. Thanks to its Precision Edge Technology (PEtec).
What’s more, the finger guard and full-bolster design ensure safety and provide comfort and control. The finger-guard protects your fingers. The ergonomic handle design allows you to cut long-time without any hand-fatigue.
Additionally, the long-lasting synthetic material construction of the handle makes it discoloration and fading resistant. Plus, the handle is triple-riveted for exceptional durability and hygienic fit.
To sum up: If you’re looking for quality, you won’t get disappointed with this classic 8-inch chef knife. From top-to-bottom, it is one of the best cook’s knives at a reasonable price.
If you cook regularly, do yourself a favor and invest in this chef knife.
Pros
- Perfect for heavy-duty tasks
- Sleek and simple design
- Excellent edge-retention
- Heavy and well-balanced
- Comfortable and easy to manipulate
- Easy to sharpen
- Made in Solingen, Germany
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Several users have complained that it dulls quickly.
2. Shun Premier Chef Knife, 6 inch, TDM0723
- JAPANESE CHEF'S KNIFE: The Shun 6-inch Premier Chef's knife is the perfect all-purpose kitchen knife. It's ideal for preparing fruit, vegetables, meat and more.
- SMALL, NIMBLE BLADE: This Japanese kitchen knife is small, light, and extremely maneuverable. It's wide enough to keep knuckles off the cutting board with a curved belly that can be "rocked" through herbs and spices.
- HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from Shun's proprietary VG-MAX cutting core and clad in 68 layers of stainless Damascus with a hammered TUSCHIME finish, this knife is corrosion and stain resistant with a strong, razor-sharp edge.
- BEAUTIFUL, DURABLE HANDLE: The walnut-finished, contoured Pakkawood handle resists moisture, is comfortable to use, and offers precise control.
- TRADITIONAL, ARTISAN CUTLERY: Inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, Shun knives are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
Next, we have this premium Japanese knife from Shun Cutlery, a well-known brand for their knives’ exquisite beauty and ultra-premium performance.
Shun Premier 6-inch chef knife is not only beautiful on the outside but also it performs beautifully while cutting. It is the perfect go-to cutting tool for a wide array of cutting tasks.
If you like the lightweight agility of a shorter blade, then this model with 6 inches long blade will be perfect for you. It performs all of the tasks expected from a chef’s knife. What’s more, it offers exceptionally agile performance and a high degree of control that a smaller knife can provide.
The 16- degree cutting edge is hand sharpened and razor-sharp. The blade is double-beveled, quick tapered, and flat ground. You can effortlessly do chopping, dicing, or slicing with this sharp blade. The blade’s curved belly makes rocking this edged tool through fresh herbs or spices to produce a very fine mince.
Conveniently, its blade releases food easily when cutting, preventing food build up. Thanks to its hammered magnificent tsuchime finish.
Each blade has VG-Max cutting core that takes and holds a precision and long-lasting edge. Plus, the 68 total layers of Damascus cladding on the core makes this piece extremely corrosion resistant.
The ergonomic handle easily rests in hand and provides confident control – for both smaller and larger hands. The symmetrical handle feels comfortable on the left- or right hand. Importantly, the handle is moisture resistant.
Moreover, the walnut color pakkawood handle construction adds a unique, pristine look to this tool. It also features an embossed endcap that provides both balance and beauty. The full composite tang adds strength and durability.
What is amazing, Shun offers lifetime sharpening on this premier blade.
Pros
- Handcrafted and hand-sharpened in Japan
- Designed to provide exceptionally agile handling
- Rustic and sophisticated look
- Full tang construction
- Superb cutting precision
- Sharper and longer-lasting edge
- Perfect for performing all tasks expected from a chef’s knife
- Lightweight and less tiring to use
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Need to handle with care
3. Zelite Infinity 8-inch Chef Knife, 8541907252
- ✅ Highest quality - our military grade G10 handle, and real 67-layer high carbon Japanese AUS-10 stainless steel is handcrafted by the most experienced knife specialists in the world.
- ✅ Sharpest Chef Knife – thanks to the 12-degree Damascus steel blade edge, slicing meat, chicken, steak, and sushi /sashimi feels like slicing butter. This full tang, double bevel knife was finished using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke Method.
- ✅ Perfectly Balanced - our Japanese chef knife (8-inch) is sharp, robust, and comfortable to work with and comes in a beautiful Damascus pattern. The Damascus steel chef knife is made from AUS10 high quality Japanese steel.
- ✅ Traditional Meets Practical – a true Japanese Damascus knife with elegant knife art, our 8-inch Gyoto Chef Knife is incredibly versatile - from cutting meat, vegetables or even as a sushi knife, it’s your perfect all-rounder.
- ✅ The Best Chef Knife – loved by professionals as well as hobby cooks for its sharpness, precision and easy maintenance. Join us and become part of the Zelite Infinity family.
Zelite Infinity, 8541907252, combines the best from both Asian and Western styles knives. It is very sharp with excellent edge retention yet carries the heft and feel of a Western-style knife.
Home cooks, culinary students, amateur and even professional chefs will be 100% satisfied with this cutting tool’s extraordinary craftsmanship. Eyes will light up for the blade’s stunning appearance. Thanks to its Japanese tsunami rose pattern.
Zelite uses Japanese AUS-10 super steel for cutting blade. It has 67 layers of high carbon components that give the blade more strength and provides a sharper and long-lasting cutting edge. It is highly resistant to stain, rust, corrosion, and discoloration.
Handcrafted by the most experienced knife specialists in the world, it arrives with a surprisingly sharp edge. The 2.4 mm thick blade with 12- degree edge makes slicing meat, steak, chicken, and sashimi/ sushi feel like slicing butter.
Zelite is excellent at designing knives for ergonomic and maximum comfort. The ergonomically shaped, military-grade G10 handle makes this model ultra-comfortable. Plus, this full-tang, well-weighted knife requires minimal effort to perform any cutting task.
The rounded contour of its handle fits into any small or large hand like a puzzle. The tapered bolstered also adds comfort and unparalleled grip. What’s more, the Classic 3-metal Mosaic rivet makes this piece stylish and elegant.
This cutting tool comes in a beautiful storage case making it a perfect gift to impress the cooks and chefs. It can also be used as a good storage solution to protect this tool from damage when stored.
Pros
- Made of premium materials
- Stunning look
- Ultra-sharp and excellent edge retention
- Well-weighted for fatigue-free uses
- Stain and rust-resistant
- Made to last for generations
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- No sheath included
4. Messermeister Oliva Elite Chef’s Knife (8-inch), E6686 8S
- CHEF’S KNIFE - The blade, bolster & tang of Oliva Elite knives are one piece, hot-drop hammer forged in Solingen, Germany. They also boast a natural, Mediterranean olive wood handle for a secure, ergonomic grip with unsurpassed balance.
- BLADE WITH A PURPOSE - The smooth, fine 15-degree edge on this chef’s knife can be used to cut, chop, slice & dice all firm and soft fruits, vegetables, meats and fish.
- THINNER & LIGHTER - The Oliva Elite Stealth 8” Chef’s Knife is about 25% thinner and 10% lighter than our traditional chef’s knife.
- HIGH QUALITY - Our blades are handcrafted from German 1.4116 steel alloy for knives that are sharp & easy to maintain. Plus, the bosterless heel simplifies cutting, sharpening & honing tasks, making use of the entire blade from heel to tip.
- OUR STORY - Founded in 1981, Messermeister is a leading manufacturer of premium handcrafted kitchen cutlery. Today, we’re a family and women-owned company, continuing to bring innovation & creativity to kitchens around the world.
Oliva Elite 8-inch is the perfect edged tool for executing 90% of your culinary tasks. This piece is proudly handcrafted in the historic cutlery capital of Solingen, Germany.
Compared with a traditional chef’s knife, this model is 10% lighter, and the blade is 25% thinner.
With this workhorse, you can perform a variety of kitchen tasks. Slicing, chopping, dicing, or mincing through the toughest ingredients using this professional chef knife is no more a problem.
One-piece, hammer forged steel produces the most robust blade from heel to tip. It is further heat-treated and cooled, which helps to achieve a Rockwell of 57-58.
Made of German high-carbon stainless steel alloy, its blade exhibits unparalleled toughness and durability. It resists stains and corrosion for extra strength. It also excellently holds its edge retention.
Conveniently, the bolster-less heel makes use of the entire blade from tip to heel. It also simplifies all cutting and honing tasks.
The highly figured handle provides a secure ergonomic pinch grip with an unsurpassed balance. This Italian olive wood golden-brown handle not only looks beautiful but also offers industrial strength and maximum control while you perform your cutting tasks.
Finally, Messermeister provides a lifetime warranty against material and manufacturing defects for this product.
Pros
- Excellent quality, fit and finish
- Best combination of beauty and performance
- Gorgeous looking
- Razor-sharp and excellent edge retention
- Thin profile but perfectly balanced
- Comfortable and easiest to control
- Stains and corrosion resistant
- Easy to re-sharpen to a razor-like edge
Cons
- Handle may need a bit of maintenance from time to time, such as rubbing food-safe mineral oil.
- Not dishwasher friendly
5. ZWILLING Professional “S” Chef’s Knife 8-Inch, Black
- QUALITY MANUFACTURING: Manufactured in Germany. Special formula high carbon no stain steel. Sigma forge knife is forged from a single piece of solid steel
- RESILIENT BLADE: Ice-hardened FRIODUR blade starts sharper stays sharper longer and has superior resilience
- PRECISE CUTTING: Precision honed blade and laser-controlled edge ensures ideal cutting angle for sharpness and durability
- BALANCED KNIFE: Ergonomic polymer three rivet handle is perfectly bonded to the full tang
- RETAINS SHARP EDGE: 57 Rockwell hardness is equal to excellent edge retention. Edge angle 15° per side
ZWILLING Professional “S” 31021-203 is a trusted knife for home cooks of all skill levels and professional chefs worldwide.
It is a kitchen workhorse for chopping, mincing, dicing, and slicing meat, fish, vegetables and more. The broad blade with curved cutting edge rocks through any item while chopping. Thanks to its exceptionally well-weighted design.
Its blade is precision-forged from a single piece of solid steel for strength, improved quality consistency, and perfect geometry. It’s further ice-hardened for pitting-, corrosion- resistance, and improved cutting-edge retention for long-lasting sharpness.
What’s more, its full visible tang construction provides proper balance and greater strength. The bolster acts as a finger guard and also provides the right balance for safe handling. It also features a more consistent blade angle.
The polymer-based handle of this piece is perfectly bonded to the full tang for stability and durability. The ergonomic design helps to provide control when doing any cutting task. It also fatigue-free cutting, making it perfect for everyday use.
The impeccably balanced super bolster provides the perfect weight, ensures safety, and adds balance for more professional cutting.
Pros
- Hand-finished by the most skilled artisans
- Precision honed for razor-sharpness
- Excellent edge retention
- Strong and durable
- Proper balance and greater strength
- Improved resistance to pitting and corrosion
- Easy to hone
- Non-staining, non-rusting
- Dishwasher safe, easy to care
- Manufactured in Germany
Cons
- Several users have complained that the handle cracks in less than one year.
6. DALSTRONG Tanto Chef Knife w/Sheath – 8″ – Shogun Series
- A Dalstrong culinary revolution combining outstanding and award-winning craftsmanship, cutting-edge breakthrough technology, awe-inspiring design, and the absolute best materials available. Inspired by the design of the Tanto knife that was once used by Samurai’s to pierce through the tough armours of enemies, the Shogun Series 8” Tanto Chef Knife is your ultimate tool for overcoming any unexpected or expected food obstacles in the kitchen, no matter how hard or tough.
- Unrivalled Performance: Ruthlessly sharp scalpel like edge is hand finished to a mirror polish within a staggering 8-12°degree angle per side using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke method. Equipped with an extremely strong high point and a slight belly for versatility, the Shogun Series 8” Tanto Chef Knife is your everyday workhorse built to puncture, cut, slash, stab, slice, thrust, chop, and scrape various foods with ease.
- A higher concentration of The Shogun Series’ highly coveted ultra-premium Japanese high carbon AUS-10V steel is found near the tip of the blade, where the aesthetically pleasing blade point is perfectly aligned with its spine, to give the knife exceptional durability and optimal absorption power from the impact of repeated piercing through tougher foods that would likely damage or break other knives.
- Engineered to Perfection: Ultra-premium G-10 handle is military grade with life-long durability. Carefully hand polished, the ergonomic handle shape is engineered for superior hand control, agility and comfort. Hand-polished blade spine for smooth handling.
- Dalstrong Trust: Rocksolid 100% SATISFACTION OR MONEY BACK GUARANTEE, try it risk free. LIFETIME WARRANTY against defect. Renowned Dalstrong customer service. See why chef's around the world trust and love, 'The Dalstrong Difference'. Dalstrong luxury packaging. Now you are slicing with POWER. Dalstrong POWER!
DALSTRONG Shogun Series 8″ Tanto Knife is the lion in your hand!
Yes, you’ve heard that right!
It is your everyday razor-sharp kitchen powerhouse to perform all the tasks for which you choose a chef’s knife. You can cut, slice, chop, puncture, stab, slash, scrape and thrust different types of foods with ease.
No matter how hard or tough the food you’re cutting, it is the ultimate tool for overcoming any food obstacles while cutting. It cuts all tough foods, including squash, shanks, thick pork belly, ribs, etc. Thanks to aesthetically pleasing and extremely strong high point and a slight belly of the blade for versatility.
It’s worth noting that the blade point is perfectly aligned with the spine, giving this tool optimal absorption power from the effect of repeated piercing through tougher items.
Each blade has a cutting core of Japanese ultra-premium AUS-10V high-carbon steel that takes and holds scalpel-like sharpness with exceptionally long-lasting edge retention.
The 67-alternating layers of SUS410 Damascus cladding support the core and provide additional durability and stain resistance.
The blade is hand-finished by following the Honbazuke 3-step method to create staggeringly acute 10 degrees per side. It also creates a beautiful mirror polished edge.
The full tang design with sloped bolster adds strength and control to this edged tool. The ‘Tsunami Rose’ finish reduces drag and reveals a magnificent visual pattern.
The G-10 Garolite handle nestles comfortably in hand. It is highly impervious to both moisture and heat with life-long durability. The engraved end-cap adds balance and provides agile performance, while the intricate copper mosaic pin adds beauty.
Finally, you’ll get a premium -quality PerfectFit sheath to ensure your blade is protected when not in use.
The manufacturer offers 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee and lifetime warranty against defect.
Pros
- Made of ultra-premium materials
- Premium design and workmanship
- Engineered to Perfection
- Extra strong and durable
- Exceptionally long-lasting edge retention
- Scalpel-like sharpness
- Superior hand control and comfort
- Offers quick and agile performance
Cons
- Relatively heavy
7. Shun Classic 10” Chef’s Knife
- JAPANESE CHEF'S KNIFE: The Shun 10-inch Classic Chef's knife is the perfect all-purpose kitchen knife. It's ideal for preparing fruit, vegetables, meat and more.
- LONG 10-INCH KNIFE: This Japanese kitchen knife is perfect for people who prefer a longer chef's knife. It provides additional cutting leverage and allows you to cut more ingredients with fewer strokes.
- HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Constructed with Shun's proprietary VG-MAX cutting core and clad in 68 layers of stainless Damascus, this chef knife is corrosion and stain resistant with a strong, razor-sharp edge.
- COMFORTABLE HANDLE: The D-shaped, ebony-finished Pakkawood handle is durable, beautiful, doesn't harbor bacteria, and comfortable to use for both left- and right-handed users.
- TRADITIONAL, ARTISAN CUTLERY: Inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, Shun knives are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
If you prefer a longer blade, Shun Classic 10″ Japanese-style knife is the right choice for you.
The 10-inch longer blade provides increased reach and leverage and is especially handy when cutting larger foods. That said, it is an all-purpose knife for performing different cutting tasks-chopping, slicing, dicing, or just about anything in your kitchen.
Razor-sharp blade with 16-degree angle on each side offers top performance for easy and enjoyable meal prep. It is much sharper than Western-style knives. Conveniently, the longer blade allows you to cut more items with fewer strokes. This makes it ideal for the commercial kitchen, where productivity is essential.
No worry, handling this long edged tool is not tiresome. The thinner blades make it lightweight and less tiring to use for a long time than comparable European-style Chef’s knives.
Shun’s proprietary VG-MAX steel core offers high-performance that takes and holds razor sharpness and provides incredible edge retention. Clad with 68 layers of Damascus stainless steel, this tool ensures uncompromising quality.
Shun Classic offers graceful control with its Japanese-style Ebony pakkawood handle. It features a slight ridge on the right side that fits perfectly into the curl of the fingers for a comfortable and secure grip.
Importantly, this wooden handle won’t harbor bacteria, waterproof, and incredibly durable.
Pros
- Handcrafted in Seki City, Japan
- Increased reach and leverage
- Versatile, true does-it-all kitchen knife
- Ultra-premium performance
- Enhanced productivity and efficiency
- Stain- & corrosion resistant; durable
- Perfect for withstanding constant use
- Backed by SHUN against manufacturing defects
Cons
- Several users have complained that the blade chips easily.
8. Mac Mighty Professional Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife, 8 Inch
- 2.5mm blade. The added dimples help the knife to glide through sticky foods such as potatoes, apples, and summer squash
- Lightweight. Knife Length- 12.63 inches
- Pakka wood handle. Blade thickness - 2.5 mm
- Hand wash is recommended Not dishwasher safe
- Made In Japan
You won’t face any issue while cutting through sticky foods when you use this Mac Mighty Chef’s Knife. Thanks to its specially designed dimples on the blade, which help prevent food from sticking to the blade and easily cut foods like squash, potatoes, and apples.
The 8-inch long blade is perfect for preparing proteins, fruits, vegetables, and other foods, making it ideal for home and professional kitchens. The 2.5 mm thin blade allows you to cut and slice almost any food easily. The curved of the blade is just perfect for rocking while chopping but still straight enough for push-pull cutting.
You can glide through it most food using minimal effort. In combination with the weight of the bolster, the blade weight makes this tool exceptionally well balanced in the center of your hand.
Mac Mighty uses special stainless steel as the blade material. It further goes through additional treatments for hardness and edge retention. This special steel makes the blade stronger against getting rusty, friction. It also has 61 Rockwell hardness.
Now, getting to the handle, the Mac Mighty Professional Chef’s Knife features a triple-riveted resin Pakkawood handle. It has a nice and rounded contour that fits comfortably into your palms. It also comes with an uncommon tapered bolster on the knife for added weight and balance.
Pros
- Made in Japan
- Top-notch quality
- Perfect for everyday use
- Surgical sharpness
- Lightweight, easy to handle
- Great for a rocking motion
- Easy to sharpen
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Requires more care and delicate handling than some of the other picks
9. Global G-2 Chef’s Knife
- Lightweight, precisely balanced 8-inch or 20cm chef's knife
- Blade made of high-tech molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel
- Edge retains razor sharpness exceptionally well
- Stainless-steel handle molded for Comfort, dimpled for safe grip
- Lifetime warranty against defects and breakage
If you want a kitchen workhorse that’s easy to care for and extremely durable, this is the knife for you.
The Global G-2 is handcrafted in Yoshikin’s factory in Niigata, Japan. Their knives are well-renowned for quality and unique construction. And this model is no different.
The G-2 is the multi-purpose workhorse of your kitchen. Its 8-inch blade is perfect for cutting, mincing, slicing, chopping, and prep work.
The blade and hollow handle are made of a single piece of steel for unsurpassed performances. Of course, the handle is well-balanced, filled with sand to achieve the desired weight. It delivers a subtle shifting balance that feels perfect in your hand.
The steel handle features dimples that provide the grip. While some cooks think it gets slippery in wet hand when used to cut meat, chicken, or anything juicy, our team of experts hasn’t found that to be the case. In fact, it feels just right.
Made with Cromova 18 (finest stainless steel designed exclusively for Global), the blade is hard enough to retain its sharpness yet soft enough to sharpen with a whetstone. What’s more, it has excellent resistance to staining and rust.
Notably, the blade is ice tempered and hardened to Rockwell C-58 to hold the razor-sharp edge longer than many other steels.
Pros
- Proudly made in Japan
- Perfectly balanced for optimal control
- Ergonomic, comfortable to hold and use
- Meets global standards, especially at the edges
- Highly durable, resistant to rust and corrosion
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- It lacks the heft of German models, so it’s less well-suited to cutting up chicken or butternut squash.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Chef Knife
What makes a great chef knife, great? At first glance, knives don’t feel to be the most sophisticated tool ever and one might feel like – “You just get a knife that’s sharp and cut well, what else?”
No mate. Not that simple. To take your chopping and slicing experience to the next level, you need to have a range of considerations in your mind while you’re shopping for your new knife. Such as –
Full Tang Vs. Partial Tang
A knife is one piece of metal forged into the shape of it. It’s divided into two sections – The blade, and the handle.
In a full-tang model, the handle will go all the way through to the bottom of the knife. That means, the wooden or plastic handle that you grip with your hand, which is just a handle covering, will have the metal handle as the core of it all the way through.
The core metal handle will have an equal length as the plastic/wooden handle covering.
In a partial tang, the core metal handle will not go all the way through. The metal handle might go a little more than half of the length of the wood/plastic handle covering. The rest of the length of the handle will have only wood or plastic with no metal in the core.
Full tang models make for more confidence while you’re executing heavy-duty cutting. Meanwhile, half-tang models reduce weight.
For most instances, full-tang is the better choice.
Metal Quality: Carbon Vs. Stainless Steel
The quality of the metal goes a long way to decide how well the knife will perform and hold up. First off, there’s carbon steel vs. stainless steel. Fast forward to the conclusion, go for stainless steel.
Carbon steel acts like cast iron and they’ll chemically react with base foods, like cabbage, artichokes, onions, etc. That makes them a less versatile option since they’re not good for cutting all sorts of foods.
However, they’re a little tougher, easier to sharpen and maintain the sharpness quite better.
Stainless steel, on the other hand, is more versatile and apt for cutting all sorts of food. They’ll not get into chemical reactions and not catch rust. They’re durable and easier to maintain. However, sharpening takes a little more effort.
Strength & Durability
Along with the base steel, few alloys are mixed to enhance certain properties of the steel. For example, adding carbon and chromium to the steel will resist it from rusting and staining. Molybdenum and vanadium will increase hardness.
Harder steel will hold the sharpness for longer, which we desire. However, increased hardness will also increase the brittleness and the chance of chipping.
Grip Comfort
The ground rule – Your knife has to feel good in your hand. It makes for confidence and prevention of fatigue from extended use, which is likely to occur often since your knife is one of your prime tools in the kitchen.
People having larger hands usually find thicker grips more comfortable, and vice versa. But how to decide if a knife has a comfortable grip by viewing it online?
Look for the shape. You must have used a knife before that felt comfortable in your hand. What shape did it have? Knife handles have different shape-factors: curved, flat, and so on. You need to find the apt one for your hand.
Safety
Your knife is meant to cut veggies and meat and food in general, not your finger. There’s bolster bluff in knives to make sure that stays to be the case.
Bolster bluff is the fattening of the blade at the point where it joins the handle. It’ll keep your hand from slipping down onto a sharp blade heel which can be fatal. It also helps to maintain a balance of the knife while you work with it.
You also want to ensure a non-slip grip so that your knife doesn’t slip and fall on your legs.
Balance
A well-balanced knife is needed to reduce fatigue upon cutting with it for an extended period. Some knives could be unusually blade-heavy which are not great to work with for a longer period of time.
Heavy materials like wood on the handle and full tangs help to bring the balance between the handle and the blade, which is essential for effortless cutting.
Look
Though this factor is listed last here, I won’t mind a lot if someone puts it at the top of their priority list. I mean, someone shouldn’t buy a knife solely by going after its look but considering it to be one of the big factors isn’t a crime.
Your knife should be appealing and it should excite you to pick it up and start slicing. This will bring a lot of joy to your work.
Some knives are just sexier than others with their graceful curves, smooth line, and flashy handles. Let your taste decide.
Japanese Style Vs. Western Chef Knives: Which One Should You Get?
If you’ve done little deep researching chef knives, you probably have had this question rising in your mind, Japanese and German both knives are great, but which way do I go?
Look, the Japanese are all about precision, so are their knives. The blade of the Japanese knives is made as thin as possible to promote skillful maneuver for precise cuts. And to achieve hardness with a thin blade, the steel has more percentage of carbon in it. But this inadvertently increases the brittleness of the edge so sharpening it becomes a more complex job.
Whereas, western knife’s blades seem to be thicker and have more pure steel in them. They facilitate having more weight on the blade so it’d make cutting easier and requiring less effort. These blades are less prone to chipping and brittle.
So, ultimate precision vs easier cutting seems to be the core difference between these knives. Now, which one’s your style?
How About Ceramic Chef Knives?
Ceramics are invading every part of our lives recently, but can they be a replacement for the steel in our knives?
No, not really. Ceramic knives could be a complementary tool to our regular knives, but far from replacing them, and act as our regular knife.
The zirconium construction will shatter when it slips over your kitchen counter. When they turn dull, it’s not as simple as a few passes of your honing rod – it can’t abrade zirconium. You’ll need professional help.
Need to slice squishy tomatoes, carve steak, or fillet salmon? They could be a great help. But don’t expect them to take care of all the cutting jobs in the kitchen.
Concluding Our Best Chef Knife Under $100 Guide
Coming down all the way, what is the best chef knife under 100? My most favorite knife among the bunch has to be the WUSTHOF 8-inch chef knife, which, however, exceeds the 100-dollar mark by a fair margin (The 6-inch version is in the budget).
Considering that, my second-best choice would be the Zelite Infinity knife for the best option.
For people on a really tight budget, nothing can beat the PAUDIN Pro and the Victorinox Fibrox knives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size of Chef Knife Should I Buy?
The 8-inch knives are the most common chef knife and I believe they’re the best fit for most people. However, if you have particular use cases in mind, you could consider 6 or 10-inch options too.
What’s the best chef knife under 100 bucks?
Which tang is recommended?
Full tang, most of the time. Great for strength and confidence.
How do you care for a chef knife?
Clean them after every cook, store them dry, and sharpen them once in a while. That’ll be enough to maintain your precious knife.
Conclusion
Finding the best chef knife under 200 was not that easy, but we did it!
These 9 models are vigorously tested. They also tried in many professional kitchens. You can rest assured that these selected knives will last for years to come and make cooking prep much easier.
Hopefully, they will also upgrade your whole kitchen experience.
So, pick the right one from our comprehensive list and revamp your meal prep!
Last update on 2023-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
