The Definitive Guide to the Best Kitchen Knife Brands

When it comes to kitchen knives, brand matters.

The best brands have a long track record of producing sharp, sturdy, well-balanced, and elegantly-designed knives.

Many claim to be the best, but few have the loyal customers, accolades, and longevity to prove it.

So, which kitchen knife brands are the best?

And what makes them better than the others?

In this guide, I provide an in-depth review of the best kitchen knife brands.

You’ll learn:

• How each brand makes its knives
• How the knives look, feel, and perform
• How much they cost
• What other experts say about them
• What makes these brands the best in the world
• And much more

By the end, you’ll have all the important facts to decide which brand is right for you.

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Use the links below to navigate this guide:

• Best Kitchen Knife Brands: Quick Summary
• Comparison Chart
• Best German Kitchen Knife Brand: Wusthof
• Most Proven Kitchen Knife Brand: Zwilling J.A. Henckels
• Best-Performing Kitchen Knife Brand: MAC
• Most Unique Kitchen Knife Brand: Global
• Best Japanese Kitchen Knife Brand: Shun
• Best Value Kitchen Knife Brand: Victorinox
• Other Knife Brands Worth Considering
• What to Look For In a Kitchen Knife Brand

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Comparison Chart

The chart below makes it easy to compare the best kitchen knife brands across key categories.

Swipe to view the entire chart on mobile.

Brand	Wusthof	Zwilling J.A. Henckels	MAC	Global	Shun	Victorinox
Founded	1814	1731	1964	1985	2002	1884
Where They’re Made	Solingen, Germany	Germany and Japan	Seki City, Japan	Niigata, Japan	Seki City, Japan	Ibach, Switzerland
Collections	9	17	7	3	6	4
Blade Material	X50CrMoV15	X50CrMoV15	Molybdenum high-carbon steel	Cromova 18	SG2, VG10, VG-MAX	X46CR13, X70CrMo15, X55CrMo14
Handle Material	Synthetic resin or wood	Durable plastic, wood, or stainless steel	Pakkawood, magnolia wood, or ebony	Steel	PakkaWood, Tagayasan wood, PP/TPE	Polyoxymethylene (POM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), PP, polypropylene copolymer (PPC), wood
Design	German-style	German or Japanese-style	Japanese-style	Japanese-style with a German twist	Japanese-style	Swiss and German-style knives
Blade Hardness	58	57	57-61	56-58	60-62	55-56
Blade Sharpness	28-degree angle	30-degree angle (Japanese knives have an 18 to 24-degree angle)	30-degree angle	30-degree angle	32-degree angle	30-40-degree angle
Weight (8-inch Chef’s Knife)	8.5 ounces	12 ounces	6.5 ounces	5.5 ounces	7.2 ounces	9.6 ounces (forged) 7 ounces (stamped)
Price	$$$$ (Amazon)	$$$ to $$$$$ (Zwilling.com)	$$$ (Amazon)	$$$ (Amazon)	$$$$ (Amazon)	$$$ (Amazon)

Best German Kitchen Knife Brand: Wusthof

Wusthof is one of the most respected and recognized kitchen knife brands in the world.

Wusthof knives are the epitome of German engineering—expertly-designed, precisely-crafted, and built to last.

Family-owned since its founding in 1814, the Solingen, Germany-based company focuses only on manufacturing and innovating kitchen knives, while most of its competitors offer kitchen knives as part of their product lines.

Wusthof’s singular focus on knives allows them to stay ahead of the curve in terms of manufacturing, technology, and design.

Watch the birth and a Wusthof knife in this video.

As you’ll see, producing each knife is a multi-step, labor-intensive process. It requires advanced robotics and skilled artisans to ensure that each knife is worthy of bearing the eye-catching, red Wusthof logo.

Now, let’s dive in and take a look at what makes Wusthof knives so special.

Materials

Wusthof makes its knife blades from high-carbon, rust-resistant stainless steel for increased hardness, sharper edges, and luster.

The Wusthof steel formula is known as X50CRMoV15, which is a high-grade alloy that includes carbon, molybdenum, and vanadium.

Wusthof handles are either crafted with wood such as Richlite (wood composite), Grenadill (African Blackwood), Calabrian olive wood, bog oak, smoked oak, European beechwood, or synthetic material known as polyoxymethylene (POM), depending on the collection.

POM, an extremely durable food-grade plastic, has a tight molecular structure, which protects it from becoming damaged by moisture or exposure to high-heat.

Design

When it comes to design, Wusthof knives are both elegant and functional.

Below is a look at the Chef’s knife from a few of the most popular Wusthof collections.

Wusthof Classic:

Wusthof Classic Ikon:

Wusthof Gourmet:

As you can see, the blades are nearly identical across collections.

But, there are some subtle differences.

For example, some collections feature a full bolster (the thick part of steel between the blade and handle), while others have a half bolster. 

Some collections have three exposed rivets, while others have two or none.

While Wusthof designs all its handles for ergonomic comfort and control, each collection is unique.

Here’s a closer look at the design of the brand’s most-popular collection: Wusthof Classic. 

As you can see, this knife has a smooth black handle with a full bolster and tang (the part of the blade that runs through the handle).

The Wusthof Crafter collection is probably the most unique in terms of design.

This collection features smoked oak handles and three brass rivets, giving it a unique rustic look.

Edge Angle

Wusthof sharpens its knives to a 14-degree cutting angle per side for a total cutting angle of 28 degrees.

As you explore options, keep in mind that the lower the angle, the sharper the edge.

Many kitchen knife brands sharpen their edges between 17 to 20 degrees per side. So at 14 degrees, Wusthof knives are sharper than average.

Wusthof’s Asian-style blades, including Santokus and Nakiris, carry an ultra-sharp edge angle of 10 degrees on each side (20 degrees total).

Blade Hardness

Wusthof tempers its forged knives to 58 on the Rockwell Scale, a benchmark used by knife manufacturers to measure hardness.

Harder blades can tolerate a sharper edge and retain the sharpness better over time. But steel that’s too hard is more likely to chip, so finding the right balance is important.

In general, when it comes to kitchen knives, anything from 55 to 60 should work just fine.

Popular Collections

If you’re interested in Wusthof, but not sure which collection to choose, I highly recommend Wusthof Classic.

It’s the brand’s best-selling collection for a good reason.

Wusthof Classic knives have a clean, simply-stated look, comfortable handles, and extremely durable blades.

Although each collection has its unique draw, I want to call out two others worthy of a second look: Ikon and Crafter.

Why Ikon? It’s a showstopper.

The exposed bolster on the butt end of the handle gives it balance and presence, and the African Blackwood triple-riveted handle makes it a conversation piece on your kitchen counter.

If you’re looking for a more rustic design, look no further than the Wusthof’s newest line: Crafter.

The ergonomic, smoked oak handles are attached to the forged blades by three brass rivets. These knives have the same traditional shape as Wusthof Classic, but the wood hanles give them a more natural, elegant look.

All three of these collections are available on Amazon at these links: Classic, Ikon, Crafter. If you want to learn more about all Wusthof collections, check out my in-depth comparison.

Warranty

All Wusthof knives have a limited lifetime warranty, which covers defective items, but not knives damaged by normal wear or improper use.

If Wusthof no longer manufactures the item, they will replace it with something of similar or equal value on a case-by-case basis.

Price

One of the few downsides of Wusthof knives is the price.

There’s no doubt about it—Wusthof knives are expensive. However, with proper care, they will last for decades, so the total cost of ownership is quite low.

The prices vary based on the collection and the type of construction.

But, to give you an idea, you can check the current prices on Amazon of the most popular collections using the links below:

• Wusthof Classic
• Wusthof Amici
• Wusthof Ikon
• Wusthof Classic Ikon
• Wusthof Crafter
• Wusthof Gourmet

Wusthof forged knives (Classic, Ikon, Classic Ikon, Grand Prix II, Crafter, Amici, Aeon, Performer) tend to be pretty expensive because they endure a unique 40-step manufacturing process.

Wusthof stamped knives (Gourmet) are more economical since the manufacturing process is less intensive, only 14 steps.

I cover the differences between forged and stamped knives later in this guide.

What Others Are Saying About Wusthof

Wusthof has a long list of accolades and mentions from culinary experts across the globe.

Here are just a few of those honors (there are many more):

• Good Housekeeping named the Wusthof Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife the Best Overall Chef’s Knife, calling it “razor sharp and super versatile,” and “perfectly balanced and ergonomic.”
• In the same article, Good Housekeeping named the Wusthof Classic 7-inch Craftsman Knife the Most Versatile Chef’s Knife. They claim it was “a top-performer in almost every test.”
• Food & Wine named the Wusthof Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife the Best Tough Workhorse Knife, calling it “heavy and powerful” and “very secure and well-balanced.”
• In another review, Food & Wine named the Wusthof Classic 7-piece Slim Knife Block Set the Best German Steel Set due to its superior edge retention, balance, and durability.
• In their review of the best chef’s knives, The Wirecutter declared Wusthof Classic Ikon the “Also Great” (3rd place) pick, calling it sharp and sturdy.
• In a review of the best knife sets, The Wirecutter named the Wusthof Classic Ikon 7-Piece Set the Best All-Purpose Knife Set due to its sharp edges, heft, and comfortable handle.

Should You Buy Wusthof Knives?

Wusthof is, hands down, one of the best kitchen knife brands in the world.

The company maintains the highest standards in terms of sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, and design.

The hallmarks of the brand are precision, craftsmanship, and superior control.

Here are some things to consider before buying Wusthof knives:

Solingen-Made: Wusthof creates all of its knives in Solingen, widely known as the “City of Blades” due to the rich knife-making legacy of the area. You might come across “Made In Solingen” knock-offs, but Wusthof is one of the very few brands permitted to boast that distinction since the brand actually makes its knives there.

Superior Sharpness and Hardness: Wusthof uses Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) to yield blades that are 20% sharper and have twice the edge retention of its competitors. Besides that, the high carbon content and manufacturing process gives the knives a Rockwell score of 58, which is the optimal hardness for durability and edge retention.

Variety: Wusthof offers several collections of both forged and laser-cut stamped knives. Each collection has unique features, finishes, and price points—they have something for everyone.

Popularity: Wusthof is consistently one of the top-selling brands, has high ratings for its product lines on Amazon, and is often a finalist or winner in kitchen knife comparisons and reviews.

Cost: Let’s face it, Wusthof knives are pricey. So, if you’re on a budget, it might not be the brand for you. If you’re set on Wusthof but don’t have the budget for a forged set, start with a laser-cut stamped knife since they are more affordable, or buy one knife at a time instead of a complete set.

Style/Weight: Not everyone likes German-style knives like Wusthof. This type of knife is thicker and heavier than Japanese or American made knives. Although Wusthof knives are well balanced, some people prefer lighter knives that make precision cuts and quick knife work a bit easier. 

I’ve been using Wusthof knives in my kitchen for years. It’s a brand that I would recommend to anyone without hesitation for all the reasons I just covered.

Wusthof knives are available on Amazon where you can check the current prices and read dozens of reviews.

Now that you’ve learned about Wusthof, let’s take a look at another one of the best kitchen knife brands, and one of Wusthof’s biggest rivals: Zwilling J.A. Henckels.

Most Proven Kitchen Knife Brand: Zwilling J.A. Henckels

Like Wusthof, Zwilling J.A. Henckels hails from Solingen, Germany.

Johann Peter Henckels started Zwilling J.A. Henckels back in 1731 by, making it one of the oldest and most proven brands in the world.

The Solingen knife maker had the foresight to register the “twin” symbol (Zwilling means “twin” in German) that’s become one of the most recognizable logos in the cookware industry.

The company is still headquartered in Solingen, but they also have global centers of manufacturing and operation in France, Italy, Japan, Belgium, and many more countries.

Zwilling J.A. Henckels is a premier creator of cutlery but also manufactures cookware, kitchen tools, tabletop items, and personal grooming implements.

Although the company is best known for its premium cutlery under the Zwilling brand, they’ve built a kitchen empire that also houses these popular cookware brands:

• Staub: enameled cast iron cookware
• Miyabi: Japanese-style cutlery
• Demeyere: premium stainless steel cookware
• Ballarini: non-stick cookware
• Henckels International: affordable stamped knives, manufactured in Spain and Asia (check out my comparison of Zwilling vs. Henckels or my in-depth review of Henckels knives)

After more than 280 years in the knife-making business, I’d say they’re worth taking a look at if you are searching for the best kitchen knife brand.

If you’d like to see how Wusthof and Zwilling stack up head-to-head, check out my detailed comparison.

For now, let’s take a closer look at what Zwilling J.A. Henckels kitchen knives have to offer.

Since there are several distinct brands of knives under the Zwilling J.A. Henckels umbrella (Zwilling, Miyabi, and Henckels International), we’ll focus on Zwilling in this guide.

Materials

Zwilling makes its blades from German stainless steel that is a rust-resistant, high-carbon alloy boasting superior sharpness and edge retention.

There are more than a dozen Zwilling collections, and most of them feature synthetic or wood handles.

The Pro Holm Oak collection has gorgeous Mediterranean Holm Oak handles, which are light-colored and natural-looking. 

The Kramer Meiji collection has PakkaWood handles, which is a dark wood with distinct grains.

Design

Zwilling offers a variety of designs across collections.

Some knives, like Kramer Euroline, feature a Damascus design, a 100-layer wavy Chevron pattern protecting a steel core.

Other lines, like the Zwilling Pro, have a more simple and classic design.

Here’s a quick look at the design of other popular Zwilling collections.

Zwilling Pro “S”:

Zwilling Four Star:

Zwilling Gourmet:

Zwilling handles bear a distinctive curve just before the butt that is not only a beautiful design element but also a functional addition—it provides a place for your pinky finger to rest and prevents your hand from slipping.

Handles are either riveted or permanently bonded.

Here’s a sample of the different handle designs that Zwilling offers:

Edge Angle

Zwilling forged knives are sharpened to 15 degrees per side for a total edge angle of 30 degrees—a slightly greater angle than Wusthof, but not by much.

Remember, the higher the degree angle number, the less sharp the knife.

Blade Hardness

Zwilling knives have a Rockwell Hardness of 57, an indicator of how well a knife brand will retain its cutting edge.

For perspective, Wusthof scores a 58 on the Rockwell scale. The higher the number, the harder the knife, but the high number also decreases durability.

When shopping for kitchen knives, anything in the 55-60 range is ideal. 

Popular Collections

Navigating all of Zwilling’s knife collections can be confusing and overwhelming. So, let me simplify it and give you my recommendation.

The most popular Zwilling collections, and the two I recommend, are the Pro and Pro “S.”

Both have a classic Western-style blade profile made out of high-carbon steel, and a contoured, triple-riveted black handle.

You can buy both collections as individual pieces or sets ranging from two pieces to over 15 pieces.

The main difference between Zwilling Pro and Pro “S” is that the Pro has a half bolster that allows you to sharpen the entire edge, while the Pro “S” has a full bolster that provides more balance and protects your hand from slipping onto the blade.

Check out my in-depth comparison of these two popular Zwilling collections if you want to get a closer look.

Bottom line—Zwilling gives you lots of options, but if you’re looking for knives with a classic design that perform incredibly well, check out Pro and Pro “S.” Both are available on Amazon: Pro, Pro “S.”

Warranty

Zwilling J.A. Henckels offers a limited lifetime warranty, which covers the full replacement cost of defective products that you purchase through Zwilling or a Zwilling authorized seller.

Price

Like Wusthof and the other brands in this guide, Zwilling knives aren’t cheap.

Individual pieces start under a hundred dollars, but sets range from hundreds to thousands, depending on the collection and number of knives in the set.

In general, the Zwilling Pro Holm Oak and Zwilling Kramer Meiji collections tend to be the priciest due to their unique wooden handles.

The Pro, Pro “S,” and Four Star collections are more affordable, but still pricey compared to brands like Cuisinart.

If you’re willing to sacrifice performance and durability slightly, the Zwilling’s stamped knife collection, Gourmet, is the least expensive by far.

You can check the current prices of the most popular Zwilling collections on Amazon and Zwilling.com at the links below:

• Pro: Amazon, Zwilling.com
• Pro “S”: Amazon, Zwilling.com
• Pro Holm Oak: Amazon, Zwilling.com
• Four Star: Amazon, Zwilling.com
• Twin Four Star: Amazon, Zwilling.com
• Kramer Meiji: Amazon, Zwilling.com
• Gourmet: Amazon, Zwilling.com

What Others Are Saying About Zwilling J.A. Henckels

A quick look at reviewers’ comments on Zwilling.com and Amazon reveals that most home cooks love the overall performance of Zwilling knives.

But, it’s not just everyday customers that love Zwilling knives. The brand gets its fair share of praise from culinary experts, and its knives rank at or near the top of most “best of” lists.

Here are examples of what others are saying about Zwilling:

• Reviewed.com tested 15 different knives and named the Zwilling Pro 8-inch Chef’s Knife the Best Overall Chef’s Knife. They praise its “solid, well-balanced blade,” and it’s “easy to grip and seriously comfortable” handle.
• In that same review, Reviewed.com experts also honored the Zwilling Four Star 8-inch Chef’s Knife, complimenting its versatility and overall reliable performance.
• Gear Patrol recently named Zwilling one of the Best Kitchen Knife Brands for its traditional Western-style design, quality materials, and long legacy.
• Good Housekeeping gave Zwilling Gourmet knives a score of 85 out of 100 for its balance, sharpness, and affordability. The one thing they didn’t love was the square, angular handles, saying they’re slightly uncomfortable and too small.
• Gordon Ramsay, the Michelin Star Chef and restaurateur, uses Zwilling J.A. Henckels knives in his MasterClass videos. And if Chef Ramsay is using them, you know their quality knives.

Should You Buy Zwilling J.A. Henckels Knives?

If you’re looking for a set of knives from a brand that’s proven its value in the market for hundreds of years, you should strongly consider Zwilling J.A. Henckels.

Zwilling J.A. Henckels knives are sharp, balanced, and built to last.

They’re elegant but not flashy. The black or wooden handles give Zwilling knives a classic, timeless look that will complement every kitchen style.

Here are a few things to consider before buying Zwilling knives:

Sharpness: Zwilling J.A. Henckels uses innovative processes to maintain the sharp edges of its kitchen knives. Their unique Friodur ice-hardening method not only increases the initial sharpness of the blade but helps to keep it sharp for longer. 

Variety: Zwilling J.A. Henckels offers kitchen knives under brands (Zwilling, Miyabi, and Henckels International), and each brand has several collections with unique features. So, with Zwilling, there are a variety of designs and price-points available.

Cost: In general, most Zwilling J.A. Henckels knife collections are expensive. However, the Gourmet collection, since it’s stamped, is more affordable. If you’re looking to save, another option is to start with one knife (like a Chef’s knife) and build up a more extensive set over time.

Tradition: Zwilling J.A. Henckels is not only one of the longest-lasting knife brands in the world; it’s one of the longest-lasting brands across all industries. A business simply can’t survive that long without producing high-quality products and continuously innovating and improving along the way. There are no risks with this brand. When you buy Zwilling J.A. Henckels knives, you know you’re getting one of the best products available.

Bottom line—if you like German-style knives, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, along with Wusthof, is one of the best brands you can buy. The differences between these brands are minor and, whichever you choose, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Zwilling knives are available on Amazon and Zwilling.com where you can check the current prices and read dozens of reviews.

Best-Performing Kitchen Knife Brand: MAC

MAC may not have the brand recognition of Wusthof or Zwilling, but the company has been around since 1964 and has sold over 25 million knives.

Expert artisans make their knives in Seki City, Japan, a region with a long history of knife making.

When I saw that The New York Times named MAC MTH-80 the best overall chef’s knife, I immediately bought it and put it to the test.

You can watch me break down the pros and cons in the video below, but the bottom line is MAC is one of the best-performing knife brands in the world.

The knives are lightweight, balanced, incredibly sharp, and retain their edge longer than almost any brand I’ve tested.

Let’s get into why MAC is the best-performing knife brand.

Materials

You can’t have high-performing knives without high-quality materials.

Most MAC blades are made of molybdenum high-carbon steel. On the Rockwell Scale, the steel’s hardness falls between 57 and 61. The steel used for the brand’s most popular collection, Professional, has a Rockwell hardness of 59.

Softer steel loses its edge quicker but resists chipping and is easier to sharpen. Harder steel retains its edge longer but is more brittle and more difficult to sharpen.

The hardness of the steel MAC is an ideal balance between edge retention and durability.

Two of MAC’s most popular knife collections, Professional and Sub-Zero (Japanese Series), feature sub-zero tempered steel called superior steel. This type of steel is treated with liquid nitrogen, making the alloy harder and giving it better edge retention.

The standard molybdenum, high-carbon steel requires sharpening every 4-6 weeks with heavy use; the sub-zero steel used to make Professional and Japanese Series knives can stay sharper longer, up to eight weeks.

MAC handles are primarily made from Pakkawood, a super-durable type of layered wood veneer (many of Shun’s handles are made of Pakkawood, too). Some are made of magnolia or ebony.

Design

In this section, I’ll highlight the design of MAC Professional since it’s, by far, the brand’s most popular series.

Compared to most Japanese chef’s knives, the edge is more curved, which allows you to rock chop. But compared to western chef’s knives, the edge is relatively flat. The belly doesn’t curve as much, and the overall blade profile is relatively slim.

So you get the best of both worlds: a flatter edge for slicing, the push-pull technique, and a slight curve for rocking.

It has a hollow edge (also known as a Granton edge) designed to prevent food from sticking.

The PakkaWood handle on the MAC Mighty MTH-80 has a subtle wood grain. Unless you look up close, the handle appears solid black.

The thin layers of wood veneer are bonded together with resin. Its dark finish provides a nice contrast to the sheen of the blade.

The handle shape is similar to most western style knives. It has a full tang and triple riveted handle. For example, if you compare it to the Wusthof Classic, it has a similar curve toward the butt end.

Edge Angle

Japanese knife makers like Shun and Global only grind the steel halfway up the blade.

MAC grinds and bevels the whole side from the spine to the edge, resulting in a complete, V-shaped tapered edge. This method produces a thinner and sharper knife with superior edge retention, so you don’t need to sharpen it often.

MAC knife edges aren’t the traditional single bevel of many Japanese knives. They also don’t have a center double-bevel like most Western-style knives.

Instead, MAC’s blades are slightly off-center and sharpened to a 15-degree angle on both sides.

MAC’s unique approach to construction and edge design pays off. Based on my tests, it’s one of the sharpest knife brands. It easily cuts through hard ingredients like carrots, squash, and potatoes.

Warranty

Like most brands, MAC knives come with a 25-year warranty covering any materials and workmanship defects. It doesn’t cover normal wear or accidents that cause a broken tip or chipped edge.

One important thing to note — if you buy MAC knives on Amazon or eBay, make sure you’re buying from a MAC authorized seller; otherwise, the warranty is invalid.

Price

MAC knives aren’t the most expensive but they aren’t cheap either. Prices vary drastically by collection.

The most expensive knives are in the Ultimate, Professional, and Japanese Series. Knives in the Original and Chef Series are the least costly.

You can check the current prices of each collection on Amazon and MACknife.com.

What Others Are Saying About MAC

You won’t find MAC knives in stores like Williams Sonoma or Crate and Barrel, and you won’t see commercials for them on TV. But despite its limited distribution, it’s one of the most awarded cutlery brands.

If you ask any professional chef that’s used a MAC knife, they’ll tell you it’s one of the best-performing brands.

Here’s what independent outlets say about MAC.

• After testing 20 different brands,The New York Times Wirecutter named the MAC Mighty MTH-80 the best chef’s knife. They loved its sharp edge, sleek design, and comfortable handle. The knife beat out 22 others and has been the top choice of Wirecutter since 2013.
• In a recent CNET article, MAC’s Mighty MTH-80 has been named the best Japanese-style knife. The hollow edge 8-inch chef’s knife was praised for its sharpness, design, and construction. Its thin profile doesn’t sacrifice balance and control. Reviewers also noted that the thin blade is easy to chip, so you must be extra careful.
• Epicurious named the MAC Mighty MTH-80 the best chef’s knife overall. After testing 18 chef’s knives, they chose MAC for its moderate pricing, sharpness, design, and performance. Testers noted excellent long edge retention and easy sharpening.
• Serious Eats tested 16 Santoku knives and chose the MAC MSK-65 Professional Santoku as the favorite. Because of its lightweight feel, balance, and sharpness, it was called “an absolute pleasure to use, no matter the task.”
• Food & Wine chose the MAC Mighty MTH-80 as the best overall knife. The testers praised its sharp edge, lightweight feel, and non-slip handle. The well-balanced knife caused minimal pressure and strain during testing, and it passed all chopping, slicing, and dicing tests.

Should You Buy MAC Knives?

Before deciding whether to buy MAC knives or not, consider these pros and cons (starting with the pros):

Lightweight and Nimble: MAC knives are thin (blades are between 1.5-2.5 mm) but still have good heft and are well-balanced. The balance point is in the center of the knife, where the blade and handle meet.

Unique Blade Profile: MAC edges are flatter than most knives, enabling the rock chop technique and allowing for straight, precise cuts — it’s almost a hybrid between a chef’s knife and a Santoku.

Thin and Sharp Edge: MAC knives are incredibly sharp right out of the box, and they stay that way longer than most knives due to the V-shaped tapered edge and sub-zero tempering.

MAC knives aren’t perfect. Here are some cons to consider:

Short Handle: You might find the 4.5-inch handle uncomfortable if you have large hands. It’s shorter than most comparable knives on the market.

Delicate Edge: The edge is fine and delicate. You’ll want to avoid cutting through bones, frozen foods, or hard squash.

Prone to Stains and Rust: The steel is more prone to rust and stains due to its high carbon content. You need to be especially aware of this when cutting corrosive acidic foods, like citrus or tomatoes, as those can stain the blade.

Not Widely Available: MAC knives are available on Amazon, eBay, and MACKnife.com but not in most stores. If you buy them on Amazon or eBay, make sure you’re buying from a MAC-authorized seller.

Overall, MAC knives are a joy to use. They’re a unique mix of Western and Japanese styles. The handles are more like German knives, but the blades are thinner, more nimble, and hold their edge like Japanese knives. Although MAC knives are lightweight, they feel sturdy and balanced.

If you’re looking for really well-made knives that are ultra-sharp and comfortable to handle, and you have the budget, you should absolutely buy MAC knives.

MAC knives are available on Amazon, where you can check the current prices and read dozens of reviews. If you’re unsure if MAC knives are right for you, I break down the pros and cons in more detail in this in-depth review.

Most Unique Kitchen Knife Brand: Global

The power behind Global Cutlery is captured in the smile of a man who has a passion for knives and a seemingly inexhaustible work ethic.

Affectionately known as Mr. Global, Mino Tsuchida is a family man and entrepreneur who founded Master Cutlery Corporation in 1985.

Through his partnerships with Yoshikin, a metal manufacturing company in Niigata, Japan, and visionary industrial designer, Komin Yamada, Tsuchida launched the Global Cutlery brand with twelve knives.

Instead of bringing another Japanese-style knife to the market, Yamada combined Japanese precision and German durability to produce a knife that the cutlery world had never seen before—razor-sharp, balanced, stylish, and durable.

Global knives, which feature innovative edges and balancing, are still manufactured in Niigata, Japan. The knives are crafted in the centuries-old tradition of the Samurai warrior—strong, exact, and wickedly sharp.

Global knives have a distinct look that instantly stands out.

Rather than having a synthetic or wood handle bolted to the blade with steel rivets like most premium kitchen knives, Global knives are stainless steel from the tip of the blade to butt end of the handle.

Although they appear to be one piece, the steel blade and handle are welded together at the connection point, and the hollow handles are filled with sand to achieve the perfect weight and balance.

Some people love this look of Global knives, while others prefer something more traditional. But, one thing is for sure, they stand out and are memorable.

Over the past few decades, Global knives have gained popularity, and, nowadays, you’ll find them being used in fancy restaurants, on cooking shows, and by top chefs like Ludo Lefebvre.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes Global one of the best kitchen knife brands.

Materials

Global blades and handles are made from CROMOVA 18 stainless steel, an alloy containing chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium. This combination delivers the ideal hardness, improves edge retention, and resists rust.

This special steel contains 18% chromium, which is the key ingredient that makes the steel “stainless steel.” In contrast, the steel Wusthof uses to make its blades contains only 15% chromium. So, Global knives are more resistant to staining than most brands, at least on paper.

Design

Global knives have an incredibly unique and modern design. I think it’s fair to say that the look of this brand is polarizing.

Some people love how clean, sleek, and modern Global knives look. Others prefer the texture and aesthetics of a black synthetic or natural wood handle against a shiny steel blade—the look that you get with brands like Wusthof and Zwilling.

As you can see, the knife is stainless steel, top to bottom.

The blades have a gradual inward-bending curve ideal for cutting and helping food to slide off easily during use.

The pattern of recessed dots or dimples on the grip of the handle is an iconic feature of the brand.

Global makes its ergonomically-designed handle from two pieces of identical stainless steel. They weld the two pieces together to form a hollow chamber that they fill with sand for balance and weight. After fusing the handle parts, they weld the stamped blade to the handle.

Global has a handful of collections with subtle design differences, but they all feature long cutting edges and no bolster. Each knife has a secure area to rest the thumb that is far from the blade.

One collection, SAI, has a textured blade designed so that food doesn’t stick when you’re cutting.

Here’s a quick look at each Global collection (besides SAI, which you can see above).

Global Classic:

Global Ukon:

Edge Angle

Global knives feature a straight, double-edged wide blade, noticeably sharper than the beveled edges that are a standard for many Western and European kitchen knives.

Global claims that its “straight edge results in a dramatically sharper knife which stays sharper longer.”

In the illustration below, you can see the difference between straight and beveled edges.

Global Classic and Global Ukon knives are sharpened to an acute angle of 15 degrees per side (30 degrees total), while SAI and NI knives have a 12.5-degree angle per side (25 degrees total).

Blade Hardness

Global blades are hardened to between 56 and 58 on the Rockwell scale, which is an ideal rating for kitchen knives as it strikes a delicate balance between durability and edge retention.

Popular Collections

Unlike Wusthof and Zwilling, which offer several different knife collections, Global only has three—Classic, SAI, and Ukon.

While all three collections are impressive, the most popular, by far, is Global Classic (see on Amazon).

With the Classic collection, you get the signature stainless steel handle, iconic slip-resistant dimples across the entire surface of the handle, razor-sharp straight edge, and convex blade profile.

Are the other collections worth checking out? Absolutely.

In fact, the SAI and Ukon collections are very similar to the Classic. The most significant difference is in the design of the handle.

The Classic collection has dimples across the entire handle, while the Ukon collection has three rows of dimples on the edge side of the handle.

The SAI collection is the most unique with one row of dimples on the handle, and a textured blade made out of three layers of steel. The design is beautiful, but a little too flashy for my taste—to each his own.

The other difference is that the Classic collection has over 40 individual knives and several knife sets available, while the other two have fewer options combined. So if you’re looking for a complete set, your best bet is the Classic.

Check out my in-depth comparison of Global UKON vs. Classic to learn more.

Warranty

Global offers a limited lifetime warranty and will replace any defective knife, but will not honor any warranty claim stemming from misuse, accidents, or poor maintenance. 

Price

Global knives are on the pricey side, but they’re less expensive than some of Wusthof or Zwilling J.A. Henckels offerings.

How much less expensive? For single pieces, expect to pay $10 to $30 less than the two German brands, but the actual price difference depends on the collection, which type of knife you buy, and where you buy it.

For sets, you could save as little as $30 or as much as several hundred dollars, depending on the collection and number of pieces in the set.

Check the current prices of each Global collection on Amazon:

• Global Classic
• Global SAI
• Global Ukon

What Others Are Saying About Global

Global gets its fair share of praise. Here’s what the experts have to say about these one-of-a-kind kitchen knives:

• Good Housekeeping named the Classic 9-inch Chef’s knife the Best Value Japanese Knife.
• Food & Wine awarded the Global 7-piece set the Best Professional-Grade Pick.
• In another article, the experts at Food & Wine named the Global Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife the Best Lightweight Chef’s Knife calling it “Grippy, easy to control and very nimble.”
• The Strategist consulted with 25 experts, including head chefs at Michelar Star restaurants, restaurateurs, and Top Chef judges, and concluded that the Global Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife is the single best kitchen knife you can buy. The experts are quoted in the article saying things like “it holds a sharp edge very well” and that it’s “sturdy enough to last for years.” Worth noting—in that same article, they ranked the Wusthof Classic 6-inch Chef’s knife as the Second-Best Chef’s Knife.

Should You Buy Global Knives?

Take one look at Global knives, and you can quickly tell that they’re unlike most brands.

Some people love the sleek and modern look of the fully stainless steel knives, while others prefer a more traditional style, like Wusthof and Zwilling.

If you’re on the fence, here are some things to consider before you decide:

Unique: Of the many knives I’ve seen and handled, I think Global is one of the most uniquely designed. At first glance, you may wonder how you’ll hold it since the entire knife is stainless steel, but the recessed dimples on the handle give it stability during use.

Weight: Global knives are incredibly balanced but lightweight compared to Wusthof and Zwilling.  For example, the Zwilling Pro 8-inch Chef’s knife (see on Amazon) weighs 8 ounces while the Global 8-inch Chef’s knife (see on Amazon) weighs 5.5 ounces. If you like a bit more heft, Global knives may leave you feeling like something is missing. On the flip side, if you have issues or ailments with your hands or wrist, this may be a better option. Often, you don’t know how you feel about a knife until you have it in your hands.

Tradition: Global may not have over 100 years of history, but this is no fly-by-night brand. Since 1985, Global has been producing premium knives that top chefs around the world use in their kitchens. Global knives, designed by visionary designer Komin Yamada, are still manufactured in Niigata, Japan, and the founder is still traveling near and far to show off what his knives can do.

Cost: Compared to cheap department-store knives, Global knives are expensive. But they’re more affordable than most of the other premium brands I cover in this guide (see current prices on Amazon).

Sharpness: Dull knives are dangerous knives, but you won’t have that issue with Global. Due to the straight edge grind (rather than beveled), Global knives are known to stay sharp longer than most. 

Bottom line—Global is one of the best kitchen knife brands due to its high-quality materials (COMOVA18), unique steel design, razor-sharp edges, and relatively low cost.

Global knives are available on Amazon where you can check the current prices and read dozens of reviews.

Now that you’ve learned about Global, it’s time to consider another Asian-style knife brand: Shun.

Best Japanese Kitchen Knife Brand: Shun

Shun, pronounced Shoon, is an award-winning cutlery brand owned by the KAI Group, a blade manufacturer that’s been in business since 1908.

Every Shun knife is handcrafted in Seki City, Japan, a region that’s been home to the top Japanese blade makers for over 800 years.

In the beginning, the KAI Group focused on folding knives and razors, but eventually launched Shun and entered the kitchen knife market in 2002.

The hallmarks of the brand are innovation, variety, beauty, precision, and high performance.

Two things make Shun knives special: blade materials and design.

Shun uses a variety of highly-refined “super steels” to manufacture each blade. These steels provide Shun knives with superior sharpness, edge retention, and stain resistance.

The handcrafted blades feature distinct Damascus and hammered patterns that not only look stunning but also provide pockets of air that aid in the release of food, making slicing and chopping effortless.

The beautifully-designed handles are made with either ultra-durable resin-treated wood or synthetic materials, and they’re designed to resemble ancient Japanese swords.

Bottom line—If you prefer a simply-designed Western-style knife, stick with Wusthof and Zwilling. But, if you like the Japanese-style design and features, Shun is the best brand on the market.

Now, let’s get into the details about what makes this brand so unique.

Materials

Unlike most brands that use one type of blade steel across all collections, Shun uses a variety of highly-refined super steels, including VG-MAX, VG 10, SG2, Dual core VG10 /VG2, AUS8A, or AUS10A.

What is a super steel?

In the simplest terms, super steels are stainless steel alloys with high-carbon content that lends to the blade’s superior hardness, wear and corrosion resistance, and beauty.

Another unique aspect of Shun knives is that, in some cases, the brand uses two different types of steels to make a single blade.

For example, the Shun Sora Chef’s knife has a VG10 cutting core (edge), which contains vanadium for excellent sharpness and edge retention. For the upper part of the blade, they use Japanese 420J stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and ultra-durable.

Shun handles are made from PakkaWood (composite wood), Tagayasan (high-quality wood native to Southeast Asia), or a textured synthetic polymer (thermoplastic/rubber) blend that is exceptionally durable.

Design

Shun blades are thinner and lighter than most of its competitors, but they are also made of harder steel. All knives are either steel or composite tang for balance, and most of the collections have a steel cap on the knife butt.

The blades are more like a work of art than a cutting tool. The Classic and Premier collections feature a 69-layer Damascus-style blade surface, ideal for repelling food while cutting.

Shun Classic:

Shun Classic is the brand’s most popular collection. It features a subtle Damascus blade pattern and an elegant ebony-colored PakkaWood handle.

Shun Premier:

The Premier collection has tsuchime-finished or hammered blades for a handcrafted look and quick food-release functionality. I recently published an in-depth comparison of Shun Classic vs. Premier if you want to learn more about these two incredible collections.

Shun Sora:

The Sora collection offers a tri-layer, San Mai edge, an ancient Japanese-inspired edge construction with a hard center and softer sides designed for quick and easy cutting jobs.

Shun’s handles range from dark to light tones and have a glossy or sleek wood-grained finish. Most collections have a D-shaped design that prevents the knife from twisting while cutting for control and stability.

Shun D-shaped handle:

By contrast, the Kanso and Sora collections have tapered handles and knife butts.

Shun Kanso:

Edge Angle

Shun knives are cut at 16-degree angles on each side for a total edge angle of 32 degrees.

By contrast, Global knives are cut at 12.5 or 15 degrees on each side depending on the collection, so Global knives are sharper than Shun.

Angles between 10 and 16 are incredibly sharp, but some moderately-priced knives between 17 and 20 degrees will still cut through anything, you’ll just have to use a little more force to break through really firm foods.

Blade Hardness

The hardness of Shun blades varies across collections. They run between 58 and 61 on the Rockwell Scale. Compared to the other brands in this guide, Shun uses the hardest steel.

Helpful Resource: Check out my comparison of Shun vs. Wusthof for details about the exact hardness of each collection.

Hard steel is good for two things. It can tolerate a sharper edge, and it can retain that edge for longer.

On the flip side, harder steel is more likely to chip. To avoid damaging the edge, Shun recommends using a back-and-forth slicing motion instead of aggressively pressing downward and chopping, as you might with a German knife.

Popular Collections

Shun Classic (see on Amazon) is, by far, the most popular knife collection.

Knives in this collection have gorgeous Damascus-clad blades with a VG-MAX cutting core. To make the blade, skilled artisans bond 34 layers of Damascus cladding together per side (68 total).

The Classic handle is made out of ebony PakkaWood, which is a resin-treated wood that’s durable, moisture-resistant, and won’t harbor bacteria. The dark, round handle is as comfortable as it is beautiful.

With the Shun Classic collection, there are dozens of individual knives and several knife sets available. So, if you’re looking for something specific, you’ll find it.

Besides the Classic, Shun Premier is another popular choice due to its unique hammered appearance, and Shun Sora is a quality yet inexpensive option. Learn more about all the options in this comparison of the best Shun knives.

Warranty

Shun offers a limited lifetime warranty for its knife collections. This warranty only applies to knives purchased through authorized Shun sellers. Like most brands, Shun will replace any product that is considered defective, but this does not cover normal wear, misuse, or damage due to poor maintenance.

Price

In general, Shun is an expensive brand, but, in my opinion, well worth the price.

The premium materials, craftsmanship, and gorgeous design of these knives demand a high price point.

The price varies by collection and set. If you’re on a budget, the Shun Sora is the least expensive collection. If you have the money to spend, Shun Premier and Shun Dual Core tend to be the most costly.

You can check the current prices of each collection on Amazon at the links below.

• Shun Classic
• Shun Sora
• Shun Dual Core
• Shun Premier
• Shun Kanso

What Others Are Saying About Shun

Shun is a nine-time winner of the Blade Show Kitchen Knife of the Year. Here are a few more accolades for one of the best kitchen knife brands around:

• Good Housekeeping named the Shun Classic 8-inch Chef’s knife the Best Overall Japanese Knife due to its long-lasting edge retention, sturdy PakkaWood handle, and gorgeous Damascus-patterned blade.
• The experts at Good Housekeeping also honored the Shun Premier 8-inch Chef’s knife, awarding it with the title of Most Ergonomic Japanese Knife. The thick, contoured PakkaWood handle and lightweight blade make it one of the easiest and most comfortable knives to use.
• On the flip side, experts at The Wirecutter weren’t too impressed with the Shun Classic chef’s knife, calling it “a heavy German knife with a Japanese name.” They claim that the handle is uncomfortably long, and the edge is just so-so.
• Experts may have mixed opinions, but verified customers on Amazon have nothing but good things to say about Shun. Customers love it’s beauty, sharpness, and durability.

Should You Buy Shun Knives?

Shun is one of the best kitchen knife brands, and, as you just learned, have the accolades to prove it.

But is Shun the right brand for you?

Here are the main points to consider before you buy Shun.

Japanese-style Knives: Japanese-style knives are polarizing; you either love them or hate them. Compared to German-style knives, Japanese knives are lighter in weight and have thinner, harder blades. So, if you prefer a knife with a thick, soft blade that can take a little more abuse, go with Wusthof or Zwilling. But, if you want a knife that’s more agile and precise, Shun might be the brand for you.

Sharpness: Shun knives are sharp, but not as sharp as Wusthof, Zwilling, Global, or some Victorinox offerings.

Hardness: The blade steel that Shun uses to make its knives is extremely hard, which means it’s more brittle and susceptible to chipping or microchipping (tiny chips). For best results, your technique with Shun knives matters. Never chop harshly. Use a slow, methodical slicing motion. For bones, thick meats, and coarse vegetables, opt for a Shun Classic Western Chef’s Knife or Meat Cleaver.

Handles: Shun offers reverse grip knives suitable for left-handed users but claims its D-shaped knife handles should be functional for lefties or righties.

Design: Shun has traditional Japanese-style design elements that look good while still being functional, such as the Damascus-style surfaces of Classic and Premier collections.

Cost: Shun is a high-end brand, which comes with a high price tag. So if you are looking to save money on a new knife set or knife, you may want to consider other brands. You can always start with one piece and build.

Bottom line—Shun is the leading Japanese-style kitchen knife brand and it has been for many years. These handcrafted knives perform as good as they look, and to say they’re stunning could be an understatement. 

Shun knives are available on Amazon where you can check the current prices and read dozens of reviews. Also, check out my in-depth review of Shun knives to learn more.

Best Value Kitchen Knife Brand: Victorinox

Founded by Karl Elsener in 1884, Victorinox started as a cutler’s workshop in the town of Ibach-Schwyz, Switzerland.

Elsener focused on creating quality products and boosting the local economy. By 1897 he created one of the most iconic products in global culture today—the Swiss Army Knife—a multi-faceted utility knife with more than 500 million units produced.

Today, Victorinox is an independent family-owned company that is still headquartered in Switzerland but has production sites all over the world. The brand is a respected manufacturer of kitchen and professional knives, watches, fragrances, and travel gear.

The current CEO, Carl Elsener, a direct descendant of the founder, was inducted into the BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame in 2011.

The multi-generational family brand continues to produce stunning, award-winning forged and stamped kitchen knives that are popular among professional and home chefs.

Let’s take a closer look at this legendary brand.

Materials

Victorinox makes its blades out of stainless steel known as martensitic, which is a blend of carbon, chromium, and molybdenum. This makeup lends to the blade’s corrosion resistance, hardness, and durability.

Victorinox knife handles are either wood or synthetic, depending on the collection.

The wood handle that Victorinox offers is Rosewood, which contrast beautifully against the brilliance of the steel blades.

The synthetic handles are out of one of the following:

• Polyoxymethylene (POM)
• Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
• Polypropylene copolymer (PPC)
• Polypropylene (PP)

These polymer-based handles are designed for long-lasting wear, hygiene, and ergonomic comfort.

Design

In terms of design, Victorinox offers a lot of variety.

Grand Maitre is Victorinox’s only forged knife collection (the others are stamped). It has a full tang construction with a thick bolster (the part between the handle and blade). The handle comes in either black or rosewood and features a slight downward curve at the butt end to secure your grip. 

As you can see, the design of the Grand Maitre collection closely resembles the Wusthof Ikon:

The blades of each Victorinox collection have a unique shape ranging from straight to rounded or upward-curved.

The handles are ergonomically-designed with either triple-riveted bonding or no exposed rivet. Each collection has a distinctive handle shape; no two collections are alike.

Here’s a quick look at the most popular Victorinox collections:

Victorinox Swiss Modern:

Victorinox Swiss Classic:

Victorinox Fibrox:

Victorinox Grand Maitre:

Standout collections in terms of design include Grand Maitre and Swiss Modern.

The Grand Maitre collection features dark, sheen-rich wood handles, and thick and sharp blades.

The Swiss Modern collection features geometrically-shaped handles made of Italian Walnut Wood, a modern yet elegant profile (admittedly, I’m not a fan of the Swiss Modern design).

If you’re a fan of color, you’ll like the range of tones available for the Swiss Classic handles. For all knives in this collection, you can pick between black or red, but the steak and paring knives in that collection also come in yellow, orange, pink, blue, and green.

Edge Angle

Victorinox cuts its blades to a 15 to 20 degree-angle per side, but the exact angle varies by the type of knife.

The knives that you use most often, like the chef’s knife, have an edge angle of 15 per side, 30 total.

If you’re keeping score, that means Victorinox knives are sharper than Shun (32 degrees), the same as Zwilling (30 degrees), the same as Global Classic and Ukon (30 degrees), but duller than Global SAI (25 degrees), and Wusthof (28 degrees).                                     

The truth is, two or three degrees doesn’t make a huge difference. What matters more is how well the knife can retain its edge—and that’s something all the brands in this guide, including Victorinox, do very well.

Blade Hardness

Victorinox blades have a Rockwell hardness score of 55 to 56 depending on the knife. This

level of hardness puts Victorinox within the ideal 55-60 range for quality kitchen knives.

To achieve this optimal balance of hardness, flexibility, and edge retention, Victorinox heats the steel between 1,850 and 1,940 degrees Fahrenheit and anneals it between 320 and 482 degrees.

Popular Collections

As you’ll learn in a moment when I talk about the brand’s accolades, the most popular Victorinox knife collection, by far, is the Fibrox. That said, the brand recently stopped selling this collection on its website. Currently, it’s sold on Amazon and via restaurant supply companies.

Victorinox Fibrox knives are designed with input from professional chefs and built to withstand the abuse of everyday, intense use.

This collection features an incredibly comfortable TPE (synthetic) handle that has a textured feel to prevent your hand from slipping, and a razor-sharp blade that rarely needs sharpening. 

It may not be the most elegant-looking knife collection, but that’s not why you choose it. You pick this collection because it’s comfortable, safe, sharp, and, arguably the best part—it’s inexpensive (see the current price on Amazon).

If you prefer a more substantial and more elegantly-designed knife, one with a thick bolster, full tang, and gorgeous triple-riveted handle, check out the Grand Maitre collection.

It’s Victorinox’s only forged knife collection, and you can expect it to perform similar to Wusthof and Zwilling knives. The main downside—it’s significantly more expensive than Victorinox’s stamped collections (see the current price on Amazon).

Warranty

Victorinox offers a limited lifetime warranty for kitchen knives, but provides no support for damage caused by wear, misuse, or product abuse.

Price

Of all the brands in this guide, Victorinox is undoubtedly the most affordable.

The Grand Maitre is the most expensive collection of the brand because it’s forged.

The remaining collections are stamped, and, in general, stamped knives are less costly because they require fewer steps to produce. 

Check out the current prices of each Victorinox collection on Amazon at the links below:

• Victorinox Grand Maître
• Victorinox Fibrox
• Victorinox Wood
• Victorinox Swiss Classic
• Victorinox Swiss Modern

What Others Are Saying About Victorinox

Like the other brands in this guide, accolades abound for Victorinox kitchen knives. Here is just a small snapshot of the brand’s praiseworthy mentions:

• America’s Test Kitchen named the Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-inch Chef’s knife the Best Chef’s Knife. The ATK experts love its grippy, non-slip handle, hard steel blade, and incredibly sharp edge.
• Epicurious tested 20 different knives and named the Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-inch Chef’s knife the Best Budget Chef’s Knife praising its comfortable handle, sharp edge, and affordable price.
• Good Housekeeping honored the Victorinox Grand Maitre 8-inch Chef’s knife, calling it the Best Ergonomic Chef’s Knife due to its curvey, comfortable handle, and exceptional performance. 
• The Wirecutter chose the Victorinox Fibrox 4-piece set as their Budget Pick saying that these knives held their edge longer than any other set they tested. They also named the Victorinox 3.25-Inch Paring Knife the Best Overall Paring Knife. Its thin blade and ergonomic handle make it comfortable and easy to maneuver—precisely what you want in a paring knife.

Should You Buy Victorinox Knives?

As you consider which kitchen knife brand fits best for your needs, here are a few things to think about when it comes to Victorinox:

Stamped vs. Forged: One of the most significant differences between Victorinox and the other brands in this guide is the manufacturing process. Besides the Grand Maitre collection, which is forged, all other Victorinox knives are stamped. Stamped knives have thinner, lighter, and more flexible blades. However, they don’t have the heft and may not feel as durable as forged knives.

Design: Each collection is unique in its design elements. The handles come in all sorts of shapes, colors, and materials (synthetic, Rosewood, Italian Walnut). Regardless of your taste, you are sure to find something that appeals to you visually. If you’re looking for a professional-grade knife, consider the Fibrox Pro collection, which is designed by kitchen professionals.

Cost: The brand has high-end looking pieces that are more affordable than the likes of Wusthof, Zwilling, Global, and Shun. If you’re buying your first set, Victorinox is one of the most affordable introductions to premium kitchen knives.

Bottom line—Victorinox knives are beautiful, functional, and affordable. It’s one of the most respected kitchen knife brands for decades, and its iconic red shield logo represents what the brand is all about: precision, quality, and innovation.

Victorinox knives are available on Amazon and Victorinox.com where you can check the current prices and read dozens of reviews. Also, check out my in-depth review of Victorinox knives to learn more.

Other Knife Brands Worth Considering

Based on my research and personal experience using the products, Wusthof, Zwilling, MAC, Global, Shun, and Victorinox are the best kitchen knife brands. However, there are a few other brands worth considering.

Made In

Made In knives are fully forged and benefit from the balance of a full tang. They are made in the Thiers region of France and are created by fifth-generation bladesmiths. These knives feature half-bolsters for safety.

Made In knives are available in four colors, including Pomme Red, Harbour Blue, Truffle Black, and Olive Wood.

They offer a standard suite of at-home cook’s knives like the bread knife, the pairing knife, the chef’s knife, and Nakiri (cleaver) knife, but the company also has some unique offerings like the champagne saber.

This sword-like knife is used to open champagne bottles in style. Made In offers custom engraving of names or dates on the champagne sabers for those celebrating a special event.

Individual Made In knives start at just under $100, and sets cost upwards of $500. Shop Made In knives on MadeInCookware.com or read my extensive Made In knife review to learn more.

Misen

Misen offers direct-to-consumer knives at affordable prices. Although its selection is limited to the basics (think chef’s knife, bread knife, and a few others), the knives are well made with high-quality Japanese steel.

They feature a sloped half bolster, which allows you to use and sharpen the entire edge (unlike full bolsters that get in the way).

Misen is a newer company compared to other knife brands. They launched in 2015 on Kickstarter and quickly raised over ten times their initial funding request.

Although Misen has positive reviews, it lacks the proven track record that brands like Wusthof and Zwilling have.

Misen helps to build that trust by offering a lifetime guarantee and a 60-day free trial on its products to take the risk out of buying. Learn more about Misen knives on Misen.com or read my Misen knife review to learn more.

Oishya

Oishya knives are handcrafted by skilled blacksmiths in Sakai, Japan, a region renowned for its superior cutlery. 

I’ve spent years testing these knives, and they’re some of the sharpest and most lightweight blades I’ve ever used. 

Crafted from premium Japanese VG10 stainless steel, each blade features 46 layers of Damascus steel, known for its hardness and unique patterns. The steel has a Rockwell Hardness rating of 62, which means the edge stays sharp for long periods. 

These blades are as beautiful as they are functional. The hammered finish and wavy Damascus pattern resemble rippling water.

The handles are made of rare European maple burl, dried for two years to make them waterproof and bacteria-resistant. A copper ring adds a touch of elegance, while an oak bog wood kakumaki (handle collar) adds historical depth; this wood can be up to 5,000 years old. 

These handles are not only eye-catching but also perfectly balanced and comfortable. The traditional octagonal shape allows for precise, controlled movements while cutting and ensures the handle will never slip or rotate in your hand. 

Oishya knives are an exceptional blend of Japanese craftsmanship, cutting-edge materials, and striking design. In terms of performance and aesthetics, Oishya knives are an excellent option. 

Learn more about these knives or place an order on Oishya.com (use promo code “prudent20” at checkout).

Messermeister

Messermeister is a family-owned and operated knife brand producing high-quality knives in Solingen, Germany.

The company offers a wide range of products and allows buyers to mix and match knives from different sets to build their own collections.

Among the company’s many collections is a unique line called the Adventure Chef, which boasts high-quality portable knives with fold-in blades perfect for camping.

Messermeister knives are available in many colors and finishes. They offer affordable stamped blades along with more expensive premium forged blades.

The forging process for Messermeister knives involves hot-dropping the steel and hammer-forging the blades. The steel is softened by heating it to high temperatures and then hammered into the desired shape.

It’s a much more resource-intensive method compared to stamping, but it produces a thick, durable blade.

Shop Messermeister knives on Amazon or read my review to learn more.

Mercer

Mercer has a vast catalog of knife options: from stamped to forged blades; Japanese to German styles; bright to subdued colors, there is something for everyone.

This brand markets primarily to the food service industry; you won’t see Mercer options available at many brick-and-mortar retail stores. The knives are far more affordable than some top knife brands but are still made from professional-grade materials.

Depending on the collection, the blades are constructed with high-carbon German, stainless, or Japanese steel.

The German steel is X50CrMoV15, a combination of carbon, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and other elements that make the blade sharp and wear-resistant.

The Japanese steel is X30CR13, which is softer than German steel but less likely to chip.

To learn more about Mercer knives, shop them on Amazon or read my Mercer knife review.

Dalstrong

Dalstrong stands apart from other knife brands due to its bold designs. If the aesthetic of your knives is a top priority, I encourage you to explore Dalstrong’s many collections.

This brand is relatively new. It was founded in Canada in 2014, but its knives are made in Yangjiang, China.

Although made in China, Dalstrong uses premium German and Japanese steel in constructing the blades.

Each collection is built from a different type of steel. These materials set it apart from other Chinese knife manufacturers that may sacrifice quality in exchange for affordability.

You can explore the many Dalstrong collections on Amazon or learn more by reading my Dalstrong knife review.

What to Look for in a Kitchen Knife Brand

Now that you know what makes the best kitchen knife brands so special, I want to share some general tips on what to look for as you prepare to make your selection.

History

Brands like Wusthof, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, and Victorinox have been around for more than a century. And even though brands such as Global and Shun are relatively new, they come from age-old legacies and traditions.

The point is, you want a brand with a good reputation and a long, consistent track record of producing high-quality kitchen knives. Longevity is often an indicator of a great brand.

Style: Japanese vs. German

Consider the style of knife you prefer: German (a.k.a. Western), Japanese.

German-style knives like Wusthof and Zwilling J.A Henckels are often forged, full tang, more substantial in weight, and feature a bolster.

The blade is thicker and made with softer steel, which makes it ultra-durable and virtually resistant to chipping. They are perfect for heavy-duty knife work like slicing a pumpkin or deboning a chicken.

Japanese-style knives such as Global and Shun are thinner, sharper, and more lightweight than German knives. The steel is often harder, which improves edge retention, but makes it more brittle. So, Japanese-style knives are best for handling softer vegetables and meats.

To prevent the blade from chipping, Shun specifically instructs you to slice back and forth instead of chopping down on hard foods.

In this guide, we also looked at Swiss-made knives: Victorinox. These knives are more German than Japanese, but they have their own sense of style that serves as a happy medium between the other two.

To learn more about the differences between these two popular knife styles, check out my in-depth comparison of Japanese vs. German kitchen knives.

Forged vs. Stamped

Forged knives require a more complex manufacturing process. Without getting into the nitty-gritty details, the blades of forged knives are heat-treated and molded a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel.

It’s a labor-intensive and costly process, but it’s the only way to produce the thick bolster that you’ll find on most forged knives are known. The bolster is the part of the blade where the handle and blade meet.

It adds weight and balance to the knife, but can also act as a finger guard, preventing your hand from slipping onto the blade.

Often with forged knives, the blade extends through the butt end of the handle. The section of the blade that extends through the handle is called the tang. The tang not only adds balance to the knife, but it also makes it safer since the handle and blade cannot become detached.

Stamped knives are cut (or stamped) from sheets of metal, which makes them less costly to mass-produce. In general, stamped knives have thinner, lighter blades, no bolster, and are usually inexpensive. The cheap no-name brand knives you find at any department store are stamped.

But, not all stamped knives are low-quality. In fact, every brand in this guide makes a mix of forged and stamped knives, and the quality, performance, and design of these knives are excellent.

The key here is to know what you’re getting into. If you prefer a heavy, balanced knife, and you don’t mind spending more, go with a forged. If you prefer a knife that’s lighter, easier to handle, perhaps less durable, but much less expensive, go with stamped.

Note: If you want the nitty-gritty details, check out this in-depth comparison of forged vs. stamped knives.

Weight and Balance

Having a balanced knife is a safety measure, but also determines your comfort while using the knife to prep foods.

Full tang forged knives tend to be more balanced than stamped knives due to the distribution of weight from the tip to the butt end.

There’s no brand with “perfectly balanced” knives; it all comes down to your personal preference.

So, I encourage you to hold the knives in your hand before buying, or at least keep the receipt if you buy online.

Options

It’s wise to choose a brand that has a wide range of stock so that you can build your collection over time.

Having options gives you flexibility so you can curate your ideal knife block instead of buying a predetermined set that may contain knives you’d rarely use.

All the brands in this guide provide a lot of options, but some collections within each brand are more comprehensive than others.

For example, the Wusthof Classic collection has dozens of individual knives of all types and sizes, plus over two dozen knife sets. So, with Wusthof Classic, you can start small and build your perfect set over time.

On the flip side, the Global SAI collection only has 14 individual pieces available. Don’t get me wrong; the 14 knives available will likely cover your needs. But, compared to the Wusthof Classic collection, there are significantly fewer options to choose from if you need a specific type and size.

The point is—once you narrow down the brand, do some research on the collections and make sure the one you choose has types and sizes of knives you need.

Look and Feel

Last, but certainly not least, is the look and feel. Unfortunately, I can’t give you much advice here; the best look and feel is entirely personal.

There are many great brands to choose from, but you should pick the one that feels right when you hold it, makes you excited to use it, and fits your personal sense of style.

Just keep in mind, the brands I covered in this guide build their knives to last. So choose a set that will make you smile now, and for years to come.

Which Kitchen Knife Brand Do You Think Is the Best?

I hope this guide was helpful as you decide on your next kitchen knife or knife set purchase. What brand are you leaning toward? Do you have a favorite brand that’s not on the list? Let me know in the comments!

If you found this guide helpful, you should also check out:

• Wusthof vs. Zwilling J.A. Henckels: In-Depth Kitchen Knife Comparison
• Wusthof vs. Global: How Do Their Kitchen Knives Compare?
• Shun vs. Wusthof: In-Depth Kitchen Knife Comparison
• I Tested 27 Chef’s Knives & These Are the Best for Every Budget
• Shun vs. Global: In-Depth Kitchen Knife Comparison
• 21 Different Types of Kitchen Knives Explained (With Comparison Chart)
• Global vs. Zwilling: Which Kitchen Knives Are Better?
• Are MAC Knives Any Good? An In-Depth Review
• 22 Practical Gifts That People Who Like to Cook ACTUALLY Want
• Are Victorinox Kitchen Knives Good? An In-Depth Review
• Wusthof vs. Messermeister Kitchen Knives: An In-Depth Comparison
• Zwilling J.A. Henckels Pro vs. Pro “S”: What’s the Difference?
• Best Chef’s Knife Under $100: Top 6 Compared
• Wusthof vs. Victorinox: How Do Their Kitchen Knives Compare?
• The Ultimate Review of Wusthof Classic Kitchen Knives
• Best German Kitchen Knives: Top 5 Brands Compared
• The 8 Most Expensive Chef’s Knives (That Are Actually Worth It)
• Mercer vs. Victorinox Kitchen Knives: 11 Key Differences