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Best Kitchen Knives NOT Made in China: The Definitive Guide

Are you shopping for new kitchen knives but don’t want a cheap, mass-produced product made in China?

In this guide, you’ll discover the best kitchen knives NOT made in China. These knives are made in the United States, Germany, Japan, France, Switzerland, and Spain.

You’ll learn about each brand, what it offers, what makes it unique, and where you can find the knives. 


Use the links below to navigate the guide:


Best Kitchen Knives NOT Made in China: Video Summary

Get an up-close look at the best kitchen knives not made in China in the video below.

Best Kitchen Knives Made in the United States

Looking for the best kitchen knives made in the United States? Consider Cutco, Kramer Knives, and Lamson. All three brands offer sharp, well-constructed knives and have a reputation for longevity and high performance.

Cutco

Cutco was founded in 1949 in New York and is the largest kitchen cutlery manufacturer in North America.

Cutco kitchen knives review
Cutco Kitchen Knife

When other companies outsourced to overseas facilities, the brand has produced knives from its factory in Olean, New York, for over 70 years.

Cutco knives made in USA
Cutco knives made in USA

I’ve thoroughly reviewed Cutco knives, and they’re well-built and ultra-sharp. They come with Cutco’s Forever Guarantee, in which the company promises to repair or replace any defective knife for its lifetime. They also provide a free sharpening service for life (you pay a small shipping fee).

Each knife must pass through 25 quality standards to bear the Cutco name. The brand has one collection of knives, all made from high-carbon AISI 440A grade stainless steel with thermo-resin handles. Check out this quick video to see how Cutco knives are made.

Cutco long knife handle
Cutco long knife handle

Cutco also makes accessories such as kitchen shears and cutting boards and fully-clad cookware, tableware, and garden tools.

You can’t find Cutco knives in retail stores. They are primarily sold through in-home presentations. However, you can purchase them online.

To explore Cutco knives or make a purchase, visit Cutco.com or Amazon. If you want to learn more about the brand, check out my in-depth review.

Kramer Knives

Kramer Knives are made in Bellingham, Washington, by the skilled hands of Bob Kramer, Master Bladesmith — a hard-earned title that approximately only 120 other people hold in the US.

KRAMER by ZWILLING EUROLINE Carbon Collection 2.0 10-inch Chef's Knife

Kramer, an accomplished chef, started with a sharpening business, and the brand grew into a knife manufacturing company organically. He began a quest to sharpen knives and ended up learning how to make them by hand.

Kramer makes unique, handcrafted knives from scratch. Most of the knives are sold through auctions.

He also offers cutlery at fixed prices and has licensed designs produced by Zwilling J.A. Henckels. Zwilling’s Kramer-inspired knives are made in Japan and sold on Zwilling.com and Amazon

To learn more about buying a handmade knife, visit KramerKnives.com.

Lamson

Lamson is one of the oldest cutlery manufacturers in the US. Silas Lamson and Abel Goodnow started making knives in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, in 1837. The company was initially named Lamson & Goodnow. 

Lamson Premier Forged Chef's Knife with Fire Handle
Lamson Premier Forged Chef’s Knife with Fire Handle

Today, its knives are manufactured in Westfield, Massachusetts. Lamson also makes kitchen tools, barbecue tools, and kitchen accessories like silicone hotspots that function as a potholder, trivet, or jar opener.

Lamson kitchen knives are either made from high-carbon stainless steel from Solingen, Germany, or Lamson’s proprietary alloy. They feature beautifully crafted wood or acrylic handles.

Lamson Vintage Chef's Knife
Lamson Vintage Chef’s Knife

The brand has a history of making beautiful knives that last. Portions of the original 62-piece dinner set presented to President Ulysses S. Grant were on display at the Smithsonian in Washington DC for a time.

Lamson Premier Forged Chef's Knife with Sierra Handle
Lamson Premier Forged Chef’s Knife with Sierra Handle

To learn more or buy Lamson kitchen knives, visit LamsonProducts.com or check them out on Amazon.

Want to learn about other American-made knife brands? Check out my guide to the best kitchen knives made in the USA.

Best Kitchen Knives Made in Germany

Solingen, known as the City of Blades, is Germany’s knife-making capital. But Germany as a whole has a rich history of knife manufacturing. If you want a German-style kitchen knife, look no further than WÜSTHOF, Zwilling, Messermeister, and Güde.

WÜSTHOF

WÜSTHOF kitchen knives are made in Solingen, Germany. The company is the legacy of Johann Abraham Wüsthof, who started out making scissors in a cellar in 1814.

Wusthof knives
Wusthof knives

The brand has been family-owned since its founding (seven generations) and employs some of the world’s top knife artisans.

I’ve reviewed WÜSTHOF kitchen knives extensively. The high-carbon, German stainless steel forged and stamped knives are exemplary. From the iconic look of the Classic series designed in 1886 to the modern Aeon series with its black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating, WÜSTHOF kitchen knives are some of the finest ever made.

Wusthof Classic Chefs Knife Handle
Wusthof Classic Chefs Knife Handle

The brand is one of the few permitted to use the label: Made in Solingen. This is a big deal because Solingen is the only city in the world that has earned its own trademark. A brand must meet strict quality standards and manufacturing requirements to use the label.

Wusthof Classic and Classic Ikon end of handle
Wusthof Classic and Classic Ikon end of handle

Besides WÜSTHOF knife collections, the company also makes kitchen accessories, knife storage solutions, and sharpening tools. In short, it offers everything a home chef needs to prepare food properly.

To learn more or purchase WÜSTHOF knives, check them out on Amazon.

Zwilling

Zwilling, a brand of Zwilling J.A. Henckels, also makes knives in the famed City of Blades, Solingen, Germany. The company has been around since 1731, making it one of the oldest businesses still operating.

Zwilling Pro Chef Knife 2

Zwilling’s primary product is kitchen knives, with blades made from high-carbon, no-stain steel.

It offers over two dozen collections, some forged and others stamped with finely crafted handles of all types. Zwilling’s German- and Japanese-style knives suit the needs of any chef, from amateur to professional.

Zwilling Pro Made In Germany
Zwilling Made In Germany

Its most popular collection, Zwilling Pro, features thick, ultra-sharp blades and hefty handles. These knives are workhorses that withstand significant abuse in the kitchen.

Zwilling Pro Chef Knife
Zwilling Pro Chef Knife

The brand also makes kitchen shears, knife storage blocks, cutting boards, and sharpening products.

While reviewing Zwilling knives, I discovered the unique process it uses to harden and sharpen blades. Known as FRIODUR, the method uses sub-zero temperatures to cool hot metal. As a result, Zwilling knives are incredibly sharp and stay that way.

Ready to try Zwilling knives for yourself? Visit Zwilling.com or the Zwilling store on Amazon to purchase.

Messermeister

Bernd Dressler and his wife Debra founded Messermeister in 1981. The original name was Dressler American Marketing Company (DAMCO). In 1985, they rebranded it as Messermeister, which means knife master in German. Today, Debra and her daughters are at the helm, making it not only a family-owned but a women-owned business as well.

Messermeister Chefs Knife
Messermeister Chefs Knife

Messermeister crafts all its knives in Solingen, Germany, but is an American company based in Ojai, CA.

Messermeister Made In Germany
Messermeister made in Germany

Bernd was born in Germany and had a passion for making handcrafted cutlery in the traditional hot-drop forging process he learned from German knife masters. By 1992, the company introduced a redesigned bolster that allowed the entire edge to be sharpened.

Messermeister Chefs Knife Half Bolster
Messermeister Meridian Elite

The brand boasts an extensive offering of knives in multiple collections. Messermeister also collaborates with bladesmiths from other countries to create unique knife offerings, such as the Kawashima collection — the sharpest knives the brand has ever made.

Besides cutlery, Messermeister makes kitchen tools, knife storage products, sharpeners, and apparel.

Wondering how this Ojai, California-based company compares to other German knife brands? Read my review to see how it compares with WÜSTHOF.

Want to read more about this brand or make a purchase? Visit the Messermeister store on Amazon.

Güde

Winner of multiple coveted Red Dot Design Awards, Güde is a family-owned and operated knife maker based in Solingen, Germany. Karl Güde debuted the business in 1910.

Güde Alpha Series - 8" Chef's Knife Knife - Ice Hardened Steel - Hand Forged/Sharpened - Made in Solingen, Germany Since 1910

By 1923, his son Franz was leading the business. Franz invented the back-set serrated edge in 1931, followed by the pointed teeth serrated edge in 1941 — both are still in use today.

It takes up to 55 steps to make a forged Güde knife. That level of craftsmanship is uncommon, but it’s an everyday choice for this brand. Güde knives have unique designs and shapes, and since each one is handcrafted, no two are identical.

The knives employ an alloy of chrome, vanadium, and molybdenum or Damascus steel. Each collection is as stunning as functional. You can watch the knife-making process to get a feel for the brand.

Besides kitchen knives, Güde makes knife accessories and apparel.

For more information or to purchase, visit Amazon or Guede-Solingen.de.

Best Kitchen Knives Made in Japan

The best kitchen knives made in Japan are Shun, Miyabi, Global, Mac, and Yoshimi Kato. These finely constructed Japanese knife brands have specific edges and angles that offer unmatched sharpness.

Shun

The Shun Cutlery brand story began in Seki City, Japan — one of the foremost knife-making centers of the globe. For over 800 years, it’s been central to the Japanese cutlery industry.

Gyuto Knife
Gyuto Knife

I’ve reviewed Shun knives and can attest to the quality and attention to detail. The high-quality steel and impeccable craftsmanship of Shun knives are world-renowned. And it all began with Saijiro Endo, who founded the company over 112 years ago.

Shun knives made in Japan
Shun knives made in Japan

Today, Shun is still under the leadership of the Endo family. The brand remains true to the ancient ways of making knives, requiring no less than 100 steps to handcraft each one.

Shun features an array of knives with unique designs and benefits. The Damascus steel blades are popular. They have an attractive layered look with a zigzag pattern, made from forge-welding two types of stainless steel together.

Damascus pattern on Shun kitchen knife blade
Damascus pattern on Shun kitchen knife blade

Shun also produces cutting boards, knife storage, and sharpening tools.

To learn all that Shun offers or purchase, go to Shun.KaiUSA.com or Amazon.

Miyabi

Miyabi, a Zwilling brand, launched in 2004 in Seki City, Japan. The knives are a collaboration of German and Japanese styles resulting in meticulous design, scalpel-like sharpness, and high performance.

Miyabi Koh Birchwood and Artisan chefs knives
Miyabi Koh (top), Birchwood (middle), and Artisan (bottom)

Besides knives, Miyabi offers cutting boards, knife storage, and sharpeners. But its primary offering is kitchen knives.

They feature impressive wood or synthetic handles and features like Damascus or hammered blades or Katana edges. Some blades boast over 100 layers of steel. From Gyutoh knives to Santoku and everything in between, Miyabi has a mix of specialty and multi-purpose knives.

Miyabi Artisan blade
Miyabi Artisan blade

Simply put, these Japanese-style knives are a work of art infused with German precision.

Miyabi Birchwood 8 inch chefs knife
Miyabi Birchwood 8 inch chefs knife

Besides knives, Miyabi offers cutting boards, knife storage, and sharpeners.

What to see how Miyabi compares with Shun? Read my review.

To purchase Miyabi, visit Zwilling.com or the Zwilling store on Amazon.

Oishya (Sakai Kyuba)

Oishya Sakai Kyuba knives are meticulously handcrafted in the village of Sakai, Japan, which has a long history of producing exceptional cutlery.

Oishya knife set
Oishya knife set

Skilled artisans carefully forge each blade from 46 layers of VG10 stainless Damascus steel, then polish them to create functional works of art.

The handles are made from European maple burl that has been dried for two years to stabilize the wood, preventing bacteria growth and ensuring it will last for generations.

Oishya maple burl handle
Oishya maple burl handle

Above the maple burl is a subtle copper ring, which provides an attractive accent.

The handles are further accented with an oak bog wood kakumaki (the collar of the handle just below the blade). The bog wood ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 years old, and the natural brown color contrasts nicely with the dyed maple burl lower handle and shiny blade.

Oishya copper ring and oak bog wood kakumaki
Oishya copper ring and oak bog wood kakumaki

Each handle has a different look due to the uniqueness of the natural wood grain.

I’ve tested Oishya knives extensively for years, and their edges stay sharper for longer than almost any other knives (and I’ve reviewed dozens). The thin yet sturdy blades are highly maneuverable, while the handles are perfectly balanced.

In addition to high performance, Oishya knives are visually striking, with a hand-hammered finish on the blades that creates a rippling water effect.

Oishya VG10 steel blade
Oishya VG10 steel blade

By combining centuries-old Japanese techniques with modern technology, Oishya creates exceptional knives. If you want knives that look as good as they perform, Oishya should be at the top of your list.

If you’re ready to buy or want to learn more, check out Oishya knives on Oishya.com and use code “prudent20” at checkout for a discount.

Global

Mino Tsuchida, Global’s founder, was born and raised in Japan and grew up with a keen interest in tool production. In 1985, he teamed up with industrial designer Komin Yamada to launch the brand.

Global Kitchen Knives Review

Global’s parent company, Yoshida Metal Industry Co. Ltd., manufactures the knives in Niigata, Japan. Unlike other popular Japanese knife brands, Global has a streamlined offering with just three collections.

All the knives have a distinct, clean look and are completely stainless steel. They are composed of CROMOVA18, a unique steel blend that keeps them stain-resistant and extremely sharp.

Global knife straight handle

When I reviewed Global knives, I learned an interesting fact: though they have a forged look, they are all stamped knives. Each knife has sand-weighted handles welded onto the blades. This type of construction makes Global knives lightweight yet well balanced.

Global also makes sharpening tools, kitchen tools, and knife storage solutions.

To learn more or buy Global knives, visit GlobalCutleryUSA.com or check them out on Amazon.

MAC

MAC may not have the brand recognition of Shun, Wusthof, or Zwilling, but the company has been around since 1964 and has sold over 25 million knives. Its knives are handcrafted in Seki City, Japan, and are the design creation of Tatsuo Kobayashi.

MAC MTH-80 Chefs Knife
MAC MTH-80 Chefs Knife

MAC’s knives have a distinctive edge. They aren’t like Japanese knives with a single bevel edge or German-style knives with a straight V-shaped blade. According to MAC, the edge is “slightly off-center.” This design gives the knife versatile performance, as it can produce paper-thin slices and straight cuts.

Today, the company is led by Katsuto Kobayashi, the founder’s son. MAC sticks to its roots, employing Japanese artisans to make, grind, and sharpen each stamped, stainless steel blade.

MAC uses a high-carbon/molybdenum alloy for its blades. The steel does not contain as much chromium as stainless steel, making the blade more likely to rust and stain. However, it also means the knives will stay sharper for much longer and perform better than typical knives. MAC makes a conscious choice when choosing its steel to prioritize performance over appearance.

All knives come with a Pakkawood handle, a wood and resin composite that’s durable and resistant to heat and moisture.

The MAC MTH-80 8-inch chef’s knife has gotten high praise from publications like Good Housekeeping and Food & Wine Magazine and was recently named the best chef’s knife by The New York Times Wirecutter.

Like many other knife brands, MAC sells sharpening tools and other kitchen accessories like shears.

To read more about the brand or purchase MAC knives, go to MacKnife.com or Amazon. See MAC knives in action in this in-depth review (with video). Also, check out this comparison of MAC vs. Wusthof.

Yoshimi Kato

Yoshimi Kato is a certified blacksmith and current president of Kato Knife Manufacturing Inc. in Takefu, a town in Fukui prefecture, Japan. He is the son-in-law of Hiroshi Kato, who is highly regarded amongst knife makers in Japan. In 1953, Kintaro Kato (Hiroshi’s father) founded the company.

Yoshimi Kato R2/sg2 Damascus Gyuto Japanese Chef Knife 210mm With Honduras Handle By TTKing

Echizen (part of Takefu), the region where Yoshimi hand forges the knives, has been a hub for the art of knife-making for 700 years.

You can watch Yoshimi hand-making a knife in this video. His hands create some of the most beautiful knives from that region, and you can find his work at multiple Japanese knife retailers. The knives have stunning wood handles, thin blades, are incredibly sharp, and often use gold-standard steel known as VG10.

To view or purchase Yoshimi’s knives, check them out on Amazon or Knifewear.com.

Best Kitchen Knives Made in France

Are you looking for the best kitchen knives made in France? Then put Made In and Sabatier-K at the top of your list.

Made In is a relatively new brand and Sabatier-K has an over 200-year history, but both manufacture knives in Theirs, France.

Made In

Made In is a direct-to-consumer cookware brand founded in 2016 by Chip Malt and Jake Kalick. What’s unique about Made In is the brand’s commitment to work with the best artisans and source the best materials.

Made In Chef Knife Review
Made In Chef Knife Review

In search of the best production partner, their travels took them to Thiers, France, a globally respected region for knife making. If a knife boasts that it’s Made in France, odds are it’s made in Theirs.

Made In Knives made in France
Made In Knives made in France

Made In makes forged knives with blades made from X50CrMoV15 steel and resin handles. The brand sources every part of its knives in France and partners with skilled knife makers to produce nitrogen-treated, high-performance kitchen knives.

I’ve thoroughly reviewed Made In knives, and they perform just as good, if not better, than brands like Wusthof and Zwilling. However, Made In knives cost significantly less since they sell exclusively online (MadeInCookware.com and Amazon) and avoid retail markups.

I recently named Made In the best overall chef’s knife for under $100.

In addition to kitchen knives, Made In manufactures cookware, bakeware, serving ware, kitchen accessories, and pantry items like shelf-stable goods for cooking.

To purchase, go to the Made In store on Amazon or MadeInCookware.com.

Sabatier-K

Sabatier-K is the creation of Philippe Sabatier. This multi-generation family business makes forged knives in Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, a region in Thiers, France. Since 1810, the Sabatier family has crafted kitchen knives of indisputable quality.

French Sabatier 10 Inch Forged Stainless Chef Knife

The brand produces about 100,000 pieces of cutlery per year. It uses Z50C13, a high-carbon stainless steel that is corrosion-resistant and easy to sharpen. Each step of the Sabatier knife-making process is extremely detailed, from heating the steel to polishing each part of the finished knife by hand.

The company manufactures kitchen knives, pocket knives, table knives, and tools for use around the home, such as garden shears and serving forks.

When looking for Sabatier-K knives, the K is important. Many Sabatier families produce knives of varying quality. This brand uses the K to set itself apart.

To learn more about the brand or purchase knives, visit SabatierOutlet.com or Amazon.

Best Kitchen Knives Made in Switzerland

Victorinox is known for its iconic creation, the Swiss Army Knife. But did you know it also manufactures high-quality kitchen knives in its Switzerland factory? It all started in 1884 with Karl Elsener opening his cutlery shop in Ibach-Schwyz.

Victorinox kitchen knives review

Today, Victorinox is a global brand offering five distinct knife collections. Most knives are stamped, but there is also one forged option known as Grand Maitre.

Victorinox Grand Maitre Chefs Knife
Victorinox Grand Maitre Chef’s Knife

All knives are made from high carbon stainless steel and feature wood or synthetic handles.

Victorinox Knives Made In Switzerland
Victorinox Knives made in Switzerland

One of the brand’s most popular collections, Fibrox, was designed by professional chefs. The steel is soft to prevent chipping, and the handle has a grippy texture to prevent slipping. It’s a lightweight knife that pro chefs could use for hours without fatigue.

Victorinox Fibrox Handle
Victorinox Fibrox Handle

Still, Victorinox has options to suit all cooking levels, from amateur to expert. Thanks to its relatively affordable prices and excellent performance, I recently named Victorinox the best value kitchen knife brand on the market.

Victorinox Swiss Classic Chefs Knife
Victorinox Swiss Classic Chef’s Knife

To purchase Victorinox knives, go to the cutlery section of their Amazon store. Or learn more by reading my in-depth Victorinox review.

Best Kitchen Knives Made in Spain

Henckels, a brand under the Zwilling J.A. Henckels umbrella, has several knife collections. While most are made in China, its Classic line is made in Spain with keen attention to detail. The well-known brand has a rich history in knife making dating back to 1731 with founder Peter Henckels.

Henckels Classic 15-pc Self-Sharpening Block Set

Henckels is also known as Henckels International or J.A. Henckels. Its Classic collection is perfect for the home chef who desires a top-shelf knife without spending a fortune.

Classic knives are forged from high-quality German steel known as X50CrMoV15 and feature triple-riveted, satin-finished, synthetic black handles.

One unique perk about this brand is that it offers self-sharpening knife storage blocks. Each slot is designed to sharpen a knife when removing it from the block.

Want to learn more about Henckels knives? Check out my review.

To purchase, visit Zwilling.com or Amazon.

Bottom Line

The best kitchen knives not made in China are Cutco, Kramer, Lamson, WÜSTHOF, Zwilling, Mesermiester, Güde, Shun, Miyabi, Oishya, Global, MAC, Yoshimi Kato, Made In, Sabatier-K, Victorinox, and Henckels.

While it might be tempting to buy cheaper knives that are made in China, keep in mind you tend to get what you pay for.

Knives made with relaxed quality standards and low-quality materials will not last. Plus, knife-making is an art. The very best knives are made by companies that have relied on generations of experience and skilled craftspeople.

If you want a quality knife, it’s worth it to spend more and buy from a reputable company that’s been in business a while. That most likely means buying from a company that manufactures its knives in a country other than China.

Bottom line — China may be the cheapest place to produce goods, but it is not where the finest knives in the world are made.

Read more reviews and check the current prices of each brand at the links below:

Andrew Palermo Founder of Prudent Reviews

Andrew Palermo - About the Author

Andrew is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Prudent Reviews. He began his career in marketing, managing campaigns for dozens of Fortune 500 brands. In 2018, Andrew founded Prudent Reviews and has since reviewed 600+ products. When he’s not testing the latest cookware, kitchen knives, and appliances, he’s spending time with his family, cooking, and doing house projects. Connect with Andrew via emailLinkedIn, or the Prudent Reviews YouTube channel.

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1 thought on “Best Kitchen Knives NOT Made in China: The Definitive Guide”

  1. If you are looking for something cheaper, I would suggest looking at Kai – made in Japan by the same company as Shun from Japanese steel. I believe these are basically Japanese domestic market knives you might find in a retail store, but they are excellent and much cheaper than any other Japanese knives. You can find them on Amazon.

    Reply

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