8 Best Chef Knife Under $100- Reviews and Buying Guide

Chef knives are essential for any serious cook, and they are excellent investments since you can use them for most kitchen cutting tasks. They rock quickly on chopping boards because their curved blades are slender. Moreover, its broad heel area allows it to cut through meat and vegetables of any thickness.

Due to the wide variety of options, buying a high-quality chef’s knife on a budget can be challenging. It is essential to know which kind of knife works best for you, as they come in various sizes and weights. You can get the highest quality chef’s knives quickly and easily by checking out some of our top picks below. You can use the following list to choose the right chef knife for you.

The 8 Best Chef Knife Under $100    

We are now ready to embark on this journey to discover the top 8 best chef knives under 100. If you need to decide fast, here are our top 3 picks.

Imarku Chef Knife-Pro Kitchen Knife 8 Inch 

Key Specs

Blade Material: Stainless Steel

Brand: Imarku

Blade Length: 8 Inches

Item Weight: 12.8 ounces

imarku Japanese Chef Knife – Sharp Kitchen Knife 8 Inch Chef’s Knives HC Steel Paring Knife, Unique Gifts for Men and Women, Gifts for Mom or Dad, Kitchen Gadgets with Premium Gift Box

Kitchen knives and kitchen tools are produced by Imarku, one of the most professional knife brands currently on the market. The company emphasizes quality craft and attention to detail. Their services aim to enhance your culinary creations and become your best kitchen mate.

This knife is designed for professionals for which chefs, culinary experts, caterers, and even the average individual. The knife is multipurpose and is helpful for cutting, chopping, dicing, and slicing vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and other items. You can also use it to remove flesh from bones and pound or smash garlic.

It has an 8-inch stainless steel blade crafted with German engineering. The knife’s overall length is 13 inches, with a handle length of 5 inches. The steel blade also has 16-18% chrome to ensure it won’t rust and is resistant to rust/corrosion.

A user will not feel bogged down by the knife’s weight since its weight feels quite balanced. In terms of ergonomics, it has a good design that prevents aches and cramps from occurring after prolonged use.

The chrome finish and design make it look quite classy. The Pakka handle makes the product even more comfortable and difficult to slip.

Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife, 8-Inch

Key Specs

Blade Material: High-carbon stainless steel

Brand: Victorinox

Blade Length: 8 Inches

Item Weight: 8 Ounces

Victorinox Swiss Army 5.2063.20-X4 Fibrox Straight Chef’s Knife Black 8 in

Victorinox is an established Swiss knife and cutlery brand that some of you may already know. The first time you see this knife, you might think that it’s effortless and of low quality, with nothing special on it. However, this knife is sure to blow your mind.

Designed to handle large and small tasks in the kitchen, this knife fits all tasks. A laser-tested blade and durable construction enable this knife to easily chop, mince, slice, and dice.

One of the knife’s most notable features is its grip. A Fibrox handle protects it from slipping. You can grip it even when it is wet, unlike almost any other material. The Victorinox Fibrox Pro has all the qualities needed to be on our list.

Its ergonomic handles are made from thermoplastic Elastomer TPE. The knife is nicely weighted and balanced for easy handling. Stainless steel is used as the material for the blades — 7.9 inches long. The material is durable, and that’s dishwasher safe.

A Swiss-made product since 1884, Victorinox offers a lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and craft. It’s not that easy to make a lifetime commitment.

Mercer Cutlery Renaissance, 10-Inch Chef’s Knife

Key Specs

Blade Material: High Carbon Steel

Brand: Mercer Cutlery

Blade Length: 10 Inches

Item Weight: 8.1 ounces

Mercer Culinary M23530 Renaissance, 10-Inch Chef’s Knife

This high-performance knife’s one-piece, forged construction makes it suitable for the kitchen. Due to its rust- and corrosion-resistant properties, German cutlery steel has a high carbon and resists stains.

The high quality of Mercer knives is due to numerous factors. This company specializes in making high-quality knives at an affordable price. NSF certification also indicates that these knives are suitable for commercial kitchens, though we recommend hand washing.

This 8″ Chef’s knife can handle medium to large meat pieces as well as medium to large anything else. With a taper-ground edge, your knife can slice delicate cuts of beef or chop salad with the required sharpness to maximize efficiency and stability.

Delrin handles are triple-riveted for maximum durability and balance. The rounded spine of the device enhances the ergonomic and comfortable grip. They are made of a synthetic material that is smooth and easy to clean.

The short bolster design allows the entire blade edge to be seen at the bottom of the knife, making sharpening and maintenance easier. Furthermore, the full tang blade provides better balance, so users can safely slice, dice, and cut food.

The durable design of this Chef’s knife will ensure you have a long-lasting experience.

HENCKELS Classic 3-pc Kitchen Knife Set

Key Specs

Blade Material: Stainless Steel

Brand: HENCKELS

Blade Length: 4-inch paring, 6-inch utility, 8-inch chef’s knife

Item Weight: 1 pound

HENCKELS Classic Razor-Sharp 3-Piece Kitchen Knife Set, Chef Knife, Paring Knife, Utility Knife, German Engineered Informed by 100+ Years of Mastery, Stainless Steel

Most Zwilling J.A. Henckels knives are made in Germany; the international collection is manufactured elsewhere. A knife in this series of the International Classic series is made in Spain.

The German specifications and exceptional-quality standards used by JA Henckels Classic Series Knives are the most advanced in the world. X50 CR MO V15 with a 0.55% carbon content is used in the manufacture of this high-quality chef’s knife from H. While it may not be as sharp as the blades of other high-quality chef knives, the blade of this knife is very durable and meets the standards for a Western knife.

Chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, and 15% steel provide additional wear and rust resistance, hardness, and durability to this high-quality chef knife.

Polypropylene is the thermoplastic that makes up the knife’s triple-riveted handle, including a fully exposed tang. The square corners in its design make it comfortable to use every day. Moreover, its matte finish enhances its look even prettier.

Handles made from ergonomic, traditional triple-rivets reduce fatigue while cutting. Easy to use and maintain, the Dynamic knives are dishwasher safe.

JA Henckels Cutlery is a great place to begin or upgrade your collection. Three of the most used knives are included in the set: a paring knife, a utility knife, and a chef’s knife.

Misen 5.5 Inch Utility Knife

Key Specs

Blade Material: High Carbon Steel

Brand: Misen

Blade Length: 5.5 Inches

Item Weight: 10.6 ounces

Misen 5.5 Inch Utility Knife – High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife for Chopping and Slicing – Ergonomic Design for Culinary and Professional Chefs – Stylish in Classic Black – Medium-Sized

This knife is the halfway point between a paring knife and a chef knife. It is well suited for most culinary tasks and appreciated by most chefs.

Combining the finest features of Western and Japanese blade styles, this versatile knife is perfect for any cutting task or technique.

This knife is incredibly sharp out of the box and stays sharp even after prolonged use, Featuring 30 degrees of cutting-edge angle (15 degrees on each side). It needed no sharpening for almost three months despite heavy use and bulky cutting.

AUS-10 steel is used in the blade, a high-carbon Japanese steel renowned for its durability and edge retention. Its unique sloped shape encourages a positive pinch grip that is more comfortable and safer for gripping.

Full-tang construction, a double-riveted handle, and the knife’s weight contribute to its steadiness and balanced feel. You can match the faucet to any kitchen decor with three colors to choose from.

The company offers a 60-day in-home trial with a no-questions-asked return policy.

In addition to its lifetime guarantee, Misen provides a lifetime sharpening program free of charge. Please send it back to them using their prepaid postage labels and wait for it to arrive.

TUO Nakiri Knife – 5-inch Asian Usaba Knife

Key Specs

Blade Material: Stainless steel

Brand: TUO

Blade Length: 8 Inches

Item Weight: 15.1 ounces

TUO Nakiri Knife – 6.5 inch Asian Usaba Knife Japanese Chef Knife Vegetable Cleaver Ultra Sharp, German Super Stainless Steel Cutlery, Ergonomic Pakkawood Handle Gift Box, Fiery Phoenix Series – Black

TUO Nakiri Usaba Knife is made of High Carbon German stainless steel that is highly durable and effective. Rusting and dulling do not happen quickly.

The knife is specifically designed to cut both vegetables and fruits, but it can also cut meat. With its square blade and flat edge, you can chop vegetables quickly and efficiently; you don’t need to rock the knife during each cut.

Asian chef knives from Tuo are very comfortable to use. The knife is very affordable; it is worth every penny.

The edge of this knife, which was polished and forged by experienced blacksmiths, is ultra-sharp. It makes working more efficient and can provide a more enjoyable experience when cutting and cooking.

Handcrafted Pakkawood handle features a durable and ergonomic design, hand polished and laminated by artisans to ensure a secure grip. There’s no danger that the handle is going to break or rot. Even when wet, the textured handle remains well-balanced and non-slip.

Customer service from TUO is world-class, including lifetime warranties. Every tuo nakiri knife is packaged in an exquisite box and comes with a cleaning cloth so that it is a useful gift both for yourself and for others.

Wüsthof Gourmet Chef’s Knife, 6-Inch

Key Specs

Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel

Brand: Wüsthof

Blade Length: 6 Inches

Item Weight: 5.3 ounces

WÜSTHOF Gourmet 6″ Chef’s Knife, Black

Founded in 1814, Wusthof has earned its reputation as one of its leading knife manufacturers. They are one of the most highly trusted and well-known knife manufacturers. With their Gourmet collection, more people can buy high-quality knives.

An essential tool for every professional and home chef, this knife performs a wide range of tasks such as the following: cutting, slicing, and quartering meat, vegetables, and fruits, regardless of their size and shape. With it, preparing food is a pleasure.

Wusthof manufactures knives using modern production methods while maintaining quality. Its knife design is cost-effective. The blade is laser-cut from tempered and hardened steel with a V-ground edge for long-term durability.

Handles are designed with three rivets to ensure a strong connection. The full tang adds both weight and balance. Its no-stain, high-carbon blade is easy to sharpen.

Instead of hammering blades from steel ingots, Wusthof stamps their blades from a high-carbon steel alloy with stain resistance. This ensures high-quality production of the blades. It features synthetic polypropylene handles with heat and impact protection that resist fading, discoloration, abrasion, and fading.

The blade does not have a bolster. Handwashing these knives is vital since they aren’t dishwasher safe.

DALSTRONG Chef Knife – 8″ – Gladiator Series

Key Specs

Blade Material: Forged ThyssenKrupp HC German Steel

Brand: Dalstrong

Blade Length: 8 Inches

Item Weight: 8 ounces

Dalstrong Chef Knife – 8 inch Blade – Gladiator Series ELITE – Forged HC German Steel Chef’s Knife – Professional Full Tang Knife – Black G10 Handle – Sheath – NSF Certified

Dalstrong 8-inch knives are both affordable and functional. With the help of cutting-edge technology and expert craftsmanship, high carbon German steel is used to give the blade a sleek finish and superb performance.

Its full-tang design is more durable and secure in the kitchen. Moreover, it has a hand-polished 16- to 18-degree edge on either side, providing a razor-sharp and smooth cutting effect. Also, the blade’s precise tempering and stain resistance will ensure extended longevity.

There is a G10 Garolite handle on the other end of the knife, which is triple riveted and has a high grip design. The handle has a polished finish and a laminate to increase hygiene, especially in busy kitchens.

A Dalstrong is also an affordable chef knife while retaining a high level of quality and luxury. The tang and bolster are flawlessly polished, which creates a striking contrast with the black handle.

This tool’s handle is made from Spanish pakkawood, known for its durability and sturdiness.

Let’s get back to the blade. Dalstrong partners with ThyssenKrupp, the world’s largest steelmaker, to ensure durability. Hardness is raised to an impressive 56+ HRC during their forging process. A knife like this will last for years without noticeable weathering.

A black perfect-fit sheath completes this knife’s value. Gold touches printed on both sides make the product feel even more premium.

Buyer’s Guide: How To Pick A Chef knife

Chef’s knives aren’t easy to find because most promise too much and deliver little. To choose a quality kitchen knife, many factors need to be considered, such as brand name and high-carbon stainless steel.

Finding the best affordable chef knife with top-notch qualities can be challenging, but we have listed the key features that can help you narrow down the choices from the countless chef knives available.

Manufacturer of reputable knives

Even though affordable knives are available, reputable knife-producing brands use the highest quality materials in producing their knives.

To make sure you’re getting a good knife, we recommend you buy from reputable manufacturers.

Quality materials

Steel is usually the material of choice for these knives. This steel varies from knife to knife. Their primary material is steel or another metal. By doing so, the steel becomes more robust and more durable. In order to prevent corrosion, stainless steel is an alloy of steel and metal, which also contains carbon as an additional strength ingredient.

Carbon in steel makes knives stronger, so the more mixed, the stronger it is. You should find a high-carbon stainless steel blade if you don’t want to sharpen your knife often.

Don’t forget to consider the type of handle. Stainless steel and thermoplastic are effective materials for handles. Knives made in Germany and Japan typically use high-quality materials.

Tang

Tangs are the bottom parts of knives that extend into handles. As a counterweight, the tang enhances the knife’s balance in the middle of your hand. Knives can feel drastically different depending on the size and weight of the tang. Some chef knives come with full-tang handles that extend the blade’s full length.

Bolster

You will find the bolster on your knife at the end of the handle (non-cutting edge). It is a thicker metallic part at the blade’s base.

The bolster functions in a similar manner to the handguard of a sword. While you’re cutting, it helps prevent your hand from sliding forward onto the blade. Longevity is a feature of these knives.

Angle

In Western-style chef knives, the blade angle is approximately 20 degrees, making it easy to cut through standard kitchen fare. Although Japanese manufacturers usually use knives sharpened between 15 and 17 degrees, they are often sharper than their Canadian counterparts.

Smaller angles make knives very sharp. Their durability may, however, be inferior to knives with 20-to-30-degree angles. To compensate for this loss of stability, manufacturers usually choose a metal type based on the knife’s angle, ensuring maximum durability and cutting ability.

Weight

The weight of your knife has a significant impact on how often you use it. Heavier knives can make chopping tougher foods easier. Using them properly allows for more weight to fall upon whatever you cut.

Materials and length determine the weight of a knife. Most all-metal knives are heavy. Alloy and composite knives are often the lightest options. It is a matter of personal preference to choose a knife weight.

Length

The most common size of chef knives in most kitchens is 8 inches. Despite its size, it is maneuverable enough to chop up smaller foods without sacrificing efficiency in the kitchen. The knives are also available in other lengths to suit chefs’ preferences. Standard size is an excellent option for first-time buyers.

How To Use Chef Knife

An effective way to become familiar with a multipurpose cutting tool is to practice holding it. Knowing how to hold a knife correctly can help you enjoy your chores and save your wrist from strain.

Video Tips: How To Hold Chef Knife

How To Clean A Chef Knife: 5 Ways To Follow

Each knife requires a certain level of handling and care, depending on the type and purpose. Keeping all knives sharp, free of rust, and bacteria-free by regularly cleaning them is essential. The following are five ways to clean your knives:

1. Handwashing with soap and water is the most effective way to clean a fine chef’s knife.

2. Maintain a safe distance between your fingers and the blade while going slowly and carefully. You should always wipe the blade on both sides with a sponge or dishcloth, constantly wiping it away from you to avoid getting cut.

3. Rather than scrubbing the stubborn bits of dry food on the blade, let the blade soak for a few minutes in shallow water. The edge or handle of your knife could rust if you let it soak for more than a minute.

4. You can also put your knives in the dishwasher; they’re safe. However, they will become wonderfully blunt if you continue to wash the knives.

 Putting high-quality knives in the dishwasher is not a wise idea. The abrasive detergent, high heat, and jostling of other items in the dishwasher will quickly dull your knife’s blade and leave it with nicks.

Over time, wooden handles will crack and loosen as well. Moreover, sharp knives can cut through the plastic coating on dishwasher shelves, exposing the metal beneath and causing corrosion.

5. Make sure you rinse with clear water. Allow to air dry or quickly wipe dry with a clean paper towel.

At the end of the presentation

This gallery shows some of the most impressive knives available. There is no compromise in the quality of materials or construction of the knives on our list. The brands they represent are all reputable.

The right chef knife can make your cooking experience at home much more enjoyable. That’s why finding the right knife is so important. The list of high-quality chef knives on this page should give you an idea of what’s out there.

Make sure you choose a knife that feels like an extension of your hand and keep it well-sharpened.

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