Reddit Top Chef Knives Suggestions

Updated September 29th, 2019
Written by Reddit Suggestions

Knives are probably one of the most often used and overlooked pieces of cutlery you can find in a kitchen. It is easy to take a great knife for granted, but almost everyone will take quick note of a knife that is subpar quality. However, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of different knives to choose from, so picking can be a daunting task.

Fortunately, you have found yourself at this article. We will take you through the nooks and crannies of some of the absolute best knives available on the market, as well as what Reddit users have said about them. We've scanned through subreddits such as /r/knives/ and /r/chefknives/ and found reddit's favorite chef knives. In the article below, you will find information ranging from the type of steel used in the knives, special features that may be present (like grooves for easy handling), as well as price considerations and common feedback.

Without further adieu, it is time to sharpen our knowledge about the best chef knives for your kitchen!

Reddit's Top Choice
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Vitorinox Fibrox 8

  • Length: 8"
  • Weight: 7.8 oz.
  • Handle Length: 5 1/2"
  • Made In: Switzerland
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Vitorinox offers a lifetime warranty against both any material defects as well as workmanship defects. Which means there is almost nothing that the warranty does not cover. For a great, entry-level priced knife, the Fibrox 8 is an attractive choice for many.

The Vitorinix Fibrox 8 comes to you by way of the Victorinox Swiss Army, where you will find not only knives but also watches, travel gear, other kitchen cutlery, and swiss army knives. The Fibrox 8 fits in with the company’s family of knives as a tool for general use. The 8 inch blade is ideal for a wide variety of different kitchen tasks, and the quality and durability of the knife makes it an attractive choice to both professional and home-chef alike.

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Wustof Classic 8 in Chef Knife

Wustof Classic 8 in Chef Knife

  • Length: 8"
  • Weight: 8.5 oz.
  • Handle Length: 5"
  • Made In: Germany
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The Wustof Classic is going to be one of the most popular knives you find in this price point (around $150). For most home chefs, it will be more than enough to offer years of loyal service, given that you take proper care of it. However, it appears to be a hearty, reliable knife that is ideal for those looking to make the investment in a high-end knife that will last.

Wustof is a company that has a specialty niche in knives and has been around since 1914. Since their founding, they have made a reputation for themselves for making some of the highest quality knives on the market, with one of their all-time best sellers being their Classic 8 inch chef knife.

The knife boasts all kinds of fantastic attributes. The blade itself is a workhorse, being forged from a single piece of high carbon stainless seal. The handle is made from polyoxymethylene, which is not only comfortable, but also retains it color well and resists staining. The blade is made to hold its edge for longer than its competition while still being incredibly sharp. They offer the same kind of warranty Vitorinox, which makes it a bit easier to take the financial plunge.

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Global G-2 8 inch

Global G-2 8 inch

  • Length: 8"
  • Weight: 5.5 oz.
  • Handle Length: 4 1/2"
  • Made In: Japan
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Global Knives was founded in the 1980’s in Japan with the goal to revolutionize knife making. Needless to say, they have caused quite a stir. All Global knives are still manufactured in their original factory in Japan, where their quality is held under tight scrutiny. Each individual knife is weighed and made with precise materials.

Many of the knives you will find on this list originate from Japan. It should come as no surprise, as Japan has a rich history in metal craft. Originating from their expertise in forging samurai swords, that tradition and skill has translated to making some of the most world-renowned knives available today, and Global Knives is no exception.

Like many of the knives on our list, they are made to be exceptionally sharp and maintain their edge for years with proper maintenance. They also come with a lifetime warranty against breakage or other defects. Their relative mid-range price point makes the G-2 8 inch blade an attractive choice for consumer use.

A word of caution. This knife is fantastically sharp, but there is a trade-off for this. Namely, this knife is very thin, making it prone to chip and break. This is a great knife for the experienced, careful user, but for those that would consider themselves novices, you may want to look at other choices that are easier to maintain.

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Kramer by Zwilling Carbon Steel Knife

Kramer by Zwilling Carbon Steel Knife

  • Length: 8"
  • Made In: Japan
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The Kramer Chef knife sets itself apart from many on this list in several ways. First, it is not a stainless steel knife. Instead, it is straight carbon steel, which is much harder to take care of but offers a far more premium experience than stainless steel. It will stay sharper longer and hold its edge much better.

The Kramer Chef knife is also much harder than typical stainless steel, letting it handle more difficult cutting jobs with the risk of breaking. You definitely pay a premium, though, with this knife coming in at $300. It does come with the same kind of warranty that most premium knives do (guarantees against defects). However, many a knife expert will swear by the quality that is afforded by straight carbon steel, and this chef knife has a reputation for a great blade. Just be sure you are prepared for the more involved maintenance.

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8 inch Shun Classic

8 inch Shun Classic

  • Length: 8"
  • Weight: 6.6 oz.
  • Handle Length: 6"
  • Made In: Japan
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Looking for a chef knife that is both great to use and gorgeous to look at? The 8 in Shun Classic might be calling your name. The 8 inch Shun Classic blade is made with their proprietary VG-MAX steel that is then covered with Damascus stainless steel. The result is a blade that has a beautiful look and is resistant to corrosion and should be able to power through heavy use with little issue. Its price tag of $190 makes it attractive to those who are looking to upgrade their knife but might not be ready for a huge investment.

Again, it is worth noting that this is another knife that is thin and sharp, meaning it is brittle and prone to chip and break. If this is your first time getting a quality chef knife, you may want to consider another brand that is less sharp but heartier and more durable.

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Tojiro DP Gyuto

Tojiro DP Gyuto

  • Length: 8"
  • Weight: 7.2 oz.
  • Made In: Japan
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Since 1955, Japan-based Tojiro knives have followed their motto religiously: “More than just sharpness.” Though they do offer a sharp blade, they have spent the past 70 years on making sure that knives they produce are easy to handle, even for beginners, and that they are built to be your cooking companions. The DP Gyuto certainly fits the bill. It sports a VG-10 steel core coated with stainless steel so even home cooks will be able to sharpen and maintain the blade. Compared with its Western counterparts, this chef knife may feel lighter in comparison.

Of course, at a price range below $100, this knife bills itself as a great option for those looking to transition to their first high-quality chef knife. However, as with many less expensive chef knives, be prepared for regular sharpening. What they gain in durability they will lose in maintaining a sharp edge. You will want to be sure to invest in the proper sharpening equipment before taking the dive with this knife.

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Wustof Pro

Wustof Pro

  • Length: 10"
  • Weight: 8 oz.
  • Handle Length: 7"
  • Made In: Germany
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Another knife from Wustof makes the list! This time, it is the Pro, which offers some of the great benefits that the Classic 8 in chef knife, but at a fraction of the price. The Pro Chef knife still bills itself as a jack-of-all-trades knife for kitchen use, but its weight and design make it ideal for heavier jobs. This includes thicker kinds of meat and larger, tougher kinds of vegetables. The laser-cut blade will also deliver a decent cutting experience.

This knife is ideal for equipping an entire kitchen staff with uniform cutlery that can be relied on. It also serves as a great entry level knife for those new to the experience of buying premium knives. The Pro may not be as great as many of the knives on this list, but it certainly beats a standard kitchen knife, and at a price point that is less than $50, it is hard to complain much.

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Mac Knife MTH-80

Mac Knife MTH-80

  • Length: 8"
  • Weight: 6.5 oz.
  • Handle Length: 5"
  • Made In: Germany
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For the final knife on our list, we bring you another solid workhorse of a knife: the MTH-80. Manufactured in Japan, this brand has been pleasing knife enthusiasts since 1964. In mixing the traditional Japanese and Western blade-edge styles, they have created a knife that excels in both thin, delicate slicing and big chops. At a similar price point to many mid-ranged knives on our list at $175, it offers comparable quality to some of the most popular brands.

The blade also sports dimples along the edges of the blade, making it an ideal tool for precision mincing. An incredible choice if you are looking to upgrade from kitchen knives or a lower-end chef knife.

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Reddit Knives Recommendation Recap

After reading up on different chef knives and reading through the Reddit comments, you may be surprised by how much consideration needs to go into choosing the perfect chef knife for you. You should always do your due diligence before diving into purchasing a chef knife, but we have a few suggestions that might make the decision making process a bit easier.

How hard are you on knives? If you tend to be rough and tumbly with your knives, that will help reduce ideal options for you. Generally, the trade-off of a blade is either very sharp but brittle, or very durable but prone to dull. If you are hard on knives, you may consider going for blades that require more regular sharpening but are more likely to withstand harsh use.

Are you ready to take care of a high-end knife? More expensive knives generally require more intense care. This can be anything from oiling the handle, careful handwashing, oiling the blade, and proper tools to keep the blade sharp. If you are intimidated by a high-maintenance knife, consider a lower-end model that may require less care, or at the very least be easier to replace.

How big are your hands? Seriously, sometimes what kind of knife you get is going to come down to which knife you are best able to handle. Some knives have low knuckle clearance, giving thick fingers a challenge to handle. You may experience other problems depending on the size of your hands, so pay close attention to the chef knife measurements.

What do you plan on using the knife for? If you are looking for a general, all-purpose knife, a chef knife is a great choice. They are well known for their versatility in the kitchen, making them a favorite of both professional and home chefs. However, if you are shopping for cutlery to do something specific, like cutting fillets or bread, then you may be better off looking for a specialty knife made specifically for that purpose.

This list is by no means all-inclusive, but it is a great, reliable launchpad for you to begin shopping for a chef knife. Subreddits like r/knives and r/chefknives are great communities to get further help with your knife shopping, as well as give you more specific advice in helping you find a chef knife that will specifically meet your skill sets and needs.

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