There are a lot of chef’s knives out on the market but I prefer to break the bank on buying one. Therefore, I have researched the best 11 chef’s knives under $100 that you can buy to add to your trusty chef’s kit. These are a list of kitchen knives that you can buy on a budget.
See down below for a list of the 11 best chef’s knives I researched that can be purchased for under $100 US. With my research I have found that these do the job for the average chef (like me lol).
1. Victorinox 8 Inch Pro Chef’s Knife
A great multipurpose knife. The 8-inch carbon blade provides maximum sharpness and edge retention which will make your cutting tasks that much easier. It is sharpened at a high angle which results in a finer edge, giving you more precision when mincing, slicing, chopping, or dicing any food items. The black handle is ergonomically designed for comfort and stability. It has great slip resistance too, ensuring that your grip on the handle won’t be compromised while you’re hold it firmly for increased control during precise cutting operations.
Pros
- Slip resistant handle that allows for a firm cutting grip
- Ergonomic design to prevent pain in the hand and wrist
- Light and agile which is ideal for chopping and mincing
- Very Sharp – Amazing cutting capabilities for various types of food
- Best bang for your buck so you don’t have to spend a lot to chop like a pro
Cons
- Hand wash recommended
- Some say the blade dulls/chip/rust quickly
- Not the most pretty looking knife
2. Imarku Japanese Chef’s Knife
A high carbon steel knife that will allow you to use it for various purposes in the kitchen. The fact that the blade contains carbon makes it harder and sturdier than others. Furthermore, due to the composition of the blade, it will not tarnish and has a sleek, glossy finish to it. The wooden handle gives it an elegant touch.
PROS
- Very sharp and cuts through food with ease – so sharp you may need a finger protector!
- Lightweight but not too light weight which means it is well balanced from tip to handle
- Looks professional
- Handle wont’ break with continued use
- Thick blade and great sharpness – bang for your buck!
- Arrives in a beautiful box which makes it a great gift
CONS
- Some say the knife tip has broken off or has chipped
- Handle is not the best quality
3. Paudin 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
If you’re looking for a great all-purpose kitchen knife on a budget,, the Paudin 8 inch chef’s knife is a great option. It’s extremely sharp and can handle a variety of daily kitchen tasks with ease. The ergonomic handle provides a great grip, making it comfortable to use for extended periods of time. Plus, it comes in a nice display box, making it a great option for gifting.
PROS
- Well balanced knife for easy handling
- Very sharp and require minimal to no sharpening
- Comfortable handle which allows for a good grip
- Comes in a nice display box
CONS
- Wooden handle may split
- Top (not bottom) of knife can be sharp which may cause injury
4. Mosfiata 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
This 8 Inch knife is made with great quality steel that is resistant to discolouration, rust and corrosion. The solid handle allows for minimal hand and wrist fatigue. It comes with a finger guard, blade guard and sharpener which gives this knife added value. This knife also comes in a beautiful gift box which makes this a great gift option.
PROS
- Beautiful design on the steel which makes it an interesting piece to add to your kitchen tool kit
- Comes with a sheath to protect the blade
- Great sharpness to cut through various foods such as meats and veggies
- Very light and comfortable for easy handeling
- Comes with finger protector for those who are scared to knick their fingers while cutting
CONS
- Some say the knife is not sharp enough and the sharpener it comes with is not very handy
- Pattern is printed on and is not a true etched Damascus pattern
5. Dalstrong 6 Inch Chef’s Knife
A fantastically crafted chef’s knife that can come in various sizes. Made with strong Japanese steel that typically assures great cutting capabilities. It is a well balanced knife that comes with a tapered blade which allows for minimal resistance when cutting. The ergonomic handle shape is designed for superior hand control.
PROS
- Beautifully designed which makes it aesthetically pleasing which may be important to some people (someone like me who loves home design and décor!)
- Razor sharp for easy use while cutting, chopping, slicking, deciding, etc
- Feels great in the hand which can deter from hand and wrist pain
- Great bang for your buck
- The box is well done and elegant which makes this a great gift idea
CONS
- Can feel unbalanced
- A bit heavy
6. Santoku 7 Inch Chef’s Knife
This 7 inch knife can be used for all your daily kitchen tasks of mincing, slicing, dicing, chopping, filleting and more. It comes with a hand polished edge which is 15-18 degrees on each side which means it’s very study and sharp and will get the job done. The handle is beautiful and allows for a comfortable grip when chopping for a long time.
PROS
- Handle is a good size for all hand size (male and female) which means anyone can use it with ease
- Holds a great edge for great cutting and minimal maintenance
- Cuts through tough crust and large pieces of meal with minimal effort
- Dishwasher safe – easy to clean and no need to hand wash
- Blade will not flex during use which makes it safter to use as it will not snap off
CONS
- May rust and crack
- Some say it loses sharpness quickly
7. Henckels Classic 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
Another great option for a chef’s knife that won’t break the bank is the Henckels Classic Chef’s Knife. This knife is made of German stainless steel and has a comfortable grip that makes it easy to handle. The blade is also very sharp, making it ideal for slicing and dicing. Plus, the knife is also dishwasher safe, so you can easily clean it after use.
PROS
- Better and more affordable that some of the high end knives due to blade sturdiness and sharpness
- Can cut through thich meats but can also be used for the more delicate tasks of chopping fine herbs
- Dishwasher save for easy washing
- Long lasting knife that you will have in your kitchen for years
- Appealing look so you can not only cook but you can also look like a professional in the kitchen
CONS
- Top of the knife (not the bottom) may be sharper than other knives which can be a bit dangerous
- May rust and get discolored
- May arrive with scratches and imperfections
8. Mercer Culinary Genesis 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
There are so many different types of German knives it’s sometimes difficult to choose which one to buy. This knife itself is a one piece, fully forged, super high carbon, stain free, German steel. It’s make allows for a great balance between the razor sharp blade and non-slip comfortable grip handle.
PROS
- Great quality – The steel used is on par with the more expensive knives you can buy so you know you are getting a good bang for your buck
- No bolster – This means that the balance of the knife is towards the tip rather than the handle. This is preferred among many chefs.
- Can handle heavy restaurant use so you know it will be durable in your at-home kitchen
- Is part of a knife series so you can buy other Genesis product and build a whole knife arsenal
CONS
- Some say the handle is small and can cause your wrist to hurt when chopping for too long
- If not dried properly or not dried for a long period of time it will rust
9. Ytuomzi 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
The Ytuomzi 8 inch chef’s knife is a great addition to any kitchen. It is made with high quality materials and construction, and it is very comfortable and safe to use. The knife also comes with a lifetime warranty and a gift box, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a new chef’s knife.
PROS
- Can be sharpened repetitively without risking the chance of chipping
- Food will not stick to blade which makes for easier cutting
- Overall weight and balance is comparable to more costly models which means you are getting a bang for your buck
- Beautiful packaging which makes for a good gift
CONS
- Dulls quickly
- Handle may get a bit wobbly
10. Misen 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
This top-of-the-line knife is designed for professional chefs, but it’s also perfect for home cooks who want a high-quality knife that can handle any cooking task. The Misten Chef’s Knife is made of durable carbon steel and has a razor-sharp blade that makes slicing and chopping a breeze. Plus, the comfortable grip allows you to wield it with ease, even when your hands are wet.
PROS
- Can cut the softest fruits (ie. Tomatoes) with ultimate precision
- Allows you to mince like a professional chef
- Ideal for a range of cooks – from professional to novice
- Comes in varies sizes (5.5 inches, 6.8 inces, 8 inches)
CONS
- May develop rust after some time if not kept dry after washing
- Some say the blade is dull from the start
11. Shun Sora 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
This must have, handcrafted 8 Inch Japanese knife is a great asset to have in the kitchen. The handle is a traditional design which is very esthetically pleasing to the eye. The blade is made of stainless steel and is hand-sharpened to a 16-degree angle.
PROS
- Hand-crafted which means it is made with care
- Traditional design that gives it a beautiful look
- Stays sharp with minimal sharpening maintenance so you won’t have to spend time constantly re-sharpening it
- Light handle which makes it very easy to use
- Allos for accurate/precise cutting so you can demonstrate your best chef skills
CONS
- Some say the knife is too lightweight, and that the blade is too thin, which gives it a fragile feel
- Blade may chip or break if not properly cared for
CONCLUSION
When you’re looking for a new kitchen knife, it can be challenging to find one that’s affordable and easy to use. It’s important to consider your budget, blade sharpness, handle size, and the angle of the blade. There are so many different knives out there! I hope this article has been helpful for you and will also you to make an informed decision about your next knife purchase. Happy chopping!