10 Best Chef Knife Under 100 – Reviewed & Updated 2023!
Are you searching for a high-quality chef knife that won’t break the bank? Look no further! The kitchen is the heart of every home and a good chef knife is an essential tool for any cook, amateur or professional. Whether you’re a home cook who loves to prepare meals for your family or a professional chef, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve handpicked the best chef knives under 100 dollars that are both budget-friendly and of top-notch quality. From slicing meats to chopping vegetables, these knives will make cooking a breeze. Get ready to upgrade your kitchen today with the best chef knife under 100 dollars!
User Experience: “The knife fits well in my hand making slicing easy and stable. The sharpness of the blade makes it easy to cut tomato slices. This is the best knife I have ever owned.” Read More
- Price: $127.99
- Rating: 4.8
Pros:
- Sharp
- Durable
- Ideal feel
- Trusted manufacturer
Cons:
- Expensive
- 6” is not enough for chefs
Wusthof Classic, best chef knife under $100, is not only forged but it also has a respected manufacturer.
It is a part of Wusthof’s popular ‘Classic’ series that they have been making these excellent chef knives for many years. It is an aggressive and super sharp knife. The blade is made of high carbon stainless steel.
You can see all of the positive reviews for this knife. You will be hard-pressed to search for another knife with a better rating at this price. This is the best budget chef knife available and it is a definite steal at under $100.
User Experience: “My daughter was gifted this knife for her wedding and I love using it so I got one for myself. It is the only knife I use everyday.” Read More
- Price: $114.99
- Rating: 4.7
Pros:
- Durable
- Sharp blade
- Ergonomic design
- Professional grade knife
Cons:
- Pricey compared to others
If you are looking for an ideal chef knife then get your hands-on MAC TH-80 Hollow Edge 8″ Chef Knife. The blade is stamped along with being lightweight, sharp, and thin. You may also see holes on the blade; those are air pockets very useful when chopping. It is perfect for cooks with small hands for kitchen use.
This knife is made in Japan with Japanese steel along with razor-sharp, thin blades. Another thing in the blade is the high amount of carbon, which gives it durability and strength. To reduce friction and stickiness, you can also get the hollow-edge scallops on the blade.
User Experience: “I pulled this beautiful knife out of the substantial, attractive box, and immediately wanted to chop stir fry. It is sharp, feels good in my small hand, and doesn’t make my wrist sore.” Read More
- Price: $94.99
- Rating: 4.8
Pros:
- Well-balanced
- CROMOVA 18 steel
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Shorter blade
Global G-4-7 Oriental, best Pro chef knife under $100, is a top chef knife for you with an ideal flare. Now you can enjoy working with a blade of the knife that has a shape to it. It almost resembles a kiritsuke knife. It is one of the best Japanese chef knives for you in terms of uniqueness.
This knife is made in Japan with stainless steel. The handle of the Global Oriental Chef knife is hollow with an excellent balance. The knife comes with a lifetime warranty. It is a great investment with no reason to worry about the workmanship.
User Experience: “Received this knife as a gift. I am surprised at how comfortable it was to hold. The somewhat sharp edges of the handle actually nestle into my palm super well.” Read More
- Price: $68.99
- Rating: 4.7
Pros:
- Non-slip
- Sharp blade
- Unique design
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Not comfortable for long use
J.A. Henckels International Classic, very reputable and certainly one of the best quality chef knife under $100, is perfect for you in terms of affordability, comfort, and durability. With this chef knife, you can enjoy chopping, dicing, and mincing with precision.
This knife is made using German stainless steel for sharpness and durability. You can save a lot of time cleaning as this knife is dishwasher safe. Now you can work with stability and comfort due to the non-slip handle. You can buy this top chef knife if you want quality with strength and sharpness.
User Experience: “Over years I have spent a lot of money on quality kitchen knives. Damascus blades that once damaged cannot be fixed at home. But these knives are almost as good, a lot cheaper and easily sharpened at home.” Read More
- Price: $48.99
- Rating: 4.8
Pros:
- Durable
- Multipurpose knife
- Attractive design
- Damage resistant
- Excellent balance
Cons:
- Not suitable for certain tasks due to the small size
If you are searching for the best overall Japanese Santoku chef knife under $100, then Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged 7″ chef Knife is the one for you. It is made using a Japanese blade called Santoku. This is not your regular chef knife. Its flat design can make it easy for you to do the chopping in the rocking motion.
You can notice little holes on the blade that are there to prevent food from sticking to the knife. With the Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged 7″ Santoku Knife you don’t have to worry about rust or discoloration. Now you can enjoy chopping with strength thanks to its full-tang design. You can also use this knife for mincing, slicing, or cutting. This knife will give you an amazing experience with the money you get it for.
User Experience: “The lightest knife compared to others at the same price point. Holds its edge very well, very sharp.” Read More
- Price: $84.99
- Rating: 4.7
Pros:
- Japanese handcrafted
- Steel blade beautifully layered
- Lifetime warranty
- Japanese steel core
Cons:
- Brittle
- Lower-end shun knife
If you like Japanese style knives, then among the best Japanese chef knives is the Shun Sora 8” chef knife. This is a traditional Japanese knife and it stays in contact with the cutting board during chopping.
Shun Sora 8” Chef Knife lets you do your chopping with a premium VG10 steel blade. Although the steel is corrosion resistant it will not stay sharp. The handle however is made with TPE for durability and easy use. You can easily rock the blade back and forth because of the flat spine design. It is difficult to find a high-quality 8” Japanese chef’s knife for under 100. So get your hands on this knife to chop with edge retention as well as durability.
User Experience: “Great balance, maneuverability, and point control for its size. Easy to clean. Value for price, I recommend this Gladiator Chef’s Knife.” Read More
- Price: $60.99
- Rating: 4.7
Pros:
- Affordable
- Perfect balance
- Modern look, attractive wooden handle
Cons:
- Softer
- Less edge durability
- Not suitable for beginners
Put your chef skills to work with Dalstrong Gladiator that gives you the best value for the money you spend. The first thing you notice about Dalstrong Chef’s knife is its bold design. It is manufactured by an American company in China. The blade shape is forward slanted with a bolster. The handle of the knife is smoothly curved.
The grip of the knife feels natural making it the best beginner’s chef knife. The handle not just looks beautiful but offers a reliable non-slippery grip. It is perfect to make aggressive and controlled cuts.
It is hardened to 56+ Rockwell, hence, a slightly softer knife. It is a definite winner for being the best knife for cutting raw meat.
User Experience: “I have long searched for a knife that cuts really well. I have hard time cutting thru a tomato with most of my knives. This is an amazing knife. I use it for cutting meat, chicken, vegetables… anything. I highly recommend.” Read More
- Price: $39.99
- Rating: 4.8
Pros:
- Sharp precision blade
- Idealistic reputation
- Safe to use
- Compact
- Non-slip
Cons:
- Ordinary design
Get your hands the Victorinox Fibrox Pro, best affordable chef knife under 100, with a reputation for quality. The Victorinox top chef knife set has a 6” blade with a polymer handle.
Now you can enjoy working with a comfortable grip that will not slip easily. However, the lack of a full tang and the handle material makes this knife lighter.
The blade of the knife is stamped, from high-quality stainless steel. Hence, the blade is thinner and flexible. The Fibrox being lightweight and flexible is the best beginner chef knife. It makes a great slicer. However, if you are looking for weight then opt for a forget knife instead.
User Experience: “This thing is super sharp right out of the box! I knicked myself the first time I used it! The blade glides right through food… This one tops any chef’s knife I’ve ever used! This is one you’ll treasure… And it would make a very good gift too!” Read More
- Price: $33.99
- Rating: 4.6
Pros:
- Multipurpose knife
- Sleek appearance
- Value for money
- Sharp to use
Cons:
- Not suitable for beginners
Imarku, the best runner-up chef knife under $100, is one of the best chef knife in the world that you can get in terms of quality and affordability.
You will notice that the sharpness as well as the durability matches the drop in the price. Imarku is an ideal knife for a home chef. It deserves a place on our list of best Japanese chef knife under 100.
This knife is well-crafted with a polished Pakkawood handle that can give you a long lasting grip. The wooden handle gives a sure grip. The blade is 8”, stamped, and made in China.
It is made with a high carbon chromium stainless steel alloy. The blade is fairly flexible to get thin tomato slices. The knife has enough weight to chop with power. The blade has a nice curve which is perfect for mincing and rolling action. We recommend this knife to beginner chefs on a budget looking for a high-quality knife.
User Experience: “I was a little hesitant about purchasing this product because of the low price. I was surprised at how sharp this knife is and have been using it for a couple of weeks now and it is still sharp. I’ve used at least 6 knives ($75 or lower) and this knife is BEST!” Read More
- Price: $$$
- Rating: 4.6
Pros:
- Sharp
- Affordable
- Unique knife design
- Professional grade
Cons:
- The blade is not strong enough
Get your hands on this budget-friendly KUTT chef knife because this is one of the best chef knife under 100 dollars. Despite the price tag, this knife will give you a professional-grade knife feel. With the purchase of this knife, you also get useful tools like a metal finger guard and an odor removing soap.
You can notice the impressive design of this knife right away. The logo printed on the blade looks sleek. The blade on the knife may surprise you. Although it is made of standard stainless steel it gives you excellent durability and sharpness.
The Pakkawood handle not only beautifies the knife but will also give you a comfortable grip. Kutt chef knife is the best Japanese chef knife under 100. It is an ideal choice if you want to make the most out of your money.
What to look for when buying the best chef knife under 100 in 2023?
Every brand claims they have the best chef knife in the world. However, could someone else’s best knife be your best knife? Probably not. Every chef has a separate set of preferences and requirements. They have their own needs, budgets, likes, and dislikes. So, instead of finding the best knife in the world, you should look for the best knife for yourself! The following buyer’s guide for chef’s knives will help you understand essential factors when going knife-shopping.
Type of Knife
The best kitchen knives 2023 come in various forms and categories. There is no one type of chef’s knife; there are several. Each of them is ideal for a specific situation and a different chef. From the following options, identify which one would suit you best:
- Forged Knives
Forged knives come with exceptional strength and resistance. Their manufacturing process involves press-forging a singular metallic piece from its point to its rear. Then, the maker rivets the handle in place so that it guarantees both stability and comfort. However, this quality and strength comes with a cost- added weight. While expert chefs might have the experience and skill to work with heavy knives, beginners don’t find it very comfortable.
Most of these knives don’t have a tag on them; you have to identify them as forged. Here’s how you can do that:
They have a thick blade that gradually tapers down until the knife’s edge. These knives also feature a bolster and a full tang. The best Damascus chef knife will also contain forged steel.
- Stamped Knives
The manufacturing process of a stamped knife is very similar to how you use cookie cutters. The maker uses a uniform steel sheet and cuts out blades from it. Then, he adds the handles to the knives and completes them. With stamped knives, you have the advantage of lightness. You’ll most probably find the best beginner chef knife in this particular category. Plus, these are also cheaper than forged knives. So, you can save a few bucks. Here’s how you can identify a stamped knife: it won’t have a bolster or a tang, and the blade will be uniformly thin.
- Japanese Knives
The best Japanese chef knives utilize alloy materials to make their blades. These alloys contain higher levels of carbon, which means thinner blades but more strength. These knives are also very straight, which means that they promote precise cutting and carving, just like swords!
However, there’s a catch. Since these blades have a higher level of hardness, they are more brittle. Thanks to this fragility, you need to sharpen them frequently and keep them usable. Plus, it would help if you sharpened them in a specific way that guarantees durability.
In short, maintaining a Japanese knife can be a pain.
- Western (German) Knives
The counterpart of Japanese knives is Western knives. These have blades with reduced levels of carbon. However, these lower percentages, in no way, imply that they are any less useful. Since they have lesser carbon, they hold their edges for more extended periods and require sharpening less frequently.
Western knives also have a broader curve compared to Japanese knives. Indeed, they’re blunter and not as sharp, but they’re great for recreational chefs!
- Ceramic Knives
Ceramic knives are becoming more and more trendy. You can consider these an upgraded version of Japanese knives, only thinner and sharper. Moreover, they hold their sharpness for very long periods.
Their edge and sharpness are even more long-lasting than Western knives. However, the catch to this knife type is that they’re very easy to break. If it falls onto your kitchen counter, it might break into pieces.
Also, they require professional sharpening when they become dull. Regular sharpening stones won’t do much to sharpen the zirconium. Hence, as marvelous as they are, they’re very high-maintenance.
Grip and Comfort
You are buying a knife to use regularly. Hence, it should feel good, and you should be comfortable using it.
Preferably, hold the knife and pretend to cut and chop with it to see how it feels in your hand.
- Do you have a firm grip over the knife?
- Does it feel comfortable?
If yes, go for it. If not, maybe try some other options?
Balance and Clearance
What’s the recipe for the perfect chef’s knife? The answer is a balanced heel, polished and thick spine, and a handle with enough clearance.
If you have bigger hands and larger fingers, it is best to go for a knife that has deeper blades like Wusthof Knives.
This way, your knuckles won’t touch the cutting board while you’re chopping.
As for balance, some knives with the heavy blade usually have a wooden handle and full tang. This way, they ensure a balanced structure to give you maximum control and reduce fatigue.
Blade Length
Blade lengths vary, but so do your preferences. You will generally find chef knives that are as long as 5 inches to 12 inches in length. The smallest one being close to a paring knife, is ideal for delicate work and carvings. In contrast, a knife that has a 12-inch long blade is better for bigger cuttings and chopping jobs. So, there’s no right or wrong blade length when it comes to a chef’s knife. You should buy one based on what you are comfortable with and what you need.
Weight
Again, if the knife is heavy, it might be a problem for beginners or chefs who have lean body weight. A blade that is heavier than what you can carry will make you fatigue faster. This way, they may shorten your work hours. Everyone has their own tolerance for hefty utensils, so make sure you hold the knife in your hand and test it before you buy it. If it’s too heavy, it’s best to avoid taking the risk.
Angle
A lot of Western knives feature a unique 20-degree angle in their blade. This angled structure helps them cut kitchen foods easily. Some Japanese knives also feature 15 or 17-degree angles. The smaller the angle, the sharper the knives. However, as the angle becomes smaller, the durability decreases accordingly. Blades that have a 20 or 30-degree angle are usually more durable. However, the choice depends on what you prefer in terms of cutting power, longevity, and sharpness.
Tang
We’ve talked about the importance of a tang several times above. In case you don’t know what it is, a knife’s tang is its blade’s bottom part. It extends towards the handle. This particular part of the knife also serves the function of safety and stability. Full tangs are more robust, while half tangs are lighter, more comfortable to use. You can choose a tang based on what you want and what satisfies you.
Ergonomics
Are you a right or left-handed chef? You probably thought it didn’t matter, did you? Well, sometimes, it does. While certain traditional knives are not specific for a particular hand, some models are. These unique knives are quite distinct in terms of their design and only suit either a right or a left-handed individual. So, when you are shopping for the perfect chef’s knife, make sure you keep the ergonomics in mind.
Durability
The addition of chromium and carbon to steel increases its resistance to staining and rusting. As a result, it keeps your knife’s blade stainless. The addition of vanadium and molybdenum and forging increases the blade’s hardness. Most kitchen knives have a Rockwell hardness between 55 to 65. Generally, the higher a blade’s hardness, the longer its edge will stay sharpened. However, remember that increased hardness also means a brittle blade that’s prone to chipping.
The point of this discussion is that if you invest in a knife, make sure you have its durability in check. All of these factors decide how long the blade will stay usable. After all, everyone wants a product that would give them their money’s worth.
Quality
Indeed, you will find tons of options in your required budget, whether on Amazon or in the local market. However, let’s be real. If you are searching for a chef’s knife under $100, you might have to compromise on the quality. The knife’s quality might depend on the material used, how old it is, the manufacturing process, and the manufacturing brand of the knife.
Now, it is not sure that you will never find a good quality knife under $100, but let’s just say that your chances are very narrow.
Design and Aesthetics
Google the best kitchen knives 2023. You will fall in love with the designs, styles, and colors! It’s true; some knives are just more good-looking than others. They’re so gorgeous that you instantly want to get your hands on them. And there’s nothing wrong with that! Everyone has the right to own a knife they love, right? So, when you are looking through the knife catalog, make sure the design appeals to you, and you genuinely like what you’re buying.
Safety and Stability
A bolster (a fattening blade as it moves towards the handle) is essential to ensure that the knife is safe to use. Bolsters are like trustful guards that protect your hand and fingers regardless of how slippery things might get. Also, they add a little bit of weight to balance the blade and give you more control.
A non-slip handle or grip also gives you more control and further enhances the safety factor. A lot of people might think these parts are insignificant. However, in reality, a knife’s safety and stability are some of the most important aspects when you’re buying it.
Brand
Some people prefer buying from specific brands they trust. The reason behind this preference is that brands usually offer perks, like warranties, deals, and discounts. Plus, they provide better quality with a reliable name.
If you have a specific brand you trust, go ahead and look at their catalog to find the knife you want. If not, just look up the best chef knife on Amazon, and you’ll find a lot of brands with suitable options.
Warranty
The top chef knife set would come with a warranty. A warranty is an added guarantee that your knife will be worth the money you’re spending. Remember, not every brand gives you this facility, but those that do are always a higher preference.
Price
When it comes to the price of your knife, there is a lot to consider. How much a particular knife cost depends on what material it is, its design, and whether it’s from an expensive brand.
For example, forged knives are usually more costly because of their complicated manufacturing, while stamped knives are relatively cheaper.
Consider what you are going to use the knife for and why you need it.
Are you a recreational chef or a professional one?
If you’re the former, you probably only need a knife sometimes and don’t really care how sharp or precise it is. In contrast, professional chefs require a blade that lasts long, gives them precision and doesn’t go dull on frequent use.
Also, getting cheaper knives sounds like a great idea until you have to spend money sharpening them regularly and eventually replacing them sooner than you planned to.
So, keep all of these things in mind when you’re deciding your budget.
What kitchen knives do chefs use?
Most cutting tasks in the kitchen are achievable with an excellent chef’s knife. Their specifically designed blades are for a purpose and can bring more ease and precision to the cut.
The right knives will add more creativity to your food and encourage you to prep food with confidence. After researching the knives used by famous chefs, we have listed some highly-rated chef’s knives that can handle any job, and some of them are excellent for beautifully doing challenging tasks.
All the famous chefs recommended top brands like Henckels, Wusthof, Messermeister, Global, MAC, and Shun. So each knife will be the best and perfect in their own way. You can select the one by considering your needs.
Wüsthof Classic 8″ Chef’s Knife
Michael Lomonaco is a famous chef appreciated for his classic dishes and innovative skills. His recommended knife is Wüsthof Classic 8 inch Chef’s Knife that he regularly chooses for most of his cooking-prep needs.
He has a big collection of knives, but Wusthof Classic chef knife is his go-to knife. It is an all-rounder and can do tasks from chopping veggies to peeling and slicing fruits. Food preps become more comfortable with Wusthof Classic chef knife because of its super sharp blades.
Michel Bras collection
Daniel Boulud is one of the most remarkable and respected chefs in the world. He suggested that Michel Bras collection, which superbly combines Japanese precision and sharpness, and French balance. Their design is beautiful, and the pack offers versatile knives to perform many kitchen tasks. They are of outstanding quality and will last longer.
J. A. Henckels
Gordon Ramsay, the Chef, known for his cook art, recommended J. A. Henckels International 8-inch classic Chef’s knife that is of high-quality soft steel and has sharp blades. It will make your work easy whether you are cutting big cuts of meat or simple chopping and mincing. It is quite secure, and a well-balanced knife with outstanding performance.
TOG Santoku Knives
Adejoké Bakare known for serving modern western cuisine, uses Tog santoku knives as her favourite ones. This Japanese knife has a lovely way to handle versatile tasks. You can use them for preparing any meal that would be meat, fish and vegetable prep.
Takayuki Japanese Knives
Tom Brown, the owner at Cornerstone, Hackney suggested the Takayuki knives. These knives make working with a fish effortlessly and would consider being the best for filleting and chopping purpose. They are highly built and have sharp blades for delicate working.
What is the best chef knife in the world?
There is nothing better than having the best Chef’s knife in your kitchen. The perfect knife that serves best for you require considering many variables and will depend on many aspects, comprising your comfort level with chef knives, the size of your hands, and what sort of food you like to cook.
A chef knife can perform several kitchen tasks like cutting, chopping, slicing and dicing. Those tasks tell you about whether a knife is nimble, sharp, and powerful.
Each of us has a basic 6- to 8-inch Chef’s knife in our kitchen. This one would be the most versatile knife capable of doing a variety of tasks with no trouble.
Here a question arises ‘WHAT IS THE BEST CHEF KNIFE IN THE WORLD?‘
Answer to this question is straightforward that there is no one specific knife you can say is the best. However, there are a few brands that make high-quality knives and ensure their durability and exceptional functionality.
Below we have shortlisted some stand out knives and each produced by a different excellent knife maker.
That will give you an idea about the knife brands out there and also will help you see which one fits the best according to your demands.
Henckels Professional S Chef Knife, 8 Inch
If you are looking for a knife that could last for a long time, JA Henckels Chef Knife is possibly the best choice.
It has a specific design for professional chefs and made from a single piece of steel.
It has an impressive level of balance with a little heft which has a positive effect on the cutting and makes it simpler.
Such beautifully designed knife that is affordable enough for everyone to buy.
Wusthof Classic 8-inch Chef’s knife
Wusthof Classic chef knife with a great sharp blade would win in the race of cleanly slicing tomatoes, finely chopping onions, sharply cut up carrots and bone a chicken.
This fully forged knife will perfectly balance in your hand. A good chef knife, also recommended by most of the well-known chefs, would be a brilliant choice you can make.
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife
If you are a beginner, then go for Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife. It is the best all-rounder chef knife for beginners. Piecewise it gives the best performance and is also well constructed. It will serve you well and would be a great first chef’s knife.
Korin Togiharu Carbon Steel Gyuto
It is A Great Carbon Steel chef Knife that is highly built and not very expensive. It can handle just about anything you throw its way only because of its sharp razor. Perfectly works on delicate ingredients and also good at cutting up chicken.
MISEN 8-inch Chef’s Knife
Misen Chef’s knife is of carbon stainless steel, which means it’s tough, durable, and super sharp. It has an angled bolster will give proper grip during use. It is a very sturdy and comfortable knife. Along with a slightly narrower blade, it is to be suitable for slicing. It’s beautifully designed and has excellent value.
What chef knife does Gordon Ramsay use?
Do you want to know about the knives used by Gordon Ramsay? Then here you will learn about all those knives which will also aspire you to become a master chef. Gordon mostly recommends the Wusthof knife set, which is perfect according to both budget performance. He also uses Henckels branded knives that are highly built and lasts long. Here is the list of those essential knives.
Chef’s knife
Chef’s knives are perfect for performing most of the kitchen tasks like cutting meat, dicing vegetables, slicing herbs, and chopping nuts.
Paring knife
For intricate cutting, peeling, mincing and dicing Gordon uses the paring knife. It is a small, short-bladed knife with simple, sharp and precise blades. It is ideal for performing delicate tasks.
Boning knife
Gordon has a boning knife with thin, long blades and pointed tips for easily piercing meat. It also removes the skin from meat and a fish fillet.
Serrated or bread knife
Serrated knives are ideal for cutting through foods with a hard exterior and softer interior. That may be a loaf of crusty bread, and it also cuts cleanly through the resistant and juicy ripe tomato without crushing it.
Microplane
A quick and easy way to enhance the flavour in your recipes, as well as save you time and effort is a Microplane. It is excellent to grate, shred and zest by sliding the item back and forth along the steel shaft. Those items can be citrus fruits, hard cheese, chocolates, fresh coconut, garlic and a lot of other things.
These were some significant knives used by Gordon for making his recipes outstanding. We hope this information will be helpful to you. Also, try other knives to make yourself a professional.
What chef knife does Jamie Oliver use?
Chef knives become a part of you, especially when you are utilizing it regularly. Having a great chef’s knife in your kitchen can make cooking a joy. Food preparations become much more comfortable and quicker, and we believe in dealing with what our well-known chefs’ use.
It will be an incredible help. Our chefs use good quality knives that will last decades if you look after it properly. Jamie Oliver is a famous chef, and many cooking lovers follow him. His recommended brands are Wusthof classic and I.O.Shen knives.
These are high-quality knife brands for many years, and many professional chefs use them. Back to Jamie Oliver’s knives, they are good quality knives that have a great significance for the home chef.
All of them are highly built and made of the most rigid stainless steel that cut through food with the greatest of the ease with their razor-sharp blade. They are the preferred choice of professionals from around the world because of their clean, sharp cut, strength and precision handling.
Here we will list some of them so that you can also get an idea of what knives are essential and why.
PARING KNIFE
A small paring knife is an all-rounder and ideal for performing precise tasks. With its smooth and sharp blades, it excellently chops and slices smaller vegetables and tasks such as cutting herbs and little garnishes. They are generally suitable for prepping and intricate work. These knives are usually between 60cm to 120cm. They design their sharp edges for peeling and trimming fruits. Because of their short blade, they are easy for traveling, whether you choose to take one along on a picnic. Amazingly, they are also inexpensive. They could be the perfect type of knife that can perform almost all of your kitchen tasks except the hard ones.
CARVING KNIFE
For handling and carving meats, a super-sharp, high-carbon stainless steel carving knife will help you cut like a pro, securely and harmlessly. Even if you are not used to this knife, you do not need to be a chef or kitchen master to get professional results. Their long, sharp blade will do most of the complicated work for you. These knives have blade sharpness, grip comfort, safety, stability, manoeuvrability, and strength, so they are the best for the Chef.
UTILITY KNIFE
Another tremendous everyday knife that is larger than a paring knife but smaller than a slicing knife is a utility knife. This all-purpose knife has sharp, smooth and precise blades that measure between 12cm and 16cm. Ideal for peeling, chopping, cutting and delicate slicing fruits and vegetables.
CRINKLE-CUT KNIFE
A CRINKLE-CUT KNIFE is one of Jamie’s favorites for creating wave-cut vegetables and fruits. They have sculpted, ergonomic handles with a soft grip for controlled cutting action, which cut your vegetables into something more interesting that looks great to both kids and adults!
BREAD KNIFE
The bread knives are primarily used to slice a loaf of bread and should always be in your basic knife kit. The long, serrated blade of a bread knife stays sharp and glides through across bread easily. We can also use it for sawing into pineapples and roughly chopping chocolate. They are easy to use and saw through a hard crust without distorting or compressing the tender crumb within.
CHEF’S KNIFE
The Chef’s knife is one of the most valued kitchen knives, and you can use them for everything from chopping to slicing fruits and vegetables. These knives come in different sizes and have a blade with a round tip, making it suitable for rock chopping and is straight at its edge, making it ideal for tap chopping—usually its blade lengths from 15cm to 30cm, with 21cm being the average. The longer blades can be more challenging to control but use for faster cuts. Shorter blades allow for better control and are best for chefs with small hands.
BONING KNIFE
Use a narrow-bladed boning knife for boning cuts of meat, fish and poultry. The sturdy, stiff blade has a sharp point that helps make precision boning and removing skin from meat and fish.
CLEAVER KNIFE
The classic cleaver, also known as a ‘butcher’s knife’, is a thick, heavy-set knife with its distinctive thick blade and a sharply bevelled edge. They are used to break down meat or splitting meat from the bone.
These are the main knives that Jamie Oliver use in making his art more creative. There are also other types like FILLET KNIFE, STEAK KNIFE and SANTOKU KNIFE he uses. However, these above-explained knives are perfect for performing all kinds of tasks. You can try other knives after getting an expert in using the main knives.
What size chef knife is best?
A knife is one primary kitchen tool that you must use every single time you prepare the food. For buying this necessary tool, you need to follow some basic rules.
One of the critical factors in choosing a knife is looking at one that is easy to use. That means you are having control over the knife, as well as it being convenient for your hand and wrist.
These factors will help you make the appropriate choice for yourself.
There is a technique used by chefs when they are judging the right knife for themselves.
Given that, not every knife will accommodate every person as they come in different shapes and sizes.
A large knife will be challenging to control for a smaller person and could lead to arm/wrist strain and also increase the risk of injury.
The size of the knife you choose can make a big difference in how easy it is to use, so let’s look into how big your Chef’s knife should be.
Using this technique, you can test various knives by chopping, slicing, and dicing a variety of foods and then get to know which one fits the best in your hands.
Below you will find detail about how to choose the right sized Chef’s knife. You will get to know about the three main things which you need to consider for chop shopping. These include the size, weight and grip of the knife.
SIZE:
The size of a knife can range between 6 to 14 inches. An 8-inch chef’s knife is the most popular among home cooks because of its versatility. It is a better fit for larger ingredients such as papaya, pineapple, cabbage heads, large cuts of meat, and butternut squash.
The 8-inch Chef’s knives work more intensely and take less effort to cut through dense ingredients, but if you’re vigorously chopping for long periods, the extra pressure can lead to wrist fatigue.
The 6-inch Chef’s knives are lighter, smoother to control, cheaper, and can offer an element of agility. They are excellent and ideal for more refined work like dicing and chopping smaller ingredients, such as fruit and vegetables.
They are also suitable for cutting large elements, but it will often take more effort and multiple cuts. With a 6-inch chef’s knife, you can focus on delicate details. Another benefit is the superior control makes 6-inch Chef’s knives safer. The professional chefs also use 10-12-inch blades that can cut more volume but may appear intimidating.
WEIGHT:
There is no science for selecting the knife according to the weight. For this task, you need to adopt a style that seems appropriate to you by testing different knives.
It also depends on how you use a knife in the kitchen. If you want to give 20 minutes for chopping vegetables into fine pieces or breaking down the details of meat, then continue with a heavy knife that can take action.
If you want it for slicing, chopping and dicing only then you need a light chef knife. A more lightweight chef’s knife can be just right as it flows more effortlessly and lets you operate the knife more skillfully. It would help if you tried several knives to find your ideal knife weight.
GRIP OF HANDLE:
Pick up a few knives for comparison. It would be best if you chose a handle that secures your fingers, neither too big nor too small and perfectly fits in your hand. You can judge balance by gripping the knife by its handle.
If it feels uncomfortable and weighted toward the back of the handle or the blade, then it isn’t for you. It will get harder to control or slide the unbalanced knife.
Conclusion:
Finding the best chef knife under $100 sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not. Know what you are looking for and where to look for it.
This way, you have a higher chance of finding the perfect knife.
So, keep your eyes open, and your buyers guide with you. Dig deep through our best recommendations, you’ll find the chef’s knife of your dreams!