It’s Just Sharp was started to serve new cooks, pro chefs and aspiring home culinary experimenters of all kinds. Nowadays we’ve moved out to knife lovers of all kinds, however we still remember how it all started years ago, caring for the humble chef’s knife. We sat down with out culinary ambassador and head of Utah Test Kitchen to help pin down the best chef’s knives of 2023.
To start, we have to address the elephant in the room, the term chef’s knife specifically refers to the standard 6 or 8 inch chef’s knife. In this article, we’re going to go out on a limb and include some others that chef recommends for your knife roll or block. Plus remember blade length is what feels best in your hand, and not a one length fits all.
Now For What You Came For, the best Chef’s Knives.
The Best Western chef’s knives of 2023.
The wusthof classic chef’s knife
The legend still stands at the top! Trusted by culinary schools, pro chef’s and foodies everywhere, the Ikon is the western style knife of choice. They are widely considered the most versatile knife on the market today, and the only knife chosen by so many cooking schools.
If you’re looking for a high quality chef’s knife then this is where your search should start, and may end! For those unfamiliar with the term western knives, they refer to a class of thicker style chef’s knife.
Sometimes made from Damascus steel, they are a common go to. Some are made from a softer steel as opposed to a Japanese style knives due to its thickness. We have mostly seen western knives and German style knives used interchangeably however it isn’t always the case, but that’s another article.
What we love:
Balance of weight. A good chef’s knife will have a degree of balance, an incredible chef’s knife feels like an extension on your arm. This lightweight chef’s knife delivers, regardless of if you’re parting out chicken or chopping vegetables, the super sharp edge performs over and over.
Strength. These chef’s knives are forged from one piece of high carbon stainless steel which makes it incredibly resiliant as it comes in at 58 on the rockwall hardness scale.
What we don’t:
There are better warranty programs on the market, you likely wont need it though.
Most chef’s knives all cut the same, the Wusthof Classic cuts through the noise of the rest. If you want the best knife then the Wusthof Classic chef’s knife is for you!
The Best Japanese chef’s knife of 2023
The Shun classic chef’s knife
When it comes to chef’s knives, there are few who can stand up to the versatility of the Shun classic chef’s knife. Currently featuring a Damascus clad high carbon stainless steel blade with a cutting angle at 22 degree’s, this knife takes the Japanese knife to new levels.
Truth be told we were surprised how razor sharp these were right out of the box, and might have needed a bandaid… For those unfamiliar with these kinds of knives, Japanese knives tend to be a thinner blade.
We get messages from confused members all the time due to the bevel of some of the knives. We have to warn you, if you purchase a Japanese style knife then make sure that you get a normal bevel and not a sushi knife! We talk more about that in a different article.
What we love:
In comparison to most chef knives, this has an incredibly thin blade. That means that you can cut for much longer periods without getting tired.
Incredible hardness for its weight. It boasts a 60 on the rockwall hardness scale. (Most straight edge knives like a chef’s knife lie somewhere between 45 and 65 on this scale)
What we don’t:
We noticed that due to the thinner blade, after 7 years of use the tip broke. That said, thier lifetime warranty does cover these kinds of repairs for the lifetime of the knife.
All in all, if you’re looking to get paper thin slices from an incredibly sharp chef’s knife right out of the box, this knife is for you.
So if you’re looking for a great chef’s knife in 2023…
It’s hard to go wrong these days. With straight blade knives getting better all the time, and the ability to achieve consistent blade sharpness coming so easily if you use one of our systems, there’s a lot to love in the culinary world! Either of these would make a fantastic addition to your knife collection or help pick up the work in your knife set.
We wish you the best in creating everything from thin tomato slices or other culinary masterpieces!
If you’re looking to get the finest chef’s knives then we know that the two above can help you achieve culinary success, however keeping that knife at a razor sharp edge requires some help, and that’s where we come in!
If you need something to sharpen and hone your new chef’s knife then check out our knife sharpeners like the Ruixin Pro and Vipersharp! They can help you achieve a blade edge that will keep you cutting for hours from any dull knife!
Want to learn how to sharpen a chef’s knife? Grab out FREE download of our methodology! That way you can achieve an extremely sharp edge every time you cook!
Looking For A Way To Keep Your Chefs Knives Sharp?
We love the feel of a new chefs knife the first time you slice through carrots or chicken when it feels almost effortless. That feeling slowly fades as your knife dulls. You could use a honing and sharpening rod to get it back but there has to be a better way! That’s where the Ruixin Pro Package from Its Just Sharp! come in.
“ Wow I’m in love. I have been getting WAY better results than I thought, these are RAZOR SHARP. It’s almost scary. The sharpening process is fun and satisfying as well! Just order a new pair of better stones and I’m very excited.“
Earnst P.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What knives should a professional chef have?
A: In most pro chef knife rolls you’ll find, an 8 inch chef’s knife, a paring knife, a boning knife, a bread knife, and typically a grater or zester at minimum.
Q: What is the best size for a chef’s knife?
A: That will depend entirely on your hand and what you’re cooking. Typically we see most people use an 8 inch knife without much problem. If your hand is smaller or you’re doing much more intricate work, then a 6 inch knife could work better for you. We recommend trying a couple to determine your personal preference.
Q: What knife does Gordon Ramsay, Bobby Flay, or other T.V. Chefs Use?
A: Most TV chefs have custom made knives specifically for them. Some will have the manufacturer mass produce the same style for those who are interested.
Q: Should I get a Japanese style knife or a German style knife?
A: This is largely personal preference. Having owned, tested, and used both kinds it all comes down to what you’re cooking and your style. We use Japanese style knives to help cut softer foods over a long time. German style chef’s knives or European style knives are fantastic all around edges that can perform even with harder foods.
Q: Do I Need A Serrated Knife?
A: Probably not. Serrated edges act much like a saw and tend to be best used for breads. Unless you slice a lot of bread, a standard chef’s knife or a santoku knife will probably serve you best. Looking to read more about serrated edges? Click Here
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