Ranking of the best chef's knives for 2022

A professional chef's kitchen knife is rightfully considered the main tool of any modern housewife. This versatile multi-purpose tool is capable of chopping, chopping, making precise cuts, and beating food while cooking, making it an indispensable assistant in the kitchen. We offer a ranking of the best selling chef's knives in 2022, with a description of the characteristics and advantages of each model.

How to choose a chef's knife

A high-quality chef's knife is necessary for preparing any dishes, with its help up to 80% of all food manipulations are performed, whether it be meat, fish, herbs or vegetables. This most functional tool cuts perfectly, remains sharp for a long time, allows you to easily and quickly perform any operation, which differs from other knives. It does not overwork the hand due to its precise geometry, comfortable grip, perfect balance. With large sizes, up to 30 cm or more, it has a lower mass compared to other knives.

Varieties

First of all, it is advisable to know what chef knives are with common advantages:

• universality;
• high speed.

Depending on the preparation of dishes from different cuisines of the world, there are two types of chefs:

1. European;
2. Japanese.

The European chef knife is distinguished by a pointed end of the blade, a riveted handle, and a large blade sharpening angle.

The Japanese blade is most often blunt, the cutting edge is somewhat lowered and more straight, the total weight of the product is less than that of the European one.

Criterias of choice

The best manufacturers offer traditional models and novelties. It can be difficult to determine which company's product is better. To avoid the mistake of choosing a reliable kitchen helper at the best price, it is appropriate to highlight a few parameters.

View. If you choose between a European and Japanese chef for home use, then it is better to stop at the first option. It has a double-sided sharpening of the blade and a rounded shape of the cutting edge, which ensures ease and convenience in working with a wide variety of products.

Steel quality. For the manufacture of the blade, several types of steel are used, the best of which are stainless steel, which is easy to maintain, but quickly dulls, and high-carbon, which holds sharpening well, but is susceptible to corrosion from contact with water and acids. Recently, manufacturers have been using carbon steel with the properties of stainless steel, which allows you to combine all the advantages of the material. The secret of making the legendary Damascus steel has been lost, and now under this loud name you can buy blades made of forged or alloyed with molybdenum and cobalt.

The form. The most convenient for working with any product is the so-called “triple wedge” of the chef, when it has a wedge-shaped shape in cross section, top and side. Such products are considered universal and the most popular for home use. For them, you do not have to buy additional knives for some other operations: one tool will do everything.

Handle. The strongest and most durable materials are plastic, wood and hard rubber. Some models of Japanese companies are made entirely from a piece of steel. The handle should not allow the hand to slip and get tired from excessive effort. There should be no gaps on the handle with rivets, which subsequently will inevitably lead to loosening of the fasteners and reduce the quality of the cut.

Care rules

Care of chef knives consists in thorough cleaning and timely editing. A few secrets of competent care:

• After washing under running water with dish detergent, carefully wipe the product with a soft cloth towards the blade.
• Store separately from other cutlery, preferably in a special stand or on a magnetic wall holder.
• For work, use wooden or bamboo cutting boards. Plastic is allowed.Categorically undesirable materials: marble, glass, ceramics.
• Timely sharpening and dressing the cutting edge with a whetstone of different grain sizes, metal or ceramic musat or using a mechanical sharpener.

Recommendations when choosing

To purchase a quality item that can last for decades, it is advisable to hold the product in your hands and listen to the advice on choosing:

1. To make sure the sharpness of the product you buy, you should know how to determine the quality of sharpening - using a sheet of printer paper, a whole tomato or hairs on your own hand, running through which you can see if the blade cuts or leaves them intact.
2. Inspect the product well: there should be no nicks, chips or scratches on the blade, which indicates the high quality of the steel used. Plus forged steel in durability and strength.
3. Preference is given to models with grantons - air pockets on the blade that prevent pieces from sticking when cutting and shredding.
4. Hold the knife in your hand and pay attention to the balance of the handle and blade: the ideal weight distribution is 50 * 50, the tool should not pull your hand, should not be too thick or too thin, should not bend.
5. The handle must be ergonomic, otherwise even the sharpest and most durable blade will not bring pleasure in work: the knife will slide in the hand, contribute to excessive finger tension, dig into the palm, bringing discomfort and fatigue.
6. Open heel knives are considered more convenient when the blade is sharpened along the entire length of the cutting edge.This allows you to completely cut vegetables and fruits, it is good at cutting small bones in meat and fish, protecting the main part of the blade from damage.
7. Butt to choose a hard, somewhat smoothed, non-traumatic palm during operation.
8. The blade should be thick, smooth, even better - mirrored. This indicates the excellent quality of the material, the durability of the tool.
9. When buying a chef knife, it is appropriate to purchase related products so that the package is complete: a cutting board, a storage unit, a dressing and sharpening device.

Rating of quality models for 2022

We offer an overview of the best, according to buyers, chef's knives in different price segments. These popular models are the best-selling models in 2022, their technical features and professional quality are excellent for home use, they are the best value for money.

Budget (up to 5000 rubles)

Victorinox Fibrox, 25 cm

An inexpensive Swiss-made chef shows himself perfectly in the culinary business due to its lightness, ergonomics, and moisture resistance. The anatomical handle is made of proprietary elastomer. Blade made of corrosion-resistant molybdenum-vanadium steel with medium carbon content, but high toughness and elasticity prevents wear of the product. The model is distinguished by increased corrosion resistance. The viscosity of the material caused some difficulties in sharpening: a burr often accumulates on the cutting edge, which prevents the blade from being brought to a razor state.

Average price: 2450 rubles.

• ergonomics;
• resistance to corrosion;
• long preservation of edge sharpening;
• comfortable handle;
• affordable price.

• laborious editing.

Fiskars Functional Form, 25 cm

A compact, lightweight chef with a straight blade and a comfortable non-slip handle from a Scandinavian manufacturer of shovels, axes and other household tools at an affordable price. Very light, conveniently balanced, with a blade made of inexpensive but high-quality steel, it has only one drawback - it often requires sharpening. But it is comfortable to work with them, the hand does not get tired, the cut is accurate, the speed of work is high.

Average price: 2615 rubles.

• comfortable handle;
• a light weight;
• resistance to corrosion;
• great factory fit.

• needs to be sharpened frequently.

Tupperware Universal, 19 cm

The classic wedge-shaped blade made of Japanese stainless steel with professional sharpening allows you to easily perform any cutting, shredding, cutting of any products. The tool is equipped with a comfortable anti-slip handle made of durable black polymer with a bright purple insert, and comes with a plastic protective case of the same color for safe storage and transportation. Hardened steel blade prevents burrs from forming. The wedge-shaped sharpening provides greater flexibility of the blade, making it optimally suited for different products. Ease of use provides a balance between the weight of the tool and the shape of the handle. The manufacturer gives a guarantee for the product for 30 years, provided there are no violations during operation.

Average price: 3100 rubles.

• value for money;
• no need to sharpen often;
• spicy;
• long warranty;
• no burrs;
• protective case;
• the handle does not slip.

• the handle rubs the hand when used for a long time.

Average in price (5000 - 15000 rubles)

Samura Damascus, 20 cm

European chef of Japanese quality from a well-known manufacturer of knives with a wide range of options: chopping meat, beating steaks with a butt; cutting greens, shredding vegetables, butchering fish. The sandwich technology, traditional for Japanese products, consisting of 67 layers, is used. Perfectly keeps symmetrical sharpening in a razor state for a long time. Alloy VG-10 of the central insert ensures the stability of the sharpened surface, the hardness of the product, which excludes chipping and brittle edges. The handle made of impact-resistant fiberglass allows you to work with either hand, even when your hands are wet, without inconvenience and slipping. This model does not absorb odors, easy to clean, easy to care for.

Average price: 9900 rubles.

• manufacturing quality;
• comfortable handle;
• resistance of the sharpened edge;
• strength;
• ease of care;
• reliable fastening of the handle to the blade.

• high price.

Tojiro Western Knife F-807, 18 cm

The classic all-purpose model with a mirror-smooth blade surface is made of special hardened VG-10 steel with a high carbon content for kitchen appliances. It is able to maintain viscosity, reinforced with additional metal plates, so that the product does not break or crumble. Chrome plated provides corrosion resistance and excellent cutting performance. Modern lamination technology allows for a long time not to sharpen the edge during intensive use. The universal chef knife is sharpened symmetrically on both sides for any hand.The stabilized wood handle with riveted overlays is durable and comfortable. The shape makes it easy to control even when wet, comfortable to hold in the brush. Sold in a protective case and branded cardboard packaging, which makes it a great gift.

Average price: 9800 rubles.

• washes quickly;
• resistance to corrosion;
• does not break;
• comfortable handle;
• high hardness;
• good flexibility;
• beautiful packaging;
• does not require editing for a long time.

• complexity of editing;
• high price.

Arcos Riviera Rose, 20 cm

The model of the famous Spanish brand in a gift box with a blade made of forged molybdenum-vanadium steel and an ergonomic handle made of modern impact-resistant polymer with three rivets will be an excellent helper in the kitchen. The pink color of the pen is due to the fact that the manufacturer deducts a few percent of product sales to the fund for helping women with breast cancer, thereby contributing to the fight against a terrible disease. The knife is light and comfortable, almost merges with the hand, without tiring the hand even with prolonged use. The butt is not too thin, perfect for beating meat and crushing small bones.

Average price: 5300 rubles.

• spicy;
• keeps sharpening for a long time;
• stylish design;
• verified balance;
• branded steel;
• easy to care for;
• 10 year warranty;
• wide butt;
• comfortable impact-resistant handle;
• light.

• no.

Expensive (from 15,000 rubles)

Wuesthof Epicure, 16 cm

The model combines excellent German quality and unique Japanese design. Blade made of bladed steel, its advantages:

• special hardness;
• complete anti-corrosion resistance;
• long-term retention of the sharpness of the blade.

The 15-degree sharpening angle ensures a fine, clean cut. The anatomical handle made of durable and hygienic stabilized wood provides a comfortable grip, reducing fatigue during work. The most reliable installation on two rivets, stainless steel bolsters guarantee the durability of the product.

Average price: 19390 rubles.

• comfortable grip;
• fast work speed;
• hygienic handle material;
• the blade stays sharp for a long time;
• reliable materials;
• case included.

• high price.

Miyabi, 19.9 cm

A chic model of an exclusive chef's knife impresses with unsurpassed technical characteristics and cutting qualities. In the manufacturing process, powder steel of 133 layers with proprietary cryo-hardening was used, Damascus steel lining, with a sharpening angle of 12.5 degrees, making the blade the sharpest razor. This allows you to make the thinnest clean cut at high speed. To ensure the Damascus pattern, the method of etching the blade in caustic solutions is used, in which the welding planes and the material of the layers interact with the reagent. This ensures the development of a bright image on the sanded surface. Due to the high cost, everyone fails to purchase an instrument, but the price is commensurate with the quality.

Average price: 55770 rubles.

• spicy;
• infinite retention of sharpening;
• beautiful structure of the handle;
• use of damask pattern;
• durable materials;
• modern manufacturing technologies.

• high price.

Kai Shun Classic DM0719, 21.6 cm

The perfect Japanese brand chef made of top quality stainless steel with damascus lining.The handle is made of Pakka laminated wood base and phenolic resin filler. Material advantages:

• moisture resistant;
• chemically neutral;
• shockproof;
• technological;
• does not absorb odors;
• inexpensive.

Grantons are located on the sides of the blade to prevent sticking of pieces of cut products. The anatomical handle lies comfortably in the palm of your hand, does not slip or rub your hand, you can work with a knife with pleasure without wrist fatigue.

Average price: 20700 rubles.

• steel quality;
• handle comfort;
• grantons;
• handle material;
• light weight;
• precise balance;
• efficiency and speed.

• expensive.

The appearance of dishes, the quality of cooking directly depends on the knife used. Which chef is better to buy, how much a reliable tool costs, everyone decides for himself. The presented rating, based on customer reviews, will tell you what to look for when buying, which models of popular companies are considered the most popular.