Are you looking for reliable kitchen knives, but you don't know what kind of material you want them to be made of? The best choice is always stainless steel kitchen knives. They are affordable compared to ceramic kitchen knives, yet their quality is not compromised despite their low price.
But before anything else, it's important to know that the best stainless steel kitchen knife depends on what you need. After all, “best” is always subjective.
This article outlines the different stainless steel knives you can use and tackles all aspects of the best stainless steel knives. We will also discuss their key features, pros, and cons to help you determine which stainless steel kitchen knives are best suited for you.
1. Best Overall: WUSTHOF Classic Chef's Knife
The Classic Chef's Knife from WÜSTHOF is 8 inches in length, and you can use it all around for general slicing, dicing, chopping, or mincing.
The Classic model features a full tang with triple-riveted handles. It's made from precision high-carbon stainless steel with a rating of 58 on the Hardness Rockwell C scale.
We consider it the best among the other kitchen knives made from steel because of its function, ease of use, make, price, and life span. Its most outstanding characteristic is that it has a perfect balance, making it easy for you to cut even the thickest or hardest materials.
Pros
- The blade and its edge are very sharp. You can easily cut through hard materials with it.
- It has an ergonomic design which makes it comfortable and easy to control.
- Precision-forged high-carbon stainless steel can resist stains and corrosion, making it last for a long time.
- A limited lifetime warranty is guaranteed.
- It comes with two safety features: a finger guard and a full bolster.
Cons
- Heavier compared to other 8-inch chef's knives.
- The handle is made of plastic. It can get slippery when in use.
- The knife is not as sharp, but it does its job overall.
Whom it’s for
The WÜSTHOF Classic Chef's Knife is perfect for all-around use. The blades are sharp enough to slice through commonly used ingredients with ease and minimal pressure.
If you're the type of cook who's not fond of using different or specialized knives, this classic chef's knife is right for you! With its price, make, and a guaranteed limited lifetime warranty, this knife is indeed the best stainless steel knife overall.
2. Best Price: Victorinox Fibrox Chef's Knife
The Victorinox brand is popular for producing Swiss Army knives. But the company doesn't just focus on creating high-quality pocket knives; they also produce one of the best stainless steel chef's knives. That is the Victorinox Fibrox Chef's Knife.
The knife is 8 inches in length, and it comes with a wide curved blade. Its handle is made of plastic but has some texture to it, preventing the knife from slipping out of your hand when in use.
This chef's knife is made of stamped stainless steel rather than the usual forged one. It is lightweight to feel and touch, making it easy to use and cut through food.
Pros
- It doesn't feel heavy, so you won't feel strained after using it for a long time.
- The blades are wide and curved, perfect for scooping up sliced or minced food.
- It's relatively cheap compared to other stainless steel knives of the same make.
- The blades are sharp enough to cut through cold cuts even with minimal pressure applied.
Cons
- Some bits of sliced food can stick onto the knife's textured handles.
- It comes with a very thin sheath; it may not withstand long-term storage.
- The blade is not forged.
Whom it’s for
If you're looking for a cheap but high-quality stainless steel knife, this chef's knife from Victorinox is for you!
Its lower price point can be attributed to the blade being stamped rather than forged. But rest assured that the stamp is of high quality, and you can expect the blade to carry out its functions properly. In addition, its handle has textures on it, so you will love this if your palms sweat over time.
3. Best High-Value: MAC MIGHTY Mac Professional Hollow Edge Chef's Knife
If you're looking for the best high-value stainless steel knives, the MAC MIGHTY Professional Knife is one to consider. At 12.63 inches, this chef's knife is longer than the usual ones.
What's different about this high-carbon stainless steel knife is that its 2.5-millimeter-thick blade has dimples on it. The added edge helps the knife easily cut through sticky foods, even if you just put minimal pressure on it. Also, its pakkawood handle is a lot heavier to compensate for the longer-than-usual length of the blade.
Pros
- Overall, it gives off a sophisticated look with its long blade and pakkawood handle.
- It has a razor-sharp edge with dimples on it for easier release of sticky foods.
- Easier to sharpen compared to other stainless steel knives
- It has the perfect mix of weight and balance.
Cons
- You should dry it immediately after washing since it can accumulate rust rapidly.
- It contains higher carbon content than the usual stainless steel knife.
Whom it’s for
If you value high-carbon stainless steel kitchen knives, the MAC MIGHTY Professional Knife is the best you can get.
Although the brand makes affordable stainless steel knife sets, their Pro series takes things up a notch when it comes to pricey knife sets. Its Japanese-style design won’t let you down with its razor-sharp blades that you can use to cut through almost anything, even with minimal effort.
Aside from its performance, its length and weight give an expensive feel to it.
4. Best Beginner Chef's Knife: Pampered Chef Chef's Knife
The 8-inch stainless steel chef's knife from Pampered Chef is the best choice for beginners. It has a wide tapered curved blade, making precise chopping, dicing, mincing, and slicing easier. This feature sets apart this high-caliber knife from regular chef’s knives.
It's one of those high-carbon stainless steel kitchen knives that are fully forged. But what's great about this knife is that it's not as intimidating to use compared to other known brands. It still looks just like your usual knife. In addition, its weight is balanced with its specially designed bolster. It keeps the knife easy to control.
Pros
- Its blades are curved for precise cutting.
- The weight is balanced, so you won't have a hard time configuring your hand positions.
- Its pakkawood handle gives extra durability and a comfortable grip.
Cons
- Edges get dull easily compared to other stainless steel knives.
- The knife is hard to sharpen when it gets dull.
Whom it’s for
Pampered Chef's Stainless Steel Chef's Knife is one of the best kitchen knives for beginners you can find. Its blade is made explicitly for precise cutting, making it easier for you to practice your knife techniques if you're just starting.
The knife, overall, is of the perfect weight—not too light but not too heavy either. It gives you more control over how you're going to use the knife. It's a basic knife with superb features.
5. Best Bread Knife: Mercer Culinary Millennia Wavy Edge Bread Knife
Kitchen knives aren't limited to chef's knives. Other essential kitchen knives include bread knives such as the Mercer Culinary Millennia bread knife.
It has a serrated or toothed edge. It's available in different colors such as black, blue, gray, green, purple, red, white, and yellow.
Its handle is ergonomically designed from a mix of Santoprene and polypropylene. The Santoprene contributes to its comfort, while polypropylene is for durability. The handle also has textured points, which prevents any slippage.
Its edge is made from high-quality Japanese steel. Compared to other steel makes, Japanese steel is easier to maintain and resistant to stains, and it takes a long time to rust.
Pros
- The edge is serrated, and the blade is wide enough to cut through a big portion of bread.
- It doesn't stain and rust easily; low to no maintenance is required.
- Its textured handle makes it more comfortable and easy to use.
Cons
- Its sharp edge extends up to its handle, making you more prone to getting accidental cuts.
- The knife is not perfectly balanced.
Whom it’s for
You can use the Mercer Culinary Millennia bread knife not just for bread. It is sharp and durable enough to cut herbs and small cold cuts too. If you're looking for a durable kitchen knife made from steel, you should have this in your collection.
6. Best Paring Knife: WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon Paring Knife
Another stainless steel knife from WÜSTHOF is on this list, a testament to how great the brand is. Aside from chef's knives, they also make other kitchen knives, such as paring knives.
The Classic Ikon Paring Knife has three rivets and a full tang, contributing to its superb balance. It has a 3.5-inch blade that is forged with precision and made from high-carbon stainless steel.
It's made with Precision Edge Technology, which makes the blade 20% sharper than usual. It is also tempered to a 58 Rockwell hardness rating, making it hard enough for other functions such as slicing fruits and vegetables.
The Classic Ikon's handle is shaped for a comfortable grip.
Pros
- The blade is sharp and works well enough for tasks other than paring; you may use it for peeling or shaving off fruit skins.
- It is lightweig日本藤素 ht and feels good to touch.
- The grip is comfortable and follows the contours of your hand.
Cons
- The knife is not durable and may break when accidentally dropped from a high place.
- A bit pricey compared to other paring knives
Whom it’s for
Like bread knives, paring knives are essential kitchen knives. The WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon Paring Knife delivers its job well. Its blades are sharp and can cut through even the smallest and thinnest fruits and vegetables. In addition, its high-carbon stainless steel make justifies its price.
Choosing the Best Stainless Steel Kitchen Knives
Listed above are the six best stainless steel kitchen knives you must have, categorized depending on your specific needs.
Looking through a bunch of stainless steel knives may feel overwhelming. However, it is best if you first point out what you need. Will you need an all-around chef's kitchen knife? Or are you looking for a stainless steel knife with which you can start learning knife skills? Do you want a chef’s, paring, bread, santoku, or steak knife?
So before scrolling through dozens of knife sets online, make sure you have an idea of the type of stainless steel knife you should get. After that, you can pinpoint the features you want a knife to have. You will find it easier to filter the different types of stainless steel knives and make a choice from there.
Lastly, don't forget to enjoy choosing the perfect knife for you!
August 18, 2022
