When it comes to doing prep work when you're cooking, it's important that you have the best tools in your kitchen to help you. Besides, when you're just getting home from a busy day, the last kind of frustration you want are dull kitchen knives hindering you from making that tasty casserole.
Finding the best chef knives to get the job done, can be incredibly frustrating on its own. And, unfortunately, many of these knives come with a hefty price tag. Well, we have just the solution for you with our list of 9 of the best chef's knives under $100. We've researched different brands to find budget-friendly options. So, no need to drop a lot of cash to make sure you are getting the best of the best. Just peruse this list, and carry on with your prep work. Happy chopping!
Misen 8 inch Chef Knife
- PERFECTLY BALANCED: Optimally weighted for precise control and ease of use, making every cut effortless.
- LONG-LASTING SHARPNESS: Made with premium Japanese AUS-10 steel that stays sharper longer, ensuring superior cutting performance.
- COMFORTABLE GRIP: Ergonomic handle designed for comfort and control, reducing hand fatigue during long prep sessions.
We're starting this list with a Japanese, stainless-steel knife that is incredibly durable and can be used as an every knife for everything from filet mignon to that tasty sourdough.
PAUDIN Chef Knife
- Professional Che Knife: PAUDIN kitchen knife can easily do your daily kitchen tasks like chopping, cutting, dicing and chopping vegetables, fruits, meat and cheese with this Japanese knife. Superior sharpness that will impress you with every cut
- High-Carbon Stainless Steel Blade: PAUDIN knife manufactured from high-quality stainless steel that maintains its functionality for a long time. It comes with a HRC ( Rockwell Hardness Scale) of 56-58 which makes it among the tough knives in its class
- Ergonomic Pakka Handle: Chef knife has a blade that is integrated with comfortable handle which gives you the perfect grip
With its sleek design and its versatility, this PAUDIN chef's knife is perfect for both a novice in the kitchen or a skilled chef. This knife chops so skillfully, you'll think you are the head chef of your own chicken.
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Global 8″ Chef's Knife
- Lightweight, precisely balanced 8-inch or 20cm chef's knife
- Blade made of high-tech molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel
- Edge retains razor sharpness exceptionally well
If you're newer to the cooking world or just want something that feels a little lighter when you're chopping cucumbers, this chef's knife is the perfect addition.
Mercer Culinary M20608 Genesis 8-Inch Chef's Knife
- QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Knife is precision-forged with high-carbon German steel for better durability, and taper-ground edge allows for increased efficiency when cutting along with incredible long-lasting sharpness
- SUPERIOR DESIGN: The finest handle in forged cutlery; built to last ergonomic handle offers comfort and a non-slip grip, even with wet hands
- BEST USE: The perfect knife for chopping, mincing, and cutting. Ideal for dicing onions, mincing shallots, chopping herbs, crushing garlic, and shredding cabbage
From crushing garlic to quickly dicing onions, the Mercer Culinary Genesis Chef's Knife is built to last. You'll not only be able to quickly chop, mince, and cut, but you won't have to worry about sharpening this knife too often as it's long-lasting.
Material, The 8″ Japanese Chef's Knife
- AS FEATURED IN VOGUE & REAL SIMPLE – A favorite among chefs and home cooks alike, this 8” chef’s knife combines versatility, precision, and design, making it the ultimate tool for any kitchen task.
- RAZOR-SHARP PERFORMANCE – Crafted from high-carbon Japanese stainless steel, this blade delivers exceptional sharpness and durability, effortlessly slicing through vegetables, meats, and herbs with precision and ease.
- COMFORTABLE, BALANCED DESIGN – Say goodbye to hand fatigue with a perfectly balanced full-tang blade and an ergonomically designed, slightly grippy matte handle for unmatched control and comfort.
This knife is made of carbon staineless-steel and is incredibly sharp, allowing for you to chop vegetables, cut through meat, or shred lettuce with ease.
Victorinox Swiss Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife
- Superior Kitchen Knife: Because carving should be effortless, we created our Swiss Classic Chef's Knife to ensure smooth, uniform cuts every time
- Premium Kitchen Knife: This cooking knife is ideal for carving a variety of meats, plus fruit and vegetables
- Ergonomic Cutting Knife: The ergonomic handle and balanced design supports absolute stability on the cutting board
The Victorinox brand is known for their finely crafted knives, which means you'll have this knife around for quite a few years. It's Swiss-made and creates the most uniform cuts compared to that of its competitors.
Kai KAI AE2908 Gyuto Knife
- Refreshing sharp edge with 3-step blade
- Triple Processing: Smooth grinding of corners after cutting By reducing the cutting resistance of the ingredients, it achieves an invigorating sharp edge
- Stainless Steel Triple Layer Steel: The blade material is made of high hardness stainless steel and the matching material is made of stainless steel that is easy to sharpen and achieves sharpness
Finely crafted and a stainless-steel layer, this Japanese Gyuto knife has a professional look without costing you a pretty penny. Furthermore, it's completely dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
HENCKELS Classic Razor-Sharp 8-inch Slicing Knife
- ULTRA-SHARP BLADES: Superior professional-level sharpness that ensures precision cutting.
- STAYS SHARP LONGER: Professional, satin-finished blade boasts precision cutting and is finely honed for long-lasting sharpness.
- EFFORTLESS CUTTING: Enjoy easy meal prep with minimal effort with this lightweight, easy-to-use knife.
With almost 5,000 reviews, the HENCKELS chef's knife is the only one you'll need to get the job done. It comes without all the frills but is still razor sharp for easy chopping.
MOSFiATA 8″ Super Sharp Professional Chef's Knife
- 【High Carbon German Stainless Steel Laser-engraved Pattern(Not Damascus Pattern )】 MOSFiATA 8 inch pro chef's knife is made of premier high carbon German EN1.4116 stainless steel with high strength and increased rigidity. The kitchen knife contains 0.45-0.55% carbon, twice hardness than other knives, which will maintain longer sturdiness function.Laser-engraved pattern on the blade surface for decoration & anti-sticking.(NOTE: Different from Damascus pattern! Don't be confused!)
- 【Razor Sharp Edge & Anti-Corrosion, Anti-Tarnish Blade】Processed with the unique polishing technology and hand sharpened 16°per side, the chef kitchen knife's blade tapers from the spine to the cutting edge, for effortless precision cutting, as well as greater stability and durability. 15% chrome which provides corrosion resistance and an anti-tarnish finish.
- 【Full Tang Construction & Ergonomic Design】 MOSFiATA ergonomic knife handle is made of santoprene for comfort and polypropylene for durability. It features textured finger points that provide slip resistance and a better grip. The solid Micarta handle can minimize wrist tension while providing a secure, comfortable grip no matter the size of your hand or where you are gripping the handle. Triple riveted Micarta handle to the precise forged full tang for extra strength & durability.
The MOSFiATA has it all: German stainless-steel, a sleek design, and highly sturdy. Plus, it comes with its own knife sharpener as well as a finger guard, just in case.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Bruce Peter/Shutterstock.com.