Best Chef’s Knife For Beginners in 2023 (Reviews)

best chef's knife for beginners

Beginner cooks may find the decision of selecting an ideal chef’s knife daunting, yet selecting one should be straightforward. A quality one should be sturdy enough to withstand everyday preparation tasks while still feeling secure in your hand.

The ideal chef’s knife length is 8 inches, and you should consider both its material and style when selecting a blade.

If you want to skip the reviews, we say get the TOJIRO JAPAN Professional 8.2″.

Best Chef’s Knife For Beginners Reviews

Kiwi Brand Stainless Steel 8 inch Thai

Kiwi Brand Stainless Steel 8 inch Thai Chef's Knife No. 21
  • cooks knive
  • inexpensively made
  • blade hardened and tempered
  • We Shipping by economy International post usually takes 14-17 day. Please contact us if you do not...

While not as sharp as an investment knife, the Kiwi Chef knife is an affordable budget option that’s still plenty sharp for beginners.

Its razor-sharp blade makes food cutting effortless while its lightweight design makes it simple to handle for chopping or mincing tasks. Furthermore, this model boasts an FDA-compliant plastic handle which won’t degrade over time.

This tall, octagonal-shaped blade is designed for pinch grip use and fits comfortably in most hands.

The curved edge can make cutting herbs and minced garlic easier than with traditional straight blade santokus; additionally, this knife’s 70/30 bevel makes it sharper and more precise than traditional double bevel blades; however, it may not hold its edge well during heavy butchering or meatwork operations.

This knife is constructed from high-grade stainless steel that resists corrosion and staining, coming out of the box extremely sharp and staying that way over time with careful use.

However, without maintenance the edge could become dull over time – to ensure sharpness is maintained for an extended period it is advisable to have a honing steel handy to ensure sharp edges.

This knife is manufactured by an established Thai company with over 30 years of experience, known for its commitment to excellence.

Specializing in kitchen knives and using cutting-edge machinery from Germany or Japan to produce their products, this company stands out as producing high-quality knives at competitive prices.

Japanese Professional GyutoChefs Knife

Traditional Japanese Professional Gyuto Kitchen Chefs Knife – Premium 8-inch High Carbon Stainless...
  • HIGH QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL: Our 420HC stainless steel blades are heat treated for optimum hardness and...
  • SINGLE BEVEL KNIFE EDGE: Traditional Japanese knives in the hands of premier chefs are usually of a...
  • FULL-TANG TRADITIONAL ROSEWOOD HANDLE: We wanted the handle of our knives to be able to remain in great...
  • DESIGNED FOR CHEFS: Gyuto which translates to literally “beef-sword” is usually known in the...
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: You satisfaction is our GUARANTEE. We are so confident that you will love your...

Gyuto knives, also referred to in Western countries as chef’s knives, represent Japan’s unique take on all-purpose kitchen blades. From delicate filleting of fish and robust vegetable chopping, our Gyuto models provide the ideal balance of control and cutting capacity.

Among Japanese chefs and home chefs alike, the Gyuto is the go-to knife for cutting boneless meat as well as mincing and chopping vegetables, fruit, or herbs.

Although similar in appearance to Western chef’s knives, Gyutos tend to be thinner, lighter, made of harder steel materials, and have sharper edges compared to their Western counterparts.

Gyuto knives are an excellent way for cooks looking to upgrade or replace their current Western chef’s knife with something superior. Additionally, the Gyuto makes an excellent way to gain new cooking techniques such as sushi and sashimi that may otherwise remain out of their grasp.

Gyuto knives feature blades that are flat for one-third of their length before gradually curving towards their tip, providing flexibility in usage for both Western roll chopping as well as Japanese rocking motions.

You can select different steel types and hardness to meet your individual needs; while all knives require regular sharpening maintenance, harder options tend to retain their edge longer with less maintenance needed over time.

A Gyuto is often paired with a santoku or similar knife for delicate tasks that would otherwise be awkward with larger knives, like paring and decoration.

A santoku features shorter and wider belly blades than its counterpart and makes for more efficient straight-chopping action; its smaller sibling, known as a petty knife can be used for paring, decorating, and all sorts of delicate work where using larger ones would prove unwieldy.

Other types of Japanese knives include the katsuobushi-kiri (used for slicing bonito scales) and hankotsu (butcher knife). We advise purchasing your Gyuto knife from an established online retailer such as Amazon that offers an impressive selection, transparent customer reviews, and generous returns policies.

Ninja K30020 Foodi NeverDull System 8-Inch

Ninja K30020 Foodi NeverDull System 8-Inch Chef Knife, Premium, German Stainless Steel, Black
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Ninja K30020 Foodi NeverDull System 8-Inch Chef Knife, Premium, German Stainless Steel, Black
  • GERMAN STAINLESS STEEL: Premium blades forged from German stainless steel are rust-resistant and strong...
  • SHARP PRECISION: Superior sharp edge easily glides through tough ingredients with a razor-sharp cutting...
  • COMFORTABLE GRIP: Ergonomic, chef-approved handle is wear-resistant and comfortable even for all-day food...
  • 8” CHEF KNIFE: The chef knife is a multipurpose, versatile knife used for slicing, chopping, mincing...
  • PERFECTLY BALANCED: Designed with premium materials to make the knife feel like an extension of your...

Ninja is best known for their blenders and grills, but now they have also released their inaugural knife set!

This premium 17-piece set consists of a chef knife, santoku knife, paring knife, kitchen shears, and six steak knives with built-in sharpeners made of German stainless steel for durability and rust-resistance; lightweight yet comfortable enough for all-day food prep tasks.

This chef knife features a razor-sharp edge designed to effortlessly glide through tough ingredients. Crafted from high carbon stainless steel blades that are both rustproof and long-wearing, its ergonomically designed chef-approved handle is perfectly balanced to offer comfort and control while working.

Sharp edges are easy to keep sharp with just a few swipes from the built-in foolproof sharpener built into each storage block, making this set perfect for novice chefs wanting to create delicious meals for themselves, family, or friends.

Plus, their 10-year manufacturer’s warranty proves the confidence of this product! Plus, its sleek stainless steel storage block fits seamlessly with most kitchen decor while slotted holes allow safe storage of their knives!

Morodo 8″ Chef Knife Scabbard Sheath

Morodo 8" Chef Knife Scabbard Sheath (Black Nylon)
  • Suitable for chef's knife with a blade length of 8" or less and a blade width of 1.8"
  • Perfect Knife Protector,made of durable nylon
  • 【Protect the blade】prevent the blade from being bumped and injured

  • 【Protect you and your children】 avoid being scratched by the blade

  • Can be hung on the belt for easy carrying. It can also be hung on a branch or hook

An exceptional chef’s knife is an essential tool in any kitchen, ideal for chopping, mincing, and dicing all of your favorite foods. Additionally, its non-stick coating makes cleaning simple while its comfortable grip ensures steady hands throughout use.

Morodo 8″ Chef Knife makes for the perfect tool in any home kitchen and includes a convenient sheath to keep blades safe within reach.

For professional chefs, this utility knife belt holster is an essential piece of gear. Constructed from top-quality materials designed to withstand tough kitchen conditions, its multiple pockets can hold up to seven tools simultaneously for convenient cooking sessions.

Additionally, these kitchen knife sheaths have zipper closures to keep their contents locked safely into place when traveling or heading into work or meetings. Plus they’re great for transporting knives whether heading out on trips.

This chef knife sheath is constructed of high-grade leather with thick nylon stitching for durability, to prevent stretching.

Additionally, its waterproof holster helps prevent moisture and dirt from damaging it further while its adjustable belt holder fits waist sizes of any width and is resistant to scratches and scuffs for extra longevity compared to most other sheaths on the market.

Global 8″ Chef’s Knife

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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
  • Stainless-steel handle molded for Comfort, dimpled for safe grip
  • Lifetime warranty against defects and breakage

The Global G-2 chef’s knife is an ideal option for beginners due to its reasonable price and durability, featuring a razor-sharp cutting edge and stainless steel handle with dimples for grip. Ideal for chopping, slicing, mincing, and more!

Lightweight and easy to control it makes this chef’s knife ideal for use at home cooking; however it may become cumbersome with repeated tasks over long periods of time.

Cromova 18 steel blades are specifically designed to resist stains and maintain their edge longer than other steels, as well as featuring a Granton edge – small dimples on its blade that help food slide off more easily than straight edges; making this product much simpler to keep clean and maintain than others.

Whilst some knife enthusiasts may disdain Global knives due to their thin metal handles and inferior edge retention compared to Japanese models, as well as lack of full tang and bolster support, many professional chefs – Anthony Bourdain in particular and Chad Ward among them – swear by them and use them exclusively in their kitchens.

Global offers different sizes of this knife to meet the needs of different cooks. The 8-inch version is an excellent starting point, offering precision with power and versatility – while 9-inch models provide the ideal balance for handling both large and small tasks with ease.

Food & Wine recommended this Global knife as one of the top choices for beginners due to its lightweight construction and ease of use, plus its sand-filled handle which creates an equilibrium between blade and handle.

While The Wirecutter didn’t recommend it in their article The Best Chef’s Knife, they acknowledged its quality for the price. Unfortunately for professional kitchen staff members may prefer more full tang and bolster blades.

imarku Japanese Chef Knife 8 Inch

imarku Japanese Chef Knife - Pro Kitchen Knife 8 Inch Chef's Knives High Carbon Stainless Steel...
  • High-Carbon Stainless Steel Blade- It is manufactured from high-quality stainless steel that maintains...
  • Multi-functional Knife- The gyutou knife is classified and designed to be a multipurpose knife for...
  • Ergonomic Pakka Handle- To make it more professional and minimize any fatigue, finger numbness or aches...
  • Ultra-sharp Edge- Sharpness is key to achieving the best cuts and this is evident in the knife's blade...
  • Corrosion Resistance Stainless Blade- In addition to carbon, 16-18% chrome is also included in the...

This Imarku chef’s knife is an ideal option for anyone searching for an exceptional kitchen knife.

With its stylish hammered blade design and durable, stylish pakkawood handle, this high-quality chef’s knife makes an impressive statement in any kitchen setting. Dishwasher safe for easy maintenance and storage purposes, the blade comes sharp out of the box to make its use simple for beginners.

Though imarku is not Japanese in origin, their products often evoke traditional Japanese aesthetics and feel. Their chef’s knife features a beautiful hammered blade design for added authenticity; furthermore, it is made from high-grade stainless steel for maximum strength and sharpness.

Another feature that sets this Imarku chef’s knife apart from others is its ergonomic handle design. Created to be comfortable and reduce fatigue from prolonged use, its lightweight makes this blade easier for users to hold onto for extended periods of time.

The Imarku Chef’s Knife boasts a thicker blade than most others, which allows it to perform delicate tasks more easily. It excels at slicing, dicing, and cutting meat, plus comes equipped with both a cleaver and paring knife as an all-in-one set for any kitchen.

This Imarku chef’s knife offers numerous advantages, not least its extremely affordable price point – making it a fantastic option for beginners looking to save money. However, please keep in mind that its quality may not match that of some of its counterparts on this list.

The Imarku chef’s knife comes with a lifetime guarantee, attesting to their dedication and customer satisfaction. Plus, its production in Japan demonstrates its excellent quality standards.

Plus, there are additional cooking tools like wooden kitchen blocks and knife sharpeners from Imarku available so you’ll always have access to a sharp and functional blade in your kitchen!

Opinel Le Petit Chef Knife Set with Rounded Tip

Opinel Le Petit Chef Complete 3 Piece Kitchen Set, Chef Knife with Rounded Tip, Fingers Guard,...
  • MONTESSORI TOOLS FOR THE KITCHEN: Outfitted with natural, sustainably harvested beechwood handles, Le...
  • LEARNING BY DOING: Kids learn best hands on, and with Le Petit Chef, your little kitchen helpers can...
  • CHEF KNIFE: Rounded tip blade reduces accidental punctures but cuts and chops just like a full size chef...
  • FINGER GUARD: A perfect addition to the Chef Knife, the fingers guard keeps little fingers safe and...
  • PEELER: Rounding out Le Petit Chef set is the single finger-pulled peeler, perfect for peeling veggies,...

When your little chef is ready to move beyond stirring batter, this pint-sized knife set from Opinel will enable them to safely begin cutting fruits and veggies for real meals.

Created by this iconic French knife maker in 1890, this handy tool was specifically created for children ages 5-10 who are curious about food preparation. With everything they need from beginning knife skills to mastery of food prep techniques right there at their fingertips.

Opinel designed their knife and peeler to include what they call an educational ring that assists children in correctly positioning their fingers while using it. Both products also come equipped with rounded tips to increase safety while still cutting and chopping efficiently like full-size chef blades do.

Finally, polymer finger guards protect kids’ fingers while using both tools with confidence and safety.

Both the knife and peeler are ergonomic, lightweight, and sturdy kitchen tools designed to be comfortable to hold, lightweight, durable, and stain-resistant plastic handles that comfortably accommodate most hand sizes; stain-resistant blades made of stainless steel resist rust for safe dishwasher use; however, it should always be used under adult supervision to avoid potential injuries or mishaps.

As with any kitchen knife, this one must be regularly sharpened and stored when not in use. We advise keeping it stored safely within its sheath or knife block to protect children from unintended access to it.

Furthermore, hand washing the knife may be preferable over placing it in the dishwasher; should your child struggle gripping the knife comfortably you may wish to add a rubber-tipped holder as extra support; these holders are available from most kitchen supply stores either individually or as part of the set itself.

It would also be wise for them to wear protective gloves while handling or handling it for their own protection when handling unfamiliar tools for safety.

TOJIRO JAPAN Professional Chef Knife – 8.2″

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TOJIRO JAPAN Professional Chef Knife - 8.2" (21cm) - Hand Made, Flagship Model, VG10 - Easy...
  • Professional Chef Knife
  • Made in Japan
  • Hand Made Samurai Style
  • Life Warranty

Tojiro Knives of Niigata Prefecture is an award-winning manufacturer, and this knife is one of their finest offerings. They combine tradition and cutting-edge technology to craft long-lasting high-quality knives that are affordable to all. Tojiro knives have earned rave reviews from chefs around the globe and make an ideal starter knife.

Tojiro offers this VG-10 cobalt stainless steel chef’s knife as an exceptional option for chefs, offering excellent durability and edge retention.

Additionally, its Damascus pattern and 37 layers of high-carbon stainless steel make it even stronger than standard kitchen knives, and its corrosion resistance ensures long use without worrying about breaking or chipping!

The blade features a double bevel profile for optimal sharpness, creating an effortless cut that takes your cooking to new levels. Furthermore, its maneuverable nature enables effortless chopping, slicing, and dicing without needing to take breaks for breaks in between tasks.

Another feature that sets this knife apart from others is its ergonomic handle, designed to offer a comfortable grip while fitting perfectly in your hand. Additionally, its weight makes cutting long periods without fatigue becoming an issue; leaving no achy hands afterward!

This knife is a multipurpose kitchen tool, capable of being used for everything from cutting meat to slicing fruit. The double bevel blade is sharp and durable – an excellent option for any cook – while its easy maintenance makes it the ideal knife for beginners.

This chef’s knife features an ergonomically designed handle made of reinforced laminated eco-friendly material with three studs and a full tang.

Designed with comfort in mind, its ergonomically designed grip is patterned for increased grippiness as well as having a finger guard to prevent slipperiness. In addition to being durable with its satin finish protecting it against scratches, this dishwasher-safe blade also makes cleanup a breeze!


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