TSCentral

The 24 best cooking knife brands

  • 24 brands ranked
  • Ranked by brand visibility

ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS, Chicago Cutlery and Cutco lead our ranking of 24 cooking knife brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.

Cooking Knife brands, ranked

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  1. 1

    ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS

    German forging house with Pro and Four Star knives, plus the Twin Signature line sold through its shops and retailers.

    Website: zwilling.com |Brands like ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS

    Popularity 10.0/10

    Shop Online
  2. 2

    Chicago Cutlery

    Often bundled with steak knives and kitchen shears, a budget starter set for first apartments.

    Website: chicagocutlery.com |Brands like Chicago Cutlery

    Popularity 5.7/10

    Shop Online
  3. 3

    Cutco

    Sold through home sales reps, Cutco offers American-made serrated knives with a forever guarantee on the blades.

    Website: cutco.com |Brands like Cutco

    Popularity 4.9/10

    Shop Online
  4. 4

    Cuisinart

    Appliance maker whose knife sets and blocks suit buyers who already own its food processors and mixers.

    Website: cuisinart.com |Brands like Cuisinart

    Popularity 4.8/10

    Shop Online
  5. 5

    Kai

    Its Shun range is the premium layered VG-MAX line, with cheaper stainless Kai knives for everyday cooking.

    Brands like Kai

    Popularity 4.2/10

    Shop Online
  6. 6

    Maxam

    Stainless steel blades with serrated or honed edges define many Maxam knives, which come as pocket, fixed blade and kitchen styles. Flasks and table cutlery are also made by the brand. Its knives are often chosen for camping and everyday cutting tasks.

    Brands like Maxam

    Popularity 3.7/10

    Shop Online
  7. 7

    Global

    Stainless Japanese knives with one-piece steel handles, lightweight and very sharp, popular with cooks who want a clean look.

    Brands like Global

    Popularity 3.7/10

    Shop Online
  8. 8

    Rada Cutlery

    US-made stamped knives with riveted aluminium handles, a light and inexpensive option that holds an edge for home cooks.

    Top products: Cook's Knife

    Website: radacutlery.com |Brands like Rada Cutlery

    Popularity 3.6/10

    Shop Online
  9. 9

    Mercer

    Professional-style knives with textured handles, popular in restaurant kitchens at a moderate price.

    Website: ofmercer.com |Brands like Mercer

    Popularity 3.6/10

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  10. 10

    SABATIER

    Thiers-made French knives in a single carbon steel grade, with traditional wooden handles and a classic chef's look.

    Website: sabatier-shop.com |Brands like SABATIER

    Popularity 3.4/10

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  11. 11

    Victorinox

    Swiss stainless steel with grippy Fibrox handles, sturdy and affordable for professional kitchens.

    Top products: Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife

    Website: victorinox.com |Brands like Victorinox

    Popularity 3.4/10

    Shop Online
  12. 12

    Good Cook

    Gadget-focused housewares brand whose basic knives suit a second kitchen, a cabin, or a rental.

    Website: goodcook.com |Brands like Good Cook

    Popularity 3.0/10

    Shop Online
  13. 13

    Tojiro

    Hand-finished Japanese blades from Niigata, with VG10 layered steel aimed at cooks who value edge retention.

    Website: tojiro-japan.com |Brands like Tojiro

    Popularity 2.8/10

    Shop Online
  14. 14

    Cangshan

    Full-tang German steel knives, often sold in blocks and blending Western and Eastern shapes.

    Website: cangshancutlery.com |Brands like Cangshan

    Popularity 2.5/10

    Shop Online
  15. 15

    Pampered Chef

    Pampered Chef, like its name, coddles every chef with its technologically advanced products and easy-to-make readymade mixtures. The community also aspires to inspire one another through the tips and recipes on its website, encouraging you to cook healthy and delicious....

    Website: pamperedchef.com |Brands like Pampered Chef

    Popularity 2.4/10

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  16. 16

    Masamoto

    Sakai-style hand-finished blades for chefs, with an edge suited to precise vegetable work.

    Website: masamoto-sohonten.co.jp |Brands like Masamoto

    Popularity 2.4/10

    Shop Online
  17. 17

    Pioneer Woman

    The Pioneer Woman's Ree Drummond delivers entertaining anecdotes and dishes that will be a success at your next dinner party. Whether you're new to the frontier or want some fantastic cooking suggestions, you'll discover something delectable here. Their blog includes...

    Website: thepioneerwoman.com |Brands like Pioneer Woman

    Popularity 2.3/10

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  18. 18

    Tramontina

    Brazilian maker of affordable forged knives, with the Pro-Series chef's knife as a solid entry point.

    Website: tramontina.com |Brands like Tramontina

    Popularity 2.3/10

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  19. 19

    Calphalon

    Ohio cookware maker whose cutlery matches its hard-anodized pans, a practical pick for a coordinated kitchen.

    Website: calphalon.com |Brands like Calphalon

    Popularity 2.3/10

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  20. 20

    TUO

    The importance of knives in the kitchen is well-understood by everyone. After all, who likes to eat a whole potato without being cut? Tou is a comprehensive brand that distributes a variety of top-class knives in several shapes and sizes....

    Brands like TUO

    Popularity 2.2/10

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  21. 21

    KitchenAid

    Every home has a kitchen that is expected to have all the essential equipment for everyday work. It often becomes tough to find the best items for your kitchen, but with the help of KitchenAid, everything will be easy. They...

    Website: producthelp.kitchenaid.com |Brands like KitchenAid

    Popularity 2.1/10

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  22. 22

    Imarku

    A knife is one of the most pivotal kitchen tools required for countless cooking purposes. Based in America, Imarku provides customers with the finest collection of cooking knives of extraordinary quality. The company has manufacturing warehouses in various countries like...

    Website: imarku.net |Brands like Imarku

    Popularity 2.1/10

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  23. 23

    Hampton Forge

    Hampton Forge makes dishes better not by mixing spices but by combining classic patterns and trendy designs to give their kitchen-ware and cutlery products an innovative look while being functional at the same time. They provide a variety of products...

    Website: hamptonforge.com |Brands like Hampton Forge

    Popularity 2.0/10

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  24. 24

    Yoshihiro

    The excellence of culinary arts is heavily attributed to its practicality and preparation. In this, the Knives are of significant significance. To make your meal equivalent to Michelin star quality, avail yourself of the best Yoshihiro knives. Crafted with world-renowned...

    Website: yoshihiro-knives.myshopify.com |Brands like Yoshihiro

    Popularity 2.0/10

    Shop Online

Cooking Knife Buying Guide

Introduction

Cooking knives are essential tools in any kitchen, whether you are a professional chef or a home cook. When shopping for a cooking knife, you want to find a knife that is high-quality, durable, and comfortable to use. This guide will cover the different types of cooking knives, the materials they are made of, and the factors to consider when purchasing a cooking knife.

Types of Cooking Knives

There are many different types of cooking knives, each designed for a specific task. Below are some of the most common types:

Chef's Knife

The chef's knife, also known as a cook's knife, is a versatile all-purpose knife that is used for chopping, slicing, and mincing. It usually has a wide blade that ranges in size from 6 to 12 inches.

Bread Knife

The bread knife has a serrated blade that is specifically designed for slicing bread without crushing it.

Paring Knife

The paring knife is a small knife that is used for peeling and trimming fruits and vegetables.

Boning Knife

The boning knife has a narrow, curved blade that is used for removing meat from bones.

Santoku Knife

The Santoku knife is a Japanese knife that is similar to the chef's knife. It has a shorter, wider blade that is ideal for chopping and slicing.

Cleaver

The cleaver has a large, heavy blade that is used for chopping through bones and dense vegetables.

Materials

Cooking knives can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Below are some of the most common materials used in making cooking knives:

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a popular material for cooking knives because it is rust-resistant, easy to clean, and durable.

High Carbon Stainless Steel

High carbon stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that contains a higher amount of carbon, which makes the blade harder and sharper. However, it also makes the blade more brittle and prone to chipping.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is a durable material that holds a sharp edge well, but it is prone to rusting and requires more maintenance than stainless steel.

Ceramic

Ceramic knives are lightweight and extremely sharp, but they are fragile and can break if dropped.

Factors to Consider

When shopping for a cooking knife, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you find the right knife for your needs.

Size

The size of the knife blade should correspond to the size of the task you will be performing. A larger blade is ideal for chopping larger items, while a smaller blade is better for slicing and peeling.

Weight

The weight of the knife is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a heavier knife for chopping, while others prefer a lighter knife for more delicate tasks.

Balance

The balance of the knife is important for comfort and control. A well-balanced knife will feel comfortable in your hand and allow you to easily control the blade.

Handle

The handle of the knife should be comfortable and easy to grip. Handles can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.

Blade Shape

Different blade shapes are designed for different tasks. A curved blade is ideal for chopping, while a straight blade is better for slicing.

Price

Cooking knives are available at a range of price points. While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper knife, investing in a high-quality knife will save you money in the long run by lasting longer and performing better.

Conclusion

Cooking knives are a crucial tool in any kitchen. When shopping for a cooking knife, consider the type of knife you need, the material it is made of, and the factors to consider, such as size, weight, balance, handle, and blade shape. By selecting the right cooking knife for your needs, you can make your time in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable.

Blade Material

In addition to the materials used to make the entire knife, the blade material itself is another important factor to consider. A good cooking knife should have a strong, durable blade that maintains a sharp edge over time.

Forged vs. Stamped Blades

Forged blades are made by heating and shaping a single piece of metal, while stamped blades are cut from a sheet of metal. Forged blades are generally considered to be higher quality and more durable than stamped blades, but they are also more expensive.

Full Tang vs. Partial Tang Blades

The tang is the part of the blade that extends into the handle of the knife. A full tang blade extends all the way through the handle, providing a stronger, more balanced knife. Partial tang blades are not as strong or stable, but they can be more affordable.

Maintaining Your Cooking Knife

Once you have chosen a cooking knife, it is important to properly care for it to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Below are some tips for maintaining your cooking knife:

Sharpening

To keep your knife sharp, you can use a sharpening stone, an electric sharpener, or a honing rod. It is important to sharpen your knife regularly to maintain a sharp cutting edge.

Cleaning

To clean your knife, wash it by hand with soap and warm water, then dry it immediately. Avoid putting your knife in the dishwasher, as the harsh detergents can damage the blade.

Storage

Store your knife in a knife block, a knife sheath, or on a magnetic knife strip. Avoid storing your knife loose in a drawer, as it can get damaged or cause injury.

Conclusion

A good cooking knife is an investment that can make a significant difference in your cooking experience. When choosing a cooking knife, consider the type of knife, the materials used to make the blade and handle, and the maintenance required to keep the knife in top condition. With proper care, your cooking knife can last for many years and become an essential tool in your kitchen.