The 10 best chef knives to buy in the UK
Finding the best chef knife is challenging because it’s all down to individual preference. A good knife feels stable and comfortable in your hand, and generally just has the right feeling to it, so it’s important to choose a knife that suits your cooking habits rather than anyone else’s. Check out the buying guide below to help you find that perfect chef’s knife for your needs:
What are chef knives?
A chef knife is a type of kitchen knife inspired by those used by professional chefs. The blade is of a much higher quality than a standard kitchen knife, while the shape and design are intended for multipurpose use, including cutting, slice, dicing, boning etc.
Why should you buy a good chef knife?
The best chef’s knife will make cooking much easier and safer. Because the blades are sharp, stable, and durable, you have much more control over the blade movement through food, helping to reduce the chances of injury. Additionally, good chef knives are easy to sharpen and maintain, lasting for many years without needing to be replaced. That should highlight the exceptional value for money quality cooking knives offer.
How to choose the right chef knife in 2024?
Struggling to choose the best kitchen knives? Here are some things to consider:
- Weight: Always choose a knife that feels right in your hand. This is different for everyone, with some preferring the hefty weight behind a heavy blade while others find that a lightweight blade offers better cutting motion, so it’s all down to your preference. Therefore, it’s recommended that you always hold a knife to get a feel for it before you buy anything.
- Blade Length: An average chef’s knife blade measures 8-inches and this could be perfect for your needs, being highly versatile and suitable for most food prep. If you are unsure what length is suitable, go with an 8-inch as it’s hard to go wrong with this. However, some prefer the feeling of a shorter or longer blade, with the latter cutting more volume while the former is more agile to use.
- Material: Most chef knives are made from steel, with stainless and carbon being the two main varieties available. Stainless steel is more affordable and requires less maintenance, as carbon steel needs frequent sharpening, although it is more durable and sharper as a result.
What is the best kind of chef knife in the UK?
Here are some of the main types of chef knife that you can currently buy:
- European Chef Knife: Also called a western chef knife, the blade on this knife tends to be much heavier than other types, making it more durable and giving it a good bit of heft. Highly versatile, a good European chef’s knife will last for many years.
- Japanese Chef Knife: Also called a Santoku knife, this Japanese variation of the chef’s knife is just as versatile as the European type, although it’s usually sharper and much lighter, so if you like an agile feeling blade then this is a great choice. The thinness does make it prone to chipping though, so extra caution is advised when working around things like bone.
Top 10 list of chef knives in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their chef knives. Which chef knife is the best?
![Image of PAUDIN PD8BMC8CR501 chef knife](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/chef-knife-image-41rz8PXN05L.jpg)
- Gifting & Customer Service: The chop knife has the delicate wavy pattern which…
- Multifunctional Knife: This elegant professional knife is suitable for both professional…
- Ergonomic Pakkawood Handle: The handle of the sharp knife is made of the heat and…
![Image of SHAN ZU SZPCS-2017-002 chef knife](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/chef-knife-image-41+60+wIujL.jpg)
- Knife Details & Warranty This chef knife blade is 8” long, 2.2mm thick,…
- Glass Fiber G10 Handle, Comfortable Grip & Solid Adopts frosted glass fiber G10…
- Forged by 67-Layer sheets of steel, Long-Lasting UseBesides on the knife core, there…
![Image of SHAN ZU SZJP-2022-026 chef knife](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/chef-knife-image-41xRDGVNOOL.jpg)
- TIPS AND GUARANTEE: The professional chef knife is not designed for sudden movements…
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL CHEF'S KNIFE: SHAN ZU Japanese sharp knife is suitable for professionals…
- COMFORTABLE HANDLE FOR EASY GRIP: To make it more professional and minimize any fatigue,…
![Image of RASSE HX2204 chef knife](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/chef-knife-image-41Lva4yQJQL.jpg)
- Ideal Cooking Cookware Gift Choice - Japanese chef knives have a lifetime warranty,…
- How to Care Knife - To maximize the performance and longevity of your chef knife,…
- Comfortable & Ergonomic handle- RASSE Japanese chef knife designed uses Mkuruti…
![Image of Wüsthof 1040330123 chef knife](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/chef-knife-image-21myWZ3ou8L.jpg)
- CENTURIES OF TRADITION – Family owned for seven generations, Wüsthof was…
- PRECISION FORGED – Forged from a single block of high carbon stainless steel…
- RAZOR SHARP – High carbon stainless steel blades, precisely cut with the latest…
![Image of Deer & Oak DNO-CHEF-K chef knife](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/chef-knife-image-41cKJCRfisL.jpg)
- VERSATILITY: Our 8-inch chef's knife is a versatile kitchen tool that can be…
- SUPERIOR SHARP BLADE: The blade of our kitchen knife can easily cut through many…
- PERFECT BALANCE: A chef knife is one of the vital tools in the kitchen world. Ours…
![Image of MOSFiATA CK0401 chef knife](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/chef-knife-image-51aDfbJFbKL.jpg)
- Exquisite Gift Box- Our kitchen knife set packed in a stylish black presentation…
- Professional Kitchen Chef KnifeThe multifunctional cooking knife can easily handle…
- Full Tang Construction & Ergonomic Design MOSFiATA ergonomic knife handle is…
![Image of nuovva 00085 chef knife](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/chef-knife-image-41ZMTLXw85L.jpg)
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: The full tang stainless steel kitchen knife by Nuovva is designed…
- PROTECTOR INCLUDED: Our hand polished chef’s knife comes with a plastic cover…
- RAZOR SHARP: The super sharp hand polished edge allows for easy effortless cutting…
![Image of Victorinox 5.2063.20 chef knife](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/chef-knife-image-31KjZgq4zjS.jpg)
- Included components: 1 x 5206320 chefs knife, extra broad blade 20cm
- Colour: black
- High quality
![Image of Tivoli chef knife](https://images.review10best.com/uk/static/ximc/chef-knife-image-51gXl2odWpL.jpg)
- Strive for greatness - Born to cooking, born to craftsmanship, born to enhance the…
- Unsheathe your blade - As your merciless gladiator in the unforgiving arena of professional…
- FULL-TANG - Expertly engineered to tuck snugly into the palm of your hand for ultimate…
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