12 top brands of kitchen knives

*An Editor’s Review of the Best Knives. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to purchase. Before purchase, please consult with expert.

A good knife is a must not only for professional cooks but also for regular housewives. Its quality affects the ease of cooking and the appearance of sliced food. Knives are produced by different companies, some specialize in it, others produce cookware and kitchen utensils. The best of them use quality materials and new technologies, develop an ergonomic shape and special sharpening techniques. To choose a convenient and practical knife that would not blunt, would be resistant to corrosion and serve for a long time, it is worth to study our rating of the best brands. We have compiled it on the basis of housewife feedback, taking into account the opinions of chefs and experts.

12 best brands of kitchen knives

Nomination	Place	Name	Rating
12 best brands of kitchen knives	1	Tojiro	5.0
2	Mikadzo	4.9
3	Kai	4.8
4	Wusthof	4.7
5	Kyocera	4.6
6	Samura	4.5
7	Fissler	4.4
8	FISKARS	4.3
9	Tefal	4.2
10	Rondell	4.1
11	Nadoba	4.0
12	Tramontina	4.0

Tojiro

Rating: 5.0

In first place is the Japanese company Tojiro. It produces classic premium knives. Production combines centuries of Japanese tradition and innovative technology. Tojiro knives are valued for their high quality, durability and ease of use. They are ISO9001 and ISO14001 certified. The company gives a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

The main feature of Tojiro knives is the durability, resilience and sharpness of the blade. This is achieved through the use of chrome-nickel alloy. It does not require frequent sharpening, it is resistant to corrosion. Special welding technology makes it possible to get multilayer blades with solid core. And its proprietary five-step sharpening process ensures a high level of sharpness. Even after hours of use the blade does not get blunt or deformed.

Wide variety of sizes and shapes for every purpose. The company produces several collections: with wooden pads, knurled metal handle, santoku, nakiri and others. The brand logo is engraved at the bottom of each blade.

Advantages

• Japanese quality;
• a lifetime warranty;
• classic design;
• The blade is strong and flexible;
• Do not require frequent sharpening;
• wide choice of models;
• ergonomic handles.

Disadvantages

• high price.

Mikadzo

Rating: 4.9

Another Japanese brand with high quality. Colorful design and variety of colors are the characteristic features. Company experiments with shape and length of blade, handle design. The use of Japanese tradition and modern technology allows for ease of use and durability.

The company produces 3 collections of knives: with colored blade, with embellished handle and classic. Mikadzo Imari – these models have brightly decorated blade. Made of zirconia ceramic, it doesn’t get blunt for a very long time. Its hardness 57 HRC, cutting edge is wide and perfectly sharpened. Handle made of rubberized plastic, does not slip, lies comfortably in the hand.

Mikadzo Damascus line is characterized by unique Damascus pattern on the blade with hardness of 60 HRC. It is made of high quality alloy VG-10 with 67 layers of Damascus steel. Handles are black and brown pakka wood, with beautifully highlighted wood grain. Yamata collection has a classic design. The blade is three-layered, made of molybdenum-vanadium steel. Handle made of black fiberglass with colored rivets.

Advantages

• striking design;
• Environmentally friendly materials;
• Sturdy blade made of quality steel;
• No need for frequent sharpening;
• high corrosion resistance;
• ergonomically shaped non-slip handle.

Disadvantages

• not found.

Kai

Rating: 4.8

KAI produces knives with blades of different shape, size and profile. They belong to the luxury class and are often chosen by professional cooks. Cutting part can be straight, convex, with a wavy edge or special notches. Handles are mostly lacquered wood or smooth plastic. There are seamless solid designs with a steel handle.

The main feature of KAI knives – high quality blades. They are wide, with a pointed tip. Made of three layers of Damascus steel. High-strength VG-10 alloy is used as a base. Special technology allows to achieve high sharpness. Cutting part is wide, with single-sided sharpening. blade hardness reaches 60-62 HRC. Users like the sharpness of the blade and ease of use. Chefs say that KAI knives are light, which allows cutting any food quickly and accurately.

Advantages

• A wide variety of models;
• Damascus steel usage;
• optimal ratio of hardness and flexibility of the blade;
• Blades are sharp, do not blunt for a long time;
• single-sided sharpening at 15˚ angle.

Disadvantages

• handle slips in wet hands;
• Prices for most models are high.

Wusthof

Rating: 4.7

Wusthof is one of the oldest German companies. Has been making knives for over 200 years. They have gained popularity around the world. Characterised by comfort, durability and impeccable sharpening. They can be recognized by the logo in the form of a white trident on a red background. An independent Best of Everything Guide study published in NBC News magazine ranked Wusthof knives as the best and most popular in Google purchases in 2020-2021.

Company uses century-old German traditions of cutting tools manufacturing and modern technologies. The blade is made from a single piece of carbon steel that is hardened to 58 HRC. Computer modeling makes it possible to achieve perfect balance. Handles of different shape and ergonomic design are made of wood, polymers, acetal resin, stainless steel.

Wusthof knives come in a wide variety of styles. They belong to the budget and medium price category. You can choose model for professional or home use. There are chef’s knives, classic knives, highly specialized knives.

Advantages

• high quality;
• wide assortment;
• Perfect sharpening;
• optimal balance;
• ergonomic handle;
• bluntness and corrosion resistance.

Disadvantages

• not found.

Kyocera

Rating: 4.6

They are the only company in our rating that makes knives made only of zirconia ceramic. It is a hard, innovative material that is stronger than steel, does not corrode, does not warp and does not oxidize. It’s safe, it doesn’t absorb odors, it doesn’t change the taste of food.

Kyocera ceramic knives need almost no sharpening; they stay sharp for a long time. Smooth surface of the blade ensures a smooth cut. Professional chefs appreciate these tools. They remark on the lightness and perfect balance.

From the site user’s comment: “I only use Kyocera knives. They don’t have a metallic aftertaste and don’t hurt the look of the food. Slices are smooth and thin. With these knives you can work all day and your hand does not get tired. Only safety precautions should be observed: do not throw or hit – chipping may occur”.

Advantages

• sharp blade;
• safe material
• They do not oxidize;
• Do not spoil the taste and appearance of products;
• light and comfortable;
• Ergonomically shaped handle;
• easy to clean.

Disadvantages

• are afraid of impact;
• high price.

Samura

Rating: 4.5

Knives of this brand are distinguished by an ideal price to quality ratio. They belong to the budget and medium price category. Samura makes a wide variety of knives: all-purpose, fish, bread or vegetable, santoku, nakiri, chef and sirloin knives. They differ in shape and length of the blade, fabrication material.

Company produces knives in Japanese style with modern technologies. Top quality steel, zirconia ceramic, keramotitanium are used. There are one-layer and multi-layer, with a flat or wavy edge. Models with the addition of 67-layer Damascus steel are especially appreciated. Blade hardness from 58 to 62 HRC. Metal, lacquered wood or fiberglass handles.

Advantages

• Many inexpensive models and options for professional applications;
• high-quality materials;
• High hardness and strength of the blade;
• ergonomic handle;
• beautiful design;
• the blade is sharp;
• lightweight, doesn’t tire your hand out.

Disadvantages

• bluntness.

Fissler

Rating: 4.4

Fissler is a German manufacturer of cookware and kitchen accessories. Produces rugged, practical, premium knives. They are designed for everyday use, are famous for their high quality materials. The blade is made from a single piece of alloyed steel. It’s an alloy with chrome, vanadium and molybdenum. Its hardness reaches 58 HRC, that’s why the blade doesn’t break under load, doesn’t get blunt.

Ergonomically shaped handles made of plastic with a non-slip coating. Balanced design makes it easy to use and provides even, thin slices. Chefs say their hands don’t get tired even after a few hours of work.

Fissler knife for years, I love its classic design. It is light, well balanced. Non-slip handle, no heat, wide molster protects your fingers. Knife cuts thin slices, cuts meat, crumbles vegetables.

Advantages

• A hard, sharp blade;
• Can cut through hard foods;
• perfectly balanced design;
• non-slip handle;
• hand sharpening.

Disadvantages

• hard to find on sale.

FISKARS

Rating: 4.3

Another of Europe’s oldest companies, forging knives and kitchen utensils for over 350 years. It’s now a large international corporation with a wealth of experience in manufacturing and modern technology. Finnish brand FISKARS knives are popular with cooks around the world. They are chosen for their reliability, ease of use. Range of tools for slicing vegetables, bread, meat, sirloin, chef’s knives, santoku.

FISKARS produces perfectly balanced knives with a special design that helps you cut precisely. Robust blades made of Japanese stainless steel. Ergonomic handles with special coatings prevent slipping and provide a comfortable grip. Special finger rest protects fingers from injury.

Advantages

• high quality;
• wide assortment;
• light and handy;
• sharp blade;
• Ergonomic non-slip handle;
• beautiful design;
• affordable prices.

Disadvantages

• purchase of a proprietary sharpener is recommended.

Tefal

Rating: 4.2

Tefal is a well-known French manufacturer of cookware and kitchen appliances. The company is famous for its use of nonstick coatings. But the Tefal brand also makes high-quality knives. These are universal models, slicers, chef’s knives, bread and vegetable slicers. They are comfortable, durable and reliable.

The blade of these knives is made of high-carbon German steel. It is smooth, properly sharpened. Special limiter protects your fingers from injury. There are knives with a ceramic blade that does not require sharpening. Metal or plastic handles, ergonomically shaped and non-slip.

Advantages

• Light and handy;
• quality materials;
• sharp blade;
• Ergonomic handle;
• beautiful design;
• large assortment;
• has a case.

Disadvantages

• did not find.

Rondell

Rating: 4.1

Rondell is a famous German cookware manufacturer. Products of this brand are recommended by National Guild of Chefs. The company uses advanced technology and innovative materials. Production is located in China, which allows producing quality products at affordable prices.

Rondell kitchen knives are very sharp and do not need frequent sharpening. They are designed for thin slicing of any food. Blades made of quality alloy steel. They are corrosion resistant, with a hardness of 55 HRC. Double-edged blade that not only cuts, but also chops, carves, slices and shreds. Ergonomically shaped bakelite handles with non-slip coating for easy handling.

Advantages

• high-quality steel;
• large assortment;
• sharp blade;
• comfortable handle;
• beautiful design;
• affordable prices.

Flaws

• poorly balanced.

Nadoba

Rating: 4.0

Czech company Nadoba makes all kinds of kitchen utensils. The knives of this brand are high quality, durable and reliable. The company’s specialists develop new models to make the process of cooking more convenient. High quality materials and strict controls at all stages of production guarantee a long life span.

Large range of knives allows you to choose a tool for any food preparation action. There are cutting, filleting, deboning, for vegetables, bread, chef knives. The company produces sets with stands and sharpening attachment. Knife blades are made of durable carbon steel with the addition of molybdenum and vanadium. Hardness 50-54 HRC. Knives are sharp, hold a long sharpening time, do not oxidize. Solid metal handles with impact-resistant plastic coatings.

Advantages

• wide assortment;
• quality materials;
• comfortable handle;
• A sharp and sturdy blade;
• good balancing;
• affordable price.

Disadvantages

• none detected.

Tramontina

Rating: 4.0

Brazilian company

amontina. It produces kitchen utensils and household goods. Production uses modern equipment, quality materials and new technology. The products comply with international standards SO 9001, ISO 14000 and NSF.

Knives

Amontina are popular with cooks in many countries. They belong to budget class, but thanks to high quality and functionality they are suitable for professional use. Under this brand there is a wide range of universal and highly specialized knives. Besides bench and chef’s, there are also filleting, carving, for cheese, vegetables, bread.

Knives are made of high-quality carbon steel with high chromium content. The special 4-stage hardening method provides ruggedness and corrosion resistance. Steel hardness 53-56 HRC. Handle made of wood, fiberglass or impact-resistant plastic. In knives for meat it is treated with antibacterial impregnation.

Advantages

• wide assortment;
• Rugged hardened steel;
• the blade does not darken or rust
• Special sharpening that keeps sharp for a long time;
• Practical and comfortable handle;
• easy to sharpen.

Disadvantages

• did not find.