10 Best Knives 2025 in the United States

The Miyabi Birchwood GS2 7-piece Knife Block Set is a solid choice for home cooks who value sharpness, precision, and beautiful design. Its blades are made from high-carbon stainless steel, enhanced with a special ice-hardening process (CRYODUR) that makes them very durable and resistant to rust. The edges are hand-honed to a very sharp angle (9.5 to 12 degrees), which means these knives will slice cleanly with little effort. The set includes several useful knives—a parer, Santoku, chef's knife, bread knife—plus kitchen shears and a steel for sharpening, all stored in a stylish bamboo block.

The handles are made from Karelian birchwood, offering a comfortable grip with a traditional but elegant look. Weighing around 7 pounds for the whole set, the knives balance well for precise cutting tasks. These knives require hand washing to maintain their quality, as they are not dishwasher safe. While the blades are extremely sharp, careful handling is advised, especially for those not experienced with fine Japanese-style knives.

This set is ideal for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen tools with high-quality, handcrafted knives that combine performance and aesthetics, particularly if you appreciate Japanese blade craftsmanship.

The Shun Premier 3 Piece Starter Set includes an 8-inch Chef’s Knife, a 4-inch Paring Knife, and a 6.5-inch Utility Knife, making it a versatile choice for anyone starting their knife collection. A key strength of this set is the VG-MAX core with 68 layers of Damascus stainless steel cladding, which ensures the blades are not only sharp but also durable. The hammered tsuchime finish is a thoughtful design feature that reduces drag and prevents food from sticking to the blade, enhancing the user experience during food prep.

Furthermore, the Pakkawood handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, accommodating both left and right-handed users. The knives are well-balanced, which helps reduce fatigue during prolonged use, making them a solid choice for regular cooking tasks. However, it’s worth noting that the premium materials and craftsmanship come at a higher price point, which may not be suitable for all budgets.

Additionally, while the 16-degree edge offers superior sharpness, it might require more frequent maintenance to keep in top condition compared to some other knives. On the plus side, Shun offers free sharpening and honing, which can help maintain the knives' performance over time. This set is a great investment for cooking enthusiasts who value high-quality, handcrafted tools and are willing to invest in proper care and maintenance.

The WÜSTHOF Classic 8" Chef's Knife is a strong choice for both home cooks and professionals who want a dependable, versatile knife. Its blade is forged from high carbon stainless steel, known for holding a sharp edge longer and resisting rust, which makes it easier to maintain. At nearly 8 inches, the blade length is ideal for most kitchen tasks like chopping, slicing, and dicing. The knife features a plain edge, which is great for clean cuts and easy sharpening. The full tang and triple-riveted handle provide excellent balance and durability, while the ergonomic synthetic handle resists fading and discoloration, making it comfortable for extended use. Weighing about 8.5 ounces, it offers a balanced feel—not too heavy or light, allowing good control.

One downside is that it’s not dishwasher safe, so it requires hand washing to keep its quality intact. Also, the stainless steel handle, while durable, may feel colder or less natural compared to wooden handles some users prefer. This knife fits perfectly for those who want a lifelong kitchen tool that performs well across many tasks without needing frequent sharpening. If you want a high-quality chef's knife with a solid build and sharp edge retention, this model should meet your needs.