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The 10 best chef knives to buy in the UK

Picture of a chef knife

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?

Another picture of a chef knife

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?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of PAUDIN PD8BMC8CR501 chef knife
PAUDIN Chef Knife, Kitchen Knife 8 inch Professional, Ultra Sharp…
  • 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…
BUY NOW
Offer TOP 2
Image of SHAN ZU SZJP-2022-026 chef knife
SHAN ZU Japanese Chef Knife 20cm, Ultra Sharp Kitchen Knives German…
  • TIPS AND GUARANTEE: The professional chef knife is not designed for sudden movements…
  • MULTIFUNCTIONAL CHEF'S KNIFE: SHAN ZU kitchen knife is suitable for professionals…
  • COMFORTABLE HANDLE FOR EASY GRIP: To make it more professional and minimize any fatigue,…
BUY NOW
TOP 3
Image of MOSFiATA CK0401 chef knife
MOSFiATA Ultra Sharp Kitchen Chef Knife 8 inch, Premier High Carbon…
  • 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…
BUY NOW
TOP 4
Image of AIRENA KN1011 S1 chef knife
AIRENA Chef Knives Set of 3 | 8" Chef Knife | 7" Japanese…
  • WELL BALANCED & COMFORTABLE HANDLE - AIRENA Classic knife set is double-edged…
  • HIGH QUALITY BLADE - AIRENA Classic knife set have long-lasting sharpness, Stable…
  • RISK FREE PURCHASE AND BEST VALUE GIFT - 100% Satisfaction and Money Back Guarantee,…
BUY NOW
TOP 5
Image of SHAN ZU SZPCS-2017-004 chef knife
SHAN ZU Kitchen Santoku Knife 8 Inch Professional Damascus Knife 67…
  • Knife Details & WarrantySHAN ZU provides a 12-month warranty on all knife products,…
  • Glass Fiber Handle, Comfortable Grip & Solid Adopts frosted glass fiber G10 handle…
  • Forged by 67-Layer sheets of steel, Long-Lasting UseBesides on the knife core, there…
BUY NOW
TOP 6
Image of Tsuko TSUKO001 chef knife
Tsuko Chef Knife Four Stage Sharpener & Wooden Sheath - 8 Inch…
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TOP 7
Image of WÜSTHOF 1040100116 chef knife
Wüsthof Classic 6 Inch Chef's Knife, Black, 15 cm
  • 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…
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TOP 8
Image of Fubinaty  chef knife
Fubinaty 8 Inch Chefs Knife Handmade Forged Kitchen Knives Multifunctional…
  • BEST KITCHEN GIFTA high-quality sharp chef knife is the most important kitchen tool…
  • MULTIPURPOSE KITCHEN KNIFEThis chef's knife meets all the chef's requirements…
  • PORTABLE LEATHER SHEATHThe japanese style meat and vegetable knife is equipped with…
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TOP 9
Image of MOSFiATA A234 chef knife
MOSFiATA 7" Super Sharp Chef Knife, Professional Cook Kitchen…
  • Full Tang Construction & Ergonomic Design MOSFiATA ergonomic knife handle is…
  • Razor Sharp Edge & Anti-Corrosion, Anti-Tarnish BladeProcessed with the unique…
  • Exquisite Gift Box- Our kitchen knife set packed in a stylish black presentation…
BUY NOW
TOP 10
Image of hecef  chef knife
hecef Damascus Chef Knife, 8 inch Professional Damascuk Knife with…
  • Razor-Sharp Edge Retention Sharpness is key to achieving the best cuts and this is…
  • Stonewashed Finish & Black Oxide Procedure: A traditional knife with a modern…
  • ERGONOMIC OLIVE WOOD HANDLEThis vintage and elegant wooden handle comes from precious…
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