Best chef knives under $50
Would you like to know the best chef knives under $50? A well-crafted knife in the kitchen is essential because it simplifies cooking operations in your kitchen. A top-notch knife can elevate your culinary tasks to new and higher heights. To own the best chef knife, you don’t need to break the bank in order to purchase a high-quality blade. A high-quality blade will allow you to experience precision as well as durability. In this guide we are going to explore some of the best chef knives under 50. Not only are they affordable but also have excellent functionality.
Features of the best chef knives
The following are features of a good chef knife:
- Quality blade material – A high-quality blade has the ability to withstand and carry out tough and easy tasks with ease. Some of the best materials used include stainless steel or high-carbon steel. This material is known for its durability and ability to retain its sharpness.
- Sharp edge – A good chef knife should also have a sharp edge that can cut, slice and even chop with minimal effort. It should also retain its sharpness for a long time.
- Balanced weight – A well-balanced knife has the right weight distribution throughout the knife allowing for better control and also reducing fatigue.
- Ergonomic handle – This kind of handle is comfortable and offers a secure grip which reduces strain, especially for extended periods.
- Full Tang Construction – Full tang refers to when the blade extends into the handle of the knife, such a design makes the knife stable, strong and offers overall durability.
- Bolster – This is also another feature that can be found in a good knife. A bolster offers balance and also acts as a safety guard for your fingers.
- Versatility – Chef knives should be versatile, hence able to carry out a number of tasks like slicing, dicing, chopping and more.
- Precision – This is another factor you should consider because excellent control and precision will allow you to achieve results to your preference easily.
- Sharpness retention – A quality chef knife should have the capability to retain its sharp edges for a long time, thereby reducing frequent sharpening.
- Maintenance – The knife should also be very easy to clean and maintain.
- Stain resistant – A good knife should be resistant to stains, which in turn prevents discoloration when handling foods like acidic fruits and more.
- Rust resistant – Choose a knife that is rust resistant because it will maintain its appearance and last longer.
- Size – The best size of a knife should be able to meet your preferences and tasks.
- Aesthetic – This is not a primary factor but an aesthetic appeal can elevate your kitchen experience.
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The following are some of the best chef knives under 50.
- 10. SANDEWILY Professional Kitchen Knives
- 9. MOSFiATA 7” Nakiri Chef’s Knife
- 8. Babish High-Carbon 1.4116 German Steel Cutlery, 8″ Chef Knife
- 7. Bravedge Chef Knife
- 6. Mercer Culinary M22608 Millennia Black Handle, 8-Inch, Chef’s Knife
- 5. Farberware Edgekeeper 8-Inch Chef Knife
- 4. PAUDIN Chef Knife
- 3. Imarku Japanese Chef Knife
- 2. Mercer Culinary Ultimate White, 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
- 1. Wanbasion Blue Professional Kitchen Knife Chef Set
10. SANDEWILY Professional Kitchen Knives
Products | Rating | Amazon |
Blade material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 8 inches
Price: $36.99
To start off our list of the best chef knives under 50 is the Sandewily professional kitchen knives. A set comes with 3 knives which are an 8-inch chef knife, a 7.5-inch cutting knife and a 5-inch paring knife. This allows you to have an exceptional experience when it comes to cutting tasks like dicing, slicing, chopping and more. The knives are well-designed to cater to the needs of home cooks and professional chefs who want versatile, and high-quality knives. You can use knives to cut fruits, meat, ingredients and more.
Additionally, it is well-designed and crafted to offer comfort and precision. The handles are constructed from Pakkawood and a steel cushion is located at the neck and tail. The combination of these materials provides control and stability of the knife. Its ergonomic design on the other hand offers a comfortable grip thereby reducing fatigue, especially when using the knife for extended periods.
The other notable feature of the knife is its sheath which acts as a safety guard. It acts as a protection layer for the blade and your fingers. Additionally, this knife is built from premium stainless steel. The material is known for its hardness, corrosion and resistance. To add on top of this, it has a sharpness of 8-12 degrees honed edges for precise cuts.
Maintaining the Sandewily knives is easy because it is equipped with food-grade metallic paint and laminated polish. This prevents rust, corrosion as well as adhesion. It is also easy to clean. Besides this, these knives are suitable for many occasions such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and more.
Pros
- The set is versatile.
- Built with professional quality blades.
- The knives allow for precise cutting.
- They are also secure to use.
Cons
- The sets do not have any non-serrated knives.
9. MOSFiATA 7” Nakiri Chef’s Knife
Product | Rating | Amazon |
Blade material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 8 inches
Price: $37.99
Next on our list of the best chef knives under $50 is the Mosfiata chef knife. This is a versatile knife that is constructed from high-quality German stainless steel. The material is resistant to rust, corrosion as well as discoloration. Its versatility allows you to carry out a number of tasks such as chopping, slicing, dicing and mincing. The knife is suitable for professional chefs as well as home cooks. It has hand-polished edges and a 14-16 degrees angle on each side, sharp and durable. To add on top, it also has a hardness of 56 ± 2 HRC.
Mosfiata knife is sturdy and also comes with comfortable hands that allow extended use without experiencing fatigue. To add on top, it is equipped with a triple rivet that holds the blade firmly, enhancing reliability. The blade length of this knife is 7 inches enabling various precision tasks like chopping and slicing. On the other hand, the knife has a well-balanced weight of 8.8 oz. The balanced weight makes it very easy to cut through large pieces of food with minimal effort.
Pros
- The knife has a well-balanced weight.
- It is easy to maintain.
- The knife also has optimal sharpness.
- It also provides efficient cutting.
Cons
- It comes as a single knife and not a set.
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8. Babish High-Carbon 1.4116 German Steel Cutlery, 8″ Chef Knife
Product | Rating | Amazon |
Blade material: High Carbon Steel
Dimensions: 12 inches
Price: Highly Priced
The babish high-carbon chef knife is also one great knife for chefs. This knife is well crafted from a high carbon 1.4116 German steel, which is known for its exceptional quality. The construction of this knife consists of tampering and taper grinding. The process also involves polishing which offers an astonishing sharpness level, thereby enabling precision cutting with ease.
The other notable feature of this knife is the full tang ABS handle which allows for a harmonious and comfortable grip. It is also well balanced making it easy to maneuver with the knife. Babish knife is suitable for tasks like chopping, slicing, dicing and mincing. In short, we can say it is versatile. It is advised before using the knife, ensure that you remove the tags and rinse using warm soapy water.
Pros
- The knife has a balanced grip.
- The knife also has the ability to retain its sharp edges.
- It is comfortable to use.
- Requires minimal maintenance.
Cons
- A few users claim that the ABS handle is sensitive.
7. Bravedge Chef Knife
Product | Rating | Amazon |
Blade material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 8 inches
Price: Cheaply Priced
Next on our list is the Bravedge Chef knife. This knife is a high-quality knife that is affordable. It features a high-quality stainless steel build-up, that offers you impressive performance with its edge retention ability. To add on top, the knife is coated using a food-grade metallic paint which offers it its glossy finish, enhancing its appearance.
The paint also makes the knife resistant to corrosion, rust and even food sticking. These features make this knife great for both home and restaurant use, made possible because of its craftsmanship and functionality.
In addition, its design has the ability to reduce food drag making it convenient to use. The knives’ sharpness and durability make them suitable for cutting, dicing, slicing as well as chopping. This includes vegetables, fruits, meat and more. Just like the other knives on our list, this knife also has a balanced weight making it easy to use.
Additionally, its ergonomic wood grain handle provides you with a secure and comfortable grip. Cleaning is also a breeze because it is dishwasher safe. Without forgetting, the Bravedge knife is also constructed with a protective sheathe that ensures safety when storing, thereby preventing the risk of cuts.
When it comes to design, the knife has a safe distance between the bottom and the blade, which safeguards your fingers. Lastly, the knife has a length of 8 inches which is longer than some of the knives on the market. The company has excellent customer service who are willing to assist you whenever you face any issues.
Pros
- This knife is dishwasher safe.
- It is also durable.
- Comes with a warranty and after-sales service.
- It is constructed with an ample blend length.
Cons
- A few users have raised concerns when it comes to heavy-duty tasks.
6. Mercer Culinary M22608 Millennia Black Handle, 8-Inch, Chef’s Knife
Product | Rating | Amazon |
Blade material: High Carbon Steel
Dimensions: 8 inches
Price: Cheaply Priced
The Mercer Culinary m22608 is also one of the best chef knives under 50. This knife is constructed from high-carbon Japanese steel. This material is durable and easy to maintain. Additionally, the knife is equipped with ergonomic handles that have textured finger points. Finger points offer a non-slip surface and also enhance comfort, durability as well as safety.
The Mercer knife has proven to be an excellent choice for chopping, mincing and cutting tasks. You can use it to dice onions, mice shallots, shred cabbage and more. Handwash is highly recommended to prolong its life span. This knife can be used in a professional setting or home kitchen.
Pros
- The knife comes with a textured finger point.
- Constructed with high-quality material.
- The knife is easy to maintain.
- Comfortable to use.
Cons
- It is not advisable to wash the knife with a dishwasher.
Related Article: Full bolster vs Half bolster
5. Farberware Edgekeeper 8-Inch Chef Knife
Product | Rating | Amazon |
Blade material: High Carbon Steel
Dimensions: 8 inches
Price: Cheaply Priced
Next on our list of the best chef knives under 50 is the Farberware Edgekeeper chef knife. This knife comes with a self-sharpening blade cover. This feature has been made possible with the help of Edgekeeper protective stealth, which ensures that the blade is sharp always. On the other hand, durability and sharpness retention are favored with the construction of a high-carbon stainless steel blade.
The design of this knife enhances comfort, its ergonomic handle is secure and comfortable. Maintaining the knife is also a breeze because it is easy to wash. Its protective cover ensures that the knife is not damaged and its sharpness is retained. You can use the knife to chop, dice and more with ease.
Pros
- The knife is equipped with a secure and comfortable grip.
- It is versatile.
- The knife also comes with a blade cover.
- The cost of purchasing this knife is affordable.
Cons
The blade cover may require regular cleaning to ensure it works optimally.
4. PAUDIN Chef Knife
Product | Rating | Amazon |
Blade material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 8 inches
Price: Modestly Priced
The Paudin chef knife is among the best chef knives under $50. This is a professional knife that can used for home or professional use. It is suitable for cutting foods such as bread, meat fillets and more. Using this knife can elevate your cooking experience to another level because it allows for precise cutting, chopping, slicing, mincing and more.
When it comes to sharpness, the knife has a thickness of 2mm thereby ensuring an optimal performance. To add on top, the blade is well crafted making the sharpness of the knife to be efficient and long-lasting. Additionally, the Paudin chef knife features ergonomic wooden handles for a secure and comfortable grip.
The other notable feature is the integration of the blade and handle. They are well balanced making it easy to maneuver the knife. Besides that, this knife has distinctive patterns on the blade that enhance it appearance. Finally, you will have a lifetime warranty if the knife has defective material or workmanship.
Pros
- The knife comes with a lifetime warranty.
- It is built with distinctive patterns.
- The knife is also comfortable.
- It is also durable.
Cons
- The knife requires proper care because it is too sharp.
3. Imarku Japanese Chef Knife
Product | Rating | Amazon |
Blade material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 8 inches
Price: Modestly Priced
The Imarku Japanese chef knife is among the top chef knives under 50. Just like the other knives on our list, this one is also constructed from a high-carbon stainless steel blade. The blade has a carbon content of 0.6 to 0.75, which is twice hard compared to other knives that have a content of 0.3% carbon. To add on top, this gyutou knife is versatile since it has the ability to carry out a number of professional applications such as cutting, slicing, dicing, chopping and more.
The Imarku chef knife has a 56-58 Rockwell hardness rating. Apart from this, its ergonomic pakka handles allow you to experience stable and comfortable usage. It also minimizes fatigue when working extended sessions. In addition, the blade’s sharpness ensures that you have precise cuts with minimal effort. 16-18% chrome ensures that the knife is resistant to corrosion, and also able to maintain its glossy finish even after being used frequently.
Purchasing this knife will enable you to experience exceptional functionality, a 3-month refund and even a lifetime warranty. Its versatility makes it suitable for any occasion such as weddings, birthdays and more.
Pros
- The knife comes with a lifetime warranty.
- It is also resistant to corrosion.
- Its durability allows it to last for a long time.
- The knife has a hardness scale rating of 56-58.
Cons
- Some users claim that the purchasing cost is a bit high. From our side, it’s worth the price.
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2. Mercer Culinary Ultimate White, 8 Inch Chef’s Knife
Products | Rating | Amazon |
Blade material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 8 inches
Price: Cheaply Priced
The Mercer Culinary Ultimate chef knife is also one of the best chef knives under 50. This knife features high carbon Japanese steel construction which is lasting razor sharp and also easy to maintain. Furthermore, the ergonomic handles are well-designed to last and offer comfort when used. In addition, the handles are equipped with textured finger points which enhances safety as well as comfort.
This knife has proven to be an excellent tool for chopping, mincing and even cutting. This makes them a perfect option for carrying out tasks such as dicing onions, chopping herbs, crushing garlic and more. To maintain their performance, it is recommended to handwash them with warm and mild soap. You are advised to avoid using dishwashers. This knife is suitable for both professionals and home-cook enthusiasts.
Pros
- Built from high-quality material.
- It is affordable.
- The knife is constructed with ergonomic handles.
- It is also easy to maintain this knife.
Cons
- Dishwasher usage is not recommended.
1. Wanbasion Blue Professional Kitchen Knife Chef Set
Product | Rating | Amazon |
Blade material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 8 inches
Price: Cheaply Priced
The top-ranking knife in our list is the Wanbasion Blue Professional Knife chef set. This knife features a titanium coating surface that is resistant to corrosion and scratches. This allows it to maintain its appearance and food safety for a long time. Additionally, this knife is also equipped with a sheath that enhances its resistance to rust and stains. To add on top, it also enhances the knives’ durability as well as strength.
The Wanbasion passes through a specialized process that enhances its flexibility. This means that the knife won’t bend or break. On the other hand, precision edge technology makes the knife sharp and also retains its edge. In addition, it has a sleek design that can add elegance to any kitchen setting.
Pros
- This knife is constructed with an elegant design.
- Constructed using a specialized technique that enhances its look.
- The knife has a titanium coating that is resistant to corrosion or rusting.
- It is also affordable.
Cons
- A few users claim it has a limited color option.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the 3 main chef knives?
The main 3 chef knives are the gyuto knife, santoku and chef knife.
- What is the difference between a chef knife and a kitchen knife?
A chef’s knife and a kitchen knife are all used in food preparations. A chef knife also known as a French knife is longer with 8 to 12 inches and also thinner than a kitchen knife. A kitchen knife on the other hand has a length of 6 to 8 inches.
- Which country makes the best knives?
The answer to this question is not definitive. This is because different cultures and regions make quality knives. However, there are 2 countries that stand out, Germany and Japan.
- Why are German knives better?
German knives are better because they are built from high-quality materials and craftsmanship. To add to this, the knives are required to pass strict standard regulations before being sold to the public.
Conclusion
We can conclude by saying the right knife has the ability to elevate your culinary performance. Above is a list of the best chef knives under 50. They are cheap and also able to deliver great results. Choosing the right knife will highly depend on factors such as your preference, budget, size and more. Hope this guide has been useful to you.