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Best Chef's Knife: Dalstrong Picks by Style and Budget
Short answer: The best chef's knife is the one whose steel, edge and weight match how you cook. For most cooks that means an 8-inch blade. If you want a hard, fine Japanese-style edge, our pick is the Shogun Series 8" (AUS-10V core, HRC 62+, $129). If you want a tougher German-style workhorse, the Gladiator Series 8" (X50CrMoV15, HRC 54–56, $79) is a strong budget choice.
Updated November 2026. We've refreshed every product, spec and price in this guide against the live product pages. Prices change, so check each link.
The chef's knife is the most versatile knife in the kitchen, the one you'll reach for for chopping, slicing and dicing. Browse every option in our chef's knives collection.
What to look for in a chef's knife
Length. Most chef's knives run 6–10". 8" is the most common and suits most cooks.
Steel and hardness. Look for a named steel and a Rockwell (HRC) rating on the product page. Harder steel holds a finer edge longer but is more brittle, and softer steel is tougher.
Edge angle. Finer edges cut more keenly, and wider ones are more forgiving.
Handle and balance. Choose a handle that fits your hand and a balance point near where the blade meets the handle.
For a full walkthrough, see How to Choose a Chef's Knife and Japanese vs German Knives.
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Knife | Price (Nov 3, 2026) | Steel | HRC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Shogun Series 8" Chef's Knife | $129 | AUS-10V core (Aichi), 66-layer Damascus | 62+ |
| Best Damascus upgrade | Shogun Series X 8" Chef's Knife | $159 | AUS-10V core, 66-layer Damascus | 62+ |
| Best Japanese-style profile | Shogun Series 8.5" Kiritsuke | $159 | AUS-10V core, 66-layer Damascus | 62+ |
| Best budget | Gladiator Series 8" Chef's Knife | $79 | German X50CrMoV15 | 54–56 |
| Best coated blade | Shadow Black Series 8" Chef's Knife | $119 | 7CR17MOV-X, titanium nitride coated | 58+ |
| Best mid-hardness | Phantom Series 8" Chef's Knife | $119 | Japanese AUS-8 | 58+ |
All specs are from each product page.
Chef's Knife 8", Shogun Series
Shogun Series 8" ($129). It has a Japanese AUS-10V core produced by Aichi Steel, 66-layer Damascus cladding, HRC 62+ and full tang construction. Dalstrong recommends regular honing and professional sharpening for its ultra-fine edge. Prudent Reviews named the Shogun one of its two favorite mid-range chef's knives.
Shogun Series X 8" ($159). It has the same AUS-10V and 66-layer specs on its page, with a different handle style. Choose it for the look.
Shogun 8.5" Kiritsuke ($159). It has the same core specs, in a kiritsuke profile with a straighter edge and an angled tip.
Chef's Knife 8", Gladiator Series
Gladiator Series 8" ($79). It has German X50CrMoV15 steel at HRC 54–56, full tang construction and NSF certification. This is the forgiving everyday knife.
Chef's Knife 8", Shadow Black Series
Shadow Black Series 8" ($119). It has 7CR17MOV-X steel at HRC 58+ and a black titanium nitride coating that Dalstrong lists as non-stick and corrosion-resistant.
Phantom Series 8" ($119). It has Japanese AUS-8 steel at HRC 58+ and a D-shaped G10 handle. It's our pick if you want a mid-hardness blade between Gladiator and Shogun.
How to pick yours in 7 steps
- Start at 8". Go shorter for control or longer for big prep.
- Pick an edge style. For forgiving, choose Gladiator. For a finer edge, choose Shogun or Shadow Black.
- Check the hardness. HRC 54–56 is tougher, and HRC 62+ holds an edge longer but is more brittle.
- Choose a profile. A classic chef's knife suits rocking cuts, and a kiritsuke suits push cuts.
- Pick a finish. Choose Damascus (Shogun), coated (Shadow Black) or satin (Gladiator, Phantom).
- Set your budget. Every pick above was $79–$159 on November 3, 2026. See also best chef's knife under $150 and best Shun alternatives.
- Plan your care. Hand wash, dry and hone. A ceramic rod suits hard edges.
Shopping on a budget or comparing brands? See our best chef's knife under $150 guide and our roundup of the best Shun alternatives.
Care
Hand wash and dry right away. Learn when to hone vs sharpen, whether you can hone a Japanese knife, and what to do about a cloudy blade or patina vs rust. Steel choices are covered in AUS-10V vs Carbon Steel, and everyday care in How to Keep Your Dalstrong Knives Sharp.
Chef's knife checklist
- 8" (or my preferred length)
- Edge style chosen: forgiving or fine
- Steel and HRC checked on the product page
- Profile chosen: chef's or kiritsuke
- Finish chosen
- Price confirmed today
- Honing and sharpening plan
FAQs
What is the best chef's knife?
It depends on how you cook. For a hard, fine edge, the Dalstrong Shogun Series 8" lists AUS-10V at HRC 62+. For a tougher, forgiving knife, the Gladiator Series 8" lists German X50CrMoV15 at HRC 54–56.
What size chef's knife is best?
8 inches is the most common size and suits most cooks. Choose 6 inches for more control or 10 inches for large prep jobs.
Is a santoku knife a chef's knife?
Not exactly. A santoku is a Japanese-style all-purpose knife that's usually shorter and lighter, with a less pointed tip. It handles many of the same tasks as a chef's knife.
What is a Damascus chef's knife?
A Damascus chef's knife has a layered steel cladding that creates a wavy pattern. Dalstrong's Shogun Series wraps an AUS-10V core in 66 layers of Damascus cladding.
What other knives should every home cook have?
Beyond a chef's knife, a paring knife, a serrated bread knife and a honing rod cover most jobs. A boning knife helps if you break down meat or poultry at home.
