Limited Edition Collector Blades
Dalstrong vs HexClad Knives: Which Damascus Chef's Knife?
Dalstrong vs HexClad knives, in short: HexClad's Damascus Steel Chef's Knife, 8" costs $139. It uses 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel rated 60+ on the Rockwell scale, with a steel bolster, a full hybrid tang and a lifetime warranty. Dalstrong's Shogun 8" Chef's Knife is the closest match: 66-layer Damascus over an AUS-10V core at 62+ HRC for $129. For a German-style knife, the Dalstrong Gladiator 8" Chef's Knife is $79. Choose HexClad to match your HexClad pans. Choose Dalstrong for slightly harder steel, a lower price, or a German-style option.
Dalstrong vs HexClad at a glance
| Knife | Price | Steel | Hardness | Build / notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HexClad Damascus Steel Chef's Knife, 8" | Not sold by Dalstrong | 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel | 60+ HRC | Steel bolster, full hybrid tang, lifetime warranty |
| HexClad Damascus Steel Santoku, 7" | Not sold by Dalstrong | 67-layer Japanese Damascus | 60+ HRC | Santoku profile |
| HexClad Damascus Steel Knife Set, 7-pc | Not sold by Dalstrong | 67-layer Japanese Damascus | 60+ HRC | Set |
| Dalstrong Shogun 8" Chef's Knife | $129 | AUS-10V Japanese steel core, 66-layer Damascus | 62+ HRC | G10, full tang |
| Dalstrong Shadow Black 8" Chef's Knife | $119 | 7CR17MOV-X stainless, black titanium nitride coating | 58+ HRC | G10, full tang, rivetless, NSF certified |
| Dalstrong Gladiator 8" Chef's Knife | $79 | German X50CrMoV15 stainless | 54–56 HRC | G10, full tang, triple riveted |
Who HexClad is
HexClad is best known for its hybrid cookware. HexClad describes its knives' construction as Hybrid too, combining Japanese knife-making with German engineering principles. The blades are forged from 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel for a 60+ Rockwell rating, with a steel bolster and full hybrid tang construction. The knives carry a lifetime warranty.
HexClad sells a focused knife lineup: chef's, santoku, nakiri, utility, paring, bread, and boning/fillet knives, plus sets and steak knives.
Who Dalstrong is
Dalstrong is a knife-first brand with many series across German-style and Japanese-style steels. See our FAQ on where Dalstrong knives are made for production details.
The Dalstrong knives to compare
Dalstrong makes several series at different price points. Three 8" chef's knives cover most buyers:
- Dalstrong Gladiator 8" Chef's Knife ($79): German X50CrMoV15 stainless, 54–56 HRC, G10, full tang, triple riveted. It's a forgiving, Western-style workhorse.
- Dalstrong Shadow Black 8" Chef's Knife ($119): 7CR17MOV-X stainless, black titanium nitride coating, 58+ HRC, G10, full tang, rivetless, NSF certified. It's a modern, all-black design.
- Dalstrong Shogun 8" Chef's Knife ($129): AUS-10V Japanese steel core, 66-layer Damascus, 62+ HRC, G10, full tang. It's the harder, Japanese-style option.
Key differences
Steel and hardness. Both are Damascus-clad, Japanese-style chef's knives. HexClad lists 60+ HRC, and Dalstrong lists the Shogun at 62+ HRC with an AUS-10V core. Harder steel tends to hold an edge longer, but needs gentler use.
Price. The Shogun 8" ($129) is $10 less than HexClad's 8" ($139). The Gladiator 8" ($79) is $60 less, but it's a softer, German-style knife.
Range. HexClad's knife range is compact. Dalstrong sells far more shapes and series, including cleavers, slicers, gyutos and kiritsukes.
Ecosystem. If you already cook on HexClad pans, matching knives may appeal. If you mostly care about the knife itself, compare steel, handle and price directly.
Which should you buy?
- Buy HexClad if you want knives that match your HexClad cookware and like its design.
- Buy Dalstrong Shogun if you want a harder Damascus-clad blade for a little less.
- Buy Dalstrong Gladiator if you want a tough, forgiving German-style knife for $79.
More comparisons: Dalstrong vs Made In Knives, Dalstrong vs Misen and Dalstrong vs Miyabi.
How to choose between Dalstrong and HexClad in 7 steps
- Set a budget. Decide what one great 8" chef's knife is worth to you before you look at sets. Most people use one knife for most of their prep.
- Pick a steel style. Softer German-style steel (around 56–58 HRC) is tougher and easier to touch up. Harder Japanese-style steel (60 HRC and up) holds a keener edge longer but can chip if twisted or used on bone. See Japanese vs German Knives.
- Think about weight. Heavier, bolstered knives power through squash and chicken. Thinner, lighter blades glide through onions and herbs.
- Check the handle. Hold it in a pinch grip if you can. Handle shape matters more for comfort than any spec sheet.
- Look at how you'll sharpen. Harder steel rewards a whetstone. Softer steel is fine with a honing rod and occasional sharpening. See Honing vs Sharpening.
- Read the warranty and return terms on each brand's own site before you buy.
- Price the set you'll actually use. A big set at a discount can cost more than the two or three knives you need.
Quick buyer's checklist
- 8" chef's knife first, extras later
- Steel hardness matches how I cut
- Handle feels right in a pinch grip
- I have a plan to hone and sharpen
- Hand wash and dry: see Can You Put Knives in the Dishwasher?
Frequently asked questions
Are HexClad knives better than Dalstrong?
They're close. HexClad's 8" chef's knife has 67-layer Japanese Damascus at 60+ HRC for $139. Dalstrong's Shogun 8" has 66-layer Damascus over an AUS-10V core at 62+ HRC for $129.
What steel are HexClad knives?
HexClad says its knives are forged from 67 layers of Japanese Damascus steel with a 60+ Rockwell rating.
Are HexClad knives worth it?
If you want knives that match HexClad cookware and come with a lifetime warranty, they can be. For the knife alone, compare similar Damascus knives on steel, handle and price.
Do HexClad knives have a warranty?
Yes. HexClad says its knives are backed by a lifetime warranty.
What's a Dalstrong alternative to HexClad knives?
The Dalstrong Shogun 8" Chef's Knife: Damascus-clad, AUS-10V core, 62+ HRC, G10 handle, $129 on dalstrong.com as of Nov 3, 2026.
Prices and specs are from each brand's own product pages, checked November 3, 2026. Prices change often. Sources: HexClad Damascus Steel Chef's Knife 8", Santoku 7" and 7-pc set pages on hexclad.com; Dalstrong Shogun, Shadow Black and Gladiator product pages.
