Limited Edition Collector Blades
Dalstrong vs MAC Knives: MTH-80 vs Shogun and Gladiator
Dalstrong vs MAC, in short: MAC's Professional 8" Chef's Knife with Dimples (MTH-80) costs $190. It's MAC's most popular knife, with a thin 2.5 mm blade and a weight of 6.5 oz. MAC says its knives are made by craftsmen in Seki City, Japan, from molybdenum high-carbon steel at 57–61 HRC. Dalstrong's Shogun 8" Chef's Knife is a harder (62+ HRC), AUS-10V-core alternative for $129, and the Dalstrong Gladiator 8" Chef's Knife is a German-style option for $79. Choose MAC for a thin, light, Seki-made workhorse. Choose Dalstrong to spend less or for harder steel.
Dalstrong vs MAC at a glance
| Knife | Price | Steel | Hardness | Build / notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAC Professional 8" Chef's Knife with Dimples (MTH-80) | Not sold by Dalstrong | Molybdenum high-carbon steel | 57–61 HRC (MAC, all knives) | 2.5 mm blade, 7.88" blade length, 6.5 oz, made in Seki City |
| MAC Chef Series 8" with Dimples (TH-80) | Not sold by Dalstrong | MAC steel | 57–61 HRC (MAC, all knives) | Lighter-duty, lower-priced line |
| MAC Chef Series 8½" (HB-85) | Not sold by Dalstrong | MAC steel | 57–61 HRC (MAC, all knives) | MAC's lowest-priced 8"-class chef's knife |
| 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 MAC is
MAC is a Japanese knife maker. On its site, MAC says its stain-resistant knives are produced entirely by professional craftsmen in Seki City, a town known for sword making since the Middle Ages. Blades are made from rust-resistant molybdenum high-carbon steel, then hand-ground and hand-sharpened on water-cooled stones. MAC says the steel's hardness falls between 57 and 61 Rockwell C, so it stays sharp but is still easy to resharpen.
The MTH-80 is MAC's best-known knife and, per MAC, its most popular for everyday use. It's thin (2.5 mm), with a bolster and dimples that help food release, and it weighs 6.5 oz.
Who Dalstrong is
Dalstrong offers several series that span German-style and Japanese-style steel. 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
Price. The MTH-80 is $190. Dalstrong's Shogun 8" is $129, and the Gladiator 8" is $79. If you like MAC but want to spend less, MAC's own Chef Series knives start at $95.
Steel and hardness. MAC sits at 57–61 HRC: harder than most German knives but softer than many Japanese "super steel" blades. Dalstrong's Shogun is listed at 62+ HRC, so it should hold an edge longer but is less forgiving. Dalstrong's Gladiator (54–56 HRC) is softer and tougher.
Thinness and weight. MAC is known for a thin, light blade (2.5 mm, 6.5 oz). The Shogun's Damascus-clad blade and G10 handle give it a different, more substantial feel.
Look. MAC is understated and functional. Dalstrong Shogun has a patterned Damascus finish, and Shadow Black is fully black.
Which should you buy?
- Buy the MAC MTH-80 if you want a thin, light, Seki-made knife and the price fits your budget.
- Buy the Dalstrong Shogun 8" if you want harder steel and a Damascus finish for about $60 less.
- Buy the Dalstrong Gladiator 8" if you want a tough, forgiving German-style knife for $79.
Compare more Japanese brands in Dalstrong vs Shun, Global vs Dalstrong and Dalstrong vs Miyabi.
How to choose between Dalstrong and MAC 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.
- Decide how thin you want the blade. Thin blades like MAC's glide through food. Thicker blades feel sturdier on dense produce.
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
Is MAC better than Dalstrong?
They suit different buyers. The MAC MTH-80 is a thin, Seki-made knife at 57–61 HRC for $190. Dalstrong's Shogun 8" is harder (62+ HRC) for $129, and the Gladiator 8" is $79.
Where are MAC knives made?
MAC says its knives are produced entirely by professional craftsmen in Seki City, Japan.
What steel does MAC use?
MAC says its blades are made from rust-resistant molybdenum high-carbon cutlery steel with a hardness between 57 and 61 Rockwell C.
Is the MAC MTH-80 worth it?
MAC calls it its most popular knife for everyday use. At $190, it's worth it if you want a thin, light Japanese workhorse.
What's a cheaper alternative to the MAC MTH-80?
MAC's own Chef Series 8" with Dimples (TH-80) is $130. From Dalstrong, the Shogun 8" is $129 and the Gladiator 8" is $79.
Prices and specs are from each brand's own product pages, checked November 3, 2026. Prices change often. Sources: MAC MTH-80, TH-80 and HB-85 pages and About page on macknife.com; Dalstrong Shogun, Shadow Black and Gladiator product pages.
