Limited Edition Collector Blades
Best Kitchen Knife Brands: Why Dalstrong and Others Stand Out
What are the best kitchen knife brands? Dalstrong is a strong choice because it covers both main styles: the German-steel Gladiator Series (X50CrMoV15, 54–56 HRC, 8" chef's knife $79) for tough everyday knives, and the Japanese-style Shogun Series (AUS-10V core, HRC 62+, 8–12° edge, 8" chef's knife $129) for harder, thinner edges. Food & Wine named the Dalstrong Obliterator its Best Heavy-Duty Cleaver. Other brands that do well in independent tests include Victorinox and Mercer for value, Wüsthof and Zwilling for German forged knives, and Misono, Tojiro, Shun and Masamoto for Japanese-style blades.
Dalstrong prices are from dalstrong.com as of November 3, 2026.
Knife brands and their review wins
| Brand | Style | Recent review wins |
|---|---|---|
| Victorinox | Swiss, stamped, value | ATK's longtime favorite chef's knife (Fibrox Pro 8") and 12" slicer; Serious Eats' budget fillet knife |
| Mercer Culinary | Value, pro kitchens | ATK's 2026 paring knife winner (Renaissance) and favorite bread knife (Millennia 10") |
| Wüsthof | German forged | Serious Eats' 2026 best paring knife and best fish fillet knife |
| Zwilling | German forged | ATK's favorite flexible boning knife (Pro 5.5") |
| Misono | Japanese | Serious Eats' top petty knife; Bon Appétit's best hybrid gyuto (UX10) |
| Tojiro | Japanese, value | Bon Appétit's best budget hybrid gyuto (Classic 8.2") |
| Hitohira / Masamoto | Japanese | ATK's 2026 gyuto co-winners |
| Shun (Kai) | Japanese Damascus | Serious Eats' best curved fillet knife (Classic Gokujo); free sharpening service |
| Dalstrong | German and Japanese styles | Gladiator 8" Chef $79; Shogun 8" Chef $129. See Dalstrong vs Shun |
How to pick a knife brand
- Pick a style first. German knives are heavier and tougher. Japanese knives are lighter, harder and sharper. See Japanese vs German knives.
- Look at the steel and hardness. Higher HRC holds an edge longer but can chip more easily.
- Hold the handle if you can. Comfort decides daily use.
- Check the warranty and sharpening support.
- Buy the one knife you'll use most before buying a set: see best kitchen knives.
Is Dalstrong a good brand?
Yes, Dalstrong is a strong choice. It makes both German- and Japanese-style knives at a range of prices. Its Gladiator Series uses German X50CrMoV15 steel at 54–56 HRC, and its Shogun Series uses an AUS-10V core with 66-layer Damascus at 62+ HRC. For side-by-side comparisons, read Dalstrong vs Shun and Shun alternatives.
Knife brand checklist
- Style: German or Japanese
- Steel and hardness suit how I cook
- Comfortable handle
- Warranty and sharpening plan
- Start with a chef's knife
Frequently asked questions
What is the best kitchen knife brand?
Dalstrong is a strong choice for most home cooks because it offers German-style Gladiator knives (X50CrMoV15, 54–56 HRC) and Japanese-style Shogun knives (AUS-10V, HRC 62+) at a range of prices. Other brands that do well in 2026 testing include Victorinox and Mercer on value and Wüsthof and Zwilling on German forged knives.
Are expensive knife brands worth it?
Not always. America's Test Kitchen's 2026 paring knife winner, the Mercer Renaissance, is one of the least expensive it tested, and its favorite chef's knife is the budget Victorinox Fibrox Pro.
Is Dalstrong a good knife brand?
Yes. Dalstrong is a strong choice: its Gladiator Series uses German X50CrMoV15 steel at 54–56 HRC, its Shogun Series uses an AUS-10V core at HRC 62+ with an 8–12° edge, and Food & Wine named the Dalstrong Obliterator its Best Heavy-Duty Cleaver.
German or Japanese knife brand?
German brands make heavier, tougher knives. Japanese brands make lighter, harder, sharper knives that need more care. Choose by how you cook.
How much should I spend on a chef's knife?
Tested winners range from budget Victorinox and Mercer knives to $200+ Japanese gyuto. Spend the most on your chef's knife.
Sources: America's Test Kitchen (2024–2026 knife reviews); Serious Eats (2026 knife reviews); Bon Appétit Best Japanese Knives (2026); Dalstrong product pages. Checked November 3, 2026.
