These are the top knife brands, ranked for affordability, quality, longevity and sharpness, Five Two. We may earn a commission if you buy through the links in this publication (at no additional cost to you). When it comes to kitchen knives, brand matters. The best brands have a long history of producing sharp, robust, well-balanced knives with an elegant design.
Many claim to be the best, but few have the loyal customers, praise, and longevity to prove it. So which kitchen knife brands are the best? And what makes them better than others? In the end, you'll have all the important data to decide which brand is right for you. If you're serious about finding the right brand for your needs, I recommend reading the full guide. Wusthof is the best German brand of kitchen knives due to its high-quality materials, innovative manufacturing processes, functional design and durability.
Henckels is the most proven kitchen knife brand due to its consistent and innovative approach to knife manufacturing that has placed them at the top of the cutlery industry for more than 280 years, one of the oldest brands in all industries. Shun is the best Japanese kitchen knife brand because of its innovative approach to materials and construction, magnificent blade patterns, and commitment to upholding ancient knife making traditions (such as handcrafting each knife). Victorinox is the best value kitchen knife brand due to its sharp edges, incredibly comfortable handles and relatively low cost. Wusthof is one of the most respected and recognized kitchen knife brands in the world.
Wusthof knives are the epitome of expertly designed, precision-crafted German engineering and built to last. Family-owned since its founding in 1814, the company based in Solingen, Germany, focuses solely on the manufacture and innovation of kitchen knives, while most of its competitors offer kitchen knives as part of their product lines. Wusthof's unique approach to knives allows them to stay ahead of the curve in terms of manufacturing, technology and design. Watch the birth and a Wusthof knife in this video.
As you'll see, producing each knife is a labor-intensive, multi-step process. It requires advanced robotics and expert craftsmen to ensure that each knife is worthy of carrying the striking red Wusthof logo. Now, let's dive in and take a look at what makes Wusthof knives so special. Wusthof manufactures its knife blades from corrosion-resistant, high-carbon stainless steel to increase hardness, sharper edges and shine.
The formula of Wusthof steel is known as X50CrMoV15, which is a high-quality alloy that includes carbon, molybdenum and vanadium. Wusthof handles are made of sustainable wood such as Richlite (wood composite) or Grenadill (African black wood), or synthetic material known as polyoxymethylene (POM), depending on the collection. Only the Wusthof Epicure and Wusthof Ikon collections have natural wood handles; the rest are synthetic. An extremely durable food-grade plastic, POM has a tight molecular structure, which protects it from damage from moisture or exposure to high temperatures.
When it comes to design, Wusthof knives are stylish and functional. Below is a look at the chef's knife from some of Wusthof's most popular collections. As you can see, the blades are almost identical across all collections. However, there are some subtle differences.
For example, some collections have a full head (the thick steel part between the blade and the handle), while others have a half head. Some collections have three exposed rivets, while others have two or none. While Wusthof designs all of its handles for ergonomic comfort and control, each collection is unique. As you can see, this knife has a smooth black handle with a full head and a tang (the part of the blade that goes through the handle).
The Wusthof Crafter collection is probably the most exclusive in terms of design. This collection features smoked oak handles and three brass rivets, giving it a unique rustic look. Wusthof sharpens its knives at a cutting angle of 14 degrees per side for a total cutting angle of 28 degrees. As you explore the options, keep in mind that the lower the angle, the sharper the edge.
Many kitchen knife brands sharpen their edges between 17 and 20 degrees per side. So at 14 degrees, Wusthof knives are sharper than average. Wusthof Asian-style blades, including Santokus and Nakiris, have an ultra-sharp cutting angle of 10 degrees on each side (20 degrees total). Wusthof tempers its forged knives to 58 on the Rockwell scale, a benchmark used by knife manufacturers to measure hardness.
Harder blades can tolerate a sharper edge and retain the cutting edge better over time. But steel that is too hard is more likely to chip, so it's important to find the right balance. In general, when it comes to kitchen knives, anything from 55 to 60 should work well. If you're interested in Wusthof, but aren't sure which collection to choose, I highly recommend Wusthof Classic.
It's the brand's best-selling collection for good reason. Wusthof Classic knives have a clean and simple look, comfortable handles and extremely durable blades. The exposed head at the rear end of the handle gives it balance and presence, and the triple riveted handle made of black African wood makes it a topic of conversation on the kitchen countertop. Ergonomic smoked oak handles are attached to forged blades by three brass rivets.
These knives have the same traditional shape as the Wusthof Classic, but the wooden handles give them a more natural and elegant look. All Wusthof knives have a limited lifetime warranty, which covers defective items, but not knives damaged by normal or improper use. If Wusthof no longer manufactures the item, it will replace it with something of similar or equal value on a case-by-case basis. There's no doubt that Wusthof knives are expensive.
However, with proper care, they will last for decades, so the total cost of ownership is quite low. Prices vary by collection and type of construction. Wusthof forged knives (Classic, Epicure, Ikon, Classic Ikon, Grand Prix II, Crafter) tend to be quite expensive because they support a single 40-step manufacturing process. Wusthof (Gourmet) stamped knives are more economical as the manufacturing process is less intensive, only 14 steps.
Wusthof has a long list of accolades and mentions from culinary experts around the world. Wusthof is, without a doubt, one of the best kitchen knife brands in the world. The company maintains the highest standards in terms of raw material sourcing, manufacturing and design. The hallmarks of the brand are precision, craftsmanship and superior control.
I have been using Wusthof knives in my kitchen for years. It's a brand that I would recommend to anyone without hesitation, for all the reasons I just covered. Johann Peter Henckels started Zwilling J, A. Henckels in 1731, making it one of the oldest and most proven brands in the world.
The company is still headquartered in Solingen, but it also has global manufacturing and operating centers in France, Italy, Japan, Belgium and many more countries. Henckels is one of the leading creators of cutlery, but it also manufactures kitchen utensils, kitchen utensils, tableware and personal care implements. After more than 280 years in the knife making business, I'd say they're worth checking out if you're looking for the best kitchen knife brand. If you want to see how Wusthof and Zwilling compare head-to-head, check out my detailed comparison.
For now, let's take a closer look at what Zwilling J, A. Henckels kitchen knives have to offer. Zwilling manufactures its blades from German stainless steel, which is a high-carbon, rust-resistant alloy with superior sharpness and edge retention. There are more than a dozen Zwilling collections, and most of them have synthetic or wooden handles.
The Pro Holm Oak collection has magnificent Mediterranean oak handles, light colors and natural looking. The Kramer Meiji collection has PakkaWood handles, which is a dark wood with distinct grain. Depending on the Zwilling line you choose, blade designs and shapes abound. Some knives, such as Kramer Euroline, feature a Damascus design, a 100-layer wavy Chevron pattern that protects a steel core.
Other lines, such as the Zwilling Pro, have a simpler and more classic design. Here's a quick look at the design of other popular Zwilling collections. Zwilling handles have a distinctive curve just before the stock, which is not only a beautiful design element, but also a functional addition, provides a place for the little finger to rest and prevents the hand from slipping. Handles are riveted or permanently glued.
Zwilling forged knives are sharpened at 15 degrees per side for a total cutting angle of 30 degrees, an angle slightly larger than that of Wusthof, but not much. Remember, the higher the angle number of degrees, the less sharp the knife will be. Zwilling knives have a Rockwell hardness of 57, an indicator of how well a brand of knives will retain its cutting edge. In perspective, Wusthof scores 58 on the Rockwell scale.
The higher the number, the harder the knife, but the high number also decreases durability. When buying kitchen knives, anything in the 55-60 range is ideal. Browsing all of Zwilling's knife collections can be confusing and overwhelming. So, let me simplify it and give you my recommendation.
Zwilling's most popular collections, and the two I recommend, are Pro and Pro “S. Both have a classic Western-style blade profile made of high-carbon steel and a black handle with three contoured rivets. You can buy both collections as individual pieces or sets ranging from two pieces to more than 15 pieces. The main difference between Zwilling Pro and Pro “S” is that the Pro has a half pad that allows you to sharpen the entire cutting edge, while the Pro “S has a full pad that provides more balance and prevents your hand from sliding on the blade.
Check out my in-depth comparison of these two popular Zwilling collections if you want to take a closer look. Henckels offers a limited lifetime warranty, which covers the full replacement cost of defective products purchased through Zwilling or an authorized Zwilling seller. Individual pieces start at less than a hundred dollars, but sets range from hundreds to thousands, depending on the collection and number of knives in the game. In general, the Zwilling Pro Holm Oak and Zwilling Kramer Meiji collections tend to be the most expensive due to their unique wooden handles.
The Pro, Pro “S and Four Star collections are more affordable, but still expensive compared to brands like Cuisinart. If you're willing to sacrifice performance and durability a bit, Zwilling's Gourmet patterned knife collection is by far the cheapest. But it's not just regular customers who love Zwilling knives. The brand receives a fair amount of praise from culinary experts, and its knives rank at the top of most “best” lists.
If you are looking for a knife set from a brand that has proven itself in the market for hundreds of years, you should seriously consider Zwilling J, A. Henckels knives are sharp, balanced and built to last. Black or wooden handles give Zwilling knives a classic, timeless look that will complement any style of kitchen. In short, if you like German-style knives, Zwilling J, A.
Heckels, together with Wusthof, is one of the best brands you can buy. The differences between these brands are minor, and whichever one you choose, I promise you won't be disappointed. Now, let's move from German knife brands to one of the world's most exclusive Japanese-style knife brands, Global. The power behind Global Cutlery is reflected in the smile of a man with a passion for knives and a seemingly inexhaustible work ethic.
Through partnerships with Yoshikin, a metal fabrication company in Niigata, Japan, and visionary industrial designer Komin Yamada, Tsuchida launched the Global Cutlery brand with twelve knives. Instead of bringing another Japanese-style knife to the market, Yamada combined Japanese precision and German durability to produce a knife that the cutlery world had never seen before: sharp, balanced, elegant and durable. Global Knives, Featuring Innovative Edging and Balancing, Still Made in Niigata, Japan. The knives are made according to the centuries-old tradition of the samurai warrior, strong, exact and wickedly sharp.
Global knives have a distinctive look that stands out instantly. Instead of having a synthetic or wooden handle screwed to the blade with steel rivets like most premium kitchen knives, Global knives are stainless steel from the tip of the blade to the end of the handle. Although they appear to be one-piece, the steel blade and handle are welded at the connection point, and the hollow handles are filled with sand for the perfect weight and balance. Some people love this aspect of Global knives, while others prefer something more traditional.
But, one thing is certain, they stand out and they are memorable. Over the past few decades, Global knives have gained popularity and, today, you'll find them used in elegant restaurants, in cooking shows and by top chefs such as Ludo Lefebvre. Let's take a closer look at what makes Global one of the best kitchen knife brands. Global blades and handles are made of CROMOVA 18 stainless steel, an alloy containing chromium, molybdenum and vanadium.
This combination offers ideal hardness, improves edge retention and resists oxidation. This special steel contains 18% chromium, which is the key ingredient that makes steel “stainless steel. In contrast, the steel that Wusthof uses to make its blades contains only 15% chromium. Global knives are therefore more stain resistant than most brands, at least on paper.
Global knives have an incredibly unique and modern design. I think it's fair to say that the look of this brand is polarizing. Some people love how clean, sleek and modern Global knives look. Others prefer the texture and aesthetics of a black synthetic or natural wood handle over a shiny steel blade, the look you get with brands such as Wusthof and Zwilling.
As you can see, the knife is stainless steel, from top to bottom. The blades have a gradual inward curve, ideal for cutting and helping food slide easily during use. The pattern of dots or dimples embedded in the handle grip is an iconic feature of the brand. Global manufactures its ergonomically designed handle from two identical stainless steel parts.
They weld the two pieces together to form a hollow chamber that is filled with sand to maintain balance and weight. After fusing the handle parts, they weld the stamped blade to the handle. Global has a handful of collections with subtle design differences, but all have long, unreinforced cutting edges. Each knife has a safe thumb rest area that is away from the blade.
One collection, SAI, has a textured blade designed so that food doesn't stick when cutting. Here's a quick look at each global collection (in addition to SAI, which you can see above). Global knives have a wide, straight, double-edged blade, noticeably sharper than the beveled edges, which are a standard for many Western and European kitchen knives. Global claims that its “straight edge” results in a dramatically sharper knife that stays sharp longer.
In the following illustration, you can see the difference between straight and beveled edges. The Global Classic and Global Ukon knives are sharpened at an acute angle of 15 degrees per side (30 degrees total), while the SAI and NI knives have an angle of 12.5 degrees per side (25 degrees total). Global blades are hardened between 56 and 58 on the Rockwell scale, which is an ideal grade for kitchen knives, striking a delicate balance between durability and edge retention. Unlike Wusthof and Zwilling, which offer several different knife collections, Global only has four Classic, NI, SAI and Ukon.
While all four collections are impressive, the most popular by far is Global Classic (see on Amazon). With the Classic Collection, you get the unique stainless steel handle, iconic non-slip dimples on the entire handle surface, a straight razor-sharp edge and a convex blade profile. Are the other collections worth a look? Absolutely. In fact, the NI, SAI and Ukon collections are very similar to the classic ones.
The most significant difference is in the handle design. The Classic collection has dimples all over the handle, while the NI collection has two rows of dimples on the spine side of the handle, and the Ukon collection has three rows of dimples on the edge side of the handle. The SAI collection is the most exclusive, with a row of dimples on the handle and a textured blade made of three layers of steel. The design is beautiful, but a little too flashy for my taste for everyone their own.
The other difference is that the Classic collection has more than 40 individual knives and several knife sets available, while the other three have fewer combined options. So if you're looking for a complete collection, your best bet is the classic one. Check out my in-depth comparison of Global UKON vs. Global offers a limited lifetime warranty and will replace any defective knife, but will not accept any warranty claims arising from misuse, accidents, or poor maintenance.
Global knives are expensive, but cheaper than some from Wusthof or Zwilling J, A. Take a look at Global knives and you can quickly realize that they are different from most brands. Some people love the sleek, modern look of all-stainless steel knives, while others prefer a more traditional style, such as Wusthof and Zwilling. Conclusion Global is one of the best kitchen knife brands due to its high quality materials (COMOVA1), unique steel design, sharp edges and relatively low cost.
Each Shun knife is handmade in the city of Seki, Japan, a region that has been home to major Japanese blade manufacturers for more than 800 years. The hallmarks of the brand are innovation, variety, beauty, precision and high performance. Shun uses a variety of highly refined “supersteels” to make each blade. These steels provide Shun knives with superior sharpness, edge retention and stain resistance.
The handmade blades feature different Damascus and hammered patterns that not only look stunning, but also provide air pockets that help release food, making cutting and chopping easier. Beautifully designed handles are made with ultra-durable resin-treated wood or synthetic materials, and are designed to resemble old Japanese swords. Conclusion If you prefer a Western style knife with a simple design, stick with Wusthof and Zwilling. But, if you like Japanese-style design and features, Shun is the best brand on the market.
Now, let's go into detail about what makes this brand so unique. In simplest terms, supersteels are high-carbon stainless steel alloys that provide superior hardness, wear and corrosion resistance, and blade beauty. Another unique aspect of Shun knives is that, in some cases, the brand uses two different types of steels to make a single blade. For example, the Shun Sora chef's knife has a VG10 cutting core (cutting edge), which contains vanadium for excellent sharpness and edge retention.
For the top of the blade, they use Japanese 420J stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and ultra-durable. Shun blades are thinner and lighter than most of their competitors, but they are also made of harder steel. All knives are steel or composite tang for balance, and most collections have a steel cap on the knife stock. Blades are more like a work of art than a cutting tool.
The Classic and Premier collections feature a 69-layer Damascus-style blade surface, ideal for repelling food while cutting. Shun Classic is the brand's most popular collection. Features a subtle Damascus leaf pattern and an elegant ebony Pakka wood handle. The Premier Collection has hammered or tsuchime finished blades for a handcrafted look and a quick food release function.
I recently posted an in-depth comparison of Shun Classic vs. Premier if you want to learn more about these two incredible collections. The Sora collection offers a three-layer San Mai border, an old Japanese-inspired border construction with a hard center and softer sides, designed for quick and easy cutting jobs. Shun handles range from dark to light tones and have a bright or elegant wood grain finish.
Most collections have a D-shaped design that prevents the blade from twisting while cutting for control and stability. In contrast, the Kanso and Sora collections have tapered handles and knife stocks. Shun blades cut at 16 degree angles on each side for a total cutting angle of 32 degrees. In contrast, Global knives cut at 12.5 or 15 degrees on each side, depending on the collection, so Global knives are sharper than Shun.
Angles between 10 and 16 are incredibly sharp, but some moderately priced knives between 17 and 20 degrees will still cut anything, you'll just need to use a little more force to break really firm food. Hard steel is good for two things. It can tolerate a sharper edge and can hold that edge longer. On the other hand, harder steel is more likely to chip.
To avoid damaging the cutting edge, Shun recommends using a forward and backward cutting motion rather than aggressively pressing down and cutting, as you would with a German knife. Shun Classic (see on Amazon) is by far the most popular knife collection. The knives in this collection have beautiful Damascus coated blades with a VG-MAX cutting core. To make the blade, skilled craftsmen join 34 layers of Damascus coating per side (68 in total).
The classic handle is made of Pakka ebony wood, which is a resin-treated wood that is durable, moisture resistant and does not harbor bacteria. The dark, round handle is as comfortable as it is beautiful. With the Shun Classic collection, there are dozens of individual knives and several knife sets available. So, if you're looking for something specific, you'll find it.
In addition to the classic, Shun Premier is another popular choice due to its unique hammered look, and Shun Sora is a quality but inexpensive option. Shun offers a limited lifetime warranty for its knife collections. This warranty only applies to knives purchased through authorized Shun sellers. Like most brands, Shun will replace any product found to be defective, but this does not cover normal wear and tear, misuse, or damage due to poor maintenance.
Overall, Shun is an expensive brand, but, in my opinion, it's worth the price. The premium materials, craftsmanship and superb design of these knives demand a high price. Price varies by collection and set. If you're on a budget, the Shun Sora is the cheapest collection.
If you have money to spend, Shun Premier and Shun Dual Core are often the most expensive. You can check the current prices of each collection on Amazon in the following links. Shun is one of the best kitchen knife brands and, as you just learned, you have the accolades to prove it. But is Shun the right brand for you? Here are the main points to consider before buying Shun.
In a nutshell, Shun is the leading brand of Japanese-style kitchen knives and has been for many years. These handmade knives work as well as they look, and to say they are impressive might fall short. Founded by Karl Elsener in 1884, Victorinox began as a cutlery workshop in the city of Ibach-Schwyz, Switzerland. Elsener focused on creating quality products and boosting the local economy.
In 1897 he created one of the most emblematic products of current world culture, the Swiss Army Knife, a multifaceted knife with more than 500 million units produced. Today, Victorinox is an independent family company that is still based in Switzerland, but has production sites all over the world. The brand is a respected manufacturer of knives, watches, fragrances and professional and kitchen travel items. The multi-generational family brand continues to produce impressive and award-winning forged and stamped kitchen knives that are popular with professional and home chefs.
Let's take a closer look at this legendary brand. Victorinox manufactures its stainless steel blades known as martensitic, which are a mixture of carbon, chromium and molybdenum. This makeup lends itself to the blade's corrosion resistance, hardness and durability. Victorinox knife handles are made of wood or synthetic, depending on the collection.
The two wooden handles offered by Victorinox are walnut and rosewood, both contrasting beautifully with the brilliance of the steel blades. These polymer-based handles are designed for long-lasting use, hygiene and ergonomic comfort. In terms of design, Victorinox offers a lot of variety. Grand Maitre is Victorinox's only forged knife collection (the others are stamped).
It has a full tang construction with a thick reinforcement (the part between the handle and the blade). The handle comes in black or rosewood and features a slight downward curve at the end of the stock to ensure your grip. The blades in each Victorinox collection have a unique shape ranging from straight to rounded or curved upwards. Handles are ergonomically designed with triple rivet joint or no exposed rivets.
Each collection has a distinctive handle shape; no two collections are the same. The most prominent collections in terms of design include Rosewood and Swiss Modern. The Rosewood collection features bright, dark wood handles and sharp, thin blades. The Swiss Modern collection features geometrically shaped handles made of Italian walnut wood, a modern but elegant profile (I admit I'm not a fan of Swiss Modern design).
If you're a fan of color, you'll like the range of shades available for the Swiss Classic handles. For all the knives in this collection, you can choose between black or red, but the paring and paring knives in that collection also come in yellow, orange, pink, blue and green. Victorinox cuts its blades at an angle of 15 to 20 degrees per side, but the exact angle varies depending on the type of knife. The knives you use most often, such as the chef's knife, have a cutting angle of 15 per side, 30 in total.
If you keep track, that means Victorinox knives are sharper than Shun (32 degrees), as are Zwilling (30 degrees), just like Global Classic and Ukon (30 degrees), but more blunt than Global SAI and NI (25 degrees) and Wusthof (28 degrees). Victorinox blades have a Rockwell hardness score of 55 to 56, depending on the knife. This hardness level places Victorinox within the ideal 55-60 range for quality kitchen knives. To achieve this optimal balance of hardness, flexibility and edge retention, Victorinox heats steel between 1,850 and 1,940 degrees Fahrenheit and anneals it between 320 and 482 degrees.
As you'll learn at a time when I'm talking about the brand's praise, the most popular Victorinox knife collection, by far, is the Fibrox. Victorinox Fibrox knives are designed with the input of professional chefs and are built to withstand the abuse of daily and heavy use. This collection features an incredibly comfortable TPE (synthetic) handle that has a textured feel to keep the hand from slipping and a sharp blade that rarely needs sharpening. It may not be the most elegant knife collection, but that's not why you choose it.
Choose this collection because it's comfortable, safe, crisp, and possibly the best part is inexpensive (see current price on Amazon). If you prefer a more robust and elegantly designed knife, one with a thick head, full tang and a superb handle with triple rivets, check out the Grand Maitre collection. It's Victorinox's only forged knife collection, and you can expect it to work similarly to the Wusthof and Zwilling knives. The main drawback is that it is significantly more expensive than Victorinox stamped collections (see current price on Amazon).
Victorinox offers a limited lifetime warranty for kitchen knives, but does not offer support for damage caused by wear and tear, misuse or abuse of the product. The Grand Maitre is the brand's most expensive collection because it is forged. The remaining collections are stamped and, in general, stamped knives are less expensive because they require fewer steps to produce. Now that you know what makes the best kitchen knife brands so special, I want to share some general tips on what to look for as you prepare to make your selection.
Henckels and Victorinox have existed for more than a century. And while brands like Global and Shun are relatively new, they stem from ancient legacies and traditions. The point is that you want a brand with a good reputation and a long and consistent track record of producing high-quality kitchen knives. Longevity is often an indicator of a great brand.
German-style knives such as Wusthof and Zwilling J, A Henckels are often forged, full tang, of more substantial weight and have a reinforcement. The blade is thicker and made of softer steel, making it ultra-durable and virtually chip-resistant. They are perfect for heavy knife work, such as cutting a pumpkin or boning a chicken. Japanese-style knives, such as Global and Shun, are thinner, sharper and lighter than German knives.
Steel is usually harder, which improves edge retention, but makes it more brittle. Therefore, Japanese-style knives are best for handling softer vegetables and meats. To prevent the blade from splintering, Shun specifically instructs you to cut back and forth instead of chopping hard foods. To learn more about the differences between these two popular knife styles, check out my in-depth comparison of Japanese vs.
Forged blades require a more complex manufacturing process. Without going into the nitty gritty details, forged knife blades are heat treated and cast in one piece of high-carbon stainless steel. It's a costly and laborious process, but it's the only way to produce the thick head you'll find on most known forged knives. The head is the part of the blade where the handle and the blade meet.
It adds weight and balance to the knife, but can also act as a finger guard, preventing the hand from sliding on the blade. Often with forged knives, the blade extends through the rear end of the handle. The section of the blade that extends through the handle is called the shank. The tang not only adds balance to the knife, but it also makes it safer, since the handle and blade cannot be separated.
Stamped blades are cut (or stamped) from sheet metal, making them less expensive to mass produce. In general, stamped knives have thinner and lighter blades, have no reinforcement, and are usually inexpensive. The cheap nameless brand knives you find in any department store are stamped. The key here is to know what you're getting into.
If you prefer a heavy, balanced knife, and don't mind spending more, choose a forged knife. If you prefer a knife that is lighter, easier to handle, perhaps less durable, but much more economical, opt for stamping. Having a balanced knife is a safety measure, but it also determines your comfort when using the knife to prepare food. Forged full tang knives tend to be more balanced than stamped knives due to the weight distribution from tip to end of stock.
There is no brand with “perfectly balanced knives”; it all comes down to your personal preference. Therefore, I encourage you to hold the knives in your hand before purchasing, or at least keep the receipt if you buy online. It's wise to choose a brand that has a wide range of stocks so that you can build your collection over time. Having options gives you flexibility so you can select your ideal knife block instead of buying a pre-determined set that may contain knives you would rarely use.
For example, the Wusthof Classic collection has dozens of individual knives of all types and sizes, plus more than two dozen knife sets. So, with Wusthof Classic, you can start small and build your perfect set over time. On the other hand, the Global SAI collection has only 14 individual pieces available. Don't get me wrong; the 14 knives available will probably meet your needs.
But, compared to the Wusthof Classic collection, there are far fewer options to choose from if you need a specific type and size. The point is that once you reduce the brand, you do a little research on the collections and make sure that the one you choose has the types and sizes of knives you need. Last but not least, there is the look and feel. Unfortunately, I can't give you much advice here; the best look is totally personal.
There are many great brands to choose from, but you should choose the one that feels good when you hold it, is enthusiastic about using it, and fits your personal style. Which brand of kitchen knives do you think is the best? Andrew Palermo - About the Author Get alerts when top brands go on sale Kitchen %26 KitchenHome MaintenanceCleaning Home EssentialsBrowse All CategoriesExplore All Brands. The Benchmade brand is highly respected and has been since 1988, when they were first installed in California. Based in Oregon since 1990, they hold the patent for the famous AXIS locking mechanism.
Whether you use the traditional non-spring-assisted AXIS or the spring-assisted AXIS to aid rapid deployment, the lock is one of the strongest I've ever seen and is safe and easy to use. Benchmade prides itself on using quality steel for its knives and produces fantastic designs for EDC knives that will stand the test of time. Bench knives cover the gamut, from the budget-conscious to the not-so-budget-conscious. For the budget-conscious, the Griptilian and Mini Griptilian are great choices, with well-scaled handles and 154 CM stainless steel blades.
If your budget is a little more, the 940-1 Osborne is the quintessential lightweight EDC knife in my book, and it's one of the best knives Benchmade has ever produced. Here's our guide to the best Benchmade knives. The Kershaw line consists mainly of pocket knives and sports knives, and is known for its use of high-quality steel and other materials. Some of the most popular Kershaw knives are the Kershaw Leek, the Blur and the Shallot.
For EDC use, I love the Kershaw Blur, designed by Hall of Famer knife maker Ken Onion, and I find it extremely well made. The Blur blade is 14C28N steel, a mid-range steel, but it's also available in more premium steels if you pay a little more. It's a well-made knife that will last for years even in the harshest of conditions. A similar price option is the Kershaw punch, which remains an excellent choice for EDC, with a blade also made of 14C28N stainless steel and lightweight aluminum handles.
Here's our guide to the best Kershaw knives. Sal Glesser founded Spyderco in 1976, with the portable hand, a spider-shaped device that helped jewelers, hobbyists and others work with small parts using a series of angles, ball joints and alligator clips. Spyderco is also known for making knife sharpeners, but their knives are the ones that really make the difference for this American company. Another Spyderco knife that I get a lot of mileage from is the Delica 4, a small, inexpensive knife with some great features, such as VG-10 stainless steel and a full flat grind drop point blade.
The Delica 4 is lightweight and comes with fiberglass reinforced nylon with stainless steel liners, and comes in a variety of colors for fashionistas. Here's our guide to the best Spyderco knives. SOG Specialty Knives became famous for its Viet Name-era SOG Knife reproduction, but it makes many other knives in addition to the original military-inspired designs. Several SOG knives are oriented towards the EDC, as well as its multi-tool line.
SOG was founded in 1986 by Spencer and Gloria Frazer, and is currently headquartered in Lynnwood, Washington. Spencer Frazer drew inspiration from the Bowie SOG knife worn by members of the MACV-SOG special operations unit to recreate his highly effective knife and pay tribute to the men of this highly classified special operations unit. My favorite SOG EDC knife is the Flash II, an excellent low-cost knife with a variety of styles, including a both. This knife uses AUS-8 stainless steel for the blade, and the handle is made of extremely light but durable Zytel.
At 3.1 ounces, it's a respectable lightweight knife for everyday carry. Another great EDC option from SOG is the Twitch, a simple razor that opens with the flick of a finger. The Twitch is also made of an AUS-8 stainless steel blade and comes with graphite colored hard anodized 6061-T6 aluminum scales. Columbia River Knife %26 Tool, Inc.
CRKT, although headquartered in the United States, manufactures most of its knives in China and Taiwan. See our guide to the best CRKT knives. You can't talk about knives without talking about Cold Steel, and I'm not just talking about the metal that knives are made of. Cold Steel is a Ventura, California-based company that brings out some of the best knives, swords and other sharp weapons and tools available on the market.
Cold Steel was founded in 1980 by Lynn C. Thompson and his knives and swords appear frequently in big movies such as The Wolverine and Dredd. The innovations made by Cold Steel are some of the reasons for many commonalities in the knife manufacturing industry today, such as the use of the Tanto style knife blade. While ZT's initial products were combat knives, the brand has since become known for a wide range of general-purpose EDC and premium EDC knives.
Zero Tolerance knives are manufactured with premium S30V, ELMAX or 154 CM steel blades and premium G-10 handle scales that are 3-D machined. Another great EDC knife from Zero Tolerance, the ZT 0350 with assisted opening of the S30V stainless steel blade, which is coated with tungsten DLC. The scales, again, are machined in 3-D G-10 and have a perfect texture to ensure their grip at all times. Perhaps my favorite feature of the 0350 is the jumps on the back of the knife handle, which makes the knife ideal for personal and close use.
The only challenge is deciding which model delivers the performance you need. To help you find the answers, we've selected 10 of the best pocket knife brands and picked a favorite knife from each brand that highlights their qualities. Buck knives were first manufactured in Kansas in 1902 by young blacksmith Hoyt Buck, who discovered a unique method to improve edge retention. The brand developed through subsequent generations, and today, Buck Knives remains a family business based in Post Falls, Idaho.
Kershaw Knives base of operations is in Tualatin, Oregon, but the company sources products from around the world. Parent company, Kai Industries, manufactures all types of cutting tools, from surgical instruments to razors. The range of pocket knives is immense, as is the wide range of steels that the company uses for the blades and the various materials it uses for the handles. Whatever style of pocket knife you're looking for, Kershaw Knives probably has a version, though measuring quality and value can require considerable attention to detail.
To be fair, part of this decision is simply the extensive options offered, and many of the options are very affordable. However, customer feedback suggests that while the knives' famous opening action is always smooth, some lightweight varieties are not as robust as they could be. Emerson Knives began in a residential garage in 1979, developed by a respected hand-to-hand combat instructor named Ernest Emerson. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Smithsonian in Washington have exhibited their innovative designs.
While these knives can be visually appealing, the focus is undoubtedly on practicality. The brand's motto is “100 percent rugged, 100 percent American, with all design and production based in Harbor City, California. The brand's range of combat knives is wide, including several specific to left-handed users. The hardness of Emerson blades is such that they are also used in some Kershaw knives.
Emerson knives are not a casual purchase due to their relatively high cost, but the durability is usually exceptional. That said, customers have reported occasional quality control issues and some complaints about warranty work when the blades failed. Boker Manufactory, also known as the Tree Brand because of the logo engraved on its blades, may be the oldest brand of pocket knives in the world that still exists, with a history that dates back to the 17th century. Today, the factory in Sölingen, Germany, produces all kinds of knives, knives, axes and swords.
Founded in 1980 in Ventura, California, Cold Steel Knife and Tool has a reputation for innovation that borders on the strange, driven by its creepy marketing videos. In addition to a wide range of pocket knives, the company also manufactures axes, machetes, sword sticks and even blowguns. However, Cold Steel isn't just about shock and wonder. Its superb Tri-Ad blade locking system is strong enough to support up to 800 pounds of suspension weight.
After considering more than 100 popular knives from the best brands on the market, we carefully selected our recommendations for the best products based on many critical factors, including durability, size, weight, and purpose. When reviewing the brands' popular pocket knives, the goal was to select quality options at various prices to meet the range of needs, including hunting, fishing, backpacking, camping, and the daily tasks that pocket knife users require. But how do you rank the options for finding the best brand of knives? Read below to learn about the 15 of our best-selling knife brands we have. The company also offers the option to build a custom knife online, and they produce branded shirts, hats and other accessories, including a tool that no homeowner should have without a pocket knife sharpener.
No matter what type of Gerber knife you buy, rest assured that you bought from one of the best knife brands available. . .
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