Cooking is a form of art that many people enjoy practicing. The more you hone your culinary skills, the more fun you have cooking.
You know what else you need on that road trip? The perfect chef’s knife. Having the right knife makes everything you do in your kitchen easier.
In this article, we’ll help you find the best chef knife for under 100.
Why under 100? This is a great price point for someone who is starting to get a little bit more into cooking, but does not want to enter the world of crazy knife prices, because that world does express.
We’ll steer you towards our top 5 knives, and also provide a few tips along the way.
Let’s dive in!
In This Guide
Our Top 5 Best Chef Knives Under 100
We’re pretty sure you can get an awesome chef’s knife without breaking the bank. Let’s take a look at the following products which combine quality and affordable prices.
Dalstrong Chef's Knife
First on our list is this incredible chef knife by Dalstrong. By just looking at it, you’ll see how much craftsmanship was put into manufacturing it.
The first thing we liked about it is the high-carbon German steel that makes up the razor-sharp blade. Additionally, it’s stain-resistant.
The blade ends with a hand-polished edge at 14-16 degrees on both sides. This should provide a firmer grip and decrease the chances of it slipping out of your hand.
Now, let’s talk about the high-quality-looking handle. It’s made of imported black Pakkawood with a grip that should make it firm to handle and maneuver.
What we like about this sleek, durable handle is how it would fit perfectly in the hand. This is all thanks to its convenient design.
Also, the blade’s height is just right to provide you with enough knuckle clearance.
Pros
- Premium craftsmanship
- Sharp German steel blade
- Stain-resistant
- Easy-to-maneuver and firm handle
- Convenient blade height
- Easy to clean and sharpen
- Only weighs 9 ounces
- Includes a knife sheath
Cons
- You might experience rust marks after a year of heavy use
- Might need to be sharpened often
- The tall blade might not suit people with small hands
Get More Information on Dalstrong Chef's Knife
TUO Chef's Knife
Looking for another knife at an affordable price? Here’s our second recommendation.
This Tuo chef’s knife combines quality, functionality, and durability. Let’s discuss its fantastic features.
First of all, this knife comes with a high-carbon stainless steel blade and it’s rust-resistant.
Another thing we like about the blade is that it’s heat-treated. This should make it hard to crack or break. Also, it’s heat and moisture-resistant.
Secondly, you might come to admire the ergonomically-designed handle. It’s made of G10 fiberglass composite materials and should rest comfortably in your hand.
Whether you’re going to use it for chopping onions or cutting meat, this knife could be your loyal companion.
Pros
- Made of high-carbon stainless steel
- Rust-resistant blade
- Heat, moisture, and impact-resistant
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- The handle material might be too smooth
- Might be heavy if you have small hands (20 ounces)
Get More Information on TUO Chef's Knife
Wusthof Classic Chef's Knife
Here’s another moderately-priced knife that’s suitable for people with smaller hands. If you can’t seem to deal with an 8-inch knife, then you might like this 6-inch knife for many reasons.
Don’t be tricked by its shorter size, this knife can give you all the qualities of a good 8-inch knife.
For starters, its blade is forged from a single block of high-carbon stainless steel. This answers your questions about its durability.
Also, its handle is made from a long-lasting synthetic material that prevents discoloration. The grip should suit the shape of your hand, and help you slice and chop with minimum effort.
The build of this knife is remarkable because its handle features 3 rivets and no joints.
Besides, the knife comes with a full bolster that should protect your hand.
Pros
- Great size for smaller hands
- Made of high-carbon stainless steel
- Durable handle
- No joints
- Comes with a full bolster
- Lightweight (6.4 ounces)
- Midrange price
Cons
- Might dull quickly
- Could need constant sharpening
Get More Information on Wusthof Classic Chef's Knife
WEKITChef's Knife
Our fourth suggestion for an impressive and durable chef’s knife is this one by WEKIT. It’s not just the elegant design that’ll impress you, but its features too.
The blade is made of Japanese high-carbon stainless steel. This should give you maximum performance and a razor-sharp edge.
Also, it’s rust-resistant, wear-resistant, and long-lasting. You probably won’t need to sharpen this knife very often.
The ergonomic handle is designed to grant you agility, control, and comfort. Besides that, it has been through special treatment so that it can withstand moisture, heat, and cold.
This knife is also great as a gift to your cooking enthusiast friend. With its fish-bone pattern surface, it could be the perfect addition to any collection.
Pros
- Sharp and durable blade
- Rust and stain-resistant
- Unaffected by heat, moisture, or cold
- Comfortable handle
- Stunning design
- Moderately-priced
Cons
- The food tends to stick on the blade sides
Get More Information on WEKITChef's Knife
Global Chef's Knife
The last knife on our list is one you might admire if you’re a skilled chef. Also, if you’re into collecting knives and don’t mind spending some extra cash, we’ve got you covered.
What makes this chef’s knife extra special is its hi-tech molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel blade. This should guarantee you an exceptional sharpness when you’re cutting or dicing.
If you take a look at its handle, you’ll find that it’s dimpled so that you can maintain a firm grip.
Aside from that, you’ll find that it’s well-balanced when you hold it. It has the optimum weight and size to fit inside anyone’s hand.
Last but not least, this incredible knife comes with a lifetime warranty against defects and breakage. Now, you can let that inner chef out.
Pros
- High-end materials
- Comes with a dimpled handle to prevent slippage
- Lightweight (7.8 ounces)
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Might be on the expensive end for a hobbyist
- Might rust after months of use
- Prone to water spots
Get More Information on Global Chef's Knife
Things to Consider Before Buying a Chef’s Knife
A few things can help you pick the best chef’s knife. In the following list, we mention some factors to keep in mind before adding one to your cart.
Materials
If you’re going to use this knife daily, you need to make sure it’s made of the finest materials.
Both the handle and the blade must be durable, stain and rust-resistant, and sturdy.
Best Blade Materials for Knives
- High-carbon steel: strong and hard
- Chromium steel: less prone to rust
- Tungsten steel: increases wear-resistance
- Vanadium steel: strong, increases wear-resistance
Best Handle Materials for Knives
- Wood: durable and adds an aesthetic touch
- Aluminum: solid without too much weight
- G-10: sturdy and lightweight.
- Stainless steel: stain-resistant but heavier than the other options
Handle Design
To use your knife with comfort and ease, you should look for an ergonomic handle. It should rest securely against your hand.
Also, it’s a bonus if the handle is dimpled or textured. There should be enough friction between the handle and your hand to prevent slippage.
Lastly, remember to look for a knife with rivets and no joints. If the handle and the blade are connected by a joint, they’re more likely to separate with time.
Weight and Size
For the best experience, while using the knife, you need to make sure it has the right length for your hand. For instance, a 6-inch knife should work great with small hands.
As for a medium-sized hand, you should consider buying an 8-inch knife. However, if your hand is on the larger side, you might be more comfortable with a 10 or 12-inch chef’s knife.
The heaviest weight of a chef’s knife can be about 20 ounces. The lightest weight you’ll probably find is about 6.5 ounces. However, you’d better look for a weight of 7-8 ounces.
Tips for Sharpening a Chef’s Knife
The first thing you should master is how to hold a chef’s knife, followed by the right way to sharpen it. You can sharpen your knife once a week if you use it regularly.
In this section, we’ll help you learn how to sharpen your knife.
- Place the tip of the honing steel on a solid surface
- Grip your knife firmly in the other hand
- Slide the length of your knife along the honing steel
- Focus on the textured parts of the honing steel
- Keep moving your knife along the steel from its lowest part to its highest point
- Do the same with the other side of the blade
- Repeat for about 8 times for each side
FAQs for Using Your Chef's Knife
How do I clean a chef's knife?
It’s pretty easy to clean a chef’s knife. You only need to know the type of blade to select the best way to wash it.
Carbon-Based Steel
- Wipe it with a wet cloth after use
- Don’t let it soak in water
- Don’t use soap
- Dry it right away after wiping
- Don’t let it air-dry
- Store it in a dust-free drawer
Stainless Steel
- Wash it with hot water
- Use mild dish soap
- Don’t let it air-dry, and dry it with a cotton rag after rinsing
Ceramic
- Put it under running water
- Leave it to air-dry
The Final Verdict
Whether you’re a cooking enthusiast or a professional chef, you’ll need a good chef’s knife at some point. Hopefully, you can use our list to pick the best chef knife for under $100.
Let's take a look at all of the knives one more time:
After reviewing our favorite chef knives, we found that our top pick is the Global Chef's Knife.
It’s made of high-quality material, it’s lightweight, and it comes with a warranty.
If you want to save a few bucks, the TUO Chef's Knife is an excellent alternative.
No matter which knife you pick, be sure you are getting an excellent chef's knife at an excellent price when you buy one from this guide.
Last update on 2022-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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