Finding quality kitchen knives can sometimes be a bit of a chore. In fact, one of the best ways to do so is to actually use the knife, but this isnt overly practical when you are already in the shops. If you take care to buy good cutlery it should last you for a long time so it is sometimes worth spending a little extra.

Of course, the amount of time they last will also depend on how well you look after them. You may have to sharpen them from time to time and once in a while they will need to be taken to a professional to re-edge. Be careful if you put them in the dishwaser though as this will mean that you have to sharpen and re-edge them much more frequently.

If you are looking for a set of quality kitchen knives then you might want to start by looking at what sets are available. Not only can these work out cheaper but you will also usually get a good selection as well as a knife block which will store and protect them. You can always add to the set later if you find you are lacking a certain type.

With that said, if you have an idea about what type of knives you want, then buying individual knives might be the better option. Buying a single knife from one of the premiere knife companies means that you can buy the exact type you need, wether its to start your collection or as a replacement for one. It is also a good idea to do this if you already have a knife that you like to use but perhaps want to double up, or get one with a larger blade.

On that subject, people with smaller hands might want to remember that chef knives are available in different sizes so you shouldnt have to struggle with one that is too big to hold comfortably.

As with most things, there are many things to consider when buying your quality kitchen knives. We have hand picked the top 3 chef knives around.

1. Victorinox 47520 Fibrox 8-Inch Chefs Knife

Suitable for at work or in the home, these knives are made from high-carbon stainless steel which undergoes a special tempering process which means you can keep the sharper for longer and throughout its entire life it will feel just as good as when you first started to use it.

They are made by the inventors of the famous Swiss Army knife and the same quality is evident as soon as you pick the knife up. The Fibrox handles are a patended design which are slip resistant even when they are wet and they are designed for balance and comfort.

For the price (about $29 on amazon) you cant really go wrong with a Victorinox 47520 Chefs knife

2. Wusthof Classic Hollow-Ground Santoku

This santoku style knife is able to chop and dice vegetables with ease. It is a light, well-balanced and versatile knife with a thin yet rigid blade. The edge is also very thing which means that you are able to get thin cuts on fresh meat although the knife isnt really designed for chopping frozen food or bones. If you like making stir fries, or if you often have vegetables and herbs that need preparing then this is the knife for you.

The Wusthof Classic Hollow-Ground Santoku is available for under $90 on amazon.com (you save about 30%!)

3.Shun DM0706 Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife

This stainless steel kitchen knife is a little bit more pricey than the other two, but still represents great value for money. Amazons website says the following: “This stunningly beautiful line of cutlery features the look and benefits of Damascus steel, yet without its rusting problems. The Damascus-look blade profile reduces sticking and results in less damage to the food being cut and faster prep times”.

Its currently available for under $130 on amazon.com and with more than 40 reviews it has full marks and it averages 5 out of 5 stars. Again, this is a lot of praise for what is a very good knife.



After investing some of your hard earned money in a set of quality kitchen knives you should do your best to look after them. If you do then they will last you for a very long time so may be one of the best investments you have ever made.

Here are the top 3 things you can do in order to keep your quality kitchen knives in tip top condition.

Use a Chopping Board

You should always use a chopping board, not just for hygiene reasons, but because it will help to protect the blade on your knives. Where possible you should use a wooden one as these are somewhat self healing so shallow cuts in the wood will repair themselves. Also, they will help to protect you in case the knife slips, rather than doing it on a slippery work surface.

Regular washing and drying – by hand

Of course, you are also going to want to clean them after use. It doesnt take much to give them a thorough clean as they are quite easy surfaces to wipe down but you should also try to dry them afterwards too. Avoid using a dishwasher if possible as even the top shelf can take a layer off the knives and can also lead to premature rusting.

This isnt a sign of a bad quality knife – its what dishwashers do!

Sharpen them as needed

You can keep your knives as sharp as when you first got them by using a sharpening steel. However, every now and again you will need to take them to a professional knive sharpener. This is usually when you need a new edge. Of course, if you do not feel comfortable using a sharpening steel then you can always take them to the same place once in a while to have it done for you!