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Best Chef Knives 2024: Professional Kitchen Manager's Guide

After 21+ years managing professional kitchens and testing knives, here are the chef knives that actually last in high-volume operations.

Top Chef Knife Recommendations

1. Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Chef Knife

The workhorse of professional kitchens. German steel that holds an edge through hundreds of prep hours. Used this daily for 2+ years at Mellow Mushroom.

Read full review →

2. Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-Inch

The best value knife for line cooks. Swiss precision at a fraction of the cost. Survived countless shifts at Purple Cafe.

Full review coming soon

What Makes a Great Chef Knife

  • Steel quality: German vs Japanese steel characteristics
  • Edge retention: How long it stays sharp in daily use
  • Handle comfort: Ergonomics for long prep sessions
  • Balance: Weight distribution for control
  • Maintenance: How easy it is to sharpen and care for