10 Best Chef Knives Under $100 in 2022 | Tools Of Chef

Chefs are so awesome so their knives are. Behind the success of every chef, there’s a knife just like a woman behind a successful man. Of course, there are several types of knives that you are already aware of, which you need to use depending upon the requirements of those specific sets of tasks.

Whatever is the case, chef knives stay the favorite and a priority for every chef whether they need them or not. These knives are sort of universal that can be used for every sort of thing that makes chef knives pretty demanding. Now, there are several knives but not everyone can afford them due to a specific budget in their mind. For that reason, they mostly prefer purchasing the best chef knives under $100.

The Best Chef Knives Under $100 | A Quick Summary

Everybody loves having a great chef knife in his home kitchen so it will look cool and perform better. Being a demanding type of kitchen knife, chef knives come in a vast variety quite at different pricing but mostly are expensive ones.

With the premium chef knives, you can expect nicer manoeuvrability, decent coverage, versatile sharpness, durable blade, a lucrative handle and exceptional performance overall. This is true and it’s also true about these knives that they last for quite a long time and even a lifetime if used properly.

Now, if you are a professional or an expert chef, you can choose any of the knives either from Shun, Miyabi, Yoshihiro or even from Global Cutlery because both the budget and performance aren’t a big deal anymore. But, it does matter when you are a beginner, a casual, or not a professional chef in any case.

Here, you don’t need to spend several hundred bucks for a blade because you already got a variety of matches for your hands. Of course, they might not be so hot unlike a premium handmade knife, but it does get the job done pretty nicely. They are champions for their budget tag, but they aren’t really perfect in any case!

So, before picking up any of the Best Chef knives Under $100, you first need to figure out its pros and cons along with some detailed things so you will be pretty sure about your pick up and understand that knife wisely. Some knives might lack one or two things due to the price that would be available in another option. So, you need to prioritize your needs and then pick the right option for you.

Best Chef Knives Under $100 At A Glance

IMAGE	PRODUCT	SHOP
Overall Best Chef Knife Under 100	Dalstrong Shogun Series AUS-10V – 6” Chef Knife Benefits: Nicely balanced chef knife, A Sharp & a versatile blade, With a Comfortable handling, A maneuverable cutting edge	Shop Here
With an adorable wooden sheath	Cangshan Z Series 8-Inch Forged Chef Knife Benefits: Stable & a solid blade, Sharp & a versatile knife, A Well-Balanced chef knife, Decent cutting performance	Shop Here
The Classical Edge retention	Mac Series 8-Inch Chef’s Knife Benefits: The Sharp cutting blade, A maneuverable chef knife, A Durable build quality, With a Pakkawood handle	Shop Here
Ideal German Chef Knife	Wusthof Model Gourmet 8 Inch German Chef’s Knife Benefits: Sharp blade & cutting edge, Balanced yet versatile knife, Double bevel cutting profile, Rust Resistant and durable	Shop Here
An attractive chef knife	Dalstrong Shadow Black Series Chef Knife – 9.5-Inch Benefits: Double bevel sharp knife, The Precise cutting blade, Well-Balanced & durable, A Decent edge retention	Shop Here
A Budget Japanese Chef Knife	Yaxell VG10 8-inch Chef’s Knife with Micarta Handle Benefits: Comes with a Sharp blade, Durable & an adorable knife, With a Finest edge retention, Effective handling & performance	Shop Here
The lightweight Chef Knife	Global G-4- Oriental 7 inch Chef’s Knife Benefits: The lightweight chef knife, Pretty easy to clean blade, With an Unbreakable edge, Maneuverable & versatile	Shop Here
An Easy to Sharp Chef Knife	Mercer 8-Inch Renaissance Chef’s Knife Benefits: Lucrative build quality, A Rust Resistant body, An easy to sharpen blade, A maneuverable chef knife	Shop Here
Best Casual Use Chef Knife	Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-Inch Chef Knife Benefits: An easy to clean knife, Entry level chef knife, Balanced & handful, A nicely build handle	Shop Here
The Cheapest Chef knife	TUO Fiery Phoenix Series Chef Knife 8 inch Benefits: Sharp & lightweight, Well-Balanced handle, A Durable build quality, Maneuverable cutting blade	Shop Here

Best Chef Knives Under $100 | Our Best Picks & Reviews

1. Dalstrong Shogun Series AUS-10V – 6” Chef Knife

So, let’s get started with the guide of best chef knives under 100 dollars with Dalstrong which is an emerging brand that doesn’t need an intro as such. Dalstrong knives come with a lot of lineups and they further feature $100 knives but not everyone could be discussed here. So just stick to the Shogun Series.

They launched this specific blade back in 2017 and it has been appreciated by several thousand chefs making it an outstanding chef knife. Of course, It is a lightweight knife that couldn’t be any easier but performs impressively. 

Build Quality & Material:

Without wasting any time, let’s find out about its build quality by exploring the materials and techniques that are used during the making of these knives. Being one of the prominent Japanese knives brands, Dalstrong introduces a sort of AUS-10V in this budget knife that you hardly find in the budget knives by Shun.

As per claims by Dalstrong, this knife is treated on the layered steel 67 microlayers making it extra vigilant yet durable though. Now, we can clearly say it’s an alloy steel knife that comes incorporated with AUS10V layering making it smoother. To make it extra precious, Dalstrong applied 62 Rockwell hardness on its blade.

Despite its durability, it is also prominent in terms of sharpening sessions. With the incorporation of precise tempering, the overall knife becomes quite appealing. Other than this, the Honbazuke method was also applied to sharpen this blade fairly.

Cutting & Performance:

With all these things set already, the knife delivers what it was supposed to do. Firstly, it has a double bevel blade once again, which is sharpened precisely to provide a cutting bevel of under 12° so it will cut accurately and smoothly. The knife is rust-resistant even after its carbon steel core by the way.

If you have a settled hand, this blade will definitely give you great exposure so you can use it amazingly. Along with that, the blade is incorporated with reasonable versatility so you will easily get used to it. Moreover, Dalstrong uses the Tsuchime pattern on its blade to make it pretty an awesome and productive blade.

Besides all these things, we also give points to its handling for its brilliant design that also enhances its productivity along with maneuverability. Furthermore, the knife itself is a lightweight thing, the G10 handle makes you feel more comfortable. Plus, it’s a full tang and a riveted handle that makes it durable also.

2. Cangshan Z Series 8-Inch Forged Chef Knife

Cangshan cutlery is now entering the market with a sophisticated entry to amaze chefs around the globe just like this one here on the list. This one was launched back in 2017 though it is not so popular, Cangshan is trying its best to win the hearts of chefs by providing performing knives at a reasonable range of pricing.

Build Quality & Material:

This is a forged knife of normal quality extracted through X7 carbon steel which is a sort of alloy steel that is used for culinary products. Anyways, this blade goes through a proper heat treatment that ensures you an exceptionally durable blade right out of the box which is a need of every single chef out there in the industry.

Budget knives usually feature a hardened blade as this is an economical way to provide you with a so-called “exceptionally durable blade”. However, they usually form such blades by adding a stainless steel layer on its carbon blade core that still works pretty fine for the price, but they aren’t always the best ones.

However, Cangshan has nicely covered this thing by reducing the Rockwell hardness below 60. With this thing, the blade isn’t just hard yet durable, it’s safe and unbreakable which is the key to consistency for chefs or any other kitchen knives.

Cutting & Performance:

This knife isn’t just incredibly durable, they are also quite easy to use and features reasonable edge retention to fulfill the price tag if no more than that. Due to its carbon steel core, there was a solid chance of rusting. But, Cangshan is taking care of this part as well, but you also have to be responsible by taking care of it nicely.

With this lucrative design, the knife becomes pretty easy to maneuver. First, its double bevel blade plays its part to make things impressive. Here, the blade is durable and double-sided though, but it isn’t exceptionally sharp, unlike Dalstrong knives. However, durability and versatility are their main points to stand out.

You can expect a very decent performance depending upon your needs and expectations from it. Other than that, the nicest part is its partially bolstered, full tang, and exceptionally durable handle which is triple riveted though. It has one of the nicest feelings to be very honest and its wooden sheath makes a very decent complement that makes it impressive even more.

See also: How to protect your knives from rusting 

3. Mac Series 8-Inch Chef’s Knife

Mac has grabbed the third most important spot of this guide with its impressively designed chef knife which is one of its kind. This is by far the senior-most knife that was launched back in 2007 even though it is not quite a flagship option out there. However, this underrated knife is capable of doing every task of your need.

Build Quality & Material:

Originally, this knife is a result of a carbon alloy steel that is designed for culinary projects. Now, MAC isn’t doing anything exceptionally unique in this department, but they have made a nice comeback just by improving their manufacturing techniques along with materials as well. The same goes for every single knife.

MAC budget knives mostly feature a strengthened blade structure that again depends on the pricing range, to be honest. However, they still perform pretty well in terms of reliability, especially for a long-term game. This knife is featuring a good alloy of molybdenum as per their claims that add extra features to it.

Cutting & Performance:

Officially, we aren’t suggested with any Rockwell hardness, but it’s not exceeding 60 HRC in any case that is a sign of its prosper edge retention that couldn’t be possible without that. The core blade hosts a pretty sharp cutting length so you will stay confident while using it on its double bevel cutting blade.

Being a hybrid chef knife, it features a pretty straight spine that further gets encryption of a sharp cutting edge. This overall profile gives it an interesting outlook that reflects in its performance as it is pretty maneuverable. Alongside, its dimple cladding provides you with a little bit of non-stick cutting experience.

4. Wusthof Model Gourmet 8 Inch German Chef’s Knife

If you are a big fan of German or Wusthof knives specifically, we have grabbed an exclusive knife from their Gourmet series that is one of the best selling and most appealing knives ever launched by Wusthof. Wusthof launched it back in 2004 which comes in a pretty lightweight body making it an outstanding blade. Let’s explore this blade in detail so you can decide about your next move.

Build Quality & Material:

For the context of this specific knife, you need to clear the overall verdict first. Wusthof knives aren’t just forged, they are also stamped. If you have gone through our Wusthof Classic VS Gourmet guide, you will agree with us. Here, classic series knives are fully forged, but the Gourmet knives aren’t.

Because it isn’t meant for heavy tasks and if you need one for that, you would have to pay a premium for it. Anyways, this Gourmet is a pretty decent choice for our new graduates who are just going to start their career as professional chefs. First, you should take and master it to feel the taste of German knives. This knife is durable, nicely finished, and rust-resistant right out of the box.

Cutting & Performance:

Alright, so this is a perfect package of versatility, balancing, sharpness, and performance for a pretty decent range. This multi-purpose chef knife features an outstanding cutting performance due to its nicely crafted double bevel blade which is obviously on a higher side when compared to any Japanese knife.

This blade provides an exceptional cutting experience due to its straight and sharp cutting length which is capable of dealing with almost any sort of ingredients. Overall, it is a compelling knife that is not a joke for the price. Plus, its Polypropylene handle is undoubtedly capable of providing a comfortable grip.

Which is better: Santoku VS Chef Knives?

5. Dalstrong Shadow Black Series Chef Knife – 9.5-Inch

Dalstrong for the second yet last time right on the center of this list. This time, we have grabbed you with their Gyuto that belongs to the Shadow black series which is amongst the top of the line series ever produced by Dalstrong. It was launched back in 2019 making it one of the latest launches of Dalstrong. This is a most unique chef knife by Dalstrong that you will find either beautiful or ridiculous.

Build Quality & Material:

Now, this is technically a high carbon steel knife which is pretty much modified in this entire line-up. Here, 7CR17MOV X is introduced which is a decent alloy steel that can be considered as super steel as per claims by the manufacturer. Also, it is a Precision forged knife that provides you with superior robustness.

Furthermore, this is a vacuum treated steel that further features an exceptional Rockwell hardness that doesn’t exceed 60 HRC at any point. This ensures its superior robustness and also makes it a reasonably durable blade that comes packed with enormous edge retention right out of the box.

Cutting & Performance:

This is a Japanese knife that features a double bevel blade with Dalstrong’s standard design. Even in this blade, you will get a level that doesn’t exceed 12° for one of its sides making it quite a sharp blade which is recommended to be sharp if you are a big fan of whetstones. Otherwise, machine sharpeners also work fine.

Other than that, this knife hosts a fascinating yet accurate cutting blade. With this blade, you get a precise cutting that is meant to enhance your maneuverability with this knife. Plus, it is an easy to clean blade which is quite easy to manage for every sort of chef. Also, its handle feels quite comfortable and balanced as usual.

6. Yaxell VG10 8-inch Chef’s Knife with Micarta Handle

Yaxell is the successor of Dalstrong’s second best chef knife under 100 bucks for this list. It was launched back in 2017 which seems to be quite lightweight though. Yaxell has given it a solid Japanese touch making it more attractive and its blade provides you reasonable cutting support right out of the box.

Build Quality & Material:

Yaxell is thankfully using layered steel to form this blade out. Here, the steel gets three micro layers which are designed for its core department to support the entire structure of its blade. So, you can say it is a flawless design that is going to stay there for a long time without compromising anything as such.

Alongside, it features a Rockwell hardness of up to 61 HRC that’s nicely hosted by VG10. Due to its stainless steel composition, this knife provides you with a rust-resistant blade that doesn’t deceive unless or until you are taking care of it. Overall, this knife is very successive in terms of reliability and performance.

Cutting & Performance:

First of all, this is sort of a traditional knife with a double bevel blade that is a great thing for the chefs who are looking and are fond of Japanese cuisine. Still, the knife here comes in a double bevel blade which provides you with a comprehensive cutting experience.  Also, both its performance and productivity are reasonable enough.

With the Sandblast finishing, this knife features an adorable blade that further comes with a round belly yet sort of a straight and thicker spine. Now, the cutting bevel isn’t more than 12° which is enough for a Japanese chef knife. Alongside, both its handle and blade works pretty well to let you do your job efficiently.

Want something premium? Check out the Best Japanese Chef Knives

7. Global G-4- Oriental 7 inch Chef’s Knife

Global is making its debut for this list with their 07-inch G4 that’s already an established player in the market. Although there are quite options under Global name for $100 knives, we specifically picked this up due to so many reasons. Anyways, Global launched this back in 2003 and it has been playing since then.

Build Quality & Material:

Coming straight towards its build quality, Global is using their flagship Cromova 18 steel to compose this blade (including several others as well) to stand it out. This is technically alloy steel, but it brilliantly provides a stainless steel touch to it due to the incorporation of non-ferrous elements in it.

Cutting & Performance:

So, it won’t easily rust out. It is an outstandingly built knife and you can assume it through its blade. Alongside, it features a good quality edge that isn’t breakable but it does make you stay careful as pointed tips bend easily upon falling.

Again, it is also a double bevel yet the sharpest blade due to its nicely crafted spine that makes your cutting experience pretty rich. Alongside, it is a maneuverable blade due to its non-stick surface that is designed to enhance your productivity. Also, the blade is quite easy to sharpen and maintain, to be honest.

8. Mercer 8-Inch Renaissance Chef’s Knife

Mercer produces one of the best kitchen culinary and their knives are phenomenal. We grabbed their Renaissance which is no wonder for this price and Mercer originally launched this series back in 2009 with their lightest blades. It is a few of the only knives here that come in sort of variants across their fleet.

Build Quality & Material:

First thing first, this knife features high carbon steel with a little bit of stainless layering but is not quite prominent. Renaissance knives mostly form out of German steel as this line is specifically meant for German chefs although it can be used as a universal blade. Rest series may differ especially in the steel used in that.

Cutting & Performance:

Its 08” version is quite versatile as per our experience although all these knives are forged ones. The spine isn’t truly straight but provides an impressive touch to your kitchen fleet as well as your cutting skills. Though it features good edge retention, it is not an exceptional sort of thing, to be very honest.

Other than that, it is a double bevel blade, of course, so the performance is still satisfactory. Due to its western design, this knife features a bolster which is partial by the way. Anyways, it provides an improved grip & full tang handle look and feel quite decently. From stability to sharpness & efficiency, everything is good here.

Want to know more? Value to Money Knives is for you!

9. Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-Inch Chef Knife

Fibrox Pro is one of the best-selling knives ever produced by Victorinox as a brand. They launched this guy back in 2012 and it is also a pretty lightweight and a handy knife that is beginner-friendly. From start to end, everything looks pretty cool.

Build Quality & Material:

As Victorinox claims, Fibrox Pro is made up of Stainless Steel which isn’t possible for this price. It has a high carbon steel core that is exceptionally durable and provides you with a long-term blade so you won’t have to keep it replaced. Alongside it, this knife is nicely balanced and also features a good edge quality.

Cutting & Performance:

Being an entry-level German chef knife, this knife does the job pretty amazingly with little to no exception at all. In this knife, you will get almost a straight spine that is unbreakable and performs as it was expected. Alongside, you will get a slightly round belly which is sort of a design mostly for the Western knives.

Other than this, it also gives you a caring and optimized cutting blade. Due to its double bevel blade design, the knife becomes quite maneuverable with little to no effort at all. Surprisingly these knives are also safe for dishwashers.

10. TUO Fiery Phoenix Series Chef Knife 8 inch

Let’s wind up this list of the best chef knives under 100 dollars with TUO that was launched back in 2016 and Fiery Phoenix Series is famous for its lightweight blades. Without wasting any time, let’s finish this up as soon as possible, so you can pick the right option as per your needs or expectations.

Build Quality & Material:

TUO cutlery mostly uses German steel in their knives making them economical and promising both at the same time. Here, you will get a Rockwell hardness of up to 56 HRC which is designed to provide better support to its edge and this is the reason why it has lucrative edge retention amongst the cheapest knives segment.

Cutting & Performance:

For the build quality, the knife provides you with an exceptional cutting performance due to its optimized cutting profile. Now, the edge isn’t unbreakable nor is it easy to chip. However, if you can’t manage it, it will break out. Alongside, this chef knife also gives an anti-rust blade that was also expected.

Besides its blade and sharpness department, this knife is a full package for comfort and performance at a reasonably cheaper price. TUO integrates a gorgeous & well-balanced handle that is made up of Pakkawood. It is comfortable, full tang, and durable, but it doesn’t come with any sort of riveted design at all.

Check this out for the cheapest Japanese knives

Best Chef Knives Under $100 | Frequently Asked Questions

Summing Up the Best Chef Knives Under $100

Knives are a sort of investment almost for every chef that they can never bypass if one wants to deliver their taste to the customers and homies as well. If you are a chef, you always look for a chef knife or sort of a universal blade that has no limits to be used at any task. But, finding them out is no less than a challenge.

To counter this part and to provide you with the best options, we have designed this exclusive guide that covers the Best Chef Knives Under $100 available out there in the market that are perfect for your taste and needs. So, you won’t have to dream of extraordinary yet expensive knives that might be out of your reach.

All these knives come with all the necessary bread and are better so you will never compromise either on performance or on the comfort part. The only reason for the pricing difference could be the premium for the name of the brand, which we have tried to bypass without compromising on any of the basic yet decisive points.