A chef knife is the most versatile and popular knife you will ever find. This knife can handle all types of cutting from chopping, slicing, mincing, and dicing among other forms of cutting.
If you are on a budget, you should consider buying the best chef knife for under $50. These are cheap models with amazing features.
However, not all models within this price range will give you the best value for your money. Since I don’t want you to spend your money on a low-quality model.
Here I have compiled a list of the best quality kitchen knives under $50, which you can use for your home and restaurants.
A Quick Overview of My Favorites
| Image | Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
My choice  |  | HENCKELS |
| Check Price |
Best for starter  |  | Mercer Culinary |
| Check Price |
| Best for home |  | Zelite Infinity |
| Check Price |
 | MOSFiATA |
| Check Price | |
 | FINDKING |
| Check Price | |
 | KEEMAKE |
| Check Price | |
 | CUTLUXE |
| Check Price |
01. Henckels 6-inch Chef’s Knife
HENCKELS Classic 6-inch chef’s knife is made of high-quality German stainless steel and it is manufactured in Spain.
It boasts a fully forged construction to enhance durability. Apart from that, the forged construction ensures that it has a good balance between the blade and handle to maximize comfort.
The handle is triple-riveted which means that it is very comfortable. In terms of performance, this unit features a satin-finished blade, which is very sharp.
The blade is perfectly sharpened at 15 degrees on each side for a long-lasting sharpness. You can clean it in a dishwasher but hand washing is highly recommended.
Whether you want to chop potatoes, mince shallots, dice apples or slice different types of meats, this knife can handle all that due to its sturdy construction. Since it is 6-inches long, you can use it for almost all cutting tasks in your kitchen.
Also Read: Don’t Forget to Read This Article About $100 Chef Knives
02. Mercer Culinary 8-inch Forged Chef’s Knife
Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-inch Chef’s knife is another best-selling chef knife under $50. It has thousands of customer feedback which means that it is highly reliable.
It features a single-piece high-carbon Japanese steel construction meaning that it is resistant to stains, rusting, and discoloration. The blade is razor-sharp and has excellent edge retention.
In order to enhance your comfort when cutting, it has textured finger points, which also prevent slipping. A protective finger guard is included to boost your safety.
The handle is made from a combination of polypropylene and Santoprene. Polypropylene boosts durability while Satoprene enhances comfort.
If you are searching for a versatile knife that can handle all cutting tasks in your kitchen this one will be a great choice.
03. Zelite Infinity 8-inch Chef’s Cooking Knife
Zelite Infinity chef knife outperforms most chef knives under $50 in so many aspects. To start with, it has a very sharp blade that is honed at 15-18 degrees on each side.
As a result, it has excellent edge retention meaning that you do not need to sharpen it from time to time. Apart from that, it has minimal slicing resistance for easier use.
It comes with an ergonomically rounded black handle with a rare tapered bolster. This makes it an ideal choice for chefs who love the pinch grip style of cutting.
Whether you are searching for the best quality kitchen knife under $50 which you can use for chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing, this one will be a perfect choice.
In terms of construction, the knife is made of ThyssenKrupp high-carbon stainless steel as a result, it is highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and stains.
It also has a Rockwell hardness of 56, which means that the blade can easily slice hard and tough ingredients.
04. MOSFiATA Super Sharp 8-inch Chef’s Knife
This knife is among the best cooking knives under $50 that will give you incredible value for your money.
It is made of high-carbon German stainless steel which is resistant to corrosion, discoloration, and rust.
You can use it for all cutting tasks which include slicing, chopping, dicing, and mincing all types of vegetables, meat, bread, fruits, etc.
The blade is honed at 14-16 degrees on each side to enhance sharpness. This blade has a thickness of 2.5mm which means that it is very strong.
Additionally, the knife has a Rockwell hardness of 56± which means that you can highly rely on it. Due to its unique quality, it is suitable for commercial and home kitchens.
It comes with a durable Micarta handle which minimizes wrist fatigue or discomfort even after prolonged use.
A finger guard is also included to keep you safe from the sharp blade. It comes in an outstanding black gift box which means that you can order it as a gift to someone.
Read More: Check Out the Best Quality Damascus Chef Knives Here
05. Findking-Dynasty 8-inch Gyuto Chef Knife
The first thing you will notice about this knife is the stylish pattern that sets it apart from the rest.
Apart from the elegant appearance, Findking 8-inch Gyuto chef knife comes with a very strong blade that is made of 9CR18MOV steel.
It has a high Rockwell Hardness of 60±2 which means that it is extremely sharp. Even it also has better edge retention than other kitchen knives available on the market today.
It has a Clad Dimple Design for easier food release when dicing or slicing. You can use it for meats, vegetables, fish, and fruits.
However, it may not be the best for cutting frozen items because hard items might damage the edge.
Finally, the handle is made from African Rosewood to enhance beauty and comfort.
Again, it has a good balance between the blade and the handle which allows you to make precise cuts without any form of discomfort.
06. KEEMAKE 8-inch Gyuto Chef Knife
This Japanese chef knife is forged from high-carbon Molybdenum vanadium stainless steel from Germany.
Due to this construction, it is very strong and sharp and it also has excellent abrasion resistance. This material is also durable, rust-resistant, and easy to sharpen.
The blade features a non-stick black coating, which protects it from rusting. This coating also makes your work easier when cleaning the knife.
In addition, it has a very thick octagonal stainless steel bolster which provides a nice transition between the handle and the blade.
Apart from that, this bolster protects your finger from accidental cuts and also enhances the strength of the knife.
The knife has an incredible weight balance which means that you can use it for many hours without fatigue.
It comes with a stylish natural Ebony wooden handle that provides excellent grip even when wet. However, this handle is not dishwasher safe.
07. CUTLUXE 8-inch Forged Chef Knife
The CUTLUXE 8-inch Chef Knife is well-balanced and tapered to an ultra-sharp edge. As a result, it makes your work easier when mincing, slicing, chopping, dicing vegetables, fruits, and meat.
It is forged from high-carbon stainless steel and it has a Rockwell hardness of 56± for unmatched edge retention.
In addition, it is hand-sharpened at 14-16 degrees on each side to enhance sharpness as well as edge retention. The knife also features corrosion/resistance cladding meaning that it is very durable.
It has a full-tang design which means that it is well-balanced. The triple-riveted Pakkawood handle provides excellent grip and stability when using the knife. This handle is laminated to enhance strength and beauty.
It comes with a lifetime warranty which covers materials and workmanship defects. A tapered bolster is also included to protect your fingers from accidental cuts.
Things to Consider for the Best Chef Knives Under $50
Most people think that all chef knives are the same. However, they come with different features which means that their performance also varies. When searching for the best chef knives under $50, you should check these features.
Blade Materials
The blade is the most important part of a knife because it determines the overall performance.
You need to check the materials used in its construction to ensure that it is sharp and easy to sharpen.
It should also be resistant to rust, discoloration, stains, and corrosion. The best chef knives under $50 are those that are made of high-carbon stainless steel.
Handle Design
Irrespective of the type of material used to construct the handle, it should be comfortable and non-slip. It should also fit perfectly in your hands to give you control and balance.
Since knife handles are available in designs, you should look for a stylish model that will look great in your kitchen.
Grip and Comfort
Since most chef knives are very sharp, you need to choose a model that is not slippery even when wet. It should either have a textured handle or one that you can hold firmly when cutting.
Size
The size of the knife refers to the blade length. You will find that knives have different lengths according to their purposes.
When it comes to chef knives, the best ones are those with a length of 6-8 inches. These ones are well balanced which means that they can perfectly handle almost all ingredients.
Weight
The weight of a chef’s knife depends on the materials used in its construction. For example, high-carbon steel knives are heavier than stainless steel models. The weight may also be determined by the thickness or length of the knife.
Those with a hidden tang are more lightweight than full-tang knives. When cutting delicate food items like sushi or when you want to make thin slices of tomatoes, a lightweight knife will be the best. Heavier knives are suitable for tougher ingredients.
Balance
A balanced chef knife is one that is not too heavy or too lightweight. In this regard, full-tang knives are the best.
Unlike the half-tang knives, full-tang models have an excellent balance between the handle and the blade since the blade runs up to the end of the handle.
The Edge
Chef knives have 2 types of edges which are double-sided and one-sided edge. A double-sided edge means that you can use any side of the blade since the two sides are sharpened at an angle.
The good thing about these knives is that they provide clearer and straighter cuts as compared to those with a single-bevel design.
On the other hand, single-bevel knives are sharpened on one side which makes them ideal for either left or right-handle users.
Durability
In order to determine the durability of the knife, you need to check the Rockwell hardness which is a measure of hardness. You should consider a model with a hard blade or with a Rockwell hardness of more than 55.
Safety Features
Since chef knives are very sharp, you need to ensure that the one you have picked is equipped with safety features.
Some of the safety features you should check are a protective sheath, finger guard or bolster, non-slip handle, etc.
Cleaning Process
Chef knives can be either hand-washed or cleaned in a dishwasher. However, cleaning your kitchen knife in a dishwasher may degrade its quality and affect the sharpness of the blade.
It may also lead to rusting since the machine removes the protective coating or finish.
However, if you want some easy cleaning knives you may read this article where I have listed some of the best dishwasher-safe kitchen knives that will save you time.
Warranty
Most cheap knives don’t come with a long time warranty but if you want to get the best value for your money, you need to check this before buying. The best chef knife under $50 should have a lifetime warranty.
Wrapping Up on the Best Chef Knife for Under 50 Dollars
Due to the versatility and unique construction of chef knives, they are slightly more expensive than other types of knives.
However, you can still find cheap models that will give you incredible performance when cutting like the 7 models I have reviewed above.
You just need to check the features, price, and customer reviews when choosing the best chef knife under $50.
I only picked models with the best features which means that any of them will give you great value for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best chef’s knife for most cooks in 2023 for home or restaurant?
If you’re on the hunt for a dependable, well-made chef’s knife that offers great value, look no further than the Misen Chef’s Knife. This knife comes highly recommended for both novice cooks just exploring the culinary world and seasoned chefs alike. The beauty of the Misen Chef’s Knife lies in its universal 8-inch size, which is perfect for a wide range of kitchen tasks. Its lightweight design allows for seamless control and maneuverability, making it less intimidating and more user-friendly for beginners. Its sleek, timeless style means it will blend in nicely with any kitchen aesthetic.
What is the most used preferred knife by chefs?
The choice of knives among chefs can vary greatly depending on their cooking style, personal preferences, and the kind of food they typically prepare. However, a common denominator appears to be a preference for durable, high-quality blades. This is where German style knives such as those from Wüsthof or Henckels come into play. Acit Group states that these German style chef’s knives are especially popular for their robust blades. These knives have the heft to tackle tasks such as deboning a chicken effortlessly.
What knife does Gordon Ramsay recommend?
Regarded as one of the world’s finest chefs, Gordon Ramsay has inspired many enthusiastic cooks worldwide. According to MasterClass, Ramsay has often voiced his preference for Henckels knives. They are a part of the German style knife family, bear robust blades which can tackle tough ingredients with ease. These hefty knives are just what you need when you’re aiming for accuracy and precision in all your kitchen endeavors.
What chef knife stays sharp longest?
When it comes to longevity and the ability to retain a sharp edge for an extended period, carbon steel knives stand out. Unlike other materials, carbon steel has incredible hardness and sharpness retention properties. This means you’ll spend less time sharpening your knife and more time enjoying the actual cooking process. These knives can help make chopping, slicing, and shaving more secure and effortless. Do remember, though, that they require a bit more maintenance to prevent rust and discoloration. Proper care will ensure your carbon steel knife remains a trusty companion in your kitchen for a very long time.
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