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best chef knife under $50

7 Best Chef Knives Under $50 in 2023 [Affordable Picks]

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

ImageProductDetails
My choice
HENCKELS
  • Triple-rivet handle
  • German stainless steel blade
  • Completely dishwasher safe
Check Price
Best for starter
Mercer Culinary
  • 6-inch long
  • Forged blade construction
  • Full-tang Santoprene handle
Check Price
Best for home
Zelite Infinity
  • French-style chef knife
  • Rust & corrosion resistant
  • Ideal for beginner chefs
Check Price
MOSFiATA
  • German stainless steel blade
  • Comes with a Knife sharpener
  • Full-tang handle with finger points
Check Price
FINDKING
  • 8-inch long
  • High carbon steel blade
  • African rosewood octagonal handle
Check Price
KEEMAKE
  • 8-inch long
  • Stainless steel blade
  • Natural rosewood handle
Check Price
CUTLUXE
  • 8-inch long
  • German steel construction
  • Rust and stain-resistant handle
Check Price

01. Henckels 6-inch Chef’s Knife

Henckels 6-inch Kitchen Knife
Photo by Amazon

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

Pros
  • Triple-riveted handle
  • Easy to use since it is 6-inches long
  • Sharpened at 15 degrees on each side
  • Made in Spain using high-quality materials
  • Lightweight construction since it has a thin blade
Cons
  • Large handle design

02. Mercer Culinary 8-inch Forged Chef’s Knife

Mercer Culinary 8-inch Forged Chef's Knife
Photo by Amazon

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.

Pros
  • Decent price
  • NSF certified
  • Best-selling chef knife
  • Textured finger points
  • Protective finger guard
  • Easy edge maintenance
  • Single-piece stain-free construction
Cons
  • Very light but functional

03. Zelite Infinity 8-inch Chef’s Cooking Knife

Zelite Infinity 8-inch Chef's Cooking Knife
Photo by Amazon

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.

Pros
  • Razor-sharp
  • Excellent edge retention
  • Cuts with minimal resistance
  • Suitable even for tough ingredients
  • Resistant to rust, stains, and corrosion
  • Hand-finished using the 3-step Honbazuke method
Cons
  • Not very lightweight

04. MOSFiATA Super Sharp 8-inch Chef’s Knife

MOSFiATA Super Sharp 8-inch Chef’s Knife
Photo by Amazon

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

Pros
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Multi-functional design
  • Rockwell hardness of 56±
  • Finger guard included
  • Sharpened at 14-16 degrees on each side
  • Strong TRP-coated polypropylene handle
Cons
  • It May not fit in some knife blocks

05. Findking-Dynasty 8-inch Gyuto Chef Knife

Findking-Dynasty 8-inch Gyuto Chef Knife
Photo by Amazon

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.

Pros
  • Attractive design
  • African Rosewood handle
  • Made of 9CR18MOV steel
  • Rockwell hardness of 60±2
  • Provides a comfortable grip
  • Clad dimple for easier food release
Cons
  • Not perfect for frozen items

06. KEEMAKE 8-inch Gyuto Chef Knife

KEEMAKE 8-inch Gyuto kitchen 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.

Pros
  • Non-stick coating
  • Features a thick bolster
  • Excellent edge retention
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Ergonomic natural Ebony handle
  • Well-balanced to enhance your comfort
Cons
  • Not dishwasher safe

07. CUTLUXE 8-inch Forged Chef Knife

CUTLUXE 8-inch Forged kitchen Knife
Photo by Amazon

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.

Pros
  • Tapered bolster
  • Rockwell hardness of 56
  • Laminated triple-riveted handle
  • Corrosion and rust-resistant cladding
  • Full-tang design to enhance the robustness
  • Hand-sharpened at 14-16 degrees on each side
Cons
  • A bit heavy due to the top-quality materials

Things to Consider for the Best Chef Knives Under $50

best kitchen knife 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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