When most people go hunting for the best chef’s knife out there, they assume that expensive means better. The price, however, is not what distinguishes a good chef’s blade from a low-quality one. It is good to consider other characteristics that indicate high quality chef knives.
To find an affordable but decent chef’s knife, consider these key features:
1. Blade materials
Chef knives can be made of stainless steel, carbon steel, high carbon stainless steel, titanium and ceramic. Each of these blade materials has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Ceramic is great for holding an edge and won’t rust either. However, it does not work well for cutting meat or frozen food.
Stainless steel knives are technically resistant to rust. They may not hold their edge well, however, especially if the steel is inferior.
Carbon stainless steel is a budget-friendly option and can maintain a sharp edge for a long time. Its most significant disadvantage, however, is that it stains easily.
Titanium is an expensive blade material. But it is much more flexible and does not have chemical reactions with food.
High carbon stainless steel seems like the golden mean, as it offers the best of both stainless steel and carbon steel. There is no way to verify, however, whether a chef’s knife that is allegedly made of it is the real deal.
2. Edge of the blade
Chef knives come with two distinct types of blade edge: serrated and straight edge.
Straight edge chef knives are the most common type on the market. They tend to be the easiest to focus on. But they are not capable of the functionality that the serrated edge offers.
Serrated edge knives are ideal for slicing delicate foods such as tomatoes and bread. Their only significant drawback is that they usually require a professional to re-strengthen them.
3. Knife tang
There are two types of knife tang: full tang and half tang. A full tang is when the metal travels the entire length of the handle. Half tang is when only three quarters of the metal fits into the handle. Both types work. A full tang, however, is a sign of higher quality, as a half tang is common among cheap chef knives.
4. Construction of the knife
Metal knives can generally be made in one of two main ways. They can be either forged or stamped from sheet metal. Counterfeit knives are more expensive, boast higher quality, tend to be thicker, and are slightly heavier. Stamped knives are thinner, lighter, and generally less expensive. Both are durable options.
5. Manage
The way you hold your chef’s knife determines the cut. That’s why it pays to make sure the chef’s knife handle is decent. Handles are made of wood, stainless steel, synthetic, and laminate.
Wooden handles are comfortable and offer a variety of grips. But they are very susceptible to the accumulation of bacteria. Laminated chef knives can be reliable substitutes for wooden handles.
Synthetic handles they are lasting. But they break down under high temperatures, and wear easily under sunlight.
Stainless steel handles are the most sanitary and very easy to maintain. They are the heaviest of all types, however.
6. Strengthen the bluff
Chef knives with a bluff backing protect your fingers and give you a stable balance. This part of the knife is where the blade meets the handle. May have added weight for better balance. Many chef knives have no bluff booster but are still high quality knives.
7. Weight and balance
The weight varies according to the brand, the style, and the materials that make up the construction of the knife. A knife with good balance means easier cutting. A well-balanced knife should not feel too heavy on either the blade or the handle.
8. Size
Eight-inch knives are the most common and offer the best variations of a chef’s knife both large and small.
Nine-inch knives are longer and can cut a larger amount of food at the same time. Six-inch knives are easier to maneuver.
The best brands to get a chef knife from under $100
If you don’t know where to start your search and they are on a tight budgetcheck out chef knives from these brands:
- Pohaku
- JA Henckels
- HEAVENLY LIGHT
- CUT
- CUSIBOX
- Wüsthof
- Victorinox
- Mark him
- MAD DOG
- New born
These brands have some of the best choices for chef knives under $100 on the market. We hope our guide has helped and we wish you luck in choosing the best chef’s knife under $100 for your needs.
When most people go hunting for the best chef’s knife out there, they assume that expensive means better. The price, however, is not what distinguishes a good chef’s blade from a low-quality one. It is good to consider other characteristics that indicate high quality chef knives.
To find an affordable but decent chef’s knife, consider these key features:
1. Blade materials
Chef knives can be made of stainless steel, carbon steel, high carbon stainless steel, titanium and ceramic. Each of these blade materials has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Ceramic is great for holding an edge and won’t rust either. However, it does not work well for cutting meat or frozen food.
Stainless steel knives are technically resistant to rust. They may not hold their edge well, however, especially if the steel is inferior.
Carbon stainless steel is a budget-friendly option and can maintain a sharp edge for a long time. Its most significant disadvantage, however, is that it stains easily.
Titanium is an expensive blade material. But it is much more flexible and does not have chemical reactions with food.
High carbon stainless steel seems like the golden mean, as it offers the best of both stainless steel and carbon steel. There is no way to verify, however, whether a chef’s knife that is allegedly made of it is the real deal.
2. Edge of the blade
Chef knives come with two distinct types of blade edge: serrated and straight edge.
Straight edge chef knives are the most common type on the market. They tend to be the easiest to focus on. But they are not capable of the functionality that the serrated edge offers.
Serrated edge knives are ideal for slicing delicate foods such as tomatoes and bread. Their only significant drawback is that they usually require a professional to re-strengthen them.
3. Knife tang
There are two types of knife tang: full tang and half tang. A full tang is when the metal travels the entire length of the handle. Half tang is when only three quarters of the metal fits into the handle. Both types work. A full tang, however, is a sign of higher quality, as a half tang is common among cheap chef knives.
4. Construction of the knife
Metal knives can generally be made in one of two main ways. They can be either forged or stamped from sheet metal. Counterfeit knives are more expensive, boast higher quality, tend to be thicker, and are slightly heavier. Stamped knives are thinner, lighter, and generally less expensive. Both are durable options.
5. Manage
The way you hold your chef’s knife determines the cut. That’s why it pays to make sure the chef’s knife handle is decent. Handles are made of wood, stainless steel, synthetic, and laminate.
Wooden handles are comfortable and offer a variety of grips. But they are very susceptible to the accumulation of bacteria. Laminated chef knives can be reliable substitutes for wooden handles.
Synthetic handles they are lasting. But they break down under high temperatures, and wear easily under sunlight.
Stainless steel handles are the most sanitary and very easy to maintain. They are the heaviest of all types, however.
6. Strengthen the bluff
Chef knives with a bluff backing protect your fingers and give you a stable balance. This part of the knife is where the blade meets the handle. May have added weight for better balance. Many chef knives have no bluff booster but are still high quality knives.
7. Weight and balance
The weight varies according to the brand, the style, and the materials that make up the construction of the knife. A knife with good balance means easier cutting. A well-balanced knife should not feel too heavy on either the blade or the handle.
8. Size
Eight-inch knives are the most common and offer the best variations of a chef’s knife both large and small.
Nine-inch knives are longer and can cut a larger amount of food at the same time. Six-inch knives are easier to maneuver.
The best brands to get a chef knife from under $100
If you don’t know where to start your search and they are on a tight budgetcheck out chef knives from these brands:
- Pohaku
- JA Henckels
- HEAVENLY LIGHT
- CUT
- CUSIBOX
- Wüsthof
- Victorinox
- Mark him
- MAD DOG
- New born
These brands have some of the best choices for chef knives under $100 on the market. We hope our guide has helped and we wish you luck in choosing the best chef’s knife under $100 for your needs.
