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High-End Knives That Slice ‘Like Butter’



A sharp knife is arguably the most important tool in your kitchen. At least, it is in my kitchen. Not a single day goes by that I don’t reach for my chef’s or paring knife to perform one cooking task or another. I’ve learned from experience that it’s worth spending more money on a brand that will last instead of replacing cheap models year after year. Like a basic white T-shirt or a comfortable pair of jeans, a good knife is an investment.

Depending on what you’re trying to accomplish in the kitchen, there are a lot of styles to choose from. Maybe you want a Japanese knife for its superior precision and razor-sharp blade. Perhaps you’re looking for a reliable chef’s knife that’s beautiful enough to display on your magnetic knife holder. It’s even possible that you want both. Luckily, I found all of the above — and then some. Read on to shop Shun, New West KnifeWorks, Material Kitchen, and more luxury brands, some of which are on sale.   

Best High-End Knives 

Made In Japanese Damascus Steel Nakiri Knife 

Made In


Japanese knives come in a range of styles: santoku, gyuto, and — my personal favorite — nakiri, to name a few. If you’ve never used a nakiri knife before, the shape takes a little getting used to. It has a long, rectangular blade and a blunt tip, so instead of rocking and rolling, you have to push down and pick up the knife every time you cut. After using Made In’s model for more than a year, my love for this knife has only gotten stronger. It’s comfortable to hold, easy to clean, and beautiful to look at.     

New West KnifeWorks 9-Inch Chef’s Knife 

New West Knifeworks


There are knives, and then there are knives. Any knife from New West KnifeWorks falls into the latter category. The brand combines function with beautiful designs that are striking enough to belong in a museum. This knife is no exception, with its 10 color options and perfectly honed 9-inch blade. Whether you’re cutting heavy gourds or chopping delicate herbs, this chef’s knife will be your “best friend in the kitchen,” just like it is for Food & Wine’s editor-in-chief, Hunter Lewis.   

New West KnifeWorks 6-Inch Joy Bauer Chef’s Knife

New West Knifeworks


At a more approachable price point sits New West’s Joy Bauer chef’s knife. The brand sent me this knife a few months ago to test, and I can say with absolute certainty that I have never received so many compliments on a kitchen tool in all my life. People are so in awe of its red-hued handle that I’ve dubbed it “jewelry for my kitchen.” Of course, its performance is on par with its looks. It has a 6-inch blade that is incredibly easy to maneuver and a razor-sharp edge that cuts through everything I’ve put in its path. 

Shun Classic Paring Knife

Williams Sonoma


My love for my Shun paring knife knows no bounds. I use it for tasks big and small, including hulling strawberries, cutting out tomato cores, peeling shallots, and scoring eggplant. Yes, its price tag is slightly higher than some paring knives you’ll find elsewhere, but its exceptionally sharp blade, comfortable handle, and durable construction ensure that it’s worth the money.    

Global 7-Inch Chef’s Knife 

Williams Sonoma 


Global combines elements of European and Japanese design. During testing, we loved this combination for its ability to offer “precise control” in the kitchen. Not only did its blade make the “thinnest, cleanest basil chiffonade of any we tried,” but it also “made easy work of garlic, green onion, tomato, and chicken.” While the metal handle can take some getting used to if you’ve never used one before, we appreciated how lightweight and easy to clean it was.  

Material Kitchen The Table Knives, Set of 4  

Material


Material’s steak knives are a staple in my kitchen. They have yet to meet an ingredient they couldn’t slice through, be it a juicy steak or a dry chicken breast. Plus, they’re dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleanup after dinner. Hundreds of Material shoppers agree, with one writing that it cuts through steak “like butter.”   

Zwilling Pro Knife Block Set 

Williams Sonoma


The Zwilling Pro Knife Block Set offers a “full collection of top-quality knives at a surprising price,” according to our editors. Since the Pro line is designed with professional chefs in mind, these knives are built to last. There are 10 pieces in the set — including two paring knives, one serrated utility knife, a bread knife, a chef’s knife, and more — so you’ll always have the proper blade for your next cooking task. It also comes with a honing steel and shears.



Liv Dansky

2025-09-17 10:30:00