The Best Steak Knives Of 2022
Bruce Peter/Shutterstock By Ian Stuart Bragan/July 19, 2022 2:25 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Anyone who eats steak or really any sort of meat on a regular basis will need something with which to cut up that meat on their plate. Enter the humble steak knife. At its simplest, a steak kife is simply a small knife that can easily be held in the hand to cut off bite-sized pieces of a larger piece of meat. Thanks to trends and fashion, we tend to think of steak knives having a specific look, often either wood-handled and somewhat chunky or in line with the standard black riveted handle many expect of kitchen knives.
Luckily, there are just about as many types of steak knives as there are types of people. You can find a knife that fits your budget and your sensibilities if you look hard enough. Whether you’re a stalwart traditionalist or a incurable modernist, a utilitarian who just wants to cut up some meat or an aesthete who wants even their knives to make a statement, there is a set of steak knives for you. We dove into many different categories of steak knives that ought to cover just about any eventuality or preference. Read on to get to the bottom of which set of steak knives you ought to buy.
How we selected steak knives
Kardasov Films/Shutterstock
The knives in this article were selected based on customer and professional views, as well as a manufacturer’s reputation. Only knives sold as sets (yes, even if it’s a set of two) were considered. Many of these sets went through exhaustive testing in order to give consumers more confidence in their particular choice. Meanwhile, customer-generated reviews provided insight into exactly how knives fared in real world, everyday applications in a variety of kitchens.
Ultimately, the best sets of steak knives are those that fit a person’s unique needs. Those criteria could include a variety of factors, from the price of a set to the way it looks. We grouped knives into some of the most common categories and hunted down the best options in each. The prices range from reasonable to very expensive and everywhere in between, while factors like aesthetics and quality were also considered. All told, there should be something for everyone.
Best modern steak knives
Ode to Things
If you are decidedly not a classicist, you may want something more from your steak knives than the norm. In that case, it would be worth examining the Perceval 9.47 Table Knife for your dining room table. The minimalist design of this small set is the brainchild of renowned Michelin-starred French chef Yves Charles (per Perceval), who wanted the table knives at his restaurant to be of the same high quality as the knives he used in the kitchen.
To that end, he worked with the Perceval company — better known for its line of folding pocket knives — to come up with something as sharp and useful as it was beautiful and functional. The result is a simple but elegant knife that is the height of understated sophistication. If you are in the market for a statement piece on your table that is sharp — in both edge and appearance — look no further than this beautiful set of blades. If you can swing the rather intimidating cost for two knives, the Perceval 9.47 pair will stylishly cut through a lifetime’s worth of steak. Ode to Things sells the chic Perceval 9.4 set of steak knives for $280 for a set of two.
The Best Steak Knives Of 2022
Bruce Peter/Shutterstock
By Ian Stuart Bragan/July 19, 2022 2:25 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Anyone who eats steak or really any sort of meat on a regular basis will need something with which to cut up that meat on their plate. Enter the humble steak knife. At its simplest, a steak kife is simply a small knife that can easily be held in the hand to cut off bite-sized pieces of a larger piece of meat. Thanks to trends and fashion, we tend to think of steak knives having a specific look, often either wood-handled and somewhat chunky or in line with the standard black riveted handle many expect of kitchen knives.
Luckily, there are just about as many types of steak knives as there are types of people. You can find a knife that fits your budget and your sensibilities if you look hard enough. Whether you’re a stalwart traditionalist or a incurable modernist, a utilitarian who just wants to cut up some meat or an aesthete who wants even their knives to make a statement, there is a set of steak knives for you. We dove into many different categories of steak knives that ought to cover just about any eventuality or preference. Read on to get to the bottom of which set of steak knives you ought to buy.
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Luckily, there are just about as many types of steak knives as there are types of people. You can find a knife that fits your budget and your sensibilities if you look hard enough. Whether you’re a stalwart traditionalist or a incurable modernist, a utilitarian who just wants to cut up some meat or an aesthete who wants even their knives to make a statement, there is a set of steak knives for you.
We dove into many different categories of steak knives that ought to cover just about any eventuality or preference. Read on to get to the bottom of which set of steak knives you ought to buy.
How we selected steak knives
Kardasov Films/Shutterstock
The knives in this article were selected based on customer and professional views, as well as a manufacturer’s reputation. Only knives sold as sets (yes, even if it’s a set of two) were considered. Many of these sets went through exhaustive testing in order to give consumers more confidence in their particular choice. Meanwhile, customer-generated reviews provided insight into exactly how knives fared in real world, everyday applications in a variety of kitchens.
Ultimately, the best sets of steak knives are those that fit a person’s unique needs. Those criteria could include a variety of factors, from the price of a set to the way it looks. We grouped knives into some of the most common categories and hunted down the best options in each. The prices range from reasonable to very expensive and everywhere in between, while factors like aesthetics and quality were also considered. All told, there should be something for everyone.
Ultimately, the best sets of steak knives are those that fit a person’s unique needs. Those criteria could include a variety of factors, from the price of a set to the way it looks. We grouped knives into some of the most common categories and hunted down the best options in each. The prices range from reasonable to very expensive and everywhere in between, while factors like aesthetics and quality were also considered. All told, there should be something for everyone.
Best budget steak knives
Walmart
These wood-handled steak knives are something of a bargain, since you get a quality set for much less than some premium brands. This set boasts no-nonsense handles that can look a little rough or unfinished next to fancier brands, but that doesn’t take away from its usefulness or quality.
Most basic steak knives have serrated blades that can easily cut through meat or other foods. However, once such a blade gets dull, it’s almost impossible to re-sharpen it. Yet Chicago Cutlery’s set boasts straight, non-serrated edges. Just like your trusty chef’s knife, these blades can be honed and sharpened as many times as needed, greatly extending the lifetime of this set. Not bad for a set of knives that will cost you less than a decent ribeye.
Best mid-range steak knives
Messermeister
The attractive handles are actually made of pakkawood which, as My Kitchen Toolkit explains, is a composite material made of wood impregnated with resin for added durability. This dense material also discourages bacterial growth, which can be an issue in other wood-handled knives.
Best high-end steak knives
Wüsthof is a very old brand with a history stretching back more than 200 years (per Wüsthof). This, along with high manufacturing standard, has allowed its blades and tools to become the gold standard for high-end cutlery.
These beautiful, extra-sharp knives will cut through even the toughest steak with ease (though, if you can afford them, you can probably spring for the more tender cut of meat). What’s more, they look great doing it. Although the high price tag may be shocking, the combination of craftsmanship, ease of use, and a lifetime warranty — not to mention the decorative wooden box they come in — all mean that if you can afford this set, you won’t be disappointed.
Best French steak knives
Similar to other very old manufacturing names, Laguiole is not a trademarked term, so anyone can slap it onto any product. When shopping for a high-end set of these knives it’s important to try to find one manufactured in the French town of Thiers. This city, renowned for its bladesmiths, is the home of all the best makers of these stylish utensils.
This set of knives, housed in an attractive wooden box, is a perfect example of this iconic style. It isn’t cheap, but who can argue with something that looks this good?
Best German steak knives
If your tastes runs to the traditional, you could certainly do worse than these blades. The legacy of over two centuries of craftsmanship and quality really shows in these high-quality knives.
Best steak knives for buying in bulk
This set of Henckels steak knives is a boon for anyone who anticipates serving a crowd on a regular basis. SInce it contains eight knives instead of the more usual four or six, you’re already starting with a leg up. That, plus the fact that these knives will last a very long time, means that you can acquire easily order another set as needed to serve steak to an army.
These boldly serrated knives have riveted black handles and sword-like points. That means that these knives punch above their price class, so you can feel comfortable deploying them even at formal events.
Best classic steakhouse steak knives
The wooden box it comes in is easy on the eyes, too, making it perfect for both storage and display. Anyone who sees this handsome set of utensils in your home will know that this is a house that cares about steak. If you want the deluxe experience, these are the tools for you.
Best Japanese steak knives
These handsome knives from Shun are no exception. Shun is one of the best-known Japanese makers on the American market and its distinctive profile, with a pakkawood handle (per Shun) that is shaped to perfectly fit into a cook’s hand, can be seen in the hands of professionals as well as serious home cooks. This pursuit of excellence extends throughout its vast collection, including these straightforward but beautiful steak knives.
Best modern steak knives
Ode to Things
If you are decidedly not a classicist, you may want something more from your steak knives than the norm. In that case, it would be worth examining the Perceval 9.47 Table Knife for your dining room table. The minimalist design of this small set is the brainchild of renowned Michelin-starred French chef Yves Charles (per Perceval), who wanted the table knives at his restaurant to be of the same high quality as the knives he used in the kitchen.
To that end, he worked with the Perceval company — better known for its line of folding pocket knives — to come up with something as sharp and useful as it was beautiful and functional. The result is a simple but elegant knife that is the height of understated sophistication. If you are in the market for a statement piece on your table that is sharp — in both edge and appearance — look no further than this beautiful set of blades. If you can swing the rather intimidating cost for two knives, the Perceval 9.47 pair will stylishly cut through a lifetime’s worth of steak. Ode to Things sells the chic Perceval 9.4 set of steak knives for $280 for a set of two.
To that end, he worked with the Perceval company — better known for its line of folding pocket knives — to come up with something as sharp and useful as it was beautiful and functional. The result is a simple but elegant knife that is the height of understated sophistication.
If you are in the market for a statement piece on your table that is sharp — in both edge and appearance — look no further than this beautiful set of blades. If you can swing the rather intimidating cost for two knives, the Perceval 9.47 pair will stylishly cut through a lifetime’s worth of steak.
Ode to Things sells the chic Perceval 9.4 set of steak knives for $280 for a set of two.
Best gift set steak knives
As previously mentioned, Wüsthof is practically synonymous with good kitchen knives. The company’s market reach is aided by its huge range of styles and blade shapes. As Prudent Reviews explains, there are 37 sets of knives marketed in its flagship Classic line alone. One way to cut through all of the options available is to stick to a certain price point. While this set is far from cheap, the fact that you get a full 8-piece set for your money certainly helps.
The all-stainless steel look is somewhat unusual for Wüsthof, but that’s actually not a bad thing. The simplicity of the design means that these blades will be at home on just about every type of table, from the very casual to the fanciest of modern settings. The handsome wooden box is also a display piece all by itself, while the Wüsthof trident that decorates the outside signals to those in the know that you care enough to outfit guests with the best.
Best wood-handled steak knives
Victorinox is a brand that most people probably know as the maker of the famous Swiss army knives. This versatility and history have endeared this knife maker to people across the globe for over 130 years (via Victorinox).
Best colorful steak knives
Opinel has a history that stretches all the way back to 1800, when peddler Victor-Amédée Opinel learned how to work a blacksmith’s forge and then passed the knowledge on to his son (via Opinel). Although the company is well-known for its folding pocket knives, it also makes top notch kitchen tools that capture the classic look made famous all those years ago.
While the overall shape and dimensions of these knives are well within what you might expect from a standard knife, the painted wooden handles take this set in a completely different direction. It’s not hard to imagine these knives on a table arrayed with other non-traditional colors and patterns, where the classic profile and sharp edge add a certain seriousness to what is otherwise a flamboyant piece of cutlery.
