Can you imagine working in the kitchen without having the best chef knife in your drawer? Obviously not. In real sense, a knife provides shape to your culinary creations! Therefore, it is impossible to compromise on the quality of this important commodity. If you haven’t got a chef knife until now just because of the high cost, we’ve got you covered.
If you are looking for low-budget knives, you should read on this post, we have reviewed the most budget-friendly chef knives that you can order online; out of hundreds of options, we have picked up the most durable, sharp, and handy knives for professional chefs. After reading this brief review, you will be able to pick the best chef knife for under $50 from Amazon. To find additional information, read out this informative review on budget friendly chef knives.
Finding a sharp knife for your kitchen set can be a daunting task, especially if you have no prior experience with handling knives. We have done proper research and testing before shortlisting these knives for you. You can check out real-time prices of the below-discussed knives on Amazon and place your order today!
Best Chef Knife Under $50 To Have in Your Kitchen Drawer!
Here in this section, you will find the details of the best chef knives which are being sold on Amazon for less than fifty bucks.
1. Mercer 8-Inch Short Bolster Knife
This knife belongs to the Mercer Genesis series and is one of the top-reviewed knives on Amazon. The knife has a sharp blade and a very comfortable handle which makes it an ideal choice for beginners as well as professional chefs. Mercer has used high-quality German steel blades for this knife which makes it resistant to rust and also provides higher edge retention.
8-Inch Short Bolster Knife
German Steel
The genesis short bolster knife is available in different sizes ranging from 3 to 10 inches. The built quality of this knife adds to its durability and efficiency. This tool is generally used for carving slices of ham, chicken, and even turkey.
The handle of this knife is designed and manufactured to give users a non-slippery and comfortable experience. Overall this is one of the top-performing utilities and a must-have knife in your kitchen.
The 8-inch variant is an ideal tool to have in your kitchen set. The best thing about this knife is its affordable price. You can get this knife for under $40 on Amazon!
| Pros | Cons |
| German Steel | The knife needs to be sharpened before use |
| Durable forged blade | The bolster might be short for some chefs |
| Comfortable handle | Limited usage |
| 8-Inch ideal blade length | |
| Lifetime Mercer Warranty |
2. Victorinox 5-Inch Fibrox Chef’s Knife
The Victorinox chef knife is one of the best chef knife on Amazon. The Victorinox knives are quite famous in the culinary market, and this is all because of their durability and lightweight. This knife has been in the market for the last many years and is still in production because of positive responses from customers across the globe. The knife is one of the top choices for both professional and home chefs.
5-Inch Fibrox Chef’s Knife
Lifetime Warranty
The stainless steel blade and sharp edges make this tool an efficient tool for every user. The knife is fit for managing all kitchen cutting tasks, and this is because of its precise design. From cutting through soft meat to skinning a hard pineapple, the knife is quite versatile in its working.
The knife can be easily cleaned as it is dishwasher-friendly. Moreover, the handle of this knife is made from TPE, aka thermoplastic material, which gives the user a stronger and more comfortable grip. This makes the knife easy to grip.
You can get this knife for under $30 from Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable price | Stamped blade |
| Lightweight | Small size |
| Lifetime warranty | No protective sheath |
| Made in Switzerland | Simple design |
| Easy to handle | Only available in black color |
| Sharp blade |
3. Racheal Ray 8-Inch Japanese Knife
This Japanese knife is one of the most premium tools to have in your culinary set. The knife is quite famous among professional chefs, and this is because of its long-lasting Japanese stainless steel material. The blade of this knife is quite sharp and efficient, which adds to its performance. The blade is honed in such a way that the blades remain corrosion and resistance free. This tool is no doubt a reliable option for cutting, skinning, slicing, and carving!
Racheal Ray 8-Inch Japanese Knife
Attractive Teal Color
This Japanese chef knife is not only popular because of its blade quality but also because of its comfortable grasp. The knives come with a colored rubber grip which provides the user with a solid handhold and comfortable grip.
The edges of this knife are quite sharp, which is why the manufacturer has given a plastic sheath for the protection of the user. Overall the quality of the knife is up to the mark; this makes the knife a preferable option for professional chefs.
You can get the Rachael Ray Cutlery Best Chef Knife for under $50 on Amazon!
| Pros | Cons |
| Japanese steel | Knife needs sharpening |
| Attractive teal color | Only available in teal |
| Hollow/plain edges | Users need a knife block to store it |
| Protective sheath | |
| Quality assurance guarantee |
4. HENCKELS 8-Inch Forged Synergy Chef’s Knife
Henckel is one of the most well-reputed knife-manufacturing brands operating across the globe. The forged synergy knife is considered to be the best option for chefs because of its quality. The knife blade is made up of German steel and is forged. In addition to this, you also get a lifetime warranty on this knife.
The blade length of this knife is a solid 8-inch which is ideal for both home and professional chefs. If you are looking for a cheap knife manufactured by a world-class brand, this one’s for you!
8-Inch Forged Synergy Chef’s Knife
Forged High-Quality Blade
The knife has a riveted handle with a stainless steel material which makes it break-resistant. The strong blade and comfortable blade of this knife make it an ideal tool. This large-sized knife is considered to be best for chopping, mincing, dicing, and slicing.
With all these features, you can get this knife at the lowest price. You can order it today for under $45 on Amazon!
| Pros | Cons |
| Forged high-quality blade | The knife is made in China, which might be a barrier for some buyers |
| 8-inch blade length | Only available in black |
| Lifetime warranty | Needs regular sharpening |
| Branded tool | |
| Dishwasher safe |
5. Dexter-Russel 8-Inch Chef’s Knife (SANI-SAFE)
Another general-purpose yet durable knife in this list is the Dexter-Russel from the Sani Safe series. This is one of the most used knives in US kitchens as it is ideal for different purposes. You can use this knife for trimming, slicing, chopping, dicing, and mincing. This is one of the best prep knives when it comes to cutting meat, vegetables, and fruits. The deep choil of this knife makes it an efficient and safe option as it protects the knuckle of the user during cutting.
Dexter-Russel 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
High-Carbon Steel Material
The grip and handle of this knife are made up of a slip-resistant material. The grip of this knife not only protects the hand from slipping but is also tiring. Using this knife would be a very comfortable experience which is why most home cooks prefer this knife over other top-rated options.
The Dexter-Russel knives have been in the market for the last 200 years and are today some of the few knives that have gotten the NSF certification. If you are looking for an extremely durable, tough, and affordable knife, you can try this one!
You can order this knife from Amazon for under $37!
| Pros | Cons |
| Stainless steel blade | Only available in white |
| High-carbon steel material | The knife usually gets out of stock because of its high demand |
| Plain edges | The blade needs to be sharpened if excessively used |
| Sleek design | |
| Unique color | |
| Easy to clean | |
| Tough and durable |
6. Oklahoma Joe’s Blacksmith Chef Knife
This is another versatile knife that is best for slicing large cuts of meat and chopping vegetables. This is a full tang knife which means that it is sturdier than other top-rated tools in this league. The blade is constructed with a riveted full-tang carbon steel material which adds to the stability of the knife. You would also find hollow dimples on the edge of this knife which prevents meat/veggies from sticking to the blade.
Oklahoma Joe’s Blacksmith Chef Knife
Sturdy & Comfortable
The knife has a rounded blade which adds to its precision and sharpness. With this, you would also get a holster which makes the knife easy to access and store. In addition to this, this chef knife also has an ergonomic handle that provides comfort to the user, Overall this knife is a very comfortable option and provides value for money.
If you can handle its unique design, it is a good knife that you can order on Amazon for less than $30!
| Pros | Cons |
| Sturdy & comfortable | Unusual design |
| Value for money | The blade needs to be sharpened before use |
| Sharp blade | Limited uses |
| Full tang | Difficult to handle for some users |
| Comes with a protective holster |
7. ARCOS 10-Inch Series Universal Chef Knife
The ARCOS universal series 10-inch knife is another best chef knife under $50. The knife has a wide blade with a smooth edge which adds to its sharpness. The blade of this knife is made up of stainless steel material which makes it a strong, durable, and stable tool for home and professional cooks. This versatile tool is best for cutting all kinds of food products, including veggies, fruits, etc.
10-Inch Series Universal Chef Knife
Rust-Free Material
The knife is one of the most precise tools in this league, and this is because it is designed and manufactured with a patented technology which is known as Nitrum. Nitrum ensures that the knife is more durable, hard, precise, and sharp for cutting through hard material. This technique actually involves shaping stainless steel with nitrogen. This is what makes this knife an ultra-strong tool.
The handle of this knife is made up of POM (polyoxymethylene) material and predominant colors, which makes it resistant to rust, high/low temperatures, and also washing detergents. The handle design is comfortable for the user and is also non-slippery.
The ARCOS knives have been in use since the late 1700s, and you would be surprised to know that the company produces over ten million knives every year. The experience of ARCOS makes its knives durable, innovative, and of the highest quality.
You can get this large-blade knife at a shocking price of $49 from Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
| Rust-free material | The 10-inch blade of the knife can be hard to handle for beginners |
| Plain edges | The knife might be too simple for some users |
| Strong and stable design | No protective sheath is available |
| Full tang | |
| Versatile uses | |
| Value to money | |
| 10-inch blade |
8. Kai Wasabi 8-Inch Japanese All-Rounder Chef’s Knife
The wasabi chef’s knife is another reliable all-purpose tool in this list. It is best for cutting fruits, meat, vegetables, and other kitchen items. The knife has a wide blade with a curved belly which helps users dice and mince filets. This best chef knife under $50 has a high-quality build; the blade material is stable steel. The blade is wear-resistant and manufactured in such a way that it retains its edges & fights corrosion.
8-Inch Japanese All-Rounder Chef’s Knife
Comfortable Handle
The simple design and sharp blade of this knife make it an ideal option for professional chefs as well as home cooks. The knife is very easy to use, and this is because of the comfortable grip you get on the handle. The handle is made up of polypropylene material which makes it handy and symmetrical.
Overall the knife is lightweight, sturdy, ergonomic, and affordable! You can order this knife from Amazon for under $50!
| Pros | Cons |
| High-carbon stainless steel | The handle can sometimes get slippery |
| Full tang | Requires regular sharpening |
| Comfortable handle | Not dishwasher safe |
| Well designed | Print on blade |
| Sharp blade |
Want to Spend less than $50 on a Chef Knife? Well, we’ve got you covered as we have listed a few very affordable and budget friendly blades.
Best Budget-Friendly Chef Knife | 3 Affordable Blades for Chefs!
The knives we have listed below fall under the budget series. You can get these knives under $10:
i. Glad Chef Knife 8 Inch – Japanese Style Chef Knife
This knife is of very superior quality despite its low price. This knife has a forged construction which is why it is more powerful, long-lasting, and maintains their edge. Because the blade doesn’t twist as you hold firmly against a sharpening steel, they last for years and are simpler to clean. The blade of this knife is made up of stainless steel material which makes it corrosion resistant.
Glad Chef Knife 8 Inch
Protective Finger Guard
The knife comes with a protective finger guard which provides safety for the user in chopping/cutting tasks. The eight inch blade size makes this knife an ideal tool for chopping meat, slicing vegetables, dicing cheese and much more.
The thing that we like most about this chef knife under $30 is that it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can get this knife for around $10 from Amazon!
| Pros | Cons |
| High quality stainless steel blade | No sheath/blade cover |
| Polymer handle | |
| Low price | |
| Sharp blade | |
| Can be used for multiple purposes |
ii. Berghoff Leo Ceramic Coated Non-Stick Small Chefs Knife
This is another premium quality chef knife that you can get at a very low price. This small chef knife is made from high grade stainless steel material and the blade is coated with blue ceramic material which makes it non-sticky. The ceramic coating on the knife blade makes it an ideal blade for smooth cutting or meat, fruits, veggies and much more.
Coated Non-Stick Small Chefs Knife
Comfortable Handle
The handle of this knife is also made up of stainless steel material which adds to the overall strength and durability of this knife. The handle is quite comfortable to hold and so you don’t have to worry about getting hand-fatigue during hard core cutting tasks.
Overall this is a very good chef knife for those of you who want to enjoy a premium feel in a very low budget. You can get this knife for around $9 from Amazon. You can also visit the Berghoff official store and dig into more about its specifications.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable option | The ceramic coating peels off over time |
| Sharp blade | |
| Comfortable handle | |
| Ideal size for cutting/chopping |
iii. Sensei Slicer 6″ Single-Edged Chef’s Knife
The versatile Sensei chef knife may be used for a variety of kitchen tasks, including cutting vegetables and slicing fish and meat. Ideal for both home cooks and chefs looking for a dependable and sharp kitchen blade.
This knife promises durability and long lasting performance and this is all because it is made up of premium grade carbon steel. This single-edged chef’s knife has an ultra-sharp cutting edge that is 40% sharper than a conventional double-beveled knife. This enables effortless precision and accuracy throughout every cut.
Sensei Slicer 6″ Single-Edged Chef’s Knife
Single Edged Chef’s Knife
Overall the knife has a very ergonomic design. The handle of the knife is comfortable to hold which allows users comfort when being used for a longer time period. The quality of this knife is just like that of premium knives. You can get this knife for $9.99 from Amazon. The thing that we like about this knife is that it comes with a replacement warranty.
| Pros | Cons |
| Multifunctional | Blades need to be sharpened before use |
| Premium quality | |
| Ultra sharp edge | |
| Ergonomic design | |
| Replacement warranty | |
| Value for money |
FAQs to Consider Before Buying a Chef’s Knife!
Here we have discussed some of the most important questions related to the best chef knife under $50. You need to read these before making a purchase decision. The eight knives reviewed in this post are shortlisted on the basis of our research on chef knives.
• What is the Ideal Blade Material for a Chef Knife?
The blade of a chef knife must always be of strong material. Usually, the best knives are the ones that have stainless steel blades. Your knife must be resistant to corrosion, and for that, it is important that you pick a knife made up of high-carbon steel. Japanese and German steel knives are quite famous for their sturdiness and rust resistance.
• Which Handle Material Eliminates Chances of Hand Fatigue?
You must always check the material used in the handle of the knife. Overlooking the handle would not at all be a wise move. When it comes to the handle of a knife, you must not always consider looks. It is important that you choose handles that have an ergonomic design, non-slippery material, and are made up of synthetic material, which makes them durable for rough and tough use. Ergonomic handles with rubber grips are the best ones for professional chefs as they would eliminate the risk of hand fatigue.
• Which Chef Knife is the Best? Full Tang/Multi-Tang
Tang refers to how many pieces the knife blade is manufactured in. The best chef knife under $50 is the one which has a full tang which means it has a single blade. Using multi-tang knives is not always good for everyday use. These kinds of knives can easily break or bend, which makes them less popular in this league. The knives we have listed in this post are the ones that are forged or stamped and have a full tang which in our opinion are the best!
• Does Brand Reputation Matter While Buying the Best Chef Knife?
There are over hundreds of thousands of knives on the digital and conventional market, and it is important that you pick the best one. Considering the brand might not be important for most of you, but the fact is that buying a knife from a well-reputed brand has tons of benefits. Branded knives will always have better quality, comfort, sharpness, and durability. All of the knives we have discussed in this post are the ones who have been manufactured by the top brands.
• Is Warranty Important to Consider While Getting a Chef Knife?
The best chef knife is the one that comes with a quality assurance or lifetime warranty. The benefit of buying branded chef knives is that you would probably get a warranty. Getting a warrantied knife would help you insure the money you have spent. You can claim your money or get the knife changed in case you find any manufacturing defects.
• How Much Should I Spend on a Chef Knife?
When it comes to buying a chef knife, it is important that you consider your budget. The high price isn’t always an indicator of good quality. So you must always pick a knife that provides you maximum value for money. The knives discussed in this guide are the ones that you can easily buy between $10-$50 depending on your pocket.
• How to Care for the Best Chef Knife?
Buying the best chef knife under $50 doesn’t mean that it would be any less than a knife that costs over $200. You just need to make sure that you take care of your tool and spend time on its maintenance. The knives that we have mentioned in this post are the ones that you can use for decades without any hassle if you regularly hone or sharpen them.
Honing refers to realigning the blade of the knife. If you want to ensure that your knife remains strong and sturdy, you need to get a steel honing rod for your stainless steel chef knife.
The other important maintenance technique is sharpening.
Sharpening removes all unnecessary corrosion or material to unveil a fresh layer of the blade. You can use a steel or diamond sharpener to keep your knives sharp. You can also use the best belt sanders for knife sharpening.
There are many affordable honing rods and sharpening tools available on Amazon that you can get to keep your chef knife and other cutting tools in shape!
Conclusion
A chef knife is a very versatile tool that can help a user slice, mince, dice, bash, or chop through different food materials. A chef knife would help you cater to more than 90% of your kitchen needs, which is why you need to buy the best one from this list. You can easily get a high-quality and best chef knife under $50. The knives we have discussed in this post are top-rated, durable, sleek, and user-friendly!
