8 Tough Steak Knives That Can Slice Through Meats Fast

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FROM THE garage to the kitchen to the campsite, every man needs a variety of reliable tools in his life. None is more versatile than a trusty knife. Whether you’re processing firewood, carving up a roast, or picking through your latest Amazon delivery after work, a knife is the most important tool in your arsenal. That’s especially true in the kitchen, where having a good knife—or, more specifically, a good set of knives—is essential.

Ideally, a knife block with a comprehensive set of blades should be on the countertop of every home chef’s kitchen. But, your guests need solid cutting implements too, which is why a good steak knife set is a must-have.

It’s easy to assume “a knife is a knife is a knife,” but not all steak knives are created equal. There’s a long list of features to consider, like edge type, blade material, weight, aesthetics, and, of course, price. Plus, you’ll want to think about full tang versus partial tang, high-carbon steel or tempered, and plain edge versus serrated. When it comes to the best steak knives, durability and sharpness are key factors, too.

In short, investing in a high-quality steak knife set is essential for any home chef, dinner host, or steak enthusiast. The right set of knives can elevate your at-home dining experience, making each cut effortless and precise. Whether you prioritize durability, elegance, affordability, or modern style, we’ve put in the elbow grease by rounding up our top picks. Below, our list of the 8 best steak knife sets of 2023.

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Gourmet 6-pc Steak Knife Set

Zwilling’s Gourmet 6-Piece Steak Knife Set is our pick for the overall best steak knives in 2023. Everything about these knives is “just right.” They’re well-balanced—not too heavy and not too light—and sized right to fit almost any size hand. Crafted from high-carbon stainless steel, these knives offer exceptional cutting performance and resistance to corrosion.

The full-tang design (meaning the blade metal runs the length of the handle) ensures a durable construction, so they’re built to last. Whether slicing through a tender filet mignon or a juicy ribeye, we found the serrated edges of these knives glide effortlessly through meat, delivering clean and smooth cuts every time.

The classic, timeless aesthetic also looks right in almost any kitchen or dining room decor. Plus, at around $130, the price is right in the middle of the other picks on this list—not quite budget, but well below any premium alternatives.

Read more: Best Chef Knives

Walnut Tradition Steak Knife Set

Good steak knives don’t have to cost a fortune. The Walnut Tradition Steak Knife Set from Chicago Cutlery is the most affordable we've tried, coming in at under $25.

They lack the aesthetic and luxe weighty feel of premium options from Wusthof and the like. But, if you’re in the market for a set of well-made steak knives that cut better than anything else in the price tier, this set is our pick. We appreciate the boning-knife-esque thinness of this straight-edged set which makes precise meat cutting easier than with larger, more traditional serrated steak knives. We also love the rustic, classic look of these wooden handles.

Read more: Best Japanese Knives

Classic Ikon Precision Forged High-Carbon Steak Knife Set

Of course, if money is no object, the Classic Ikon Precision Forged High-carbon Steak Knife Set should do the trick. It’s crafted by 200-year-old Wüsthof in Solingen, Germany, the so-called “knife capital of the world.” This is the set for foodies and home chefs whose cutlery needs to not only play the part, but look the part as well.

The high-carbon stainless steel blade is forged from a single block and designed to last twice as long as the company’s previous models. We're huge fans of the sleek, jet-black aesthetic, which makes these the most luxurious and sophisticated steak knives we've considered. And they should be, at nearly $500 for a set of four. In our experience, they’re also the sharpest knives we tested—almost dangerously so—by far.

Read more: Best Kitchen Knives

Flight Steak Knives

For families who are especially tough on their silverware (and require dishwasher-safe designs) or anyone looking for a simpler knife design, there’s Oneida’s classic Flight Steak Knives. The tried-and-true monochrome set dates back to the 1950s and is still in use in casual restaurants around the world.

They’re sturdier than they look and the basic aesthetic works well in any family or bachelor dining room. While they’re not as sharp or swanky as other options on this list, we found the sub-$5 price tag (per knife) makes these a great “everyday” steak knife solution.

Read more: Best Kitchen Products

Nature Black Wood Six-Piece Steak Knife Set

For those seeking a touch of elegance, this six-piece set from Sabre Paris is a perfect choice. Featuring a sleek design with polished black wooden handles, these knives not only deliver exceptional performance but also add a touch of sophistication to your dining table.

We found that the blades, made in France from stainless steel, retain their sharpness for extended periods, ensuring long-lasting use. The lightweight construction and well-balanced design make these knives feel luxe yet comfortable in-hand. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these knives will impress your guests with their quiet yet apparent quality.

Swiss Army Cutlery Swiss Classic Serrated Steak Knife Set (Rounded Tip)

Given the brand’s iconic Swiss Army collection, it’s safe to say Victorinox knows a thing or two about good knives. The Swiss Classic Serrated Steak Knife Set includes some of the best steak knives we tested, so it’s not surprising that they’re also an Amazon Best Seller.

We found the serrated edges surprisingly sharp (especially for a $30 set). The lightweight design includes a textured handle that’s safer and more comfortable for cutting, too. We also appreciate that they’re among the few truly dishwasher-safe designs on this list.

Stainless Mignon Steak Knife Set (8-Piece)

The right set of steak knives makes a great gift for the budding chef in your life. Wüsthof’s Stainless Mignon 8-Piece Steak Knife Set is a perfect, gift-worthy set, especially with the optional monogramming. The full-tang design makes for a remarkably well-balanced knife, while the 18/10 stainless steel serrated blade is perfect for slicing through even the thickest cuts of meat.

What truly sets this one apart is the handsome, olivewood presentation box that makes for a perfect display piece—no more hiding your cutlery away

Kanso Steak Knife Set

Japanese knives are regarded as some of the best in the world, and the Kanso Steak Knife Set from premium maker Shun is no exception. This high-end option features four beautifully handcrafted knives with an extra-long, five-inch blade.

We found the high-carbon vanadium stainless steel extremely durable and sharp, and the hand-sharpened, double-bevel blade perfect for a wide variety of cutting. Shun finishes this set with a rustic, heritage finish that hides scratches and looks better with age. They’re the second most expensive set on this list, but we would argue the most beautiful, making them a unique, gift-worthy option for someone lucky.

Read more: How to Cook Steak

How to Choose the Best Steak Knives (for You)

There’s a long list of great options out there when shopping for new steak knives, and it's hard to know which features to invest in, and which aren't worth your coin. Here are a few features to consider when you're in the market for a new set:

Edge type: There’s long been a debate about which type of steak knife edge is better: Serrated or plain (non-serrated). The short answer is: There is no right answer. It depends on what you’re looking for. Critics argue that serrated blades don’t cut as “pretty” because you’re essentially sawing through the meat. They do, however, cut more efficiently and stay sharper longer since the entire blade doesn’t make full contact with the plate underneath. They’re not as easy to sharpen as plain-edge knives, but significant advances in blade technology have made the home-sharpening of serrated steak knives much easier than it used to be.

On the flip side, plain steak knives cut much cleaner and are easier to sharpen at home. They do, however, dull faster than their serrated counterparts since the full length of the blade regularly makes contact with the plate below. That means more maintenance and sharpening every few months or so (depending on use).

Blade material: This is arguably the most important factor but, thankfully, it’s also the easiest. The answer is simple: Stainless steel. Opt for the strongest stainless steel blade you can afford. High-carbon stainless steel is the most widely used and is found in even the most affordable steak knife sets. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, consider cold steel which is usually sharper and more durable. We recommend skipping ceramic blades altogether. Even though they're cheaper, we’ve found that you typically get what you pay for.

Tang type: The tang refers to the portion of the knife blade that extends into the handle. There are two main types: full tang and half tang.

A full tang knife has the blade extending fully through the handle, providing optimal strength, stability, and balance. Full tang knives are generally considered to be more durable and reliable, as the blade and handle are one continuous piece of metal. They are less likely to break or become loose over time.

A half tang knife has a blade that extends partially into the handle, with the handle material covering the remaining portion. While some half tang knives can still be sturdy, they may not offer the same level of strength and balance as full tang knives. Half tang knives are often lighter and more affordable, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Weight: The weight of a steak knife can significantly impact the comfort and cutting experience of anyone holding it. The ideal weight depends on personal preference, but at least a little weightiness is typically preferred. Look for a steak knife with a balanced distribution of weight between the blade and handle, allowing for comfortable and precise cuts.

Price: The price range for steak knives can vary greatly, depending on factors such as materials, craftsmanship, brand reputation, and design. Consider your budget and balance it with your desired quality and features, knowing that there are made-to-last options within every price range.

Can You Sharpen Steak Knives?

Steak knives absolutely can, and shoulder, be sharpened. Even those with serrated edges, though they don't require as much upkeep to stay sharp as plain edge knives.

Sharpening your steak knives is like giving them a rejuvenating spa treatment. Just imagine those knives enjoying a day of pampering after carrying you though slices and dices for the past few months or so.

It should be a regular ritual, like brushing your teeth or doing a victory dance after cooking a mouthwatering steak. With proper care and occasional sharpening, your steak knives will continue to slice through steaks with finesse for years to come.

Why You Can Trust Us

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. Our writers and editors thoughtfully select experts for collaboration on product recommendations, and are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.

Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

How We Selected

We tested more than two dozen steak knife sets on a wide variety of cuts of meat over the last 28 months. We took notes on everything, including blade durability, edge retention, hand balance, price, overall aesthetics, and more. The seven sets above represent our honest picks for the best steak knives to seriously consider for your kitchen in 2023.

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