These Are the Best Chef's Knives for Home Cooks

Kitchen knives come in many shapes and sizes, but if you ask most home cooks to choose just one they couldn't live without, they'll point to a chef's knife (also called a cook's knife). Sure, other knives in your kitchen might be better suited for special tasks like cutting bread or paring vegetables, but the best chef's knives are designed to help you do pretty much everything else: chop herbs, mince garlic, dice vegetables, slice meat, and more.

Chef's knives come in two main styles: German-style knives are hefty and durable with a curved blade, while Japanese-style knives are more lightweight with a straighter, thinner blade for more precise cuts. But the decisions don't stop there. You'll need to consider blade length (eight inches is typical, but it can range from six to 14), handle material, cost—and maybe even how it will look in your kitchen. Identifying the best chef's knives is a tricky task, because a knife that feels sturdy and comfortable to one person might seem unwieldy to another. We rounded up some of the most popular and top-rated chef's knives at every price point to help you find the one that's right for you.

Whichever knife you choose, remember that proper care is key: Use a plastic or wooden cutting board (never marble or glass) and hone your knife frequently. Wash your knife by hand (not in the dishwasher) and store it in a knife block or on a magnetic strip instead of in a drawer where the blade could dull—or worse, cut you!