The Best Kitchen Knives We've Ever Tested

We updated this article in March 2023 to ensure all products are in stock, available and reflect accurate pricing. Our original top-rated picks, selected by the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, remain the same

A good chef's knife is key for quick and safe prep work in the kitchen. The long blade allows for chopping, dicing and mincing as well as breaking down a roast chicken or slicing a steak for serving. They come in a variety of sizes — usually from six- to 14-inch blades — so you can find one that feels best in your hand.

When shopping for chef's knives, the two main types to choose from are German knives, which are heavy and thick, especially at the bolster (where the blade meets the handle) and Japanese knives, which are lightweight and razor-sharp with thinner blades. In addition to blade length and style, they vary in material of blade and handle and how they're made, which affects how they feel and how long they last.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute, we've been testing all types of knives for years, including serrated knives, butcher knives and electric knives. Here are the best kitchen knives you can buy, according to testing.

Our top picks:

Below you'll also find more information on how we test kitchen knives as well as expert insight on what to look for before shopping for a new knife for yourself or a new home cook.