8 top-quality kitchen knives that are a cut above the rest

Best for: long-lasting sharpness

Seriously sharp, precise and fully forged from a single piece of stainless steel, the classic chef’s knife from WÜSTHOF is the all-rounder blade for the kitchen. Made with both hobby and professional chefs in mind, it makes food prep a breeze.

Sizes: 12cm, 16cm, 18cm, 20cm, 23cm and 26cm

Colours: black, white, coral peach, pink Himalayan salt, purple yam, tasty sumac and velvet oyster

Materials: Chromium-molybdenum-vanadium (X50 Cr MoV 15) steel

Key features:

• Made in Germany
• Constructed with Precision Edge Technology, which uses lasers when testing knife blades for maximum sharpness
• Triple riveted curved handle designed to ensure sturdiness, perfect hand fit and secure grip
• Perfectly balanced knife that works as an extension of your hand
• Free shipping

Available at:

• $219.95 (usually $349) at Kitchen Warehouse
• $244.30 (usually $349) at Myer

Best for: slicing and chopping meat, fruit and veggies

Combine superior cutting performance with the brand’s innovative reverse-wedge anti-fatigue handle. The Furi Pro is perfect for slicing and chopping meat, fruits and vegetables. This knife fuses together a Western Cook’s knife and an Eastern vegetable chopper for an incredibly smooth slice every time.

Materials: precision-crafted X50CrMoV15 Japanese stainless steel blade

Key features:

• Jet black oxidised finish that is durable and scratch-resistant
• Sharp Tech edge blade, hand sharpened to 26° cutting angle and hardened to 55 to 57 HRC
• Precision-crafted X50CrMoV15 Japanese stainless steel blade for edge retention and rust resistance
• Reverse-wedge, anti-fatigue handle designed to lock into the hand and reduce slip towards the blade
• Optimised bolster fully protects fingers while allowing full use of the blade all the way to the heel
• 25-year guarantee

Available at:

• $79.95 (usually $169.95) at Kitchen Warehouse
• $84.99 (usually $169.95) at Brosa
• $84.99 (usually $169.95) at Matt Blatt

Best for: value for money

This 11-piece set has everything you need for effortless food prep. From chopping veggies to carving roasts, the McCook 11 piece knife set includes a variety of knives for every task. The built-in sharpener keeps your blades razor-sharp, while the acacia wood block provides stylish storage. Makes a perfect gift for any home cook!

“Was needing a new set of knives and started researching different knife sets,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “I had never seen this brand before and so started comparing them with all the others. Thought it a was a great value. They are absolutely the best knife set I have ever had, and I really like that the knife sharpener is built into the block. (Now I don’t have to go searching for the darn thing…) They are extremely durable and look great on the counter. I’m a happy girl.”

Sizes: 11 piece, 14 piece and 15 piece

Colours: acacia/stainless, black handle/graphite, purple/black, red/natural and silver/black

Materials: stainless steel

Key features:

• Over 24,100 five-star ratings on Amazon
• 11-piece set includes chef knife, santoku knife, bread knife and more
• Built-in sharpener for easy blade maintenance
• Stainless steel blades for durability and rust resistance
• Ergonomic handles for comfortable use
• Stylish acacia wood knife block for space-saving storage

Best for: modern-day kitchens

This three-piece starter set is all you need to tackle everyday kitchen tasks. The ChefX Kusunoki knives are crafted from the finest 420J2 Japanese stainless steel, renowned for its exceptional sharpness and lasting durability. They are also heat-tempered and ice-hardened, ensuring your blades stay razor-sharp, slice effortlessly and resist chipping for years to come.

Sizes: 9cm, 16cm and 20cm

Materials: high-quality 420J2 Japanese stainless steel

Key features:

• Three-piece set includes chef’s knife, santoku knife and paring knife
• Crafted from high-quality 420J2 Japanese Stainless Steel
• Heat tempered and ice hardened for long-lasting sharpness
• Dishwasher safe (handwashing recommended for extended life)
• Modern and stylish design

Best for: professional chefs

The KlevaCut versatile kitchen knife slices any food with ease. From chopping to slicing, this chef knife is your one-stop solution for effortless food prep. With its razor-sharp, MRE-honed blade and perfectly balanced design, it’s a favourite among professional chefs.

Reviewers say it’s a top-quality knife that’s comfortable to use, with very sharp edges. Others praise its value for money and write that it slices through ingredients and food very easily.

Materials: tough Vamolcrium steel

Key features:

• Over 1.5k five-star reviews
• Sharp Vamolcrium steel blade cuts through anything with precision
• MRE sharpening ensures long-lasting sharpness
• Lightweight and perfectly balanced for fatigue-free chopping
• Ergonomic handle for comfortable use
• 20cm length makes it ideal for a variety of tasks

Available at:

• $69 at Amazon

Best for: everyday kitchen tasks

Ice-hardened for superior performance, this Tefal utility knife is created in collaboration with none other than Jamie Oliver. Featuring German stainless steel blades that are beautifully weighted for a comfortable and secure grip – chopping vegetables and fruits for a quick midweek meal has never been easier.

“Best quality utility knife I’ve ever owned,” said a reviewer who left five stars. “Sharp, versatile and does everything from paring to prepping veg. Comfortable handle and good balanced blade.”

Materials: stainless steel

Key features:

• Ice-hardened for superior performance
• Beautifully weighted for a comfortable and secure grip
• German stainless steel blades
• 10-year warranty

Available at:

• $37.16 at Amazon

Best for: experienced home cooks and professionals seeking high-performance knives

Craving restaurant-quality cuts at home? Look no further than the Baccarat iD3 Tora knife set. This seven-piece set is crafted for serious cooks, featuring razor-thin, lightweight knives that move at lightning speed.

Materials: premium 420J2 Japanese steel

Key features:

• Seven-piece set includes chef’s knife, santoku knife, carving knife, paring knife, utility knife, shears and acacia wood block
• Crafted from premium 420J2 Japanese Steel for exceptional sharpness and edge retention
• Ice-hardened blades for superior strength and durability
• MicroDot Technology for enhanced grip and control
• Lightweight design for fatigue-free chopping
• Backed by Baccarat Lifetime Guarantee

Available at:

• $79.20 at Brosa
• $79.20 at Catch

Best for: those who value quality

Experience the precision and performance of Japanese craftsmanship with this beautiful six-piece knife set. Made from high-quality Cromova 18 stainless steel, these knives are built to last. They resist rust and stains and maintain their edge longer, making them a dream for everyday cooking.

“Sharp, easy to use and clean and looks great on the kitchen bench,” said a five-star reviewer. “I can’t believe the difference sharp knives make to food preparation. They were on sale at Kitchen Warehouse, ordered online and collected in-store. Staff were very professional and knowledgeable.”

Sizes: 22cm bread knife, 20cm cook’s knife, 14cm vegetable knife, 13cm cook’s knife, 11cm paring knife and 8cm paring knife

Materials: cromova 18 stainless steel

Key features:

• Made in Japan with authentic quality and craftsmanship
• Cromova 18 stainless steel ensures long-lasting sharpness, rust and stain resistance
• Ice-tempered blades sharpened at a 15° angle for effortless cutting
• Seamlessly fused handles prevent dirt and bacteria build-up
• Dimpled handles and rounded spines provide a secure grip
• The stylish bamboo block with an acrylic window keeps your knives organised

Available at:

• $398.99 at Catch
• $399 (usually $899) at Amazon
• $399 (usually $899) at Mini Max
• $439 (usually $899) at Myer