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 easier than ever.

It has a 4.8 star rating on Appliances Online, with many shoppers loving the quality, sharpness and durability. Many highlight the knife’s precision craftsmanship and say it has served them well for years, even decades, with regular use.

“I had always heard that Wüsthof brand knives were top-tier, but I truly believe it now,” shared one reviewer. “From the very first use, I was extremely impressed and will definitely be buying this brand moving forward!”

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

Colours: Black, white, coral peach, pink Himalayan salt, purple yam, tasty sumac, 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

Also available at:

• $174 (usually $349) at Minimax
• $189.95 at Amazon
• $189.95 (usually $349) at Kitchen Warehouse

Best for: Premium Japanese craftsmanship

For those who appreciate form as much as function, the Miyabi Gyutoh knife is a work of art. Made in Seki, Japan, the blade boasts a stunning 48-layer Damascus pattern, a super-fine edge and a D-shaped handle for precise control. It’s a premium option for serious cooks or those who love a luxe kitchen tool.

“First thing my husband used it on was carrots and it just glided through it,” wrote a five-star reviewer on Amazon. “We were both amazed at the quality of this knife. My husband couldn’t be any happier. It is a perfect addition to his chefs knives.”

Materials: SG2 micro-carbide powder steel, birch wood, stainless steel (for end cap and accents)

Key features:

• Made in Japan using traditional Honbazuke hand-honing
• 48-layer Damascus steel with a durable FC61 core
• Ice-hardened blade stays sharp for longer
• Octagonal pakkawood handle for ergonomic grip and control
• Beautiful design that doubles as kitchen decor

Also available at:

• $419.97 (usually $599.95) at MiniMax

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

Also available at:

• $899 at Amazon
• $349 (usually $899) at MiniMax
• $352 (usually $899) at Appliances Online
• $899 at David Jones

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

Also available at:

• $64.95 (usually $169.95) at Kitchen Warehouse
• $81.22 at Amazon

Best for: Budget-friendly professional performance

Beloved by chefs around the world, this Swiss-made knife proves you don’t need to spend big for a seriously reliable blade. Lightweight and razor-sharp, the Fibrox Pro is great for daily slicing, dicing and chopping. The non-slip handle offers extra grip, even when wet. Great for busy kitchens!

82 per cent of over 1740 reviewers awarded this knife a five-star rating on Amazon, saying it’s excellent quality and very sharp, noting that it maintains its sharpness with sharpening. They also love how comfortable it feels in their hands.

“It’s perfect, everything I wanted from a chef’s knife,” shared an Aussie reviewer. “No wonder why it’s a classic. Cuts like butter out of the box and expect it will maintain its sharpness with sharpening in future.”

Materials: Stainless steel, plastic (Fibrox handle)

Key features:

• Swiss-made with high-carbon stainless steel
• Ergonomic, slip-resistant Fibrox handle
• Laser-tested blade for long-lasting sharpness
• Dishwasher safe (but handwashing recommended)
• Highly rated by professional chefs and home cooks alike

Best for: Value for money

This 11-piece set has everything you need for quick, easy 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 happy reviewer on Amazon, where the set has over 3360 five-star reviews. “I had never seen this brand before and so started comparing them with all the others. Thought it a was 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:

• 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: Professional chefs

From chopping to slicing, this chef knife is your one-stop solution for effortless food prep. It’s razor-sharp (thanks to MRE honing), super well-balanced and just feels right in your hand. No wonder the professionals swear by it.

Reviewers on the Kleva website also say it’s a quality knife that feels good in the hand and holds a sharp edge. Many mention it’s great value for money and makes light work of everything from veggies to tougher cuts.

Materials: Tough Vamolcrium steel

Key features:

• Over 1.6k 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

Also 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 everyone’s favourite chef, 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 an Amazon 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