6 Best Steak Knives Reviewed & Buyer’s Guide

It’s impossible to have a good kitchen without a good pair of steak knives. Steak knives can be handy for various meals, spanning from steaks to chops to sandwiches and everything in between.

This is why we’ve compiled a list of the best steak knife reviews below.

If you are looking for a high-quality steak knife set, look no further. Enjoy a great supper without the hassle of sawing into the meat with your standard, generally blunt knife.

In the kitchen, a decent steak knife may always be appreciated, regardless of whether you are looking for a utility or just like the best silverware as part of your collection.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the finest steak knives the market offers so that you can choose the appropriate one for your kitchen.

Reviewing 6 of the best steak knives for 2021

Here is our selection of the finest steak knives, including the top knife from America’s Test Kitchen, so that you may pick the appropriate setting for your requirements.

1. Best steak knife set: Wüsthof Classic Steak Knife Set

With this traditional steak knife set from Wüsthof, you’ll get four knives of the highest quality and enduring beauty. Make your money go further with this bundle if you’re ready to fork out more money for superior quality.

Featuring a straight, razor-sharp edge, the Wüsthof Classic Steak Knives are a classic cutlery choice. The 4-inch blade is made of stainless steel with a high carbon content, which means it is more durable.

The knives’ robust and fine blades allow them to make accurate cuts with little effort.

The high-grade blades need to be sharpened often, despite their great quality. To maintain the edges in excellent shape, you’ll need a decent sharpener.

This set’s polypropylene handles aren’t popular with everyone, but they’re exceptionally heat-resistant and robust. For accurate control over the entire blade without any slippage, they are triple-riveted.

2. Best high-end steak knife: Shun Classic 4-Piece Steak Knife Set

The Shun Classic 4-Piece Steak Knife Set is a top-of-the-line knife set meticulously manufactured by Japanese artisans. Whether it’s for a wedding, birthday, or other special events, it’s the ideal present.

The steel used in the blades of these stylish knives is corrosion-resistant and extremely robust while still maintaining a fine edge, making them ideal for cooking enthusiasts. Japanese knives are recognized for their exceptional performance, and the quality of these knives is consistent with that history.

Damascus cladding also provides a distinctive pattern on the blade, making it both visually appealing and structurally sound.

Knives have black pakkawood handles that are both comfortable to hold and beautiful to look at. So you can expect them to last you for a long time since they are water-resistant, too.

On the flip side, not everyone appreciates the straight Japanese handles that were seen. Because of this, some may find it a deal-breaker.

3. Best overall: Wusthof 8-Piece Stainless-Steel Steak Knife Set

Eight great steak knives that are both functional and visually appealing are included in the Wusthof Stainless-Steel Steak Knife Set. They are constructed of high carbon, which makes them very tough and long-lived.

Because of their strong structure, the blades retain their sharpness for a long time, reducing the frequency you need to sharpen them. Cutting into the meat will be a breeze with a knife that has been precision-forged to create clean, accurate slices.

For optimal control, the whole tangs of the blades protrude through the handles, ensuring that they are perfectly balanced. Additionally, the knives’ stainless steel handles give them a sleek and contemporary appearance.

Because of these qualities, the knives are well-balanced and easy to handle.

Not to mention the rosewood knife box that comes with the set and serves as a secure haven for the blades. When paired with elegant knives, it elevates your dining experience.

Weddings and other special occasions are perfect for giving the knife set as a gift. One minor flaw is that the storage box’s sturdiness doesn’t equal that of the knife set, which is disappointing.

4. Runner Up: DALSTRONG Steak Knives – Set of 4 – Gladiator Series – Forged German ThyssenKrupp HC Steel w/Sheaths (5″ Straight-Edge Blade, Black G10 Handle)

Featuring a conventional design and high-quality straight blades, the DALSTRONG Steak Knives set includes four steak knives in total. Dalstrong is a newcomer to the knife-making industry, but it has already made a name for itself by providing high-quality products at a reasonable price.

Dalstrong Steak Knives include complete tangs and are individually packaged in their protective sheath. The meticulous hand-sharpening of the 5′′ ThyssenKrupp German steel blades is a distinguishing feature of this set.

Because of the hollow edges of the blades, no food will adhere to the blade during cutting. Because of this, even though meat may be chopped into thin slices.

The handles, made of black pakkawood, contribute to the luxury cutting experience in the same way that the blades do. It’s easy to clean and lasts longer thanks to the lamination. Aside from that, the ergonomic design of the handles ensures a pleasant grip.

5. Best Budget: Messermeister Avanta Set Steak Knife, 5″, Brown

Designed for rigorous slicing, the Messermeister Avanta 5′′ Set Steak Knife comes as a set of four knives with sharp edges and a distinctive design. Despite their affordable price tag, the knives’ excellent design gives the impression that they are high-end.

The high-grade German steel used in producing these knives ensures their long-lasting sturdiness, strength, and sharpness. That implies they’re durable and don’t need much attention, like regular sharpening.

You can easily and cleanly cut into the meat with the 5-inch blades.

There is a visible full tang at the ends of each knife, which can be seen in the photos. To make the handles appear even more plentiful, they’re made of high-quality materials.

The model may easily be worth twice as much if you add the high-end brown pakkawood handles.

Although the grips should have been smoother, this does not detract from the overall experience. To sum it up, this is a great option for those who want a steak knife set but don’t want to spend too much money.

6. Best steakhouse style – Chicago Cutlery 4-Piece Basics Steakhouse Knife Set

Are you looking for a conventional pair of steak knives, like those seen at your local steakhouse? The Chicago Cutlery version is as real as you’ll ever get, including big oak handles and large blades.

You may use these knives to cut through your homemade steaks with ease, thanks to their razor-sharp, high-carbon stainless steel blades. The full metal tang provides stability and long-term usability, which is ideal for a sharp steak knife.

The cutting edges of Chicago Cutlery’s knives keep their optimal sharpness standards for peak effectiveness owing to the company’s distinctive 25-degree taper grind finish.

The triple-riveted and classically designed handles complete the package. Their rustic aspect is enhanced because they have not been polished, but this may be changed if desired.

Because of the large handles, these knives may be too heavy for certain users, but that depends entirely on the size of your hands and your tastes.

These knives are longer than typical, measuring 10 inches in length with a five-inch blade, so keep this in mind if you’re seeking to add to your existing collection from another manufacturer.

Because of their straightforward design and conventionally excellent aesthetics, as well as their affordable pricing and lifetime guarantee, it’s no surprise that these steak knives are so popular.

This simple set is ideal for everyday usage at home or on the go for your next backyard BBQ. Economical, robust, and long-lasting, these knives are an excellent choice for outside barbeques and steak evenings at home.

What you need to know about steak knives

If you want a more traditional steak knife, you may choose between serrated blades (which have teeth like a little saw) and flat blades (which look like small chef’s tools). Both have benefits and drawbacks that set them apart from one another.

Generally, steak knives are used on surfaces difficult for the blades to interact with, like ceramic plates. This is one of the most significant differences between steak knives and other types of kitchen knives.

Kitchen knives, which are used on more friendly surfaces such as cutting boards, might lose their sharpness more quickly as a result when used on these tough surfaces.

Serrated Knives

Pros: These blades, like bigger serrated knives, are intended to be used on products with a harder outside and a more delicate inside, such as grilled steaks. They retain their sharpness for longer than straight-bladed knives, thanks to their structure.

Cons: We discovered that serrated knives tore through flesh more often than plain kitchen blades, causing them to drag and rip. Furthermore, even though they may be sharpened less often, serrated blades are more difficult to sharpen. A professional sharpening service will probably be required.

Straight-Bladed Knives

Pros: With minimal to no wear or ripping, we found these knives to perform better than serrated ones when it comes to cutting cleanly.

Cons: Because these knives do not have serrations, they will need more regular sharpening than serrated knives.

Hollow edge

With this type of steak knife, the blade’s edge will be made up of small, precise indentations. This creates an air pocket that’s separate from the slice.

The food won’t adhere to the blade, and you’ll get better slices as a result.

Why do you need a steak knife set?

There are several reasons to replace your old blades with a high-quality steak knife set instead of scrounging around for the cheapest option. A nice pair of steak knives may enhance your dining experience, and the following are some compelling arguments for making the purchase.

Sharp blades

An excellent steak knife set has blades meticulously manufactured to achieve a razor-sharp edge. Thus, your steak will be as tender as a piece of butter thanks to your knives.

Sharp steak knives guarantee a precise cut, unlike dull table knives that rip the meat into fragments and drain the fluids. They take the stress off of chopping a delicious piece of meat.

In addition to its principal use, a steak knife may cut sandwiches in half or slice fruits and vegetables.

Safety features

Cutting with a well-honed knife is much less dangerous. For a steak knife set to be considered the finest, it should include well-made blades with robust handles so that the blade does not start wobbling after a few usages.

Additionally, the ergonomic handles of high-quality steak knives help to hold the sharp blades firmly in position during cutting action. It aids with cutting safety by reducing the likelihood of mishaps.

Using pressure on the meat is made easier because of the handle’s substantial bolsters.

Easy handling

Steak knives can’t only be sharp; they need to be functional as well. If you all require sharpness, you may just pick up a typical sharpened kitchen knife from your drawer.

The greatest steak knives will not only be sharp, but they will also be well-balanced and comfortable to grip, allowing you to cut in the manner you choose with little effort.

In general, steak knives should be easy to hold and not be a source of conversation at the dinner table unless your guests are complimenting your set.

Good feel

The sight of rusty and beaten-out knives is a dreadful one. You can’t get that special occasion vibe with them paired with a high-quality steak cut.

To make your steak night memorable, consider investing in a high-quality pair of steak knives.

Elegant knives may also convey that you put extra effort into the dish for the person you’re dining with.

Who needs a steak knife set?

If you consume meat daily, you should have one of them. With a well-designed blade, slicing tenderloin or chopping meat is much more enjoyable.

However, this is not just true for those who are using serrated steak knives but also for those who are using the plain table blades that came with their cutlery.

If you’re a lover of entertaining, or if you simply want to whip up a gourmet dinner from time to time, a good steak knife set is a must-have. Steak knives are a great present for the appropriate person.

What to look for in a steak knife

When it comes to steak knives, they are not the same as the everyday kitchen knives that get dull over time and don’t cause you any serious problems. To make your meals more pleasurable, steak knives should stand out in your cookware collection.

Five things to check for when purchasing a steak knife are listed below.

Sharp blade

In terms of features, a sharp blade is not the only one to keep an eye on. Using a dull knife will result in the loss of flavorful liquids while attempting to cut delicate bits of meat.

Cutting even the hardest meats is a breeze with these razor-sharp, fine-edge knives. Because of that, you don’t have to work up an appetite to enjoy your meals.

Blade material

Very robust carbon steel was traditionally used to make steak knives. The material used in the finest steak knives is high-carbon stainless steel, which is both strong and light.

Better cuts and longer edge retention are benefits of using a steel blade of excellent grade. Stainless steel blades will not rust or corrode, which is necessary if you want to maintain your knives in good shape for a long time.

Full tang

This implies that the whole blade is composed of one piece of metal, making it more durable and safer for you to use. It keeps the handle from slipping and doesn’t let go of its position within the handle when you least expect it.

In reality, the design might protect you from major injury when eating at the table. Our second element, which we’ll discuss briefly, is that of a well-balanced design.

Balanced design

In addition to a complete tang, the knives should be well-balanced for improved control and comfort during use. Cutting precisely will be easier if the design has a good weight. It will also seem less toy-like in your hands.

Ergonomic handle

Sleek, ergonomic, and robust handles are essential for a top-notch steak knife set. You won’t have to worry about the knives being too rough or too polished since they’ll fit snugly in your hand.

Finding a knife with a beautiful handle but poor performance is possible. The kind and substance of the handles should be considered before making a final selection.

Price

When purchasing your house, your budget is usually a factor. Even if larger prices don’t necessarily equate to better quality, you generally get what you pay for the majority of the time as well. For long-lasting blades, expect a higher price to pay.

Important considerations for steak knives

The following considerations should be made before purchasing a knife set:

• To avoid rusting and dulling, use high-quality stainless steel knives over lower-quality ones.
• Knives with wooden handles must usually be cleaned by hand. Dishwasher-safe knives have stainless steel handles, making them ideal for busy households. The smoother the handle, the less pleasant it is to grasp and the less maneuverable it is.
• It’s best to use a bread knife for cutting bread, not a steak knife. Blades that have not been properly cared for will rapidly become dull and less effective.
• Any company notorious for producing cheap knives should be avoided. Manufacturers that do not provide a lifetime guarantee on their items should be avoided. Checking internet reviews is a smart first step.
• Serrated blades should not be sharpened using a standard sharpening tool. To sharpen them properly, you’ll need a specialized hand-held sharpener that requires you to focus on each edge individually.
• Knife blocks are not included in all of the sets on this list. A steak knife block is a must-have since you’ll need a place to keep them while they’re not in use. Magnetic strips may be installed on the wall to hold blades.
• Steak knives of poor construction or design should be avoided. One method to determine this is to visually inspect the handle and blade for gaps. Almost always, if you see one, it indicates a knife’s low-quality manufacturing.

Care and maintenance

To get the most out of any of these knives, you must conduct a few simple maintenance tasks now and then.

To begin with, hand-wash them and allow them to dry after that. (This is particularly critical for the natural wood handles on the Opinel and Chicago Cutlery models.)

In addition to the high temperatures and chemicals inside the soap, dishwashers are harsh on blades because of the pounding and rattling that takes place inside. To ensure the long-term viability of your steak knives, you must hand wash them after each use.

You may also use a magnetic strip to keep your knives organized, or you can keep them in the box they arrived in. Keeping the blades safe from wear and tear is all that’s required; you don’t need anything more elaborate than that.

It’s also a good idea to shield your fingertips from the nicks and cuts they would acquire from unintentionally picking up a steak knife.

In the third and final step, sharpen the edges by running them through knife steel before each use. In the end, however, steel is only meant for the maintenance, not the creation, of a razor-sharp edge.

For a few bucks per blade, you can have your knives professionally sharpened at any reputable cutlery shop after many steak dinners, but you can also do it yourself at home.

However, unless you are primarily a carnivore, that day will be a long time away; you don’t need to re-sharpened your steak knives for many years.

More information about materials and construction

If you’ve done any research on knives at all, you’ve probably come across a baffling haze of technical language and specs. Here’s a short guide that applies to all kinds of blades, from steak knives to chef’s knives:

“High-carbon steel” is a marketing term for any steel alloy used to create blades. If the term is used, you should disregard it, and if it is not, you should not be concerned.

However, it is important to remember that a knife referred to as “high carbon” or “carbon steel” is susceptible to rust. If you want to ensure that your knife will not rust, look for the designation “stainless” on the label.

Stainless steel has a chromium content that ranges between 14 and 18 percent, with a minimum of 12 percent. To prevent corrosion (rusting) of the steel below, each exposed surface is coated with a thick chromium coating.

We’ve compiled a list of the best stainless steel knives on the market, and they’re all high-performing: corrosion-resistant, able to handle and retain a sharp edge, and simple to resharpen.

As far back as antiquity, the term “Damascus steel” denoted the unique steel alloy produced by Middle Eastern smithies. It was said to be more durable, harder, and sharper than any other steel in the known universe.

As a result of the process of stacking and welding multiple alloys together, Damascus is now essentially a sort of ordinary steel that has been folded over itself several times.

Here’s a clip to check out: Contrary to what many believe, Damascus blades are neither stronger nor sharper than knives produced from a single piece of steel, yet they are considered more attractive.

Thousands of steel alloys are available, each with a specific purpose, including iron, carbon, and one or more other elements. Knife alloys alone number in the hundreds, with names like AEB-L, VG-10, 19C27, and ZDP-189 being alphabet soup.

For steak knives, at the very least, disregard them altogether. It doesn’t matter what alloy is used by a reputable producer.

The rosewood that is utilized in modern knife-making is seldom true rosewood. Real rosewood (a phrase used to describe a variety of tropical species) is in short supply, which is why it is illegal to deal in it internationally.

For knife-making, the word “rosewood” refers to any hardwood dyed a reddish-brown tint; beech is a popular and ecologically friendly substitute.

When it comes to plastics, POM (polyoxymethylene; sometimes referred to as acetal and Delrin, and often referred to as POM resin) is a hefty, tough, and durable material.

As a result, it is safe to use as a handle material for knives, even in the presence of acids, solvents, salt, and heat. It’s hardly unexpected that it’s been utilized in that capacity for decades.

POM-handled knives aren’t a sign of inferiority or low quality; top manufacturers usually provide them for professional chefs and serious home cooks. I’ve had a POM-handled santoku for over two decades, but none of the finer knives I’ve acquired after that has displaced it from its throne of dominance.

Resin-impregnated genuine wood is known as Pakkawood in the industry. Because of the resins, which are non-toxic and suitable for consumption, the wood becomes more solid and water-resistant.

In addition to being painted black, Pakkawood may also be stained in various colors to bring out the wood’s inherent texture.

There will be a lot of debate regarding whether or not to use forged or stamped blades. When forged, a single piece of steel is pounded into form.

Metal is ground away from stamped blades after being punched out of flat sheets of steel.

The forging technique produces stronger, more consistent, more readily sharpened, and more durable knives than the stamping procedure did for many years. Stamped knives, on the other hand, have made significant headway in closing the gap.

A comparison of metal quality between the Victorinox and the Bob Kramer knives made famous by America’s Test Kitchen was indistinguishable. Another benefit of stamped knives is that they are much less costly.

When it comes to high-end knives, forged blades are still common, but they’re no longer necessary.

Conclusion

To summarize our evaluations of steak knives, we can say that each set on this list has some notable attributes that merit consideration.

Keep in mind what you want before making a decision. Several factors should be considered before making a purchase. These include blade size, handle material, and any safety features.

The Messermeister Avanta Set Steak Knife is our favorite selection because of its 5-inch fine-edge blades, beautiful top for boning, and unsurpassed aesthetic. The budget-friendly four-piece knife set delivers excellent performance.

Sharpness and edge retention are excellent, all thanks to their exceptional construction and careful balancing.

The brown pakkawood and visible tang handles give the set a high-end appearance while also increasing its longevity. Steak meals may be elevated with the help of these razor-sharp knives.

Because they are fairly priced, Avanta knives may be given as gifts at weddings or housewarmings.

Whichever set you choose, your steak dinners will be elevated to a whole new level, and you’re sure to get plenty of comments on it.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which is better: a straight blade or a serrated blade?

When it comes to knife fans, this is an issue that has sparked an intense discussion for years on end. Steak knife serration is customary, although it need not be the sole option.

The longer edge retention of a serrated knife attracts many users, while straight blades are simpler to sharpen, according to others.

In the end, it’s a matter of personal choice. For a more in-depth look at how the three types of steak knives vary, check out our Different Types of Steak Knives section above.

How long is the average lifespan of steak knives?

We can’t say for sure how long steak knives will endure, but with correct storage, care, sharpening, and honing, they should be able to last at least as long as the cook who uses them.

Investing in a set of steak knives is an excellent way to get the most bang for your buck.

How often should I wash my steak knives?

Steak knives should be washed regularly, just like conventional knives. Hand-wash steak knives with wood handles; however, stainless steel handles can be washed in the dishwasher with the rest of your dinnerware.

While this is true in the short term, research suggests that hand-washing your steak knives retain their sharpness for longer than in the dishwasher, where excessive heat and chemicals may weaken the blade and reduce sharpness.

How often should I sharpen steak knives?

It is critical to maintaining any knife’s edge by regularly sharpening it. In addition to improving the performance of your knife on meat, it will also make it safer and simpler to use.

We suggest you sharpen your stainless steel knives once a month and hone them after 2 or 3 usages if you use them regularly.

This is a critical part of knife ownership that isn’t spoken about nearly as much as it should be. Use, store, and sharpen your tool according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Stainless steel knife sharpening is a skill you may master here.

Last update on 2023-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API