Kitchen knives

What's behind our kitchen knife Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 55 models in kitchen knives to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Based mainly on cutting performance and handle comfort and balance, it also factors in corrosion resistance, sharpness as received, and other attributes of the four basic knives in the set-chef's, paring, slicing, and utility-and a matching santoku (when available).
Cutting performance
Based on food-cutting tests using the chef's, slicing, utility, paring, and santoku (when available) knives.
Handle comfort
Panelists (hand sizes from small to large) judged the chef's knife on how comfortable that knife felt in their hands.
Handle balance
Panelists (hand sizes from small to large) judged the chef's knife on how well balanced that knife felt in their hands.

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Kitchen knife user reviews

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Recommended kitchen knives

Recommended kitchen knives are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended kitchen knives

Kitchen knife buying guide

To find the kitchen knife that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy kitchen knives in a safe-shopping environment.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

A well-equipped home kitchen should have at least four types of kitchen knives: a chef's knife, a slicer, a utility knife, and a parer. Forged-steel knives sliced, diced, and chopped their way to the top of our Ratings. They tend to be sturdier and less apt to bend than stamped-steel knives, but they're more expensive. If you're looking for information about kitchen knives, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ kitchen knife reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our kitchen knife buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and kitchen knife reviews to help you choose the best kitchen knife for your needs.

Ratings & recommended kitchen knives

Kitchen knives (55)

Recommended models are those that, based on our expert evaluation, deserve special consideration. We highlight high-scoring models that combine performance, features, and value, so that you can choose the product that best suits your budget and lifestyle. Prices shown are approximate retail.

The Ratings rank knives by overall score.

Kitchen knife buying guide

If the carving job you did on your Thanksgiving turkey resulted in a botched bird, perhaps you need some new kitchen knives to help you get better results. Use our buying advice to sharpen your knowledge of knives and then refer to our Ratings (available to subscribers) to find the best models for your budget. Your family will thank you at the next holiday gathering.

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