Creating a new trend for knife design, this Shun chef's knife by Kershaw introduces some clever innovations for effortless yet accurate handling. The 8-inch Damascus blade features a generous tip, curved cutting edge, and wide surface area to easily handle any number of food prep tasks. The specially contoured bolster balances the blade while also releasing arm tension, smoothing movements, and maintaining optimal safety--perfect for a busy home chef. With forged VG-10 stainless-steel construction, the knife resists corrosion and rust and maintains an extremely sharp edge for years of use.

Adding strength and beauty, the Pakkawood handle casts a deep, warm glow as it displays a lovely line that invites the home cook to pick it up again and again. The reward is a well-balanced, highly maneuverable tool that feels wonderfully at home in the hand without slipping or rubbing. This versatile knife was created by Ken Onion, one of the world's top knife designers. A wooden holder suspends the knife just above the long base so it won't dull the blade. The set comes in a handsome gift box.

Global 8-Inch Chef's Knife

High tech from tip to handle, Global knives from Japan created a sensation when they burst onto the world's culinary stage as an alternative to traditional European-style cutlery. Blades are made of hard molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel and "face-ground" with a long taper rather than a short bevel so edges remain sharp longer than even the best high-carbon stainless-steel knives. Edges also are ground at a more acute angle than traditional European-style knives and arrive from the factory razor-sharp. Although Global also makes a "heavyweight" line for cooks who prefer hefty knives, its original knives--of which this 8-inch chef's knife is an example--have thinner blades and are lighter than traditional European-style knives. Global also dispensed with bolsters on its original knives to reduce weight. Balance is achieved by injecting a precise amount of sand for a particular blade style into a hollow handle. To ensure balance is continuous, the sand flows inside the handle as a blade is maneuvered. A finger notch between blade and handle provides safety.

Stainless-steel handles are Global's most striking feature. They're molded to fit the hand and dimpled to resist slipping. Smaller around than many European-style handles, they're easy for small-handed cooks to grasp and seamless for sanitation. Global recommends using a ceramic sharpener or a diamond steel instead of a metal sharpening steel for its knives, supplemented by a synthetic whetstone, a ceramic whetstone, or a Shinkansen sharpener. Global also makes a Sharpening Guide Rail so blades can be honed on a whetstone at the proper angle. Global knives should be hand washed to protect edges. They carry a lifetime warranty against defects and breakage.

The indispensable workhorse of any cutlery collection, a cook's knife performs a wide variety of cutting tasks, from fine chopping to dicing and slicing. The heavy 8-inch blade of this definitive model provides enough heft to allow the knife rather than the cook to do the cutting labor, but is more maneuverable than larger models. The length of the cutting edge makes quick work of all slicing jobs. If you don't yet own a cook's knife, or want the best investment for your dollar, this 8-inch model, which combines size with ease of use, is the one to choose.

Part of the Classic series, this knife represents two centuries of unexcelled Wüsthof craftsmanship. Like other cutlery in the series, it's hand-forged from a single piece of stainless steel for maximum strength; the hand-polished blade is exactingly calibrated to be hard enough to resist dulling yet soft enough to take a keen edge when it's honed or sharpened. Dishwasher-safe and with a traditionally shaped, ergonomically designed handle that is triple-riveted for durability, this knife brings a guaranteed lifetime of low-maintenance cutting to any cook who owns it.

J A Henckels Knives Four Star Series 8" Chef's Knives 31071 203 - The Henckels Four Star line is made in Solingen, Germany, and are forged, not stamped. Blade density is improved using the FRIODUR ice-hardening process, which provides a sharper initial edge for easier maintenance over time. Larger knives are crafted using Henckels' exclusive Sinternal Component Technology, which fuses blade, bolster and tang into a single, seamless piece for precision, easy handling, and balance. Part of the Four Star series, this knife is made of high-carbon stainless steel and precision-honed, with a laser-controlled edge, a balanced super-bolster, and a tang that extends to the back of the polypropylene handle, which is permanently bonded for seamless accuracy. Made in Germany, Lifetime Warranty. High-carbon no-stain steel is non-staining and non rusting Precision-honing makes the knives sharper and helps them stay sharper longer Hygienic polypropylene handles are comfortable Knives are dishwasher safe, although not recommended Henckels offers a full lifetime warranty

Furi knives have long been recognized for their outstanding performance and terrific value. The Gusto Grip collection was developed in conjunction with popular chef Rachael Ray, who loved the professional qualities of Furi, but desired a convenient non-slip grip in her favorite color, orange. The result is a knife that appeals to home chefs and professionals alike. The East/West Knife measures 5-in. long and is the perfect knife for vegetables and meats alike. The high-carbon, stainless blade is highly durable and offers precision cutting and lasting edge retention. For best results, F??ri knives should be sharpened regularly, hand washed and dried thoroughly before storing. Introduced in the U.S. by Matfer, F??ri knives originated in Australia, designed by engineer Mark Henry in collaboration with professional chefs. Unique in construction and look, these knives are designed with the professional user in mind, and will be a lasting addition to any home kitchen. F??ri knives are also beautiful enough to display on your countertop.

8 in. plain edged high carbon stainless steel long blade that is 2 in. wide at the handle. Black Fibrox handle.

A member of the stylish Shun Classic line, this heavy-duty Chinese chef’s knife comfortably handles hearty kitchen tasks ranging from cutting through poultry bones to chopping vegetables. Essentially a cleaver, this tool features a wide, rectangular blade measuring 7-3/4 by 3-3/8 inches. The slightly curved cutting surface rocks gently and maintains its razor-sharp edge.

Leveraging a 90-year history of superior workmanship, Shun knives are precision-forged in Japan by renowned blade manufacturer KAI. Using technologically advanced processes, a VG-10 "super steel" core is clad with 16 layers of high-carbon stainless steel to produce a rust-free Damascus-look blade. The Damascus detailing not only enhances the knife’s aesthetic appeal, it also prevents morsels from sticking and avoids crushing or damaging foods. Forming a comfortable D-shaped hold, a fused blend of hardwood veneers and resin comprise the unique ebony Pakkawood handle. A traditionally offset stainless-steel bolster protects knuckles while a steel end-cap finishes the piece. Although dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. This product includes a lifetime warranty.

This fine Wusthof Classic Cook's Knife is precision forged entirely by hand from a single blank of high carbon, no stain steel. This fine blade is perfectly curved for effortless mincing, dicing, chopping. A wide bolster (the thick part between the blade and the handle) provides heft, balance and safety in handling. The sleek handle is nearly indestructible and dishwasher safe. Carries Wusthof guarantee.

Part of the Classic series, this knife represents two centuries of unexcelled Wüsthof craftsmanship. Like other cutlery in the series, it's hand-forged from a single piece of stainless steel for maximum strength; the hand-polished blade is exactingly calibrated to be hard enough to resist dulling yet soft enough to take a keen edge when it's honed or sharpened. Dishwasher-safe and with a traditionally shaped, ergonomically designed handle that is triple-riveted for durability, this knife brings a guaranteed lifetime of low-maintenance cutting to any cook who owns it.

This is a classic French chef's knife, with a broad blade and a curved cutting edge for rocking through a chopping task. The 8-inch blade suits most cooks; those with small hands might prefer a 6-inch blade and those with large hands might choose a 10-inch one. Henckels' International Traditional is a moderately priced cutlery line made in countries other than the company's home of Germany. The Traditional line is also the only cutlery Henckels makes with a wood handle. The steel is of lesser quality than that used in its premier lines. Also, the handles are narrower and shallower. While this chef's knife is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended.

Ideal for rocking through chopping and mincing tasks, this 10-inch chef's knife is the proper size for large-handed cooks, though others might prefer the 8-inch blade, and small-handed cooks should like the 6-inch version. Sleek, comfortable, beautifully balanced, and sturdy, Sabatier Fuso knives offer a contemporary alternative to traditional kitchen-knife design while hewing to the standard of forming blades from high-carbon stainless steel for strength and corrosion resistance. Though the blades are stamped and not forged, the quality of the steel is excellent. The striking design feature is the handle, which is made of satin-finish stainless steel, rounded to fit the hand comfortably, and seamlessly joined to the blade by high-tech laser soldering. The result is an airtight, hygienic joint that won't capture food particles. Fuso knives are dishwasher-safe, though hand washing better protects the edges. This knife carries a lifetime warranty against defects.