A good Damascus steel chef knife is a chef’s best friend in the kitchen. The durable blades and ultra-thin slicing that typically accompanies steel make them among the best types of knife for any level chef. So, which model is the chef knife on the market?
Using our five years of experience in commercial kitchens, we’ve narrowed down a list of ten of the most ideal steel knives available. We’ve arrived at our ordered list based on differences in steel type, handle type, and overall build among other characteristics. Let’s dive right in!
Damascus Chef Knife Reviews:
1. Zelite Infinity Japanese Knife 8-Inch
The eight-inch chef knife is the top recommended Zelite Infinity Knife (8 Inches). This knife has a beautifully crafted, military-grade G10 handle that is ergonomic and comfortable to hold. It also sports a 12º blade edge on each side for long-term sharpness.
Consumers love the feel and balance of this Zelite knife. The steel is noted as being very high-quality and providing effortless cutting and slicing.
In conclusion, the Zelite Infinity Knife (8-inch) is the top knife on the market and comes at an affordable price.
Features
- Blade length: 8″
- Military-grade G10 handle
- 67 Layer high carbon Japanese AUS-10 stainless steel
- Full tang, double bevel knife finished using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke Method
- 12º Blade edge, 2.44mm thick blade
- Includes gift-ready storage case
- 100% Money back guarantee
- Weight: 0.62 lbs
Pros
- 67-layer, high-carbon Japanese steel ensures that the blade won’t chip or break and will retain its edge
- A 100% money-back guarantee allows you to decide whether you either love it or would like your money back (pressure-free shopping)
Cons
- Tough to find a sheath or edge guard for this knife
2. Dalstrong Knife-Shogun Series Gyuto
Next up is another Dalstrong knife and as we’ve seen, they’re among the professional chef knives. The Dalstrong Knife – Shogun Series Gyuto is very similar to the previously reviewed Dalstrong knife but its blade is longer at nine and a half inches.
This knife is also nitrogen-cooled for enhanced hardness, whereby the cooling alters the microstructure of the steel.
Consumers find this Dalstrong model to be very sharp and claim it has a fantastic working balance. Some note it may not be as shiny as the pictures in advertising but is a quality knife nonetheless.
In conclusion, the Dalstrong Knife – Shogun Series Gyuto is our third top recommendation on the list and has a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
Features
- Blade length: 9.5″
- Ultra-premium, G-10 handle is military grade
- AUS-10V Vacuum Heat Treated Japanese super steel cutting core at 62+ Rockwell hardness (67 layers)
- Hand-finished to a mirror polish at 8-12° per side using the traditional Honbazuke method
- Nitrogen cooled for enhanced harness, flexibility, and corrosion resistance (full tang)
- Non-slip grip
- Dalstrong luxury packaging includes a sheath
- 100% Money back guarantee and lifetime warranty
- Weight: 0.54 lbs
Pros
- Includes a sheath for safe keeping and safe storing when not in use
- A strong, 67-layer steel blade is resistant to chipping and breaking
Cons
- Claims to be AUS-10V steel but AUS-10V is a non-existent steel description. AUS-10 is the Japanese steel being used, with AUS-10V being an advertising lure
3. Dalstrong Knife-Shogun Series X Gyuto
The next product is the Dalstrong Knife – Shogun Series X Gyuto which is among the Japanese chef knives. The AUS-10 steel cutting core is heat-treated and has a Rockwell hardness of 62+. This non-slip grip Dalstrong knife also sports.
Consumers are pleased with the hammer finish of the blade and many note it as a beautifully functional knife. Many consumers recommend this knife.
In conclusion, the Dalstrong Knife – Shogun Series X Gyuto is another fantastic Damascus steel knife for any chef and its included sheath provides safety and is protective of the blade.
Features
- Blade length: 8″
- Ultra-premium, G-10 handle is military grade
- AUS-10V Vacuum Heat Treated Japanese super steel cutting core at 62+ Rockwell hardness (67 layers)
- Hand-finished to a mirror polish at 8-12° per side using the traditional Honbazuke method
- Nitrogen cooled for enhanced harness, flexibility, and corrosion resistance (full tang)
- Non-slip grip
- Dalstrong luxury packaging includes a sheath
- 100% Money back guarantee and lifetime warranty
- Weight: 0.6 lbs
Pros
- Includes a sheath for safe keeping and safe storing when not in use
- A non-slip grip helps avoid nasty injuries while cooking
Cons
- Some consumers report receiving a different knife than advertised
4. Shun Cutlery Premier 10 Knife
Shun Cutlery, the producer of various cool chef knives, provides us with the next knife in review. The Shun Cutlery Premier 10” Knife sports a hammered Tsuchime finish and is hand-sharpened by craftsmen. The handle is made from Pakkawood and has a full composite tang for increased stability.
Consumers are overwhelmingly blown away by the sharpness of this Shun Cutlery knife, noting the steel is top-notch and, thus, maintains its edge for long periods.
This Shun Cutlery Premier 10” Knife is beautiful and comes from the long-standing tradition of Japanese handcrafted knives.
Features
- Blade length: 10″
- Fine-grained, heat-treated, and cooled blade; VG-MAX steel cutting core
- Hammered Tsuchime finish, hand-sharpened
- Full composite tang, Pakkawood handle
- 16º Cutting edge
- Weight: 0.54 lbs
Pros
- Full composite tang, Pakkawood handle is beautiful and allows for a comfortable and strong hold on the blade
- Long, 10″ blade allows you to fillet and slice large slabs of meat and other foods easier than an 8″ blade
Cons
- Some reports note chipped blades after use on bone and heavier foods
5. ALLWIN-HOUSEWARE W Professional nife
The final model in this Damascus steel chef knife review is the ALLWIN-HOUSEWARE W Professional Knife.
This knife is also comprised of a 67-layer, Japanese VG10, super steel core and clocks in at 62 on the Rockwell hardness scale. Its 12º edge on both sides of the knife allows for it to maintain sharpness for up to six months.
Consumers are very fond of the Pakkawood handle as it’s designed ergonomically and helps prevent slips while cutting/slicing. Although there is a small subset of consumers who claim that the knife is weak and arrived in poor condition.
The ALLWIN-HOUSEWARE W Professional Knife is a great final knife to round out the list. It’s made from quality steel and comes at a very fair price.
Features
- Blade length: 8″
- Japanese VG10 super steel core with 67 layers (HRC 62)
- 12º Edge angle per side (keeps sharpness for up to 6 months)
- Ergonomically designed, rounded Pakkawood handle
- Comes with a black gift box
- Weight: 0.73 lbs
Pros
- The 12º edge angle on the blade allows for sharpness to last up to six months on one sharpening
- Comes with a gift box for those buying the knife as a gift
Cons
- Multiple consumers note their knives come with broken tips
6. MAD SHARK Knife
MAD SHARK, made of good Japanese knives, provides the next model in review. The MAD SHARK Damascus Knife has a military-grade, G10 black handle that provides high stability and cracks prevention among other effects.
The 67-layer, premium, composite steel blade is also hand-sharpened by craftsmen.
Consumers, as seems to be the standard, are satisfied with the balance of this knife and claim it cuts vegetables like butter. The blade is noted as being tremendously solid and sturdy.
The MAD SHARK Damascus Knife is yet another beautiful Damascus knife for your consideration. The craftsmanship of this knife is sure to lure the detail-observant users.
Features
- Blade length: 8″
- Military-grade G10 black handle with high stability, no shrinkage, and no cracking can be put into the dishwasher for cleaning
- 67 layers of premium composite steel
- Hand-sharpened to maintain the perfect balance between ultra-thin slicing and maximum resilience
- 100% Money back guarantee and a lifetime warranty against defects
- Weight: 1.29 lbs
Pros
- Hand-sharpened blade maintains the edge and provides ultra-thin slicing while maintaining its resilience and strength
- The money-back-guarantee allows you to shop this knife free of pressure from the product failing
Cons
- Consumers note the knife arriving dull (in direct contradiction with its advertised description)
7. TUO Knife
The fourth heavy-duty chef knife in review is the TUO Damascus Knife. As with many of the blades on the list, this blade is eight inches in length.
It also sports X50Cr15MoV German stainless steel with a Rockwell hardness of 56±2. The cutting core is comprised of AUS-10 steel and is 67 layers strong.
Consumers are surprised with the quality of this TUO knife for the price it costs. It’s noted as being very strong and balanced and many love it for chopping.
In conclusion, the TUO Damascus Knife is the top Damascus knife for those looking out for their budget. It provides incredible quality at a more than reasonable price.
Features
- Blade length: 8″
- X50Cr15MoV German stainless steel edge with HRC56±2 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale
- AUS-10 steel cutting core (67 layers of SUS410)
- Ergonomic Pakkawood handle
- Weight: 12 ounces
Pros
- The ergonomic Pakkawood handle is easy to handle and comfortable to use (not to mention its aesthetic beauty)
Cons
- Some consumers claim the knife has chipped on them within the first couple of uses
8. Yoshihiro Cutlery VG10 16 Layer Hammered Gyuto Japanese Knife
At the seventh spot on the list is another Japanese eight-inch knife, the Yoshihiro Cutlery Gyuto Japanese Knife.
This Yoshihiro knife is eight and a quarter inches in length and has a spine thickness of three millimeters. The knife, comprised of 16-layer hammered outer steel, sports a full tang Mahogany wood handle.
As with the other knives reviewed thus far, consumers love this knife. Some call the knife “super sharp” and others call it “razor sharp.” No matter how you slice it (pun intended), this knife is reliably sharp and balanced.
In conclusion, the Yoshihiro Cutlery Gyuto Japanese Knife is a great option for those who love the aesthetic and craftsmanship of their knives with its beautiful Mahogany handle.
Features
- Blade length: 8.25″, 3mm spine thickness
- 3-Layer construction with a VG-10 Japanese stainless steel center core (HRC 60)
- 16-layer hammered outer steel (stain-resistant)
- Premium, Mahogany wood handle with a full tang
- Hand wash only and only sharpen on quality whetstones
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
Pros
- The premium, Mahogany handle is aesthetically beautiful and sports a full tang for durability
Cons
- Consumers claim that this knife may not actually be Japanese and that it breaks easily
9. Daddy Blade Knife 8-Inch
The ninth Damascus steel knife on the list is the Daddy Knife 8-inch. Made from 67-layer, Japanese VG10, premium steel, it’s sharpened via the Honbazuke Method. It also comes in a luxury packaging box for aesthetic storage or even for giving the knife as a gift.
Consumers’ praises touch on an assortment of features, such as it being sharp, heavy but balanced, and having ergonomic, comfortable handling. The moisture-resistant handle is noted as helping keep you safe no matter what conditions you’re getting into.
The Daddy Knife 8-inch is yet another quality, fairly priced knife and comes with a beautiful, wooden packaging box. Its moisture-resistant handle is a unique feature as well and helps make this knife a bit safer.
Features
- Blade length: 8″
- Japanese VG10 premium steel with 67-layer high carbon, stainless steel
- Honbazuke Method sharpening, 8-12º edge angle per side
- Sandalwood handle is strong, durable, stable, moisture resistant
- Luxury packaging box
- 100% Money back guarantee and a lifetime warranty against defects
- Weight: 0.62 lbs
Pros
- The sandalwood handle is moisture-resistant so you don’t have to worry about slipping and causing injury
Cons
- N/A
FAQ
What are Damascus chef knives?Damascus chef knives are high-quality kitchen knives that are made with a specific type of steel known as "Damascus steel". This type of steel is characterized by its unique pattern of swirling layers, which is created by folding and forging multiple layers of steel together. The resulting blade is strong, sharp, and highly resistant to corrosion.
What are the benefits of using a Damascus chef knife?There are several benefits to using a Damascus chef knife, including:
- Excellent edge retention: Damascus steel is known for its ability to hold a sharp edge for a long time, so you won't have to sharpen your knife as frequently.
- High durability: The folded steel construction of Damascus blades makes them highly resistant to chipping, breaking, and other forms of damage.
- Unique appearance: The swirling pattern of Damascus steel is highly prized by collectors and chefs alike, and these knives make a beautiful addition to any kitchen.
- Easy to sharpen: While Damascus steel is known for its excellent edge retention, it is also relatively easy to sharpen when the time comes.
Are Damascus chef knives expensive?Damascus chef knives can vary in price, with some models costing several hundred dollars or more. However, there are also more affordable options available for those on a budget. In general, the price of a Damascus chef knife will depend on the quality of the steel, the craftsmanship of the blade, and the overall design of the knife.
How should I care for my Damascus chef knife?To ensure that your Damascus chef knife stays in good condition, you should follow these care tips:
- Hand wash: Damascus steel can be prone to corrosion, so it is important to hand wash your knife rather than putting it in the dishwasher.
- Dry thoroughly: After washing your knife, make sure to dry it thoroughly to prevent rust.
- Use a sharpening stone: To sharpen your Damascus chef knife, use a high-quality sharpening stone rather than a steel or electric sharpener.
- Store properly: When not in use, store your Damascus chef knife in a knife block or on a magnetic knife strip to protect the blade and handle.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when using a Damascus chef knife?Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using a Damascus chef knife:
- Using the wrong cutting board: Avoid cutting on hard surfaces such as glass or marble, as this can damage the blade. Instead, use a cutting board made of wood, plastic, or composite materials.
- Cutting through bones: Damascus chef knives are not designed to cut through bones, as this can damage the blade. Use a separate cleaver or boning knife for tasks involving bones.
- Using the knife for non-food tasks: Damascus chef knives are designed for use in the kitchen, so avoid using them for tasks such as opening cans or packages, or as a makeshift screwdriver.
- Storing the knife improperly: To protect your Damascus chef knife and keep it in good condition, store it properly when not in use. This means keeping it in a knife block or on a magnetic knife strip, rather than leaving it in a drawer or on the counter.
- Neglecting to sharpen the knife: Damascus chef knives need to be sharpened regularly to maintain their performance. Make sure to use a sharpening stone or other high-quality sharpening tool, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for how often to sharpen the blade.
Conclusion
If we were to give you a suggestion as to which model is the Damascus knife, we would have to point you toward the Zelite Infinity Knife (8 Inches). Made from AUS-10 super steel, this knife provides the best quality at a decent price.
If you’re not convinced by the Zelite knife, take a solid look at either of the DALSTRONG knives reviewed (eight and 10 inches). These models are of near equal quality.
However, everyone’s taste is different and that’s why we’ve compiled this list full of recommendations. Perhaps you have your eye on another knife not mentioned here.
Regardless of the knives, you’re considering, you’re now prepared to make a conscious buying decision for your next kitchen favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Get your new knife today.
