The 10 Best Steak Knives of 2023

Photo: Bellemain

Every steak lover will agree that it is not in the tendency of a table knife to cut meat most seamlessly and enjoyably. When you serve steak, you should plate it with the best steak knives to the guests for easy slicing.

You should rely on the ones with a sharp edge to pierce in the meat, without ruining its tenderness. Other than that, these knives should have a comfortable fit in the hand, lightweight, and dependable material to give the best value of money.

This review will help you identify the best models in different sets for your everyday needs.  

10 Best Steak Knives – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. Wusthof 9716 (Best Overall)	Hand-forged high carbon blade 4-1/2 inches blade for perfect balance Ergonomic grip Sophisticated looks
	2. AmazonBasics 0181 (Best Budget)	Most budget-friendly set Set of 8 knives Full tang & full bolster 3.36 ounces lightweight model
	3. Messermeister L8684-5/4S (Best Straight Edge)	Gives the neatest cuts High edge retention Forged bolster with high control Sleek & modern look
	4. Bellemain EPI Premium (Best Hollow Edge)	Smooth release of food without sticking Surgical steel blades Full tang Buy-back guarantee
	5. Zwilling J.A. Henckels 39309-800 (Best Serrated Edge)	Does not require frequent sharpening One-piece construction Dishwasher-safe Reasonably priced
	6. FOXEL FXSK-04N (Best in Warranty)	Lifetime warranty Superior elegance Highest-quality German stainless steel making Ergonomic grip
	7. Cangshan 1021066 (Best in Durability)	Full tang hand-forged construction Perfect balance NSF certified Comfortable to hold
	8. Zwilling J.A. Henckels 39135-850 (Best for Gifting)	Beautiful gift box packing Stamped high carbon construction Set of 8 pieces Dishwasher-safe
	9. Dalstrong Gladiator Series (High Brand Value)	Trust-worthy brand Superior construction Carefully tapered for improved hardness
	10. FlyingColors Laguiole LG11MC (Standard Steak Knives)	Set of 8 pieces Full tang Dishwasher-safe Great balance

1. Best Overall Steak Knives: Wusthof 9716

Photo: Wusthof

• Type of Blade: Straight
• Blade Size: 4-1/2 inches
• Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel

The hand-forged single-piece stainless-steel construction of the blade makes, and the slim bolster design to effortlessly use the whole blade are the features making this model, the best overall product.

It is tempered with 58-degrees HRC, and the precision edge technology yields the blade to have better edge retention. It is among the top-rated steak knives on the market.

This model is perfectly crafted to prevent rusting and dulling. Furthermore, the 4-piece set of knives have 4-1/2-inches large blade that gives exceptional balance to the user.

The polyoxymethylene handle is ergonomically constructed to give a comfortable hold of the knife. It also enhances the look of this set manifolds, making it one of the most sophisticated models on the list.

Then there is a slim bolster design to assist the grip and provide protection to the user from accidentally running their finger into the sharp blade. The full-tang triple riveted knife is very secure and durable.

What might disappoint you is the limited lifetime warranty, which basically could have been better.

Pros:

• Hand forged stainless-steel making
• Slim bolster design
• Full tang knives
• Ergonomic grip

Cons:

• Warranty could have been better

2. Best Budget Steak Knives: AmazonBasics 0181

• Type of Blade: Micro Serrated
• Blade Size: 4-1/2 inches
• Blade Material: Stainless Steel

When you don’t have a lot of money to spend and need a high-quality steak knife set, the AmazonBasics 0181 is an unbeatable choice. It is super affordable and comes in a set of 8 knives to fulfil your needs comfortably.

Other than affordability, its lightweight of 3.36-ounces is another feature that will draw many potential buyers to this model. The knives are super comfortable to hold and won’t tire anyone’s hand.

The 4-1/2-inches blade is perfectly balanced. It has micro serrations on the edge that might give you rough meat cuts.

The plastic handle is triple-riveted and has a full bolster to prevent any accidents. It is black in color and looks beautiful. Also, being a full-tang knife, it has unquestionable durability.

The downside of this model is the rougher meat slices it cuts. Also, the blade might lose its edge sooner, leaving you with a task of sharpening frequently.

Pros:

• Available on the most affordable price
• Exceptional durability
• Comfortable to hold

Cons:

• Leave untidy meat slices
• Require frequent sharpening

3. Best Straight Edge Steak Knives: Messermeister L8684-5/4S

Photo: Messermeister

• Type of Blade: Straight
• Blade Size: 5 inches
• Blade Material: German Stainless Steel

The Messermeister L8684-5/4S is the set of best steak knives with a straight edge to deliver the neatest cuts of meat. It comes with 5-inches fine edge, making it a multitasking model to help through carving and slicing.

The construction is done with the highest-quality X50CrMoV15 German stainless steel to retain its edge and sharpness for the longest time. Since the steel is heat-treated, it will resist rust and blade dullness for the longest time.

The durability comes from the full-tang making of the knives. Furthermore, the fully-forged bolster offers high control and balance over the knife.  

The PakkaWood handle is exceptionally fancy, giving it a sleek and modern look. However, one thing that you may not like in this model is the handle’s high maintenance. You cannot put it in the dishwasher to easy washing as well.

Pros:

• Give the neatest cuts
• Multitasking knives
• High edge retention
• Forged bolster for great control

Cons:

• Handle will need a lot of maintenance

4. Best Hollow Edge Steak Knives: Bellemain EPI Premium

Photo: Bellemain

• Type of Blade: Hollow Edge
• Blade Size: 5 inches
• Blade Material: Stainless Steel

One of the greatest things about the Bellemain EPI Premium is the hollow edge that does not let food stick on it. The cutting of meat is so seamless, and you will never have trouble slicing the meat.

This model comes in 4-piece knives, made of surgical grade rust-proof stainless steel. These are the best stainless-steel steak knives on the list because, unlike other models, they can retain the edge for a long time.

Due to the 5-inches blade, you can expect a great balance of the knife. Another impressive feature is the full-tang construction, which adds to the durability of the product. These have an ergonomic shape and comfortable handle to keep your hands at ease while slicing the meat.

The cost of this model is pretty suitable, and it comes with a buy-back guarantee to increase security quotient in the buyers.

The downside is that these knives are not dishwasher-safe. You will have to handwash them.

Pros:

• Food does not stick to the blade
• Pretty affordable
• Durable construction
• Comes with buy-back guarantee

Cons:

• Not dishwasher-safe

5. Best Serrated Steak Knives: Zwilling J.A. Henckels 39309-800

Photo: Henckels

• Type of Blade: Serrated
• Blade Material: Stainless Steel

This model doesn’t just retain its edge for the longest time, but, unlike other serrated models, it also gives neater meat slices.

The construction is done with one-piece stainless-steel material. The blade and handle are made of stainless steel to give impeccable strength and durability to the knives. Certainly, this is a full-tang product, so the chances of the knife breaking from between are minimal.

Furthermore, heat-treated steel does not require a lot of care and maintenance. It is corrosion and rust-resistant. This model is dishwasher-safe and pretty reasonably priced as well.

Unfortunately, there is no bolster to offer better control over the knives. Moreover, the handle might be too thin to comfortably hold the knives.

Pros:

• Retains the edge for the longest time
• Durable construction
• Easy to wash
• Suitably priced

Cons:

• No bolster
• Handle is not too comfortable

6. Best in Warranty Steak Knives: FOXEL FXSK-04N

Photo: FOXEL

• Type of Blade: Straight
• Blade Material: German Stainless Steel

The FOXEL brand gladly gives a lifetime warranty on this product to provide maximum peace of mind to the buyer. The quality of this model is uncompromised.

It is constructed with the highest quality Thyssen-Krupp X50CrMoV15 German stainless steel. This set will not rust or corrode ever. Also, it will not require a lot of maintenance either.

The blade has a straight edge that gives the neatest and most excellent meat cuts. It has stunning looks and elegance to impress anyone that sees it.

The handle is made of high-quality material. Also, it is ergonomically shaped for maximum comfort. The steel forged bolster gives great control over the knives. Plus, the full-tang triple-riveted handle will help in enhancing the durability.

While everything else about this model is superior, it is not dishwasher-safe. This might cause trouble while washing the product as you cannot toss it into the dishwasher.

Pros:

• Comes with lifetime warranty
• Durable construction
• Very neat cuts of meat
• Comfortable to hold

Cons:

• Not dishwasher-safe

7. Best in Durability Steak Knives: Cangshan 1021066

Photo: Cangshan

• Type of Blade: Serrated
• Blade Size: 5 inches
• Blade Material: Swedish Sandvik Steel

The features making this model best in durability is the full-tang construction with hand-forged Swedish Sandvik steel material. The steel is hand-treated so that it does not corrode or rust for many years and keeps low on maintenance.

With 5-inches blade and 4.75-inches handle, these knives are in perfect balance. You will enjoy cutting meat with them as they move very comfortably.

The serrated blade does not require sharpening. It wonderfully holds the edge 5-times longer than other knives. Furthermore, it is NSF certified to ensure high sanitization of the product.

The triple-riveted black handle is fancy and very durable. Also, it encourages a comfortable hold of the product. This model is suitable for precise cutting. It has exceptional features, but the high cost might prevent some buyers from making the purchase.

Pros:

• Very durable
• Holds the edge for the longest time
• Looks beautiful

Cons:

• A bit overpriced

8. Best for Gifting: Zwilling J.A. Henckels 39135-850

Photo: Henckels

• Type of Blade: Serrated
• Blade Size: 4 inches
• Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel

If you are planning to gift your loved ones a wonderful set of steak knives then pick the Zwilling J.A. Henckels 39135-850 as it comes in a beautiful box with glowing, deep-auburn, mahogany finish with brass clasps.

The set contains 8-piece stainless-steel steak knives in stamped high-carbon stainless steel construction. The blades share the handle material, making it a one-piece full-tang product for exceptional durability.

With the blade size of 4-inches, these knives give you great control. They can be a part of your existing tableware. Plus, these are easy in washing as you can simply put them in a dishwasher.

The downside is the limited period warranty on the set that could have been better. Also, the stainless-steel handles are not as comfortable as other models.

Pros:

• Comes in a beautiful gift box
• Superb control
• Full tang construction
• Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

• Warranty could have been better
• Handles are not too comfortable

9. Steak Knives with High Brand Value: Dalstrong Gladiator Series

Photo: Dalstrong

• Type of Blade: Serrated
• Blade Size: 5 inches
• Blade Material: High Carbon German Steel

If you are too particular about the brand value, go with the Dalstrong Gladiator Series as it comes from the Dalstrong brand, one of the key players in the cutlery industry.

The 5-inches carefully tapered blades have improved hardness. The construction is done with Thyssenkrupp high-carbon German steel. It is engineered to perfection at 56+ Rockwell hardness and hand-polished for a satin finish.

Furthermore, to increase the durability, the knives have full-tang. It has serrations engineered at 14 – 16-degrees on each side to prevent rough slices of meat.

These are high-quality steak knives with triple-riveted strong handles. Their premium looks will impress all the buyers. The only drawback is that the knives are not dishwasher-safe.

Pros:

• Comes with improved hardness
• Satin finish for exceptional looks
• Durable

Cons:

• Not dishwasher-safe

10. Standard Steak Knives: FlyingColors Laguiole LG11MC

Photo: FlyingColors

• Type of Blade: Micro-Serrated
• Blade Size: 5 inches
• Blade Material: Stainless Steel

This is a standard model in steak knives. You get a set of 8 knives, beautifully crafted in a unique shape, and has colorful handles.

The strength of the blade comes from stainless-steel construction. However, it will require some care and maintenance.

It has full-tang construction, which increases the durability quotient. The unique bolster will give great balance and control over the knives.

To make it easy for washing, this product is compatible with the dishwasher. Something that you will not like in this model is the cheap construction of handles made with ABS material. They are flimsy and hamper the durability of the entire product.

Also, there is no warranty with this model, so if anything goes wrong, you won’t get exchange or repair services from the manufacturer.

Pros:

• Available in a set of 8 knives
• Beautiful colored knives
• Great balance

Cons:

• No warranty
• Handles are flimsy

How to Buy the Best Steak Knives

1. Type of Blade

There are three common choices in steak knife blades.

Straight Edge

The straight-edge blade enjoys maximum sales, being the most common variety in steak knives. It easily cuts the meat and leaves a smooth edge. Also, straight edge knives are available at a reasonable price. However, they do require frequent sharpening.

Our finest recommendation for the best straight edge steak knife is the Messermeister L8684-5/4S, made with German high-carbon stainless steel and holds its edge for the longest time.

Hollow Edge Blades

The hollow edge has measured indentations on the blade that create air pockets from the knife’s edge and food. Due to these air pockets, food does not stick to the blade. You can thus enjoy finer slices.

While this is one of the best blade types, it is rarely available in steak knives. The Bellemain EPI Premium is the best model in the hollow edge for easy slicing of steak. Also, since it is made with surgical rust-free steel, you enjoy exceptional durability.

Serrated Edge

The serrated edge blades don’t give you the most exceptional finish, especially if there are micro-serrations on the blade. These usually leave a jagged finish on the meat. However, the serrated blades hold their edge for the longest time and do not require sharpening. 

You can consider the Zwilling J.A. Henckels 39309-800 as its serrations are wider, which will give a relatively tidier cut of meat.

2. Blade Size & Material

The blade size will largely impact the knife’s performance. The sizes usually vary from 4 – 7-inches while maintaining the momentum of 5-inches blade on standard knives.

You should note that smaller blades give better control and are thus easy to use than larger blades.

As far as blade material is concerned, the core material could be high-carbon steel or stainless steel.

The high-carbon steel has better quality as these retain their edge for the longest time and require less sharpening. On the downside, these are hand washable, and you should dry immediately to prevent rusting.

The stainless-steel material requires less maintenance, but at the same time, you will have to sharpen it time and again.

3. Handle

There are three varieties available in the steak knife handles, wooden, metal, and plastic. Plus, some high-end models feature bone and hone handles.

There are knives made of metal from head to toe. These have a less conventional appearance but are extremely durable.

The ones with wooden handles have a more sophisticated appearance. However, on the downside, they get rot too soon. You are advised to not soak in the water or wash in a dishwasher. Instead, make sure to simply wipe the blades and keep the handle as dry as possible.

Lastly, the plastic handles are least demanding for care. But at the same time, they look cheap and might not impress your guests.

4. Construction

The construction is essential to determine the price, durability, and quality of the knife. The blade forged by hand is heated and pounded in shape using a hammer. Otherwise, you get stamped blades with a machine. Clearly, the hand-crafted knife will cost more.

Tang also plays an important feature in the construction of the knife. Full-tang means one piece of steel runs throughout the knife. It makes the knife more dependable and durable. 

Therefore, a combination of a fully forged knife with full tang construction makes the most durable product. You get this combination in the Cangshan 1021066 as it is the most durable model on the list, made with high alloy steel for exceptional sharpness. It is among the best steak knife set on the list.  

Conclusion

This steak knives review will help you in understanding different blade edges, construction, and materials. These are the main elements to consider while selecting the best model.

If you want a straightforward answer, then go with the Wusthof 9716. It is the best overall product with straight edge blade, high-carbon stainless steel making, and polyoxymethylene handle. The whole construction is quite robust, and the knife gives a neater cut of the meals.

For the ones seeking an affordable option, the AmazonBasics 0181 is the most economical product on the list with robust stainless-steel making and a sharp edge that retains for a long time.