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Steak knives are known to be one of the most coveted items in a proper cutlery set. Although it may seem odd to have a new, sharper set of knives alongside regular dinner ones, experienced chefs know the value of having the right tool for the job. Regardless of your steak preferences, a good knife will cut through the meat with no hassle. If you’re looking to buy a set to add to your cutlery collection, then we present to you a list of our favorite steak knives along with a complete buyer’s guide.
These knives make it easier for you to cut steak because they require less effort due to their sharpness. This will save your plates from excessive wear and scratches that other knives leave behind. Eating a good steak is a worthwhile experience: using an average knife often leaves you wrestling with the steak and can make you lose interest in making and eating your meal.
These knives can efficiently cut through steaks, tricky dishes such as burgers, thanksgiving turkey roasts, and so much more. If you’re looking to buy a new set of steak knives, check out our top five reviews for reference. With our detailed buyer’s guide, you’ll make a much more informed choice.
Buyer’s Guide to Finding a Great Steak Knife
With so many steak knife sets out there on the market, one must make sure they buy the one that suits their unique taste and requirements. In our detailed buying guide, you will learn the characteristics you should look out for when making a steak knife purchase.
Type of Edge
There are two prominent types of edges in a steak knife. The type of edge you purchase affects the way the knife engages with the food and how well it cuts. Most people prefer to have both kinds of knives in their kitchen since they can be dish-specific, but either will usually work for most general purposes.
Straight
A straight-edged knife has a smooth and pointed edge that runs along one side of the blade. This knife cuts through the meat effortlessly due to its sharpness. It also takes less manual effort to cut the steak and is preferred by many amateur and professional chefs.
Serrated
A serrated knife has tiny serrations and pointy structures on the cutting edge of the blade. This knife works more like a mini-saw and tears through the muscle fibers in steaks. It can be helpful when dealing with tougher cuts of meat.
Although the two types of edges are great in their own right, they make a difference when it comes down to specific details. Serrated knives stay sharper for longer and can cut through all sorts of meat, even tough varieties. Straight edge knives may require sharpening but they are easy on the hands and cut effortlessly.
Hollow Blade
Hollow blades are unique blades that have cylindrical indentions on either side of the blade. These run all the way across and prevent material from sticking when the blade is used. This makes it easier to cut through different meats and it also makes less of a mess while cutting. Many people prefer hollow steak knives with either straight or serrated edges.
Forged vs. Stamped Knives
The manufacturing of steak knives can influence a lot of things such as the stiffness of the blade, how well it retains its edge, its hardness, and even its price. Forged knives are made by forging metal blocks through heating and metalwork to make them into a knife form. This takes time, skill, and manpower. Stamped knives on the other hand are made via a cutting process from metallic sheets through a stamping process. This is an industrialized method, which is often quick and doesn’t require much manpower, but can reflect lower quality.
Which type of manufacturing is better?
As the forging process strengthens the bonds in the metallic knife, it often creates good knives that are strong and durable. These knives maintain their sharpness for longer and are less prone to bending and other sorts of damage.
Stamped knives were previously considered inferior to forged knives since they lack the strength and edge retention of the latter. However, with the development of stamping technology, their quality has greatly improved. Now, many people do not see an issue with choosing either.
Is there a price difference?
Yes, forged knives are priced higher because they require more time and skilled labor to be produced. Stamped knives are more affordable due to their cheap cost of production in most cases. The option you choose is up to your preferences.
Materials Used
The type of metal used to make steak knives is very important as it impacts properties like hardness and sharpness as well as the potential to rust. Most knives are made from stainless steel which is both durable and does not rust easily.
Stainless steel knives do not require immediate cleaning or extra care as well since they are not prone to oxidation. However, if you were to purchase carbon steel knives then you would need to pay extra attention to immediate cleaning and rust prevention. This is why, in almost all aspects, people prefer to buy stainless steel steak knives.
Handle
The handle of a steak knife is one of the most important things to consider when buying a steak knife set. This is because the handle determines how comfortable the knife feels in your hand which in turn determines how easily you can use it to cut through the meat. Although various sorts of ergonomic shapes have been incorporated into the design of steak knives, the most important part is always the material and shape of the handle.
Wood
Wooden handles provide a good grip and are classy to look at. If the wood is sealed then it does not need protection from water and will remain intact. These are perfect for knives with slightly bigger handles that fit into the palm of your hand.
Plastic
Plastic handles are often made from harder plastics that do not crack easily. It is important that the plastic used is smooth and feels at home in your hands. Ideally, it should also be heat resistant to a good degree in case the steak is served on a sizzler, as no one would want their knife handle to melt!
Metal
Metal handles are classic designs that feel cool and heavy in the hand of the user. They offer good grip and support when using the blade. Metal handles are ideal for thinner knives but have a wide variety of knife handle styles they are compatible with.
Blade Hardness
Steak knives that are hard will not bend while cutting. More importantly, in case the knives fall during cleaning they will not become dull or bend. Hardness also ensures that they will retain their edge and stay sharper for longer. This means you will not have to sharpen your steak knives as often as ones that aren’t as hard.
Here Are the Best Steak Knives
Amazon Basics Steak Knife
– Best Overall
As with all everyday important items, Amazon Basics has the best value steak knives on the market. These knives are sharp due to their micro-serration technology, which means you do not have to sharpen them yourself. They are manufactured from strong materials and are durable enough to last you for a long time.
Their handle is also sturdy enough to take the beating from regular usage. The blades come in packs of eight and are perfect for family and additional guests as well. Buyers can choose to purchase them alone or with matching fork sets. However, as convenient as these knives are, they are meant for hand washing only.
Pros
- Micro-serration technology for better cuts
- Don’t need sharpening
- Forged using strong materials
Cons
- Need to be protected from getting rust
LEGENDARY CHEF Steak Knife
– Best Handle
One of the most sought-after features in steak knives is an ergonomic handle design that doesn’t tire out the hands of the user. If that’s something that rings your bell, then the Legendary Chef steak knife set is perfect for you. The ergonomic handles are made from black walnut wood, each sealed perfectly to retain smoothness. Not only does it look beautiful but the knife has a good feel to it too.
The ultra-sharp blade has a dull-resistant edge which makes it last a long while before it needs to be sharpened again. Apart from adding to the aesthetic value of the knife, the glossy finish makes sure that the blade stays resistant to corrosion and rusting.
Pros
- Ergonomic handle design
- Quality black walnut wood handle
- Ultra-sharp resistant edge
Cons
- Thick blade design
- Not dishwasher safe
Bellemain Steak Knife
– Great Materials
When it comes to steak knives, you hardly hear of companies using surgical steel for additional sharpness and strength. The Bellemain premium steak knife set is made from surgical-grade material and is truly a one-of-a-kind item. Its modern and ergonomic design features a new take on classic steak knives. Made with a full tang blade, you won’t have to worry about wearing it out anytime soon.
The stylish and comfortable handle does not tire your hand out while you use the blade. It effortlessly cuts through meat without residue attaching to it. It is a serrated blade with sharp and resistant edges. Although it only comes in packs of four, it makes a great addition to the family cutlery set and is an affordable product as well.
Pros
- Full tang blade
- Stylish and comfortable handle
- Sharp and resistant edge
Cons
- The color of the handles may fade
- Needs rust protection
Chicago Cutlery Steak Knife
– Best Design
In terms of design, the Chicago cutlery steak knife is a class above the rest. These knives may look simple and elegant but their ergonomic design has extremely high functionality. The high-carbon stainless steel makes the blade resistant to rust and corrosion. It has a straight edge that has been sharpened to provide precise cuts.
The blade comes in packs of six which make it perfect for family use and order variety. The affordable price makes it easy to buy an extra set for the guests as well. Another unique feature of the blade is the curved design which makes it easy to cut cleanly through meat without getting stuck.
Pros
- High-carbon stainless steel blade
- Ergonomic handle design
- Does not rust
Cons
- The handle may detach from the blade
- The handle is made of rubber
Home Hero Steak Knife
– Best Aesthetic
Precision, functionality, and aesthetics are the three top-selling points for the Home Hero steak knife set. This unique knife set comes with an all-black look thanks to the non-stick coating on most of the blade. Only the serrated cutting edge is left in its original metallic color. The ergonomic handle design makes sure it is easy to hold the knife while making cuts.
Coming in packs of eight, these knives are perfect for the family and guest cutlery collection. Apart from being so desirable, they are also easy to clean as they are dishwasher-proof. The sharp edges cut through meat easily and can be used for other side dishes as well.
Pros
- Durable non-stick coating
- Ergonomic handle design
- Aesthetic and unique color
Cons
- Serrated sawing motion
- The non-stick coating may chip with harsh use
People Also Asked
Q: How can I prevent steak knives from getting ruined?
A: Steak knives are often at risk of rusting if not kept properly. To make sure your knives do not rust, clean them well after every use and dry them completely before storing them away. This will limit the chances of them developing rust.
Q: Can I wash my steak knives in a dishwasher?
A: Not all steak knives are dishwasher safe. It is always recommended to consult the knife packaging or contact the manufacturing company to confirm before washing them in a dishwasher.
Q: How can I sharpen a serrated knife?
A: You can easily sharpen a serrated knife with a regular knife sharpener and use a whetstone to sharpen the serrations. However, most serrated knives rarely need to be sharpened.
Q: Can I store steak knives in a knife block?
A: Although steak knives can be stored in a knife block, it is not suggested since it dulls the blade faster than any other storage method.
Q: What makes a hollow knife a good option?
A: A hollow steak knife makes it easy to cut through meats and other materials without the fiber sticking to the blade and they are also easy to use.
