Why Trust The Spruce Eats
Originally compiled by Donna Currie, this collection is one of many kitchen and dining product round-ups that Donna has contributed to The Spruce Eats. She specializes in kitchen tools and gadgets and has been contributing her wisdom to The Spruce and The Spruce Eats since July 2016.
This article was updated by Katya Weiss-Andersson, a writer and editor who has nearly a decade of experience as a professional chef.
Notes On Materials And Construction
If youve spent more than a few minutes researching knives, youve likely run into a bewildering fog of jargon and technical specifications. Heres a quick guide, which applies to steak knives, chefs knives, and everything in between:
The phrase high-carbon steel is basically marketing hype: every steel alloy used to make knives is high-carbon. You can ignore the phrase it if its used, and you neednt worry if its not. Do note, however, that if a knife is listed only as high-carbon or carbon steel, it will easily rust. To be sure your knife is rust-resistant, make sure it is also listed as stainless.
Stainless steel is steel alloyed with at least 12 percent, and usually 14 to 18 percent, chromium. The chromium forms a dense layer on any exposed surface which rapidly oxidizes, preventing oxidation of the steel underneath. There are multiple types of stainless steel, some more corrosion-resistant than others all those used on our recommended knives are high-performing: extremely corrosion-resistant, capable of taking and holding a sharp edge and easy to re-sharpen.
There are thousands of different steel alloysmixtures of iron, carbon, and any of 20 or more other elementseach designed for a different purpose. Knife alloys alone run into the dozens, and the names are alphabet soup: AEB-L, VG-10, 19C27, ZDP-189. My advice is: ignore them all, at least for steak knives. Whatever alloy a good manufacturer chooses will perform perfectly well.
Our Pick: Messermeister Avanta Pakkawood Set
*At the time of publishing, the price was $60.
The Messermeister Avanta Pakkawood steak knife set was our clear winner. No other knives came close to matching their combination of performance, price, and quality of construction. Their blade-edges are well-formed, smooth, and extremely sharp they cut even the toughest steaks as well as knives we tested that cost five times as much, which cant be said for most others in their price range. Their handles are finished with pakkawood, a durable resin-impregnated natural wood usually only found on more expensive knives. And unlike any other knives we found at the price, they feature full-tang construction: A single piece of steel forms the blade, bolsters, and handle. This adds strength , balance, and heft. The latter is an aesthetic concern, but an important one: 2015’s test revealed that a knife weight of around 80 grams feels just right in the hand. The Messermeisters weigh 89 gramspleasantly robust, and significantly nicer to hold than the lightweight knives typical at this price.
No other knives came close to matching their combination of performance, price, and quality of construction.
The only flaw we found was the not-quite-perfect finishthere were slightly-raised rivets on some handlesbut still, the Messermeisters quality of construction is well above that of the other knives we tested in its price range. Simply put, with most knives you get what you pay for with the Messermeisters, you get more.
Read Also: Quaker Steak And Lube Delivery
Private Dining In Style
Knife Steakhouse isnt like any other private dining experience at a steakhouse in Plano. From selecting the best locally sourced meats to a service that stands out with an authentic Texas flair, Knife is truly the best location to host your next business meeting, wedding event, or family gathering.
Best Serrated: Victorinox Swiss Army 8
With thousands of five-star ratings, this lightweight, no-frills set from Victorinox gets high praise across the board. The serrated stainless-steel blades and textured handle allow for easy gripping and slicing, and they can handle the dishwasher in a pinch.
To buy: Victorinox Swiss Army 8-Piece Steak Knife Set, $31 at or walmart.com
Recommended Reading: Best Store To Buy Steaks
Best For Table Settings: Misen Serrated Knives
Misen’s serrated blades are comfortable and affordable if you’re looking to outfit your table for hosting family and friends for dinner. Hundreds of Misen users have complimented the brand’s usefulness and great price. Misen also makes our favorite paring knife, so it’s no surprise they’re a top choice for steak knives as well.
To buy: Misen Steak Knives , $20 per knife at misen.com
The Best Modern Steak
If you’ve got a little extra coin burning a hole in your pocket, or are due to receive or dole out some fancy gifts in the near future and want to go with a Parisian bistronomy vibe when entertaining, then these Perceval 9.47 knives might be right up your alley. The 9.47 knife was designed by a former Michelin-starred chef, and, unsurprisingly, it’s a dream to cut with. While its modern, minimalist look isn’t for everyone, there’s no arguing with its performance. It’s worth noting that unlike other steak-knife sets, the 9.47 is not available in a set of four knives, just sets of two and six.
Recommended Reading: Japanese Wagyu Filet Mignons Steaks A5 Grade
Taste Of Texas Undergoes Texas
When Taste of Texas relocated to its current location nearly three decades ago, owners of the massive steakhouse were certain the 20,000-square-foot space would be more than adequate for the Texas-sized indie.
Turns out, the operationconsistently one of the countrys top-grossing independent restaurants and No. 58 on Restaurant Business 2018 rankingof the top 100 indiesneeded even more space to keep up with consumer demand as well as current trends.
The restaurant recently unveiled a $2 million, two-and-a-half-year renovation that features a variety of upgrades, most notably a retail area selling full, ready-to-grill meals to go. The meal kits include bread dough and steaks, to be cooked at home, along with a choice of sides. They come packed in microwave- and oven-safe containers, along with seasonings and a meat thermometer.
Theres 10-minute parking available for grab-and-go customers. Increasingly, though, guests whove just finished dinner in the restaurant will swing through the gift store and get steaks for the following evening, says Nina Hendee, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Edd Hendee. Thats been the most surprising.
Taste of Texas has operated an online retail store for 14 years, but that business is very much tied to holidays and summertime. Hendee hopes the gift shop will boost sales year-round.
Tiffany & Co Biography And Important Works
Tiffany & Co. is one of the most prominent purveyors of luxury goods in the United States, and has long been an important arbiter of style in the design of diamond engagement rings. A young Franklin Delano Roosevelt proposed to his future wife, Eleanor, with a Tiffany ring in 1904. Vanderbilts, Whitneys, Astors and members of the Russian imperial family all wore Tiffany & Co. jewels. And Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis preferred Tiffany china for state dinners at the White House.
Although synonymous with luxury today, the firm started out rather modestly. Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young founded it in Connecticut as a stationery and fancy goods emporium in 1837, at a time when European imports still dominated the nascent American luxury market. In 1853, Charles Tiffany who in 1845 had launched the companys famed catalog, the Blue Book, and with it, the firms signature robins-egg blue, which he chose for the cover shifted the focus to fine jewelry. In 1868, Tiffany & Co. gained international recognition when it became the first U.S. firm to win an award for excellence in silverware at the Exposition Universelle in Paris. From then on, it belonged to the pantheon of American luxury brands.
Also Check: Omaha Steaks Private Reserve Filet Mignons
Best For Gifting: Zwilling 8
This Zwilling set comes in an attractive wooden presentation box, so gifting is as easy as throwing on a bow. The eight-piece set is top to bottom high-carbon stainless steel, made with professional-grade design and materials. The serrated blades will hold their sharpness for longer than traditional knives. The thin handles look great at any table setting, and even bettershoppers can catch the set while it’s on sale for just $85. Give it as a wedding gift, Christmas gift, or birthday gift.
To buy: Zwilling 8-Piece Steak Knife Box Set, $85 at target.com, macys.com, or zwilling.com
Best Value: Henckels 8
For a quality brand with a full-size set, this Henckels set with eight serrated steak knives has excellent ratings. The larger serrations cut through any food easily with little force, and the triple-rivet handles ensure a sturdy hold for the long run. For home cooks looking to use a solid set of steak knives without breaking the bank, Henckels tools are a great option and come with a lifetime guarantee, too.
To buy: Henckels Triple-Rivet 8-Piece Steak Knife Set, $39 at , bedbathandbeyond.com, or wayfair.com
You May Like: How Do You Age Steak At Home
Also Great: Opinel No 125 Bon Appetit Set
Several testers diverged from the pack on steak knife aesthetics, preferring something with cleaner, modern lines instead of the traditional look. If that also describes you, the Opinel No. 125 Bon Appetit Set, which used to be called the South Spirit, is our recommendation. The Opinel blades are noticeably less sharp than the Messermeister and Wüsthof, but they still cut our tough test-steaks neatly and efficiently. The beautiful handles are made of olivewood, which, in addition to being pretty, is naturally water-resistant .
The Opinels underperform noticeably in one category: weight. At just 35 gramsbarely more than an ouncethey feel insubstantial in the hand. They also come in a simple cardboard case that wont last long in your silverware drawer youd want to store it somewhere less trafficked like a high shelf. But on looks and performance, theyre winners at the price. Lastly, if youre looking for something to brighten your table, Opinel makes a version of this knife set thats fitted with colored hornbeam-wood handles. You can also buy the knives open stock if you want to build your own set in different colors.
Best Classic Steakhouse Knives: Viking Professional
Add a rustic element to your kitchen table with these steakhouse-style knives. The restaurant-quality serrated edge and stain-resistant handles are full-tang for a balanced hold. The blade is 18/10 German stainless steel that will resist corrosion and easily slice through poultry or beef. The knives are high quality for an affordable price.
To buy: Viking Professional 6-Piece Steak Knife Set, $80 to $90 at , surlatable.com, or bedbathandbeyond.com
Don’t Miss: Kansas City Strip Steak Price
Steak Knife Sets On Sale
Looking to get the best bang for your buck? Look no further! Here at the home of Screamin Good Deals, weve got massive deals on steak knives sets. Whether youre having a dinner party or Sunday family barbecue, it wouldnt be complete without sharp steak knives. Scanpan is a brand known to carry premium quality steak knives. Their blades are made of high quality carbon stainless steel, making it easy to slice into the tantalizing flavour, whether it’s baked pork chops hot out of the oven or sizzling steaks right off the grill. Pair your steak knives with Scanpan steak forks! Discover the best steak knife sets only at Australias #1 superstore! Its a SALE you dont wanna miss!
Smooth Knives Beat Out Serrated Ones
Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik
For the main test, I had a group of six people from the Serious Eats team evaluate the knives under real-world, steak-cutting conditions. In the test kitchen, I cooked three different cuts of steakhanger, skirt, and 2-inch-thick New York stripsto evaluate how well the knives performed on tougher cuts of beef as well as thick-cut steaks. I did my best to choose testers of different ages, height, gender, cooking experience, and dominant hand orientation. Before having them cut into steaks on porcelain plates, testers were asked to evaluate knives based on their appearance, and feelhow ergonomically comfortable they were to hold, along with whether they liked the weight distribution, balance, and blade-to-handle dimensions.
Performance was the next criterion testers were asked to slice the different cuts of steak with each knife. After recording observations on performance, participants were tasked with giving each knife an overall grade from 1 to 10, while also writing down how much they would personally be willing to spend on a set of steak knives for themselves, as well as how much they would be willing to spend on a set to give as a nice gift to someone they really cared about.
Don’t Miss: Good Way To Marinate Steak
Best Durable Set: Henckels 8
Over 2,500 five-star reviews rave about this one-piece stainless steel Henckels set. The serrated edge won’t need sharpening, and home cooks have even referred to the blades as the best tomato knife. The stainless steel handle looks sleek for table settings but makes it easy to store in the utensil drawer as needed.
Though we’d never advise putting steak knives in the dishwasher regularly, if you’re able to dry these blades quickly, rust should be easy to avoid.
To buy: Henckels 8-Piece Stainless Steel Set, $45 at or bedbathandbeyond.com
Can You Sharpen A Serrated Steak Knife
The recessed nature of the serrations cause these types of knives to stay sharper longer. When yours begins to dull, use a sharpening rod to get each individual serration. The flat of the blade wont need attention just the curved indentions need sharpening. For full details about how to use a sharpening rod, see this Spruce Eats article.
Also Check: Omaha Steaks Filet Mignon Bites
Buy Steak Knives Online
If you love eating steak just as much as the next person, youd know that a regular table knife wont cut it. When it comes to cutting steak, something sharper and more powerful like a steak knife is what you need. Typically, a steak knife features a serrated blade that ensures an easier cut, and a wooden handle. Its a must-have in your silverware collection. Not only can it cut through steak easier, it can also be used to cut chicken and other finer meats. Here at Catch, we offer the best deals on steak knives from brands like Scanpan, Baccarat and more. Check out our range of steak knives online!
Who Needs A Steak Knife Set
Even if you havent seen the movie, you probably know the line: First prize is a Cadillac … Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third prize is youre fired. Alec Baldwins speech is cinema legend. Its also insightful. Glengarry Glen Ross premiered in 1984, when there was nothing more quintessentially American than big cars, lost jobsand steak for dinner. Of course second prize is a set of steak knives! Almost everyone would have appreciated themif not the circumstances they arrived under.
Today, second prize would be something else. Americans are eating less meat in general, and less beef in particular, so not everyone needs a set of steak knives these days. But if you eat meat regularly, you really should have one. Its amazing how much nicer it is to slice a tenderloin or chop with a well-made blade designed for that purpose. And that will hold true even if youre already using a cheapo set of serrated steak knives, let alone if youre hacking away with the dull table knives that came with your silverware.
A nice set of steak knives also dresses up a place-setting, so if you like to entertainor just like to make a fancy meal now and thenyou may appreciate owning a set, too. Finally, one thing that held true in 1984 still holds true in 2015: steak knives are a special gift for the right person. You can even spend Cadillac money, if youre feeling extra generous.
You May Like: Best Steak Knives In The World
Straight To The Point
Our favorite steak knife set is the Messermeister Avanta, which performed incredibly well and comes with a very reasonable price tag. We have a few other favorites, which you can read about below, but we don’t think you’d be disappointed by the quality of the Avanta.
Like having a collection of houseplants, or a large reusable tote bag stuffed to the brim with more reusable tote bags, owning a set of steak knives is a tangible, material proclamation of adulthood. Steak knives appear on seemingly every wedding registry for a reason: They fall into that category of aspirational but non-essential household items you always wanted to have, but maybe never felt the need to drop a serious chunk of change on for yourself. Steak knives are about form and function they need to be sharp enough to easily slice through a butter-basted ribeye , and they should look good while doing it. We put a dozen steak knives to the test to find a curated selection of well-crafted, attractive knives that offer exceptional performance and value commensurate with their price tag.
Can You Sharpen Steak Knives
You sure can! Steak knives with smooth blades are easier to sharpen than serrated steak knives, but both can be whipped back into shape. You can use a whetstone, or follow the directions on an electric sharpener. Of course, you can always have your knives professionally sharpened. Do so when you notice more pressure or leverage is needed to achieve smooth cuts.
Don’t Miss: Philly Cheese Steak Pizza Domino’s
Grass Fed Beef Aged In House
Grass Fed Beef
Our grassfed beef is responsibly raised, antibiotic-free, steroid-free & hormone-free. Shop our selection of 100% grassfed beef.
These hand cut and trimmed filet mignons are a buttery, lean cut resulting in a perfect dining experience. A mouth watering steak perfect for celebrating any occasion.
Grain Finished
Throughout its life, a grass-finished cow ate only native grasses and no grain. Grass completed can be interpreted as 100% grass fed. Because a grass-finished cow takes longer to reach a finishing weight, it lives longer, is older at harvest, and has a broader flavor profile.
Hormone Free
Hormone-Free Since all cows have natural hormones, this usually indicates there arent any extra hormones. The phrase no added hormones is what you should search for. Over 90% of commercial meat contains additional hormones, implying that youre eating beef from a steroid-addicted cow. Now its up to your body to digest steroids designed for a 2,000-pound cow, and scientists are still unsure of the long-term effects these hormones can have on our bodies.
Texas Steaks
We put in a lot of effort to produce the best steaks in the world. Texas steaks are known for their exquisite marbling and superior tenderness, juiciness, and flavor, with no additional hormones, antibiotics, or artificial additives, earning them a position at the tables of top restaurants around the country.
Classic American Coffee
