The 7 Best Affordable Kitchen Knives For 2024

Jonathan Wilson By, Jonathan Wilson
Updated
Best Affordable Kitchen Knives
Best Affordable Kitchen Knives

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Wanbasion Knife Set

"The Wanbasion Knife Set offers an exquisite blend of durability and aesthetic appeal, making it a standout in any kitchen. This set is ideal for both amateur cooks and professional chefs who value reliable, high-quality kitchen tools." Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Zelite Infinity Knife

"The Zelite Infinity Knife, with its razor-sharp edge and stunning design, redefines the culinary experience. Combining the traditional craftsmanship of Japanese knives with high-quality German steel, this knife offers unparalleled performance and durability." Read Review

3. Best Versatile: Babish Knife

"The Babish Knife seamlessly combines the precision of a chef’s knife with the utility of a cleaver, offering versatility and efficiency in the kitchen. Precision-forged from high-carbon German steel, this knife features a sleek yet grippy handle, ensuring a secure and comfortable grip." Read Review

4. Best Handle: Mercer Culinary Knife

"Made from high-carbon Japanese steel, this knife combines sharpness with durability, making it a reliable companion in any kitchen. Whether you’re mincing garlic or shredding cabbage, the Mercer Culinary Knife ensures effortless and efficient preparation." Read Review

5. Best Technology: Mueller Austria Knife

"This multi-purpose cleaver knife excels in chopping, slicing, and dicing, making daily kitchen tasks effortless. Whether used professionally or at home, the Mueller Austria Knife delivers consistent, high-quality results." Read Review

A high-quality kitchen knife won’t transform your culinary skills overnight, but it can make meal preparation much more enjoyable and efficient. Unlike other kitchen gadgets, a good knife doesn’t require special skills. Whether dicing vegetables, slicing meat, or mincing herbs, the right knife can make these tasks smoother and safer.

In recent years, affordable kitchen knives have improved significantly, offering sharpness and durability that rival more expensive models. Stainless steel blades with excellent edge retention, comfortable ergonomic handles, and sleek designs are now within reach for any budget-conscious cook. These knives not only enhance your kitchen experience but also ensure you don't have to break the bank for quality. However, the market is crowded with options, making it challenging to choose the best one. Here at Kris Van Assche, we will bring you the top affordable picks for 2024.

Our team had to focus on researching and sifting through 16 hours to get such results for readers. As result, We believe the best affordable kitchen knives is Wanbasion Knife Set. Made from high-quality stainless steel, these knives can withstand the rigours of daily kitchen use, including exposure to water and acidic foods. If you're looking for additional options and more in-depth advice, check out the following buying guide & FAQs.

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TOP Choice #1 Wanbasion Knife Set
Our Score:
9.9
Wanbasion

These knives are coated with titanium, providing a strong defence against corrosion and scratches. The aesthetic appeal of this set is undeniable, making it a pleasure to display and use. Made from high-quality stainless steel, these knives can withstand the rigours of daily kitchen use, including exposure to water and acidic foods.

The Wanbasion Knife Set is crafted using a special process that enhances flexibility, making it less prone to bending or breaking. This robustness is particularly beneficial for more demanding kitchen tasks, providing strength and reliability. Whether you’re slicing through tough meats or delicate vegetables, these knives perform exceptionally well. However, regular sharpening is required to maintain their optimal performance. But the sharpening process is straightforward and manageable, ensuring that the knives remain in peak condition with minimal hassle.

If you’re a culinary enthusiast or a professional chef looking for a reliable and stylish knife set, the Wanbasion Knife Set is an excellent choice. Its blend of durability and aesthetic appeal makes it suitable for anyone who spends a significant amount of time in the kitchen. Priced competitively, it offers great value for those seeking high-quality kitchen tools that deliver on both performance and appearance.

TOP Choice #2 Zelite Infinity Knife
Our Score:
9.7
Zelite Infinity

The Zelite Infinity Knife is a premier choice for kitchen enthusiasts, merging top-tier performance with elegant design. This 7-inch multipurpose knife, inspired by Japanese and Chinese styles, excels in chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing. Its exceptional sharpness and minimal slicing resistance make cooking a joy, turning even mundane tasks into a delightful experience.

Constructed from ThyssenKrupp High Carbon Stainless Steel, the blade of the Zelite Infinity Knife is a testament to quality and durability. With a Rockwell hardness of 56, the blade is tough yet flexible, providing exceptional edge retention. The ultra-deep 50mm blade design minimizes surface drag, preventing food from sticking and making clean, efficient cuts. Nevertheless, the handle is a bit heavy.

For serious home cooks and professional chefs who demand the best in their kitchen tools, the Zelite Infinity Knife is a top contender. Its superior craftsmanship, combined with advanced materials and ergonomic design, makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen. Given its high performance and premium features, it is ideal for those who view cooking as both an art and a science, willing to invest in a knife that enhances their culinary experience.

TOP Choice #3 Babish Knife
Our Score:
9.6
Babish

The Babish Knife is a versatile kitchen tool that combines the best features of a chef’s knife and a cleaver. Its hybrid design allows for precise slicing and scoop up ingredients with its wide surface area. Made from a single piece of high-carbon German steel, it is built for durability and long-lasting sharpness. The knife's tapered edge is perfect for precision cutting, while the broad blade makes it easy to transfer chopped ingredients from the cutting board to the pot or pan.

The Babish Knife handle is grippy and sleek, providing a secure yet comfortable grip. The knife feels balanced, allowing for smooth and efficient cutting motions. However, users should be mindful to avoid using the knife on hard surfaces like countertops or glass cutting boards, as these can dull the blade.

The Babish Knife is perfect for home cooks and professional chefs who need a versatile, high-performance tool in their kitchen. Its combination of a chef’s knife’s precision and a cleaver’s utility makes it ideal for various tasks.

4 Mercer Culinary Knife
Our Score:
9.4
Mercer Culinary

The Mercer Culinary Knife utilizes high-carbon Japanese steel to create a blade that maintains its edge with minimal effort. From chopping and mincing to cutting and dicing, this knife excels in versatility, making it a quintessential tool for professional chefs and home cooks. Featuring textured finger points, the handle provides a non-slip grip that significantly enhances comfort and safety during use.

The handle's durability further ensures that this knife can withstand the rigours of daily kitchen activities, making it a reliable choice for any cooking enthusiast. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the knife can be susceptible to rust if not properly maintained. This is a minor drawback, considering the high-carbon steel construction, which requires diligent care to prevent corrosion.

The Mercer Culinary Knife is ideal for those who seek a high-quality, versatile kitchen tool without breaking the bank. Priced reasonably, it offers exceptional value for both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts. If precision, durability, and comfort are top priorities, this knife is a perfect choice. Its superior design and construction make it suitable for anyone who values efficiency and excellence in their culinary endeavours.

5 Mueller Austria Knife
Our Score:
9.2
Mueller Austria

This knife is made from high-quality stainless steel and is designed to resist rust, corrosion, and discolouration. The stainless steel construction also allows for quick re-sharpening, ensuring that tife remains razor-sharp for precise cutting tasks. Designed for professional applications, this knife effortlessly handles various kitchen tasks. The ability to handle tough tasks, such as cutting various meats or removing flesh from bones, highlights the knife’s robustness and sharpness.

Engineered with the latest technology, the blade maintains its sharpness even after rigorous use. The ergonomic design of the Mueller Austria Knife is another feature that sets it apart. Even after prolonged use, the handle minimises fatigue, finger numbness, and aches. The secure, comfortable grip provided by the handle ensures that the knife is easy to control, reducing the risk of accidental slips and enhancing overall safety.

The Mueller Austria Knife is an excellent choice for those who demand versatility and sharpness in their kitchen tools. Nonetheless, the blade may acquire some light scratches from sponge cleaning, so you need to clean it carefully. Despite this, this knife offers exceptional performance and ease of use. 

6 HENCKELS Knife Set
Our Score:
9.1
HENCKELS

The HENCKELS Knife Set represents a blend of professional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. Each knife in the set features a satin-finished blade that delivers precision cutting and retains its sharpness for an extended period. The finely honed edge allows for meticulous cutting tasks, making these knives indispensable for detailed kitchen work.

The forged bolster construction provides a seamless transition from the blade to the handle, enhancing the overall stability and control during use. The sharpness and precision of the blades ensure clean, uniform cuts, which are essential for both presentation and cooking consistency. The versatility of these paring knives makes them suitable for a wide range of culinary applications. While the knives can be cleaned in the dishwasher, hand washing is recommended to preserve their sharpness and appearance. 

The HENCKELS Knife Set is perfect for discerning home cooks and culinary professionals who value precision and durability. Priced at a premium, these knives are an investment in quality and longevity. This set provides the reliability and sharpness needed to achieve excellent results consistently.

7 Farberware Knife
Our Score:
8.9
Farberware

The Farberware Knife boasts several advanced features that make it indispensable. Its most notable attribute is the Edgekeeper Technology, which integrates a self-sharpening sheath. The handle is also ergonomically designed to offer exceptional comfort and durability. The forged triple-riveted handle provides a secure grip and enhances the knife's overall balance. This design ensures that the knife feels comfortable and stable in your hand, which is especially beneficial during prolonged use.

The versatility of the Farberware Knife cannot be overstated. Its 8-inch high-carbon stainless steel blade is suitable for a wide range of tasks, including chopping, dicing, slicing, and mincing. The ultra-sharp blade ensures precision in every cut, which is essential for both aesthetic presentation and even cooking of ingredients. However, it would be best if the protective sheath could be better.

If you are a dedicated home cook or a professional chef looking for a high-performing, low-maintenance knife, the Farberware Edgekeeper Chef Knife is an excellent choice. Its self-sharpening technology and ergonomic design make it a standout option in its price range, offering a blend of innovation and practicality that is hard to match.

What to Look For in a best affordable kitchen knives?

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Heel

The heel of the blade is the right-angled portion where it connects to the handle and is sometimes included in the bolster. This area can be utilized as part of the cutting edge and should be sufficiently deep on a cook's knife to provide space for the thumb and fingers to grip the handle without hitting the cutting board while chopping with a rocking motion.

Bolster

The bolster, which is the point where the blade meets the handle, varies between knives. Some have full bolsters that cover the entire back end of the blade, while others have semi-bolsters that only cover part of the blade. We discovered that a full bolster offers better grip protection for beginners, while a semi-bolster or no bolster allows for a more controlled grip for chefs who prefer to pinch the heel of the blade. The angle and shape of the bolster can also impact how comfortable the knife feels in your hand, so it may take some experimenting to find the style that suits you best.

Spine

The spine of a knife is located on the top or back of the blade, opposite to the cutting edge. A thicker spine typically indicates a stronger blade. The thickness of the spine also impacts the balance of the knife and how easy it is to use. Thicker and heavier spines are better for chopping, but may not be ideal for more delicate cutting tasks. Notches on the spine near the handle, referred to as 'jimping', provide additional control for precise cutting.

Tang

The tang is the part of the blade that extends into the handle of a knife. A full tang extends the entire length and width of the handle, providing added weight, strength, and balance. Full tangs are commonly found on high-quality knives and can sometimes be thicker than the blade itself. While a full tang is visible on the outside of a riveted-handle knife, it can also be enclosed within a plastic handle. In the mid-price range, knives may have a half tang that is only half the length of the handle. Lower-priced knives may have a shorter tang known as a nab tang or whittle tang, which is even shorter than a half tang.

Edge

Knives with a smooth edge and no serrations may need to be sharpened regularly to keep them sharp. These types of knives are typically crafted from durable stainless steel. On the other hand, knives with scalloped edges are designed for slicing through tough or crusty foods like bread.

Handle

Handles for knives are typically crafted from either wood, plastic, or metal, each material impacting the knife's weight, texture, and cost. It's important to select a knife that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your needs. Keep in mind that wood handles may deform or splinter after prolonged use and cleaning.

FAQs

What makes a kitchen knife affordable?

Affordable kitchen knives are typically made with lower-cost materials and may not have as many features or design elements as higher-end knives. They are still effective for basic kitchen tasks and are a budget-friendly option for home cooks.

Are affordable kitchen knives sharp?

Most affordable kitchen knives come pre-sharpened and are capable of cutting through fruits, vegetables, and meats with ease. However, they may not hold their edge as long as more expensive knives and may require more frequent sharpening.

Are affordable kitchen knives durable?

While affordable kitchen knives may not be as durable as higher-end knives, they can still be quite sturdy and long-lasting if cared for properly. Avoid putting them in the dishwasher, store them in a knife block or sheath, and regularly sharpen them to extend their lifespan.

Can affordable kitchen knives be used for professional cooking?

Affordable kitchen knives are suitable for home cooks and amateur chefs who are looking for a reliable and budget-friendly option. However, professional chefs who use their knives frequently and require high precision may prefer investing in higher-quality knives.

What are some popular brands of affordable kitchen knives?

Some popular brands of affordable kitchen knives include Victorinox, Mercer Culinary, and J.A. Henckels. These brands offer a variety of knife styles and sizes at affordable price points.

Conclusion

Its features, not its name, are what define best affordable kitchen knives in 2024. This may seem self-evident, but it's easy to become fixated on a specific company or brand due to its reputation. We strongly advise you to consider your needs and determine which products will assist you in meeting them. With our options above, if you can't choose any suitable one, let's check Farberware Knife. Wish you a nice shopping day!


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About Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson is a former pro football player and tech reporter who now serves as the editor of Kris Van Assche's website. He is a dedicated fitness enthusiast who splits his workout time between strength and conditioning training, martial arts and running.

Jonathan's athletic career began in college, where he was a star running back. He went on to play professionally for several years before injuries forced him to retire. Afterward, Jonathan transitioned into a career in tech reporting, where he quickly made a name for himself as a knowledgeable and insightful commentator on the industry.

In addition to his work with our website, Jonathan remains active in the world of sports. He regularly competes in martial arts tournaments and running events, and he is always looking for new ways to challenge himself physically. Jonathan is an inspiration to many people, and he is proof that it is never too late to pursue your passions.

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