The best steak knives should slice through meat easily without tearing or shredding it. It should feel balanced in your hand and be comfortable to hold. Our top-rated knives are attractive enough for the table but sharp enough to get the job done right on the cutting board, too—without taking off a finger in the process.
We used a wide variety of meats, both cooked and raw, to compare the performance of different types of steak knives. We quickly found out that a serrated knife can make a decent-enough approximation for a straight edge when you’re slicing raw meat, but it isn’t genuinely comparable—so we decided to compare only straight-edged blades.
After we’d tested 21 knives and had the top five, we took them to a professional butcher and asked him to slice 1-inch cutlets from two different beef tenderloins: one prime and one choice. We ran each knife‘s performance through an informal battery of tests—slicing raw meat for tartare, slicing cooked steak for roast beef sandwiches, and slicing cooked prime rib for a holiday dinner.
Along the way, we learned that a good steak knife should be able to handle meat of all kinds. Here are the 5 best steak knives:
Quick Pick Best Steak Knives America’s Test Kitchen 2023
DALSTRONG Best Steak Knives Set 5
Wusthof CLASSIC Six Piece Steak Set
Mercer Culinary Genesis 7 Piece Forged Steak Knife Set
Wusthof Classic Four Piece Steak Set, 4 Hollow Edge, Black, Stainless Steel
Messermeister Avanta 4-Piece 5 Fine Edge Steak Knife
DALSTRONG Best Steak Knives Set 5
Dalstrong’s Shogun Series set of steak knives was the only five-star model in our tests. Each blade has a full tang and bolsters—features that make it feel well-balanced in your hand as you slice. It’s also comfortable to hold, thanks to its pakkawood handle with a deep finger notch on the front bolster. The Shogun Series knives have beautiful Damascus-patterned blades, which are sharpened to a Japanese double-bevel edge.
Even though these knives are dishwasher safe, hand washing them will help extend their life because of the hard blade coating that makes it tough to cut other tough materials like bones or gristle. However, if you do put these knives in the dishwasher, make sure to buy a knife guard—more on those later.
Exceptional and award-winning artistry, cutting-edge innovative technology, breathtaking design, and the finest materials are combined to create a Dalstrong culinary revolutionary. You and your pocketbook have never imagined peak performance to look so attractive.
Using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke technique, a razor-sharp scalpel-like edge is a hand polished to a mirror shine at 8–12° each side. Use nitrogen cooling to improve harness, elasticity, and corrosion resistance. Full tang for outstanding durability and triple bonded for even more toughness.
Pros: Overall, the Dalstrong steak knives are top performers in our tests because of their excellent balance and sharpness due to their high-quality blades and Pakkawood handles. Besides having triple-riveted construction, it is fully tang and stain-resistant.
Cons: Our only complaints about the Dalstrong Shogun Series set of steak knives were their scabbards and limited lifetime warranty. We found the sheaths difficult to use and we had questions about the warranty’s limitations. The warranty is good for “manufacturing defects,” but not for damage due to misuse, neglect, or normal wear and tear. Moreover, it is costly.
Wusthof CLASSIC Six Piece Steak Set
This six-piece set of steak knives from Wusthof is a top performer in our tests that deserves its place on the table of any steakhouse or high-end restaurant that cares about quality cutlery. It includes six 4″ slicers with black-coated blades, stainless-steel handles, and full tangs.
You won’t find triple-riveted construction here, but the knives’ blades and handles are well-balanced in your hand when you’re cutting.
The Wusthof knives sport a blade angle of 16 degrees (the blades start at the handle and narrow to a sharp point), which gives them their keen ability to slice through meat without tearing or shredding.
You may be confident that you are handling one of the most excellent kitchen tools when using a WÜSTHOF knife. With over 200 years of combined expertise, we understand what flawless cutting entails.
Six 4 1/2″ steak knives are included. WÜSTHOF Steak Knives feature a straight, crisp edge that effortlessly cuts through steak without tearing or harming the flesh.
Pros: The Wusthof Classic knives are a good value, especially if you prefer the feel of lighter-weight knives in your hand. They have an excellent balance of sharpness and resistance to corrosion that comes from high-carbon steel blades that are ice tempered to retain their sharpness longer.
This set is fully tanged with an ergonomic design and a fine finish, but the knives come with a limited lifetime warranty that covers defects.
Cons: The Wusthof steak knives cost more than three times as much as our Best Buy winner, and they don’t have the sharpest blades in our tests. While these steak knives will work for most tasks, they aren’t appropriate for tougher proteins like beef bone-in cuts. Some users may be turned off by the large “W” logo on each handle that looks like it came from a discount store.
Mercer Culinary Genesis 7 Piece Forged Steak Knife Set
This set of seven steak knives from Mercer Culinary features forged high-carbon stainless steel blades (with a Rockwell hardness rating of 56) and ergonomic black polymer handles. The knives are fully tanged for better balance, and the overall design is well-balanced in your hand as you cut, making them comfortable to use.
These steak knives also have a knuckle guard that prevents your hand from slipping onto the blade, adding an extra touch of safety.
High-carbon German steel is precisely forged into the knives for added durability. The edges are honed with a taper to boost cutting effectiveness while maintaining excellent long-lasting brilliance.
Knives should be hand-washed with warm water and a gentle soap to ensure maximum performance and lifespan. Rinse, and then completely dry with a soft towel. Please avoid using the dishwasher or submerging it for an extended time.
Pros: The Mercer knives have precision-forged construction which promises durability. These are sharp with well-balanced blades and handles. They are heavy-duty enough to handle boning tasks as well as steakhouse tasks like cutting bread or cheese. This set costs less than our Best Buy winner and comes with a lifetime warranty that covers any defects or damage. These knives are NSF-certified and easy to clean.
Cons: These knives are costly and not as sharp as the Wusthof Classic’s blades, and they’re not as resistant to corrosion because their blades are not ice-tempered. The handles lack any embellishments and feel blocky and clunky in your hand compared with other knives we tested. In addition, the Mercer knives are not dishwasher safe, recommended for hand washing only.
Wusthof Classic Four Piece Steak Set, 4 Hollow Edge, Black, Stainless Steel
This four-piece set of steak knives from Wusthof Classic is a top performer in our tests that deserves its place on the table of any steakhouse or high-end restaurant that cares about quality cutlery. It includes four 4″ slicers with black-coated blades, triple-riveted synthetic polypropylene handles, and full tangs.
Each knife has a blade-and-handle design that feels good in your hand when you’re cutting. The Wusthof knives sport a blade angle of 16 degrees (the blades start at the handle and narrow to a sharp point), which gives them their keen ability to slice through meat without tearing or shredding.
Blades made of high carbon stainless steel that is carefully cut using cutting-edge technology for fantastic sharpness and simple maintenance. WÜSTHOF kitchen knives should only be hand washed.
Four 4 1/2″ Hollow Blade Steak Knives are included. This knife makes it simple for cooks to quickly prepare a variety of fresh food, including starchy foods like potatoes that tend to adhere to a knife’s blade.
Pros: The Wusthof Classic knives with precision edge technology are a good value, especially if you prefer the feel of lighter-weight knives in your hand. They have an excellent balance of high-quality blades with sharpness and resistance to corrosion that comes from high-carbon steel blades that are ice tempered to retain their sharpness longer. This set is fully tanged with an ergonomic design and a fine finish, but the knives come with a limited lifetime warranty that covers defects.
Cons: The Wusthof steak knives cost more than three times as much as our Best Buy winner, and they don’t have the sharpest blades in our tests. While these steak knives will work for most tasks, they aren’t appropriate for tougher proteins like beef bone-in cuts. The handles are pretty basic. This set is not dishwasher safe; hand washes only.
Messermeister Avanta 4-Piece 5 Fine Edge Steak Knife
The Messermeister Avanta steak knives are the sharpest knives we tested that cost less than $50, which makes them a no-brainer if you’re on a budget. These 4″ slicers come with fine-edged blades that start at the handle and taper to a point. The Pakkawood handles have a warm, nutty feel as opposed to the cold plastic feel of other knives we tested, and the knife’s overall design is comfortable to hold.
Pros: These are excellent knives for the price having triple-riveted construction. The Messermeister Avanta steak knives have a good weight in your hand as you cut, with well-balanced blades and sandblasted stainless steel handle that makes them easier to handle than some other brands. These knives are rust-resistant and have a limited lifetime warranty.
For one of the top culinary schools in North America, Avanta knives were created. Uncompromising attention to every detail was used in making this set, which has rounded, triple-riveted wood grips for comfort and toughness.
The best cutting edges are those with smooth, tiny edges. All hard and soft fruits, veggies, meats, and seafood can be cut, chopped, sliced, and diced with this edge.
Cons: These knives have no bolster so the blades are not as strong as those on other knives we tested, which means they may not be suitable for tougher tasks like cutting through bones or chopping hard vegetables.
The Messermeister Avanta steak knives don’t come with sharp blades out of the box, and they aren’t as resistant to corrosion as the Wusthof or the Mercer knives. However, for those on a budget, these are some of the best steak knives available and easily outperform other more expensive brands like Rada Cutlery. They are not dishwasher-safe and need to be oiled.
On a concluding note, these are the top 5 best steak knives that you can find in the market. All of them have their unique features and benefits which you can take into consideration before choosing your preferred steak knife.
If price is not a concern, go for Wusthof Classic Four Piece Steak Knife Set as it offers the best performance and quality. The Messermeister Avanta 4-Piece 5 Fine Edge Steak Knife Set is a great value pick for those that are on a budget. The Mercer Culinary Forged Steak Knife Set is the best choice if you want a more affordable option with a beautiful design and a durable feel in your hand. The DALSTRONG Steak Knives Set is unique as they are constructed from a single piece of steel.
It is also important to note that if you take care of your knives, they will last forever and you will never need another set! They can be sharpened and even customized (for the Wusthof and Messermeister models) and can become an heirloom for your grandchildren.
Guide To Purchasing The Best Steak Knives
Always choose the most incredible steak knife set that is inexpensive and durable if you want to get one. Affordable knife sets of low quality will always leave you feeling wet. Before purchasing a knife set, take the following attributes in mind:
Quantity of Pieces
Purchasing a steak knife set to fit your place settings can make sense. Purchase a set of knives with a significant amount of space that can include multiple knives. Consider who will be utilizing the blades in your family when deciding how many there should be.
Performance
Always consider how your knives will be used. Knives with sharp, tapered edges are ideal. Handles should be made from natural wood. High carbon content should be present throughout the whole knife set. Knives must be extremely sharp and portable.
Dishwasher-Safe
There are several varieties of steak knives. Some knives may be washed by hand, while others must be put in the dishwasher. Consider your tastes. Go for it if you want a knife to clean by hand.
The blade
America’s Test Kitchen developed the best knife blade for excellent steak knives. They are pretty comfortable to use and hold an edge exceptionally nicely. The complete tang of the steak knives is significant since it ensures that the blade and handle won’t separate even after prolonged use.
Additionally, the blade is composed of high-carbon stainless steel, which is crucial since it prevents rusting and staining. The serrated edge of the steak knives is also vital since it makes cutting into meat easier. Overall, America’s Test Kitchen’s steak knives are the best available, and if you like steak, you should get them.
Design
A quality steak knife might make all the difference at your upcoming dinner party. After all, a dull knife is the single most significant detriment to a well-grilled steak. In light of this, America’s Test Kitchen set out to identify the top steak knives available. By slicing through anything from sensitive filet mignon to robust ribeye, they placed dozens of models to the proof. In conclusion, they discovered that the top steak knives shared a few essential characteristics.
Outside Coating
Any skilled cook will tell you how important it is to keep your knives sharp. However, what about steak knives? While most people are fine to use whichever steak knives they happen to have on hand, there are many different knife coatings that might affect how well your blades operate.
Material
Excellent knife material must be chosen since serrated steak knives are essential kitchen utensils. Regrettably, there isn’t a steak knife that “fits all” in design. Several materials make good steak knives based on your needs and tastes. But there are a few essential things to consider when selecting a knife material. It would help if you thought about the blade first.
Size
The ideal blade dimension for steak knives’ Opinions varies in America’s test kitchens. While some believe a larger knife might be more useful when cutting through more frozen meat, others choose a smaller knife for more precision. The ideal size will eventually depend on your needs.
FAQs
Which are superior, serrated, or straight-edge knives?
Serrated knives are used because they offer a simple method for cutting meat, whereas straight-edge blades glide through the meat.
What kind of blades ought we to favor?
Most of the time, we like knives with sharp blades over those without sharp edges. The quick cutting these knives offer is the cause.
What should a premium steak knife be made of?
Since we use steak knives for both cuttings and curing the meat, they ought to be constructed of stainless steel. The meat cannot be sliced with wooden knives.
Conclusion
A pair of top-notch knives is a need for anybody who enjoys cuisine, whether they are a great chef or not. We can quickly chop meats using high-quality knives since they are comfortable to handle. Purchase a knife with razor-sharp blades and superior functionality.
Read this comprehensive guide before making a knife purchase. We examined the top steak knives in each category to give you the best idea.