Are you in the market for the best cheap chef knives under $50/$100, but you are too busy to research and test the hundreds of knives on the market? We are here to help you. In this article, we have used hundreds of cheap knives and gone through hundreds of genuine reviews from different folks to provide this list. This article highlights the best cheap chef knives under $50/$100. Furthermore, we know that you might not stick to our recommendations.

Therefore, we have provided a buyer’s guide to help you in making the right choice.

Choosing the right chef knife can be a challenge, and choosing the right cheap knife is even more challenging. Cheap knives usually come with inferior materials and lack the features of more expensive counterparts. The knives in this review break the mold and offer decent performance despite coming at low prices.

Read on to find out more!

Features to Consider in Cheap Chef Knives

Since choosing the right chef knife can be a challenge, you need to know certain factors that should affect your choice. In this mini buying guide, we highlight some of these factors. More factors will be highlighted in the main buyer’s guide.

Design of the Knife

While there are different design considerations, we will highlight the full-tang construction in this section. When a knife has a full-tang design, what does this mean?

A full-tang chef knife is one that has the entire knife in one piece. The handle and the blade are made from a single piece of metal. The choice of using a full-tang knife is ultimately yours to make. However, while some say that a full-tang knife is simply a matter of aesthetics, after using one, it is clear that there are advantages.
For one, a full-tang knife offers more control. As it is often heavier than other designs, it will feel more solid and maneuverable.

Materials of the blade

The blade is a vital part of the knife. The sharpness, durability and other crucial factors are often affected by the type of material the blade is made of. Most of the blades on the market, whether cheap or expensive, are made of stainless steel. This material has several advantages over other materials.

First, a stainless steel blade is easier to clean than other materials. As the blade is made of stainless steel, it is more resistant to corrosion and staining than other materials. It is also very cheap to produce. Our list of the best cheap chef knives under $50/$100 has most of the knives with a stainless steel blade.

However, stainless steel isn’t the only material used in making blades. There are other materials like carbon steel. This material is the other common material used for making blades. Carbon steel blades are often more expensive than stainless steel knives. The main advantage of this material over stainless steel is that it holds its edge for far longer. However, it is less durable than stainless steel blades. It is not as resistant to rust, and it stains more easily.

Other factors that you should consider when choosing a cheap chef knife include:

Best Cheap Chef Knives 2024 (Under $50)

1. Wusthof 4862-7/20 Pro Cook’s Knife

Design
This knife qualifies as the best because it meets all you can demand from a kitchen knife. It might come less than $50, but don’t be fooled, you won’t find a cheap knife better than this. It is made of stainless alloy steel, which makes it quite durable. It has a blade length of 8″ which provides sufficient leverage for cutting. The handle is made of polymer, and it offers a strong grip. The whole design is ergonomic, and there are no issues with the design.

Performance
There are no issues here, either. The knife isn’t lightweight, and neither is it heavy. It has a perfectly balanced weight that makes cutting vegetables, fruits, meat, and so on easy. This knife is used by many professionals and is widely regarded as one of the best cheap knives on the market.

Despite serious use, we observed that the edge remains sharp. It feels like magic! It holds an edge for a long time, and you can rest assured that you will be using it for some time to come.

2. Imarku Chef Santoku Knife

Design
The knife features an impeccable, solid design. The handle is made, not of polymer or plastic, but of wood. The handle is well designed and offers a feel and grip unparalleled among rivals. It is long enough to help you hold on to the knife when cutting hard food. The blade is 10″ in length and is made of 4116-grade stainless steel.

It is harder and more durable than most rivals, especially in this price range. The Imarku is one of the most comfortable knives we have used. To aid in durability, the knife has its felt-lined box where you can keep it when not in use.

Performance
The knife might measure 15″ in total length, but we found it very easy to use. The weight is balanced, with the knife neither too heavy nor lightweight. It cuts all kinds of food with ease, from soft food like vegetables to tough meats.

Furthermore, since it has a Rockwell hardness rating of 56±2, it is one of the most durable knives on the market.
The edge is very sharp, and many professionals find it great to use. The only problem we had with the knife is that the blade rusts quickly.

3. ZYLISS Chef’s Knife

Design
Zyliss chef’s knife has a blade length of 7.5″. It is neither too long nor too short. Although the knife is rather heavy, the 6.4 ounces weight is the price to pay for stability and superior cutting performance. It is a stainless steel blade that is ideal for cutting fruits, vegetables, and other foods. The German steel grants it immense cutting potential and greatly reduces the chances of rust or cracks.

It features an ergonomic handle that gives a soft touch but firm grip. We observed while using this knife that we could use it for lengths of time without hand fatigue.

When not in use, the Zyliss knife has a plastic sheath where it can be stored away safely. The Zyliss Chef’s knife might cost less than $50, but best believe that no-one will guess it camos for so little money.

Performance
We found this knife pleasant to use. All the foods we cut with it were prepped up perfectly. It is dishwasher safe. However, despite being dishwasher safe, it is recommended to wash by hand. Washing by hand will enhance the longevity of the knife.

Despite the impressive performance, it comes with its share of flaws. One of such deficiencies is that it doesn’t hold the edge for a long time.

The Zyliss comes ready to use straight from the box and requires no prior sharpening.

4. Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife

Design
The Victorinox brand has different blade lengths in this category, and the model we tested comes with a 5′ blade. Regardless of the length, these blades offer identical performance. We liked the 5″ length of the blade. The blade is shaped a bit differently than other rivals. It is slightly tapered, thus allowing for deep, long cuts. As for the handle of the blade, it offers a very strong and stable grip. The handle is designed with a slightly raised end and is a Fibrox Pro handle. Therefore, when cutting, you achieve right gripping angles. With a Rockwell hardness rating of 56, this stainless steel blade is quite reliable.

Performance
The knife weighs around four ounces, which makes it easy to maneuver. The performance, when tested is simply astounding. Using the knife, you will be forgiven for mistaking it for a more expensive knife. It cuts through foods of varying hardness with ease.

The only issue is that despite the great performance, it visibly pales in comparison with more expensive models from Victorinox. It also fails to hold an edge for a long time.

5. Aicok USAFF76668

Design
This knife is a budget knife that delivers a good performance. It features an 8″ blade which you can count on the slice and dice varying foods. It has a single-piece construction and is made of stainless steel. The blade is rich in carbon and is quite durable. We like the sleek design on this knife. It isn’t bulky or heavy and feels like an extension of your hand. Since the blade and the handle are welded together, you can rest assured that the blade will not fall off anytime.

Performance
The quality of this knife ensures that it delivers excellent performance. The blade cuts food efficiently, and foods do not stick to it. The stainless steel blade is durable and resistant to rust.

Despite the alluring performance, it has its share of flaws. For example, multiple users have complained about the shape of the handle. It doesn’t sit right in the palm and is uncomfortable. In addition, we observed that when submerged, the knife tends to float with the blade facing up. This can be dangerous.

6. Farberware 5171956 EdgeKeeper Chef’s Knife

Design
The Farberware 5171956 Chef’s knife is a cheap knife that is made of stainless steel. It is very affordable, and while it isn’t the most durable or sharpest blade on the market, it still serves well. The main design feature that intrigues buyers is the self-sharpening sleeve. Every time you slip it or out of the sleeve, the blade is honed.

Performance
As it is a budget knife, it is not surprising that it cannot deliver the same excellent performance at its more expensive rivals. Nevertheless, it is still one of the best you can get at this price. We used the knife to cut through different foods, with varying degrees of success.

Best Cheap Chef Knives 2024 (Under $100)

1. DALSTRONG Chef Knife Kiritsuke

Design
The Dalstrong Kiritsuke knife is one of the best-looking knives under $100. It comes with impressive craftsmanship and an overall design that ultimately improves its cutting ability. The cutlery is made of Japanese steel and is specially treated to resist corrosion, stains, and cracks. The handle is a beauty to see and great to touch. It is triple-riveted and made of wood. As a result, it is easy and comfortable to hold. The non-slip nature makes cutting through hard foods a breeze.

The design of the handle is such that anyone can comfortably hold them regardless of the hand size. It eliminates hand fatigue and is hands-down the best we have handled.

Performance
As this knife is made of premium materials, it delivers exceptional performance. The full-tang design of the knife makes it reliable to use. As all the parts are fused, you can cut with force without the fear of breaking the knife. The steel makes it a sturdy knife. During testing, we cut some acidic foods. Interestingly, the knife displayed no hint of rust. It is easy to clean and maintain.

Other features
The knife, while super-sharp, has safety protocols in place. For example, the knife has a bolstered handle. Hence, while you cut, your fingers do not touch the blade. The blade is higher than the handle. Thus, when you cut vigorously, your hand doesn’t come in contact with the cutting board. It comes with a sheath to store the knife when not in use.

2. Wusthof 8944-1

Design
Made in Solingen, Germany, this knife features exceptional craftsmanship and quality. The blades are molded from a single piece of high-quality stainless steel. The manufacturing process makes the blade hard, durable, and highly resistant to things like stains, rust, and cracks. The blade design makes it safe and highly functional. It comes with a Western-style profile and a sharp point at the tip. As the blade is wider than the handle, your hands are kept safe and do not hit the cutting board.

The handle is made of Polyoxymethylene. The nature of this material is closely packed and durable. It offers a firm grip and is durable. Despite high temperatures and moisture, the handle remains intact and good as new.

Performance
Made in Solingen, Germany, this knife features exceptional craftsmanship and quality. The blades are molded from a single piece of high-quality stainless steel. The manufacturing process makes the blade hard, durable, and highly resistant to things like stains, rust, and cracks. The blade design makes it safe and highly functional. It comes with a Western-style profile and a sharp point at the tip. As the blade is wider than the handle, your hands are kept safe and do not hit the cutting board.

The handle is made of Polyoxymethylene. The nature of this material is closely packed and durable. It offers a firm grip and is durable. Despite high temperatures and moisture, the handle remains intact and good as new.

3. Shun Sora Chef’s Knife

Design
The 8″ blade is longer than most of the other blades on this list. It has a total length of 14″. Nevertheless, it feels lightweight and comfortable when held. Made in Seki City, Japan, these Asian knives are great tools for every kitchen. Unlike other knives that have a single type of metal running through the blade, the Shun Sora knife has different metals for the top and bottom halves of the blade. Together, these metals form a sharp and nearly unbreakable blade.

The design of these blades is one factor that draws many chefs to them. It has a flat spine that makes it easy to cut through food. Almost the entire length of the blade comes in contact with the cutting board.

The handle is made of thermoplastic elastomer which is similar to those found in Western blades. The design is fairly straightforward with a straight top and slightly curved belly. The material is durable and easy to clean.

Performance
We found it easy to use and handle. Since it is lightweight, you will enjoy cutting food for long periods without experiencing tiredness. It is sharper than many rivals and more durable.

Cleaning is easy to do. We recommend you wash manually with gentle soap instead of using a dishwasher.

4. J.A. HENCKELS INTERNATIONAL 31161-201 CLASSIC Chef’s Knife

Design
This blade is straight out of J.A Henckel’s factory in Spain. The 8″ blade is made of a strong, durable stainless steel material similar to that used by the best chef’s knives like those from Wusthof. The steel offers durability, rust resistance, and imperious hardness. The Western-style profile of the blade makes it attractive to those who love Western knives. The spine is straighter than those on rival knives, and the edge has a prominent belly. The blade is wider than the handle and proffers a bolter.

The handle is of polypropylene, which is a high-quality material. It is a durable handle that can take a beating and survive kitchen temperatures and moisture without problems. The handle is triple-riveted and has a black finish. The corners are squared, and there is a curve at the end of the handle to support your grip.

Performance
The knife is more substantial than most at 8.5 ounces, and this makes it quite sturdy and comfortable to handle. Going through the reviews on Amazon, it is clear that people are in love with this knife. It offers great value for the price and cuts through many types of foods with relative ease.

During testing, we found it to be a decent kitchen companion. Although it has its flaws, it is still better than many knives on the market. Some users have complained that the spine of the knife is rather sharp and has led to cuts. Others have complained that food sticks to the blade.