A carbon steel knife is an essential tool in a professional chef's arsenal. Yet, this does not mean these knives are irrelevant for home chefs. Carbon steel knives are the sharpest equipment you will ever encounter. Even with minimal sharpening, their blades retain a sharp edge. These knives are also incredibly stiff and durable and breeze through tough meat and vegetables.
Carbon steel knives make cutting easy, but you will not see many mainstream brands selling them. Usually, these knives are offered by specialty brands that do not sell them off the rack. Most of these brands are overseas, and japan is one of the leading makers of carbon steel knives.
However, recently we have seen the emergence of somewhat mainstream high-carbon steel brands online. These brands offer good carbon steel knives at affordable prices. So, if you are looking for the best carbon steel knife you can buy today, you have landed on the right page.
We have selected five of the best carbon steel knives online. These knives are appropriate for home use and are from trusted sellers. If you are unsure whether you should buy a carbon steel knife, its pros and cons will help you clear your mind.
So, we will start by discussing some of the advantages and disadvantages of a carbon steel knife before reviewing our top seven picks.
Pros and Cons of a Carbon Steel Knife
Pros
Unlike stainless steel knives, carbon steel knives do not have chromium added to them. Chromium is added to steel to give it corrosion resistance. However, it causes the stainless steel to become softer. So, a carbon steel knife is tougher than a stainless steel knife.
Although carbon steel is tougher than stainless steel, it is much easier to sharpen. So, compared to stainless steel knives, carbon steel knives need less sharpening because carbon steel knives retain their razor-sharp edge for longer. These knives have good edge retention, and their sharp edge will remain precise even after years of use.
Stainless steel knives do not stay sharp for long. They may be sharp enough to cut through vegetables and meat. However, they will start to lose the precision-sharp ability that they originally had.
Carbon steel is also incredibly sharp. Even after years of use, cutting onion with it will feel like a breeze. So, it is preferred by professional chefs and enthusiasts worldwide.
Cons
Owning a carbon steel blade comes with some disadvantages. The first is that it is prone to corrosion. An easy way to avoid this is to frequently use mineral oil on your knife. Some experts suggest that it is best to oil your carbon steel knife after every single use. Some people consider it too much effort and steer clear of carbon steel knives.
Since a carbon steel knife is incredibly sharp, this is both an advantage and a disadvantage, as you have to be extra careful around it. This deters some people from buying carbon steel knives.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
You need a new carbon steel knife, but there are so many options to choose from. How can you ensure you're getting the best quality knife for your money?
Knowing which carbon steel knife is right for you and your home is hard. There are many different brands, materials, sizes, and prices. It can be overwhelming and frustrating to figure out which is the best for you.
We've done all of the hard work for you. Our team of experienced editors has hand-selected the best carbon steel and high-carbon steel knives on the market based on quality, price, and consumer feedback. No more guesswork is needed!
1. Misono 9.4" Gyutou
Why We Love It
No list of high-carbon steel knives and Japanese knives is complete without mentioning Misono Carbon Steel Gyutou. This is one of the most premium knives with superior edge retention. The carbon steel blades of this knife will make most stainless steel knives look like a toy.
Very few other carbon steel chef's knives even come close to the quality of this Misono knife. It is hand-made to perfection using Swedish carbon steel, which is known as the highest quality and purest form of carbon steel.
This knife has staggering looks. It is decorated with dragon engraving on the face, which looks stunning. One of the best things about this knife is its handle. It is ergonomic and adds an extra oomph to the knife.
It is comfortable to handle and has a nice bolster that provides a good counterweight for perfect balance. You can use this knife for pretty much everything. It breezes through meat and fish. Cutting vegetables feel super easy using this knife.
Its blade is exceptionally sharp right out of the box. The blade has a 70:30 asymmetric bevel that concentrates the sharpness on the face. This creates a steep angle and a thin cutting edge for this knife. It is one of the sharpest knives we have ever seen.
What You Should Know
Consumers have reported the dragon engraving on this knife will retain water. So, you would have to wipe it at least two to three times to ensure you have dried it completely. This is only a minor inconvenience that most people may not mind.
2. Misen 8" Chef Knife
Why We Love It
Misen's high-carbon chef's knife is crafted from AICHI AUS-10 steel, which is a high-carbon stainless steel that offers a superior balance between long-lasting sharpness and durability. It has two times the carbon content of some other "premium" knives, making it the perfect choice for serious cooks who want a knife that will last.
It is also easier to sharpen than other high-carbon steels, so you can keep your knife sharp with less effort.
A proper grip is essential for any chef - after all, you can't cook if you can't hold your knife! The sloped bolster shape of the 8-inch Chef Knife encourages a safer "pinch grip," which not only feels more comfortable but also gives you more control.
The more acute 15-degree angle also results in a sharper cutting face, making this knife a real powerhouse in the kitchen. So whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, the 8-inch Chef Knife is sure to become your new go-to knife.
What You Should Know
At Misen, they believe that you shouldn't have to spend a fortune to get a great kitchen knife. They believe in using the best materials possible and selling directly to you at a fair and honest price. That's why they've made it our mission to create the best kitchen knives without breaking the bank. So if you're looking for a great kitchen knife without spending a lot of money, we think you'll love Misen.
3. WÜSTHOF Classic IKON 8" High-Carbon Chef Knife
Why We Love It
The 8" Chef's Knife from Wusthof is in a class all its own. This knife is forged from a single block of high carbon stainless steel and tempered to 58-degree HRC. The Precision Edge Technology yields a blade that is 20% sharper with twice the edge retention than other models. This makes it ideal for chopping, slicing and dicing all kinds of foods.
The blade is made from high-quality German steel and features a distinctive double bolster design that adds balance and professional-style heft. The ergonomic handle is made from a long-lasting synthetic material that resists fading and discoloration, making it comfortable to use and easy to keep clean. In addition, it features a full tang for added strength and balance.
We believe the Wusthof Classic 8" Cook's Knife is the perfect tool for any kitchen.
What You Should Know
WÜSTHOF is a company with a long history of making high-quality knives. Founded in Solingen, Germany, over 200 years ago, the company is now in its seventh generation of family ownership.
WÜSTHOF's knives are famous for their durability and sharpness, and the company takes great pride in its craftsmanship.
WÜSTHOF's commitment to excellence has earned it a reputation as one of the world's premier cutlery makers, and its knives are used by chefs and home cooks alike. Whether you're looking for a new chef's knife or a versatile paring knife, WÜSTHOF has a knife that will suit your needs.
4. Zwilling J.A. Henckels Professional S, 8" Chef Knife
Why We Love It
One of the issues with carbon steel knives is that they are prone to corrosion and rust. However, this Zwilling knife's blade is high-carbon, no-stain, stainless steel, which does not get rusted easily. This knife offers the best of both worlds. You get high-carbon steel without the hassle of oiling it every other day. However, it may not be as sharp as some of the other high-carbon steel knives.
If you are a carbon steel knife enthusiast who wants a good quality mid-budget carbon steel knife, this Zwilling Knife is a perfect choice. The knife is manufactured in Germany using cutting-edge ice-hardening technology on the blade and is built from a single piece of solid steel.
The blade of this knife is ice hardened, enhancing its edge retention and making up for some of the loss in toughness. The edges of this blade are precision-honed using a laser. This ensures that the knife has an ideal cutting edge and increased durability. The knife has an edge retention of 15 degrees on each side.
The knife looks and feels premium. It has an excellent design with a very comfortable handle. The handle shape feels natural and grips firmly in hand. It has a nice bolster that provides a good counterweight for balanced handling.
What You Should Know
Some people do not consider this knife to be a pure carbon steel knife. It will also require regular sharpening as opposed to other carbon steel knives. This is the price that you have to pay for its corrosion resistance. It is a good choice if you would not mind regularly sharpening this knife.
5. ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Bird's Beak Peeling Knife
Why We Love It
If you are looking for the best peeling knife ever, look no further than this Zwilling Birds beak Peeling knife. Its blade is the same corrosion-resistant high-carbon steel as the Zwilling Chef's knife.
We have to say it is one of the most unique-looking knives we have ever seen. As the name suggests, its blade is shaped like a bird's beak. The design makes it super convenient to peel any fruit or vegetable. This knife is so sharp that people also use it to cut fruits and vegetables. Some people even use it to debone fish.
The knife is made in Germany and looks like a premium peeling knife. The blade is ice-hardened to make up for some of the lost edge retentions. The knife does not require a lot of maintenance since it is corrosion-resistant. The major part of this knife is its ergonomic handle which is easily one of the most comfortable ones we have ever seen. It has a nice bolster that provides a sufficient counterweight for balancing the knife.
What You Should Know
The Zwilling Birds Beak knife is excellent for peeling fruits and vegetables. The curve follows the shape of the fruit effortlessly. However, this knife has a thin tip that can bend easily. So, there is a danger of chopping the edge. This knife is not made for heavy-duty use, so that should not be considered a con.
How To Select The Best Carbon Steel Knife
All carbon steel knives are incredibly sharp and have good edge retention. Yet, not all of them are made equal. The extra money spent on a carbon steel knife gets wasted if it is only marginally better than stainless steel knife. When purchasing online, look at customer reviews about its blade.
There is a lot more to a knife than just its blade. One of the most important things for you to consider is its comfort. The handle of a carbon steel knife should grip firmly and comfortably in your hands. An extremely sharp, high-carbon steel knife that is uncomfortable is of no use.
A carbon steel knife is one of the sharpest kitchen tools you will ever come across. So, you must focus on its safety features. Ensure that the knife has a good bolster. They protect your fingers from getting in touch with the blade and provide a counterweight for a good grip and balance. You will also need a sheath to keep your knife safe. If the knife already comes with a sheath, that is a great plus.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carbon Steel Knives
Is a carbon steel knife suitable for home chefs?
Professional chefs usually prefer carbon steel knives. Yet, they are perfectly suitable for home use. They make everyday cooking easier. As a home chef, you need to be a little more careful when you own a carbon steel knife because of its sharp blade. A carbon steel knife is a perfect tool for knife enthusiasts.
Can you cut everything with a Carbon steel knife?
Generally, you can cut everything with a carbon steel knife. However, it is best to avoid using it to cut acidic foods. The acid from acidic food can cause it to rust more quickly. Yet, if you use it to cut acidic food, wash it thoroughly afterward.
How to stop carbon steel knives from rusting?
Make sure that you keep your knife nice and dry. It is preferable to use mineral oil on the knife after every use, but not mandatory. However, you should oil it every two to three days.
Does high-carbon steel contain toxic substances?
High-carbon steel does not contain toxic substances. It is completely safe for food preparations.
What Option of Our Carbon Steel Knives Is Best For You?
All the options we presented can be great options for you and your home. Now it comes down to personal preference. We hope this article has given some clarity on what carbon steel knife you want in your home. Thanks for reading!
Here is the list of items reviewed:
1. Misono 9.4" Carbon Steel Gyutou
3. WÜSTHOF Classic IKON 8" Chef Knife
