Best Chef Knife under $30 [TOP 10 in 2023]

Are you wondering whether it is possible to find a quality chef knife when you are on a budget?  This article is for those searching for the best chef knife under $30.

Even though the expensive models may have better features than the cheap ones, you can still find reliable models when you are on a budget.

Just like the expensive models, the knives we have reviewed are very versatile, sharp, sturdy, and durable. Check out more details in our best budget knife review to know which kitchen knives you should consider when you are on a budget.

10 Best Chef Knives Under 30

10 Best Chef Knife under $30 Reviews

1. Mercer Culinary M22608 Millennia Black Handle, 8-Inch  – Best Overall

The Mercer Culinary – M22608 Chef Knife is undoubtedly the best budget Kitchen Knife.  It is the favorite one for many homes and professional chefs for cutting veggies, meat, fruits, etc.

The wide 8-inch blade is thin, lightweight, and razor-sharp. The blade is made of high-carbon Japanese steel. This material is highly resistant to stains, corrosion, and discoloration.

Its cutting sharpness is out of the box. It can slice paper-thin, thinner than many expensive knives. As a result, you don’t need to spend a lot of time completing cutting tasks.

From ordinary home cooking chores to professional chefs’ cooking you can use it without any issues.

In terms of comfort and durability, the knife features a non-slip ergonomic handle. That is made of a combination of Santoprene and polypropylene. It comes with a finger guard to protect you from accidental cuts.

Since it has a single-piece construction, it will give you a wonderful performance. At the same time, it allows you to rapidly sharpen.

Verdict – As compared to other cheap kitchen knives, the Mercer Culinary – M22608 is damn good. The sharpness is just extraordinary; compared to other high-value chef knives.
Check out more details about it here.

2. Mercer Culinary Millennia Blue Handle –Most comfortable chef knife

The Mercer Culinary Millennia has a 10-inch blade which enables it to handle all ingredients with ease.  Since it has a long razor-sharp blade, you can highly depend on it for chopping, cutting, slicing, mincing, dicing, etc.

The blue handle is very stylish and this enables it to stand out from the rest.

It is made of high-quality Japanese steel and this makes the blade easy to maintain. This blade has one-piece construction to enhance strength and durability.

Furthermore, the handle is made from a combination of polypropylene for durability and Santoprene for comfort.  Most cheap chef knives are slippery but this one features textured finger points plus a finger guard for safety.

When cleaning, you should only hand-wash it to enhance durability. Don’t forget that it is NSF-certified meaning that it is very safe and reliable.

Verdict– This chef knife is a perfect option for cooks who handle many ingredients since it has a 10-inch blade. It is also stylish and comfortable to use due to the textured finger points.
You can find more information about it here.

3. HENCKELS Statement 8-inch Chef’s Knife – Most versatile chef knife

HENCKELS Statement 8-Inch Chef’s Knife is made of high-quality stainless steel plus a satin-finished blade. This blade is sharpened at 15 degrees on each side to provide long-lasting sharpness.

Again, the knife boasts a stamped construction which makes it more lightweight than the forged models.  Unlike the half-tang models, this one has a full-tang design to give you balance and control. 

In terms of comfort, it has a triple-riveted handle with an ergonomic design. This handle contains stainless end caps which enhance the overall appearance of your knife.

You can clean it in a dishwasher although hand washing is highly recommended.

Verdict– The HENCKELS 8-inch Chef knife is among the best models for every day due to its lightweight stamped design.  It is very sharp since it is honed at 15 degrees on each side. As a result, it can cut ingredients faster to save time.
Place your order now through this link.

4. FineTool 8-inch Professional Chef Knife – Best design

Unlike most chef knives under $30, this one is made with a high-chromium stainless steel alloy blade that ensures food-grade materials.

As well as it is highly resistant to stains and corrosion.

The blade is a bit heavy but well-balanced with its full tang design and Pakkawood handle. It is so well balanced that even an amateur chef or 65 years old uses it easily.

This special-forged high-chromium steel blade gives you a long lasting, versatile, sharp edge.

This high-chromium stainless steel blade is extremely hard but flexible enough to resist tearing.

The silver color Damascus patterned blade has a high-grade wooden handle with silver rivets, which looks luxurious. Moreover, it comes with a luxurious-looking high-quality gift box.

The full tang blade with a triple-rivet handle allows you to do the heavy cutting.

It comes with a wear-resistant Pakkawood handle to ensure good grip and balance. This premium-type handle is also resistant to acids, alkalis, etc. Moreover, its ergonomically designed handle is very comfortable whether you have a large or small hand.

Verdict – The FineTool 8-inch Professional Chef Knife is one of the most advanced kitchen knives under 30. It has superior construction, and this enables it to provide excellent performance when cutting. However, you can only find some of its features in some expensive models.

Check it out here.

5. Professional 8-inch Pro Kitchen Chef Knife –Best for professional chefs

Whether you are a professional or just a home chef, this knife is among the best kitchen knives for a budget.

The first thing you will notice about the knife is the unique waved pattern on the blade. Despite the pattern, the surface is very smooth and this helps to reduce friction between the blade and the ingredients.

With this knife, you can perform different cutting tasks whether small or big.  You can use it for chopping, dicing, mincing, and slicing. 

The blade is 8 inches long and it is made of top-quality high-carbon stainless steel material. And it is hand-sharpened to a satin finish.

The steel contains 0.6 to 0.75% of carbon which makes it two times harder than other models.

Due to this, it has an ultra-sharp edge and excellent edge retention. Even if your hands are wet, you can comfortably use it since the handle is no-slip.

This 8-inch blade comes with a full tang design that allows you to handle any heavy cutting with good balance.

Verdict – This knife is specially designed for professional and home chefs. It is very sharp and stronger than most affordable chef knives on the market.
Check out this to read what customers are saying about it.

6. Victorinox 6-Inch Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife – Best for slicing

Here comes another quality model for those searching for the best budget chef knife.  The blade is 6 inches long meaning that it is comfortable to handle, especially for persons with shorter hands.

It is a great choice for cutting vegetables and fruits. At the same time, it would be a great alternative to your boning knife.

When it comes to comfort, this knife comes with an ergonomic handle. This non-slip handle is made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) for durability.

Unlike others, this one has a flat spine which provides extra power when slicing hard-skinned ingredients.

The European steel curved blade features a long sloping design for easier chopping and mincing.

If you are searching for the best cheap kitchen knife that can handle large and small tasks, this one will be a great choice. It is very sharp for all cutting tasks. Again, it is NSF-certified meaning that it is very reliable.

Verdict– It is designed for shredding, slicing, chopping, mincing, and dicing. It would be a great choice for beginners and culinary students.
Get it now from here.

7. PAUDIN 5-inch Chef Knife – The most Lightweight

For those who love a lightweight knife, the PAUDIN Utility Knife will be the best. Unlike most chef knives which are 6-10 inches long, this one is only 5 inches long. The blade is thinner than other models making it easier to use.

Despite its sleek design, it is a multipurpose knife meaning that you can use it for almost all cutting tasks. These tasks include dicing, slicing, and mincing among other cutting tasks.

In terms of performance, it has a Rockwell hardness of 56+ which means that it is strong enough to handle tough ingredients.

The blade is extremely sharp and it also has incredible edge retention. Another notable thing about this knife is the beautiful waved pattern on the blade which enhances its overall appearance.

When it comes to comfort, this knife is equipped with a Pakkawood handle that provides an excellent grip when cutting.

The full tang design provides a perfect balance between the handle and the blade for easier maneuverability.

Verdict – This knife is uniquely designed for those who love lightweight knives. This semi-bolster design blade will help to protect your finger from accidental cuts. It comes with a money-back guarantee.
Read more about it here.

8. Master Class 8 inches Chef Knife – Best self-sharpening chef knife

The Master Class Chef Knife is designed for those searching for an advanced model.  Unlike others, it uses advanced self-sharpening technology to enhance sharpness.

It comes with a sheath with an inbuilt sharpener.  This sheath hones the knife when you are removing it or placing it inside after use. 

The blade is 8 inches long and is made of high-carbon stainless steel material.  Due to this material, it can handle all cutting tasks.

The handle is very comfortable. You can use the knife for long hours without wrist fatigue.

It comes with a full tang design with a triple-rivet handle which means it allows you to do the heavy cutting.

This blade has a full bolster to protect fingers though it has a downside. A full bolster design knife is easy to use but a little bit difficult to re-sharpen for new chefs.

Verdict – As compared to other best cooking knives for the money, this one is the most convenient. It comes with up to 25 years warranty.  Again, it is extremely sharp and durable since it is made of high-carbon stainless steel.
Check the design here.

9. MAD SHARK Professional 8-Inch Chef Knife – Most durable chef knife

One of the most outstanding things about this kitchen knife is its unique construction. It is made of high-quality military-grade German steel, which makes this knife the most durable chef knife under 30 USD.

It is also forged using a very unique military forging technology to give it a long-lasting sharpness.

It has ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) handle that is much more long-lasting and easy to maintain than a wooden handle.

This blade has a full bolster up to the heel that ensures the safety of your fingers. It is better for rock and roll cutting for its curved belly design.

In addition, the blade has a V-shaped 5-stage edge design for manual grinding and edge retention.

This blade has a thickness of 2.5mm which means that it is sturdy enough to handle hard ingredients. Besides that, the blade is nitrogen cooled to enhance corrosion resistance, flexibility, and hardness.

Unlike other cheap chef knives, this one comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee plus a lifetime warranty. The knife has a good balance between the blade and the handle for easier movement.

Verdict– As compared to other chef knives under $30, this one is the most durable. It is made of high-quality military-grade materials which are resistant to rust, stains, and corrosion.
Click here to place your order.

10. Vos Ceramic Chef Knife 8 Inch with Cover and a Gift Box – Best chef knife for vegetables

This chef knife is designed for prepping vegetables. It has a razor-sharp blade with the ability to cut through the skin of various vegetables or fruits easily.

Apart from the sharp blade, the ceramic handle allows you to slice comfortably without straining your wrist. 

Unlike other best chef knives for your budget, this one comes with a sheath that allows you to store it safely in a drawer.  Additionally, it has a smooth and rust-proof surface meaning that it cannot get damaged by oils or acids.

Again, it doesn’t absorb the food odor which prevents the mix-up of different flavors. You will be happy to note that it comes with a lifetime guarantee. So, it is very reliable.

It is very lightweight and easy to use even for long hours. Whether you are a professional or amateur chef, this chef knife will be worth it. You can also purchase it as a gift for someone who loves cooking.

Verdict– For those who prepare veggies frequently, this is one of the best cheap kitchen knives that are worth your money.
Check more details here.

How to Choose the Cheap Kitchen Knives

There are many chef knives under 30 dollars but the truth is that not all of them are reliable. Some of them are made of weak materials which break easily while others require frequent sharpening.

If you want to get value for your money when searching for a cheap chef knife, you should check these features.

1. Blade material

The blade is the most important part of the knife. Therefore, it should be made of top-quality materials.  Most chef knives are made of stainless steel or high carbon. Stainless steel knives are resistant to rusting, unlike the high-carbon models.

However, the high-carbon chef knives are more durable and stronger than the stainless steel model. You should pick a model that is made from high-carbon stainless steel.

2. Handle

Some kitchen knives are equipped with very dangerous handles meaning that they slip easily when cutting. You should ensure that the handle fits comfortably in your hands.

It should have a non-slip or textured grip. You should also check the material to ensure that it won’t break or fade easily.

3. Sharpness

Your chef knife should be very sharp to handle different cutting tasks such as mincing slicing, dicing, chopping, etc. It should also have excellent edge retention. You can get such details from the customer’s feedback.

4. Size

Most professional chefs prefer knives with long blades of about 12 inches. However, these knives may be uncomfortable for home chefs or beginners.

The best overall kitchen knives should have a length of 8-10 inches. For those with small hands, a 5-6 inches long chef knife will be the best.

5. Warranty

Searching for a quality cook’s knife when you are on a budget can be very challenging. This is because most cheap chef’s knives are made of low-quality materials meaning that they are not sturdy enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

a) Are expensive chef knives worth it?

Even though expensive chef knives have more fancy features than cheap ones, you may not need them. However, you need to do comprehensive research to identify the best chef knife for your budget.

We have already done this for you so you only need to pick any from the ones we have reviewed.

b) What is the best budget chef’s knife for just over $30?

In terms of reliability, the Mercer Culinary M20606 Chef’s Knife is the best chef knife on the market. It comes with unique features like bolsters and taper-grind edges which are hard to find in other cheap models. It is also durable and NSF certified.

c) What is the best everyday carry fixed blade knife for under 30$?

The Master Class Chef Knife is undoubtedly the best everyday carry fixed-blade knife under $30. What sets it apart from the rest is its unique self-sharpening function which keeps it ready for the task.

d) Which is the best budget kitchen knife?

As compared to other chef knives under $30, the Mercer Culinary M22608 is undoubtedly the best. It has amazing features that are not easy to find in other models.

e) What’s the best chef knife for under $100?

In case you don’t mind a slightly expensive model, the DALSTRONG Chef Knife 6–inch will give you the best value for your money.

It has a Rockwell hardness of 62+ and it also contains 66 layers of high-carbon stainless steel. Due to this, it is very stylish, durable, and has unmatched edge retention.

f) What is the best chef’s knife for a serious but not professional cook?

For serious chefs, the Professional Chef Knife, 8 Inch Pro Kitchen Knife will be a good choice. It is very sharp and sturdy which makes it suitable for serious chefs.

g) As a professional chef, what should I have in my case apart from knives as I have all of them?

As a professional chef, you need a reliable knife sharpener that can hone your knives faster to a razor-sharp edge. If you need a reliable model, the Presto 08800 Eversharp Electric Knife Sharpener will give you the best value for your money.

h) What is the difference between a cheap chef’s knife and an expensive one?

The major difference between the cheap and expensive models is the type of materials used. You will find that the most expensive models are made of a unique high-carbon stainless steel material which is more durable than cheaper models.

Again, expensive chef knives have a higher Rockwell hardness which means that they have incredible edge retention.

i) Who makes the best kitchen knife for around 30?

The best chef knives for the budget are those made in Germany or Japan.  Japanese blades are more sharp and hard than the German models but they chip faster.

On the other hand, German chef knives are stronger and more durable but they don’t retain their sharpness. However, they are very easy to sharpen.

j) What is the best brand of Chef’s knife?

It is not easy to conclude the best brand for chef knives but HENCKELS and Mercer Culinary are among the best. Their knives are more durable and strong than most of their competitors.

k) If I had to own only one kitchen knife, which one should I buy?

There are different types of kitchen knives but a chef’s knife is the most important tool. Other knives are designed for specific purposes but with a chef knife, you can do any form of cutting whether chopping, slicing, dicing, mincing, etc.

Final Verdict

Searching for a quality cook’s knife when you are on a budget can be very challenging. This is because most cheap chef’s knives are made of low-quality materials meaning that they are not sturdy enough.

To help you make the right decision, we have provided a list of the best chef knives under 30.   All of them have amazing features which make them suitable for all cutting tasks.

For those who find it hard to pick a suitable model, the Mercer Culinary M22608 Chef’s Knife is undoubtedly the best. It has the highest rating and a lot of positive feedback from customers.