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If you consider yourself an aspiring chef, a seasoned home cook, or if you’ve ever struggled to chop food with a blunt blade (speaking from experience here), you’ll know it’s essential to have high-quality kitchen knives that can handle a variety of food prep tasks.
From slicing and dicing onions to cutting root vegetables julienne-style, the right blade can make this part of cooking faster and more enjoyable (also speaking from experience, after investing in new knives).
Here at Women’s Weekly Food the team uses all kinds of knives every day – both in the Test Kitchen and at home. So if you’re hunting for a new set of knives or an individual knife to sharpen up your collection, here is our pick of the best kitchen knives based on quality, durability, design and other features.
OUR TOP PICKS FOR KITCHEN KNIVES IN AUSTRALIA
- Best European chef’s knife: WÜSTHOF classic white chef’s knife, $162 (RRP $369) at Appliances Online
- Best premium Japanese chef’s knife: Miyabi 5000FCD Gyutoh chef’s knife, $219.57 at Amazon
- Best value kitchen knife set: Global Ikasu 7pc knife block set, $280 at Amazon
- Best paring knife: WUSTHOF classic paring knife – 9cm, $109.95 (RRP $189.95) at Kitchen Warehouse
- Best bread knife: Victorinox bread knife, $92.72 at Amazon
If we had to pick one: It’s a hard choice, but the Global Ikasu 7-piece knife block set stands out because it has all the essential knives for a home cook at a great price.
The best knives in Australia 2026
01
WÜSTHOF classic white chef’s knife – 20cm
$162 (RRP $369) at Appliances Online
Best for: A European chef’s knife with long-lasting sharpness
Seriously sharp, precise and fully forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel, the classic chef’s knife from WÜSTHOF is the all-rounder blade for the kitchen. Made with both hobby and professional chefs in mind, it makes food prep easier than ever.
It has a 5-star rating from a handful of customers on Kitchen Warehouse and a 4.8 star rating from over 70 customers on Appliances Online, with many customers loving the quality, sharpness and durability. The knife’s precision and craftsmanship are noted in many of the reviews, along with its durability after years of regular use.
“I had always heard that Wüsthof brand knives were top-tier, but I truly believe it now,” shared one reviewer. “From the very first use, I was extremely impressed and will definitely be buying this brand moving forward!”
Sizes: 20cm (featured), 12cm, 16cm, 18cm, 23cm, 26cm
Colours: Black, white, coral peach, pink Himalayan salt, purple yam, tasty sumac, velvet oyster
Materials: Chromium-molybdenum-vanadium (X50 Cr MoV 15) steel
Key features:
- Made in Germany
- Constructed with Precision Edge Technology, which uses lasers when testing knife blades for maximum sharpness
- Triple riveted curved handle designed to ensure sturdiness, perfect hand fit and secure grip
- Perfectly balanced knife that works as an extension of your hand
- Free shipping
Also available at:
- $184.95 (RRP $369) at Kitchen Warehouse
- $349 at Amazon
02
Miyabi 5000FCD Gyutoh chef’s knife – 20cm
$219.57 at Amazon
Best for: Premium Japanese craftsmanship
For those who appreciate form as much as function, the Miyabi Gyutoh knife is a work of art. Made in Seki, Japan, the blade boasts a stunning 48-layer Damascus pattern, a super-fine edge and a D-shaped handle for precise control. It’s a premium option for serious cooks or those who love a luxe kitchen tool.
“First thing my husband used it on was carrots and it just glided through it,” wrote a five-star reviewer on Amazon. “We were both amazed at the quality of this knife. My husband couldn’t be any happier. It is a perfect addition to his chefs knives.”
Materials: SG2 micro-carbide powder steel, birch wood, stainless steel (for end cap and accents)
Key features:
- Made in Japan using traditional Honbazuke hand-honing
- 48-layer Damascus steel with a durable FC61 core
- Ice-hardened blade stays sharp for longer
- Octagonal pakkawood handle for ergonomic grip and control
- Beautiful design that doubles as kitchen decor
Also available at:
- $419.97 (RRP $599.95) at Minimax
03
Global Ikasu 7pc knife block set
$280 at Amazon
Best value quality knife set
The precision and performance of Japanese craftsmanship is showcased with this beautiful six-piece knife set. Made from high-quality Cromova 18 stainless steel, these knives are built to last and cover all the home chef’s essentials, with two cook’s knives, two paring knives, a vegetable knife and a bread knife.
They’re also designed to resist rust and stains and maintain their edge longer, making them a dream for everyday cooking.
“Sharp, easy to use and clean and looks great on the kitchen bench,” said a five-star reviewer. “I can’t believe the difference sharp knives make to food preparation. They were on sale at Kitchen Warehouse, ordered online and collected in-store. Staff were very professional and knowledgeable.”
Sizes: 22cm bread knife, 20cm cook’s knife, 14cm vegetable knife, 13cm cook’s knife, 11cm paring knife and 8cm paring knife
Materials: Cromova 18 stainless steel
Key features:
- Made in Japan with authentic quality and craftsmanship
- Cromova 18 stainless steel ensures long-lasting sharpness, rust and stain resistance
- Ice-tempered blades sharpened at a 15° angle for effortless cutting
- Seamlessly fused handles prevent dirt and bacteria build-up
- Dimpled handles and rounded spines provide a secure grip
- The stylish bamboo block with an acrylic window keeps your knives organised
Also available at:
- $314.95 (RRP $899) at Kitchen Warehouse
- $352 (RRP $899) at Appliances Online
- $899 at David Jones
04
WUSTHOF classic paring knife – 9cm
$109.95 (RRP $189.95) at Kitchen Warehouse
Best premium paring knife
Smaller than a chef or cook’s knife (which tend to be around 20cm), a paring knife is often considered one of the essential knives to have in the kitchen – the Women’s Weekly Food team have used a paring knife for everything from spiral potatoes to preparing apples for a spicy apple tea cake and removing tough outer skin from broccoli (to name a few).
This premium paring knife from WUSTHOF is designed for professional and home cooking, forged from one piece of high-carbon stainless steel that’s tempered for sharpness and balanced with a handle that’s easy and comfortable to grip.
“Classic styling, full metal tang and quality solingen steel. A knife made to last a lifetime. These knives hold a good edge for a long period of cutting duty,” one verified customer shared in a 5-star review on Kitchen Warehouse, where it has a 4.9-star average from over 20 customers, including a few who said this was one of their most-used knives.
Materials: Chromium-molybdenum-vanadium (Cr-Mo-V) steel
Key features:
- Made in Germany
- Forged from a single piece of steel, with complete tang
- Triple riveted handle for a comfortable, secure grip
- Tempered for exceptional sharpness retention
- 9cm length makes it ideal for a variety of more detailed tasks
- Lifetime warranty on all manufacturing faults and defects
Also available at:
05
Victorinox Bread Knife
$92.72 at Amazon
Best for a quality bread knife
This bread knife has a stainless steel, serrated blade designed for optimum function and durability. The polished wooden handle is both stylish and easy to grip, and the 21cm length makes this a knife you can use to cut through whole loaves, baguettes, buns and more.
It has a 4.8-star average from over 200 global ratings on Amazon, where one customer described it as “super sharp, very long, lightweight and cuts well” in a detailed review. And on Kitchen Warehouse, it has 5-stars from over 12 verified customers, with one home baker saying: “The knife cuts through fresh bread so much better than my other knives and doesn’t leave me with a pile of mangled dough to try and stuff into the toaster. I definitely recommend it if you want to cut fresh bread.”
Materials: Stainless steel blade, polished wooden handle
Key features:
- Swiss-made bread knife with wavy, serrated stainless steel blade
- High-quality, triple-riveted wooden handle
- 21cm length can cut through full loaves or smaller baked goods
- Lifetime warranty
Also available at:
06
Furi Pro East/West Santoku Knife – 17cm
$78 at Amazon
Best Santoku knife
Combining superior cutting performance with the brand’s innovative reverse-wedge anti-fatigue handle, the Furi Pro is designed as an all-rounder knife for slicing and chopping meat, fruits and vegetables. Santoku knives are slightly shorter than chef’s knives, which can make them feel easier to handle.
The precision-crafted blade is made from Japanese X50CrMoV15 stainless steel – a type of stainless steel that’s become widely associated with high-quality knives and knife brands like Wüsthof, Victorinox and Zwilling, as well as Furi.
“It is the best knife I have ever used,” one Australian customer said in a 5-star review on Amazon, where it has a 4.5-star average from over 278 global reviews. Another Aussie summed it up with: “Great knife just what I needed, well balanced and very sharp!”
Materials: X50CrMoV15 Japanese stainless steel blade
Key features:
- Jet black oxidised finish that is durable and scratch-resistant
- Sharp Tech edge blade, hand sharpened to 26° cutting angle and hardened to 55 to 57 HRC
- Precision-crafted X50CrMoV15 Japanese stainless steel blade for edge retention and rust resistance
- Reverse-wedge, anti-fatigue handle designed to lock into the hand and reduce slip towards the blade
- Optimised bolster fully protects fingers while allowing full use of the blade all the way to the heel
- 25-year guarantee
Also available at:
- $59.97 (with free account) at Harris Scarfe
- $80 at Appliances Online
- $119.95 (click and collect only) at David Jones
07
KlevaCut Master Series Professional chef knife – 20cm
$69 (usually $79) at Kleva Range
Best for: A professional-level chef’s knife
From chopping to slicing, this chef knife is your one-stop solution for effortless food prep. It’s razor-sharp (thanks to MRE honing), super well-balanced and just feels right in your hand. No wonder the professional chefs use them (including the likes of Julie Goodwin in the past).
Customers on the Kleva website also say it’s a quality knife that feels good in the hand and holds a sharp edge.
“A Beautiful knife that feels perfect in your hand. Very sharp makes cutting anything so easy,” one verified customer shared in a 5-star review. The whole KlevaCut Master Series Professional range has a 4.8-star average from over 3000 reviews, with another customer saying: “I’ve not had a set of knives like this before I’ve even used high quality chef knives and these are so much better.”
Materials: Tough Vamolcrium steel
Key features:
- Over 1.6k five-star reviews
- Sharp Vamolcrium steel blade cuts through anything with precision
- MRE sharpening ensures long-lasting sharpness
- Lightweight and perfectly balanced for fatigue-free chopping
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable use
- 20cm length makes it ideal for a variety of tasks
Also available at:
08
Victorinox Fibrox chef’s knife in black – 20cm
$99.95 at Amazon
Best for: A quality and budget-friendly knife
Beloved by chefs around the world, this Swiss-made knife proves you don’t need to spend big for a seriously reliable blade. Lightweight and razor-sharp, the Fibrox Pro is great for daily slicing, dicing and chopping. The non-slip handle offers extra grip, even when wet. Great for busy kitchens!
It has an impressive 4.7-star average from over 1790 global ratings on Amazon, with many customers saying it is excellent quality and very sharp, noting that it maintains its sharpness with sharpening. They also love how comfortable it feels in their hands.
“It’s perfect, everything I wanted from a chef’s knife,” shared an Aussie reviewer. “No wonder why it’s a classic. Cuts like butter out of the box and expect it will maintain its sharpness with sharpening in future.”
Materials: Stainless steel, plastic (Fibrox handle)
Key features:
- Swiss-made with high-carbon stainless steel
- Ergonomic, slip-resistant Fibrox handle
- Laser-tested blade for long-lasting sharpness
- Dishwasher safe (but handwashing recommended)
- Highly rated by professional chefs and home cooks alike
09
McCook 15-piece German stainless steel self sharpening kitchen knife set
$323.98 at Amazon
Best for: Essential and specialty knives
This 15-piece set has everything you need for quick, easy food prep and more – including six steak knives and a self-sharpening block to keep them all tidy. From chopping veggies to carving roasts, the McCook 15 piece knife set includes a variety of knives, and two sizes of scissors, for every task. Makes a perfect gift for any home cook!
“Was needing a new set of knives and started researching different knife sets,” wrote a happy reviewer on Amazon, where these knives have a 4.6-star average from thousands of global customers. “I had never seen this brand before and so started comparing them with all the others. Thought it a was great value. They are absolutely the best knife set I have ever had, and I really like that the knife sharpener is built into the block. (Now I don’t have to go searching for the darn thing…) They are extremely durable and look great on the counter. I’m a happy girl.”
Sizes: 11 piece, 14 piece and 15 piece
Colours: Acacia/stainless, black handle/graphite, purple/black, red/natural and silver/black
Materials: Stainless steel
Key features:
- 15-piece set includes chef knife, santoku knife, bread knife and more
- Built-in sharpener for easy blade maintenance
- Stainless steel blades for durability and rust resistance
- Ergonomic handles for comfortable use
- Stylish knife block for space-saving storage
10
Jamie Oliver by Tefal utility knife in black/stainless steel
$30.65 at Amazon
Best for: Everyday kitchen tasks
Ice-hardened for superior performance, this Tefal utility knife is created in collaboration with none other than everyone’s favourite chef, Jamie Oliver. Featuring German stainless steel blades that are beautifully weighted for a comfortable and secure grip – chopping vegetables and fruits for a quick midweek meal has never been easier.
“Best quality utility knife I’ve ever owned,” said an Amazon reviewer who left five stars. “Sharp, versatile and does everything from paring to prepping veg. Comfortable handle and good balanced blade.”
Materials: Stainless steel
Key features:
- Ice-hardened for superior performance
- Beautifully weighted for a comfortable and secure grip
- German stainless steel blades
- 10-year warranty
Tips for choosing and using the best knives for your kitchen
- Shop for the essentials first: Most everyday cooking can be done with just a few knives of different sizes. For example a chef’s knife could be your go-to for chopping, slicing and dicing, while a smaller utility knife could be great for smaller tasks. It’s a good idea to start by looking at what knives you already have, and what you need to fill in the gaps (or replace).
- Check for warranties: High quality knives should have warranties that last a long time, such as 10 or even 25 years. This protects you against defects, although keep in mind that general wear and tear isn’t usually covered.
- Remember maintenance: Even if you buy the very best knives you can find for your kitchen, their performance will decline over time if you don’t look after them. We’ve previously put together expert tips to care for knives, but to get started, make sure they’re stored correctly (in a knife block or similar to prevent dullness) and regularly sharpened (i.e. once or twice per year).
European knives vs Japanese knives: What’s the difference?
If you’re shopping for the best knives, you may come across brands or discussions around these two key types. In basic terms, European knives are typically designed with thicker blades that can make them more durable and versatile for a range of tasks. Japanese blades, on the other hand, are thinner, which can make them ideal for more delicate and precise slicing.
What knives do professional chefs use?
Knife brands popular with chefs include WÜSTHOF, Zwilling and Henckels (both owned by Zwilling J.A. Henckels), MAC, Global and Furi. But professional chefs often use high-quality chefs’ knives made of high-carbon stainless steel. These knives are preferred for their durability, sharpness and ability to maintain an edge.
Chefs also commonly use specialised knives such as paring knives, serrated knives for bread and boning knives for specific tasks.
Ultimately, the choice of knife depends on personal preference, the specific culinary task and the individual chef’s style of cooking. For example, Gordon Ramsay has used both WÜSTHOF and Henckles knives, Anthony Bourdain favoured Global’s 8 inch G-2 chef’s knife, Nigella Lawson uses Furi knives and Jamie Oliver has his own range of Tefal knives.
What knives do they use on MasterChef Australia?
Global knives have been used on MasterChef Australia since 2009 through a partnership between the show and the brand. Global knives are also used on My Kitchen Rules, and you can find a wide range of knives and sets available to buy on Amazon and at stores like Myer and Kitchen Warehouse.
Who makes the best quality knives?
Determining the “best” quality knives can be subjective, but several brands consistently receive praise from both professional chefs and home cooks alike.
WÜSTHOF is renowned for its craftsmanship and durability, making it a top choice among professionals. Furi is known for its innovative designs and sharpness. Chefx and Jamie Oliver by Tefal knives offer good quality at more affordable price points, suitable for both professional and amateur chefs.
Meanwhile, Baccarat also produces reliable knives that provide good value for money.
Why you can trust us
Here at Women’s Weekly Food, we’re dedicated to bringing you expert advice and well-researched recommendations based on years of experience in the Test Kitchen, at home and through curating trusted shopping guides that help take our recipes from the page (or screen) to the table.
As a kitchen essential, we use knives daily and draw on our own collections and experiences with different types and brands of knives, as well as researching the range of knives available in Australia. We narrow our top picks down to ones available with our partners and considering the following essential criteria:
- Knife design and purpose, including top picks for chef’s knives, paring knives and bread knives
- Materials, including the type of steel used in the blade, as well as the handle
- Ease of use and ease of cleaning
- Reviews, including our own hands-on experiences when possible
- Other notable features or elements, including warranty coverage
We also consider different price-points, sales and availability of stock to help ensure you can get the knife or knives you want.
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