Top 10 Most Expensive Kitchen knives (With Pictures) (2024)

FAQs

What is the most expensive knife brand? ›

Cold Steel XL Espada

The most expensive knife by MSRP is the Cold Steel Extra Large Espada. It's not surprising this absolutely massive folder is the most expensive knife with an MSRP at $649.99.

Gordon Ramsay uses both Wüsthof and Henckels branded knives; the brands are known for quality products, and they are two of the best knife manufacturers in the world.

The Michelin two-star chef's favorites are the Maguro and Yanagiba knives made by Tatsuo Ikeda, a traditional, award-winning craftsman from Osaka, Japan.

Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife

We could have easily picked any of Victorinox's Swiss Army knives, but the Classic SD rightfully earns its place on the list for being the most popular model around the world.

Bob Kramer (born 1958) is an American bladesmith, "widely considered the greatest American knifesmith working today". Some consider his kitchen knives to be "the best in the world". His first knife shop in Seattle, Bladesmiths, opened in 1993.

Once "the new wears off," as he put it, a knife may increase in value 25 years or so down the pike simply because the knife is good. Because the parts used to make the reader's knife were good, it may gain value in time. But don't expect a windfall.

Antiques are knives at least 100 years old; collectible knives are of a later vintage than antique, and may even be new. Collectors and dealers may use the word vintage to describe older collectibles.

Which knives stay sharp the longest? ›

Carbon steel knives are known to keep their sharp edges longer than most and make chopping, slicing and shaving safer and easier.

Ina's Favorite: Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife

“They're what I use. They're pretty expensive, but they last a lifetime. That's why I say, ask for one as a gift or buy one at a time,” Ina told us, admitting that they're a bit of an investment — but totally worth it.

Obsidian knives are currently the sharpest possible knives known to man. Their staggeringly thin blades are the reason for this. The way that obsidian breaks are known as a conchoidal fracture. This kind of fracture looks very different from the edge of a traditional chef's knife.

Germany and Japan have been known for their knife making skills for centuries. Both boast some of the most popular knife brands in the world.

More advanced home chefs with a higher budget usually go for Zwilling, while Henckels is suitable for consumers looking for quality knives at an affordable price. The key differences between Zwilling and Henckels knives are that Zwilling knives have forged blades, are more expensive, and are made in Germany and Japan.

That's why it's probably a good idea to listen to him when he reveals his favorite chef's knife. According to the Daily Meal, at the premiere of his new documentary Wasted, Bourdain said that his go-to chef's knife—an all-purpose knife that can be used when you're preparing dinner—is the Global G-2 eight-inch knife.

A favourite among the Jamie Oliver food team, the santoku knife is great for slicing, dicing and chopping. Japanese in origin, the flat edge and sheepsfoot blade not only looks beautiful, but is super efficient, too.

We consulted several experts and found that mid-priced knives are ideal for most home cooks. For those passionate about the craft and the luxurious look and feel of high-end knives, a splurge is definitely worth it, but it's not necessary for everyday tasks.

At the very least, it becomes a tangible asset with a potential value that may be able to be recouped. Just be honest with yourself about that potential value. A knife collection can be a wonderful asset with modest investment potential.

Kramer by Zwilling Euroline 8-Inch Chef's Knife

The Kramer Stainless Damascus Chef's Knife is one of the most expensive in the world.

What knives do professional chefs prefer? ›

The Santoku knife is a multipurpose instrument that may be used for everything from chopping to filleting and is most preferred by many professional chefs. Its sharpness and precision make it ideal for slicing and dicing meats, vegetables, and fruits.

Gordon Ramsay uses a variety of different knives in his MasterClass, but he is known to rely on Zwilling J.A. Henckels Four Star knives. These knives are incredibly sharp and durable, making them perfect for chopping and slicing. They're also well-balanced, making them easy to use.

Navy SEALs (USA)

The Ontario MK 3 Navy Knife is standard issue for the United States Navy SEALs.

Obsidian knife blades: overkill for slicing your sandwich. The thinnest blades are three nanometres wide at the edge – 10 times sharper than a razor blade. These are made by flaking a long, thin sliver from a core of obsidian (volcanic glass).

Japanese knives utilize harder steel, which is excellent for precisely slicing and chopping fruit, vegetables, and fish, but makes the blades more brittle. While German knife blades have softer steel, they're more durable, corrosion-resistant, and better for tough root vegetables and tough meats.

Bourdain called the knife his "prize possession." The knife was sent to auction in 2019, and initially, its price was set between $4000 and $6000. The knife was such a hot commodity though, that the bidding war ended at a whopping $231,250!

The best places to sell knives include online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy, knife forums, eBay, your own website, and local markets. If you've mastered the art of knife making, selling the finished product is a great way to earn extra income or even start a new business.

In fact, collecting is an incredibly common practice that is rooted in a number of different factors. Whether someone collects memories, souvenirs, beer coasters, trophies, diplomas, baseball cards, or knives, collecting seems to be a standard practice among people around the world.

Are Case knives worth collecting? ›

Because of the longevity of this decidedly American institution, Case Knives is widely respected and revered among knife enthusiasts, especially knife collectors. In fact, Case may be one of the most collected knife brands ever.

It's called aichmomania, which is an obsession with sharp, pointy things such as knives. Advertisem*nt. My brother would undoubtedly be considered an aichmomaniac.

The Bottom Line. Like with most things, you get what you pay for, but if you're looking for a solid, functional knife, stay away from the extras (fancy Damascus steel, for example) and you can snag one at a reasonable price, in that $50 to $100 range.

Look at the Handle Material

If it is bone, horn, or ivory, then it was made before 1900. Pick a date between 1840 and 1890 as your best guess for when it was made if the blade looks like a whittler or muskrat or trapper. If the bone handle has been painted black and white like a barber pole, it was made after 1900.

The Gem of the Orient is the creation of a man named Buster Warenski. In short, Warenski became fascinated by knife-making in the 1960s when he saw a knife made by a custom knife-maker named Gil Hibben. As a result, Warenski experimented enough to make his own knife.

Global Knives have graced the illustrious MasterChef counter tops every year since the program began in 2009. Global knives are used extensively by all the contestants in high pressure situations, and therefore they need the best.

Kramer by Zwilling Euroline 8-Inch Chef's Knife

The Kramer Stainless Damascus Chef's Knife is one of the most expensive in the world.

As far as blade materials go, there are two main types: carbon steel and stainless steel. Knives with carbon steel blades are generally more expensive, but high-end stainless steel knives also exist.

Answer: The first knives were invented by hom*o sapiens during prehistoric times and were used as weapons, tools and eating utensils. The Oldowon was used up to 2.5 million years ago and is the oldest known knife-like tool to be discovered as of 2014.

That's why it's probably a good idea to listen to him when he reveals his favorite chef's knife. According to the Daily Meal, at the premiere of his new documentary Wasted, Bourdain said that his go-to chef's knife—an all-purpose knife that can be used when you're preparing dinner—is the Global G-2 eight-inch knife.

What knife does Jamie Oliver use? ›

A favourite among the Jamie Oliver food team, the santoku knife is great for slicing, dicing and chopping. Japanese in origin, the flat edge and sheepsfoot blade not only looks beautiful, but is super efficient, too.