A good set of steak knives is an essential component of any cutlery collection. While they're great at cutting steak, the razor-sharp blades can slice through all sorts of vegetables, side dishes, and meat effortlessly. They're a must-have for entertaining and make a great gift for the avid chefs and food-lovers in your life because everyone appreciates a good steak knife in the kitchen!
So to help you prepare for your next steak dinner, we've rounded up seventeen of the best steak knives below. Not only are they a stylish addition to the dinner table, but also an excellent gift option. Thanks to serrated edges and sturdy, ergonomic steak knife handles, they can slice, dice, and chop anything on your plate.
The 17 Best Steak Knives and Steak Knife Sets for Your Cutlery Drawer
Robert Welch Stanton Satin Steak Knives
Best Steak Knife Set Overall
These Satin Steak Knives offer the perfect balance of sharpness and style. The minimalist knives were designed exclusively for Crate & Barrel by Robert Welch with curved handles that add visual interest while improving your grip during cutting. Beveled and serrated blades made from 18/10 stainless steel effortlessly slice through home-cooked steak, pork, lamb, and other meats. The best part is, there's an entire set of coordinating flatware available for entertaining.
Material: Stainless Steel
Construction: N/A
Cangshan Everest 4-Piece Steak Knife Set
Most Stylish Steak Knife Set
Few steak knives are more stylish than this Everest 4-Piece Steak Knife Set from Cangshan. The International Red Dot Design award-winning knives boast contemporary handles with a black or white finish and a single mosaic rivet. Each full-tang blade is forged from high alloy Swedish steel using six-stage heat treatment for added stability, hardness, and sharpness. Though stylish enough for any dinner party, they're practical enough to use for everyday dining.
Material: High-alloy Swedish Steel
Construction: Full Tangs
Rada Utility Steak Knives Gift Set
Best Starter Set
These top-of-the-line utility steak knives from Rada make the ideal gift and the perfect upgrade to table knives when it comes to steak dinners. The six-piece steak knife set is made in America from surgical-grade T420 high-carbon stainless steel. Compared to most serrated steak knives, the non-serrated blade is longer and thinner, making it incredibly versatile in the kitchen. A brushed aluminum finish adds a contemporary look to the simple handles. Consider them the perfect Christmas present for the grill master in your life.
Material: Stainless Steel
Construction: N/A
Shun Classic 6-Piece Steak Knife Set
Best Japanese Steel Steak Knives
Japanese knives are known worldwide for their lightweight feel and thin, extremely sharp blades. These Shun Classic Steak Knives draw from centuries-old Japanese knife-making traditions to provide superior quality, durability, and precision. Their thin blades are made from 34 layers of stainless steel that create a variegated look reminiscent of Damascus steel. Durable PakkaWood handles resist moisture and provide a premium cutting experience. The set of six Japanese-style steak knives comes with a bamboo storage case, making it an excellent choice for gifting.
Material: Stainless Steel
Construction: N/A
Wusthof Gourmet 8-Piece Steak Knife Set
Best German Steel Steak Knives
When it comes to sharp blades, it's hard to beat German steel. These Wusthof Gourmet Steak Knives are crafted in Germany from laser-cut, high-carbon steel blades tempered to 56 Rockwell hardness. The traditional-style handles are made from sleek black plastic with three rivets for a classic feel. Displayed in a beautiful black box, the 8-piece steak knife set makes a great gift for meat lovers.
Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Construction: N/A
Shinola Runwell Jumbo Steak Knives
Best Jumbo Steak Knives
No matter what steak you're cutting, these Shinola Runwell Jumbo Steak Knives are up for the task. This stylish set of four steak knives has razor-sharp straight-edge blades made of German stainless steel. Each handle boasts a different wooden handle— ash, beech, oak, and walnut— accented by copper rivets. They were thoughtfully designed by Shibola, a Detroit-based brand dedicated to high-quality materials and traditional American craftsmanship.
Material: Stainless Steel
Construction: N/A
Schmidt Brothers Carbon 6 Steak Knives
Best for Precise Cuts
These Carbon 6 Steak Knives from the New York designers, Schmidt Brothers, go above and beyond the average steak knife set. The specially-weighted handles and patented curved design ensure the ideal hand position and leverage for precise control as you cut. High-carbon German steel blades have an 18-degree angle for clean, swift slices. The contrasting handles are made from unpolished steel with a scorched black finish achieved at 2750 degrees F. A black pinewood box makes for excellent gift-giving and easy storage.
Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Construction: N/A
Victorinox Swiss Modern 2-Piece Steak Set
Best Straight-Edged Knives
As the originator of the infamous Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox knows a thing or two about creating great blades. This set of two Swiss Modern Steak Knives celebrates the brand's dedication to high-quality materials and thoughtful designs. They boast stainless steel blades and ergonomic handles made of gorgeous walnut wood. While they're dishwasher-safe for quick post-party clean-up, hand washing is recommended for regular use. The two-piece set makes a great wedding or anniversary gift for the steak lovers in your life.
Material: Stainless steel
Construction: N/A
Best for Entertaining
These Sizzle Steak Knives from CB2 were designed with entertaining in mind. The contemporary-style steak knives boast a straight-edge blade and curved handle forged from 18/8 stainless steel with an electroplated finish. To complement any tablescapeThey come in your choice of silver, gold, and black. When your dinner party is over, just toss them in the dishwasher. They're dishwasher-safe, so you can spend less time hand washing and more time enjoying your guests.
Material: Stainless steel
Construction: N/A
Chicago Cutlery 4-Piece Steak Knife Set
Most Comfortable Handle
Make steak night even greater with this 4-Piece Steak Knife Set from Chicago Cutlery. The ergonomically-shaped handles provide a comfortable grip while you slice through your meal, whether it be a juicy steak, porkchop, or roasted chicken. Thanks to a balanced single-body construction, the stainless steel blades cut through tough meat smoothly and precisely every time. They're the perfect addition to any dining room cutlery drawer.
Material: Stainless steel
Construction: Full Tang
Cuisinart Walnut Steak Knife Set
Best on a Budget
Thanks to this Cuisinart Stainless Steel Knife Set, finding a high-quality steak knife doesn't require spending a fortune. At just $24.99, the six-piece knife set is ideal for meat lovers on a budget. The rust-resistant stainless steel blades boast sharp serrated edges for smooth cuts every time. They're triple-riveted to the ergonomic handle for superior accuracy and durability. The best part is, Cuisinart covers each knife with a lifetime warranty.
Material: High carbon stainless steel
Construction: Full Tang
Dalstrong's Gladiator Series Steak Knife Set comes in a convenient folding block of sturdy acacia wood. Its folding design allows for customizable storage and an impressible tabletop display. The stainless steel blades are engineered to perfection at 56+ Rockwell hardness and hand-polished for a satin finish. A gently tapered edge improves hardness, increases flexibility, and reduces resistance during slicing. Triple-riveted handles provide a comfortable grip with maximum maneuverability. The versatile Dalstrong steak knives are National Sanitation Foundation-certified for added peace of mind.
Material: Ceramic
Construction: Full Tang
Kramer by Zwilling Euroline Damascus 4-Piece Steak Knife Set
Best Damascus Blades
There's nothing better than a 4-piece set of Euroline Damascus Steak Knives from Kramer by Zwilling when it comes to Damascus blades. They were thoughtfully designed in collaboration with world-renowned bladesmith Bob Kramer and handcrafted in Seki, Japan. Each blade is forged from micro-carbide powdered stainless steel with a 101-layer chevron Damascus pattern. Cryodur ice-hardening during production provides long-lasting sharpness and superior durability. The black linen Micarta hands are triple-riveted with Bob Kramer mosaic pins to commemorate the collaboration. Though a bit of a splurge, they're well worth every dollar.
Material: Stainless steel
Construction: Tang
Wusthof Ikon Mixed Wood Steak Knife Set with Leather Knife Roll
Worth the Splurge
If there's one high-end steak knife set to splurge on, it's the Ikon Mixed Wood Steak Knife Set from Wusthof. Each handle in the six-piece set is made from a different wood: African blackwood, American walnut, Latin American bocote, Canadian bird's eye maple, Scandinavian curly birch, and Brazilian tulipwood. Full-tang blades are made in Germany from steel with high carbon content for exceptional durability and strength. A recessed bolster allows you to sharpen the full length of the blade with ease. The sophisticated knife set comes complete with a leather storage roll handcrafted from Italian cowhide.
Material: High carbon steel
Construction: Full tang
Wusthof Classic Hollow-Edge Steak Knives
Best Hollow-Edge Steak Knives
Wusthof's high-end cutlery is a favorite of world-renowned chefs like Gordan Ramsey. Their Classic Steak Knife Set is forged from a single piece of high-carbon steel and a triple-riveted handle. Hollow-edge depressions along the razor-sharp edge reduce friction and minimize drag while you cut. Each blade utilizes Wusthof's Precision Edge Technology to ensure a 20% sharper blade with twice the edge retention.
Material: Stainless steel
Construction: N/A
Laguiole Gold Serrated Steak Knife Set
Best Serrated Knives
Looking for the perfect serrated blades? Check out this Gold Serrated Steak Knife Set from Laguiole. The gold-toned edges add a stylish touch to the French brand's best-selling serrated knives. They're made in a family-owned factory in France using stainless steel coated in titanium, zirconium, and chromium. The serrated edge retains its sharpness through years of daily use. Contoured, riveted handles bring a sophisticated look that feels light and comfortable to hold.
Material: Stainless steel
Construction: N/A
Shun Premier Steak Knives
Best Wooden Handles
Few steak knives feel more luxurious than these Shun Premier Steak Knives. They're handmade in Japan using a 100-step process inspired by ancient sword making practices. Rich, walnut-colored PakkaWood handles contrast beautifully against the shiny stainless steel. Each blade is supported by a Damascus cladding with a hammered tsuchime finish for less drag during cutting. The fine edge slices cleanly every time, ensuring all the flavorful juices stay locked inside your steak. These stainless knives are a must-have for your steak dinners.
Material: Stainless steel
Construction: Full tang
What To Look For When Choosing The Best Steak Knives
Types Of Edges
There are three types of blades:
Plain
Plain-edged steak knives may be less traditional, but they are becoming more and more popular these days. This type of edge is razor-shape at first but tends to get blunt quickly with regular use. If you are going with this option, be sure to have a good quality knife sharpener at home to ensure you can have sharp steak knives available to use.
Serrated
Serrated blades are pretty sharp steak knives that cut meat into lovely pieces. This type of knife maintains sharpness for a long time compared to other steak knives and is generally maintenance-free.
Micro-serrated
Micro serrated blades are generally found on lower-priced steak knives, making them more affordable. However, the downside of this type of edge is that it can't be sharpened, so take that into account when investing in a steak knife set.
Blade Materials
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a combination of carbon, iron, and chromanium. People love stainless steel knives because they are stain-resistant, meaning it's not susceptible to rusting or oxidation. This type of material is typically found on expensive steak knives.
High-carbon steel
High carbon steel knives are always highly recommended, as it is ultra-sharp and durable to use for a long time. Because it doesn't contain chromium, it is more prone to rusting and oxidation than stainless steel.
High Carbon Stainless Steel
High carbon stainless steel is a middle ground option, and it is commonly found among Japanese-style knives. This blade material makes the knives harder and more durable than stainless steel while less susceptible to corrosion than high carbon steel.
Construction
A full tang construction means the knife is made out of a single metal piece, making it more durable and safer to use. It is considered the best professional environment. For an average home, a partial tang blade will provide everything you want and need in a steak knife.
Comfort
Many knives are designed with comfort in mind. With an ergonomically-shaped handle, you can fit it easily in your hand and be comfortable to use.
