Best Chef Knife Under $30 | Cheap Chef Knives for Beginners (2025)

Published on July 26, 2025 by Filip
Last updated on September 8, 2025

Have a look at my picks for the best chef knife under $30. You don’t have to break the bank, because affordable kitchen knives are more than enough, especially if you’re cooking casually at home. In fact, at this price point, you can find sharp, comfortable, and durable chef knives under 30 that will to the job for everyday use.

The downside of this price range is that quality varies a lot. That’s because many cheap knives feel flimsy and lose their bite fast. Some even rust in weeks. This is why I tested several affordable chef knives to find options that tick all the proper boxes.

Each chef knife below is selected based on real kitchen tests for sharpness, balance, comfort, and durability, making sure you get the most of your money.

Quick Picks (Top 5 Affordable Chef Knives Under $30):

Take a quick glance at my top 5 picks for affordable kitchen knives in this price range:

What to Look For in a Budget Chef Knife

When shopping for a chef knife under $30, these are the most important factors you should pay attention to:

• Blade Material: High-carbon stainless steels tends to stay sharper for much longer, whereas pure carbon steel requires frequent sharpening.
• Full Tang vs Partial Tang: Full-tang knives have metal running through their entire handle, which improves their balance and durability.
• Handle Comfort: Look for ergonomics, and rubber or composite materials (they don’t slip) for safer handling.
• Warranty and Reputation: Make sure to check reviews and brand return policies, which is especially crucial for essential kitchen gear at this price point.

Also check: 10 Best Full Tang Knives for Bushcrafting

My Top 5 Picks Reviewed: Best Chef Knives Under $30 in Detail

Have a look at detailed mini-reviews of the top 5 chef knives available just under 30.

Disclaimer: Product images shown are temporary placeholders. Once approved for the Amazon Associates Program, I will replace them with official Amazon images. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links on this page.

1. Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife, 8-Inch

Specs:

• Blade Length: 8 inches
• Weight: 7.5 oz
• Material: High-quality stainless steel
• Tang: Partial, but extremely durable
• Handle: Non-slip Fibrox

Pros:
✅ Razor-sharp edge straight out of the box
✅ Lightweight yet well-balanced
✅ Handle designed for secure grip even when wet
✅ Dishwasher-safe and easy to maintain

Cons:
👎 Basic appearance (utilitarian, not fancy)
👎 Partial tang (though notably sturdy)

🏷️ Check on Amazon

Victorinox makes knives that are used by professional chefs everywhere. This is a rare brand that bridges professional kitchens and home setups with ease. This affordable Fibrox model is one of their best budget kitchen knives on the market. While I was testing it, the knife handled tomatoes, onions and tougher vegetables without effort. It felt more like a $50 knife than a $30 one.

The Fibrox’ light build prevents wrist fatigue, and the knife’s sharpness out of the box was nothing short of impressive, too. It easily passed my tomato and paper tests.

What’s more, its non-slip Fibrox handle may not be the prettiest, but it’s incredibly functional, particularly when you’re prepping with wet hands. That, combined with its slightly curved blade belly, support a natural rocking motion that made chopping herbs and garlic feel almost automatic.

Overall, this is probably the best performing knife in this price range. It’s ideal for new cooks or pretty much anyone who’s after good quality without spending big. It’s simply a workhorse that focuses on results, instead of looks.

2. imarku Chef Knife Professional 8-Inch

Specs:

• Blade Length: 8 inches
• Weight: 6.9 oz
• Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
• Tang: Full Tang
• Handle: Ergonomic Pakka wood

Pros:
✅ Excellent edge retention
✅ Full-tang build for durability and better balance
✅ Comfortable, attractive wooden handle
✅ Versatile blade shape for various kitchen tasks

Cons:
👎 Slightly heavier than Victorinox
👎 Needs occasional hand sharpening to stay razor-sharp

🏷️ Check on Amazon

I was pleasantly surprised to learn how comfortable this knife feels, especially considering its affordable price. Its Pakka wood handle has an ergonomic and slightly curved design, which made it feel super natural in my hand. It has just enough contour, which speaks volumes of imarku’s design prowess.

The imarku brings full-tang performance at a budget price, and it also features a more traditional feel which is a bit rare at this price point. This blade doesn’t simply rely on its looks. Its edge retention holds up way better than I expected, assuming you hone it on a weekly basis – give or take. Eventually, you’ll need to sharpen it by hand, which is standard for high-carbon knives in this price range.

During several meal preps, I found this knife’s high-carbon steel blade holding its own impressively. It’s simply effortless at slicing meat and tough vegetables, without much resistance. This imarku model will make you feel like a professional at a cheap price, making it deservedly one of the best chef knives under $30.

Overall, the imarku offers a mixture of style and substance. It’s my go-to pick for all home chefs who prefer a classic, heavier knife. From all the affordable kitchen knives on this list, this one feels like a “real” knife the most.

3. Mercer Culinary Millennia Chef’s Knife, 8-Inch

Specs:

• Blade Length: 8 inches
• Weight: 8.2 oz
• Material: Japanese Stainless Steel
• Tang: Partial Tang (high durability)
• Handle: Santoprene and polypropylene combination (non-slip)

Pros:
✅ Superior grip, even when wet
✅ Robust build designed for professional use
✅ Holds sharpness well, minimal sharpening required
✅ NSF-certified, dishwasher safe

Cons:
👎 Slightly bulky grip (not ideal if you have small hands)
👎 Aesthetics are clearly utilitarian

🏷️ Check on Amazon

I’ve used several Mercer knives before, and their Millenia line consistently punches above its price range. My testing confirmed this. Simply put: this knife is super durable! It’s easy to maneuver as well, making it efficient at high-volume chopping tasks, and perfect when cooking for one without making a mess.

Mercer’s Millenia line was obviously built with commercial kitchens in mind, and one can easily tell. This knife feels industrial – in a good way. It’s built to survive heavy-duty work in restaurant shifts, meaning it will breeze past any tasks you put forward in your home kitchen.

The first thing you will notice is its grip. The combination handle of Santoprene and polypropylene offers superior traction. The material feels secure, and I had no issues using it even when my hands were wet or even greasy.

When I tested it on dense vegetables like carrots and cabbage, the Mercer had no issues keeping up. It’s a bit heavier than some picks on my list, so keep that in mind if you want a light knife, but its weight helps a lot with momentum on some tougher cuts. Despite being a partial tang, I didn’t notice any wobble and flex during testing.

This Mercer model doesn’t have the polished appearance of a premium knife, it’s still one of the best chef knives under $30. It’s as functional as it gets, making it the perfect budget choice if you prefer performance over all else.

4. Home Hero VG10 Damascus Steel Chef Knife, 8-Inch

Specs:

• Blade Length: 8 inches
• Material: 67-layer VG10 Damascus steel
• Tang: Full tang
• Handle: Ergonomic rosewood
• Weight: ~6.8 oz

Pros:
✅ Beautiful layered Damascus finish (looks way more expensive)
✅ Sharpened to a 12-degree angle, ideal for precision slicing
✅ Lightweight and easy to control
✅ Full tang with a rosewood handle that feels secure
✅ Surprisingly affordable for a VG10 blade

Cons:
👎 Not traditional VG10 from Japan
👎 May require more frequent honing to maintain peak sharpness

🏷️ Check on Amazon

I was honestly shocked this knife costs under $30 considering its spec. First off, its layered Damascus steel gives it a premium aesthetic that you will usually find in $80+ chef knives. It’s not only about the looks, however, because this budget chef knife is super efficient. The Home Hero slices through meat and fish as well as vegetables with masterful precision. It’s especially useful for thin cuts or prep that requires finesse.

The Home Hero’s 12-degree sharpened edge is a Japanese-style grind, meaning it’s thinner and sharper out of the box compared to the majority of Western-style budget chef knives. This is honestly a breakthrough in performance for inexpensive chef knives. Years back, I’d have to shell out big time for this kind of performance. It performs effortlessly in slicing, which is where it shines the most, rather than heavy chopping duty.

Its rosewood handle is genuinely well-crafted, as it offers excellent balance with a bit of a tactile grip. The Damascus pattern is not a handcrafted Katana, so don’t be mistaken of its authenticity. Still, the Home Hero is under $20, so some compromises have to be made. Overall, this budget chef knife feels premium, and it looks awesome as a gift too – not just for personal use. It simply belongs in a fancy kitchen, and you’ll get years of use with proper care and honing.

5. TUO Chef Knife, Fiery Phoenix Series – 8 Inch

Specs:

• Blade Length: 8 inches
• Material: High-carbon German stainless steel
• Tang: Full tang
• Handle: Ergonomic Pakkawood
• Edge Angle: 14° per side using Honbazuke sharpening
• Weight: ~6.7 oz

Pros:
✅ Razor-sharp out of the box, with great slicing control
✅ German high-carbon stainless steel blade resists rust
✅ Honbazuke sharpened edge = real precision
✅ Comfortable pakkawood handle with polished bolster
✅ Gift-ready box and lifetime guarantee

Cons:
👎 The glossy pakkawood handle may feel slippery to some
👎 Not dishwasher safe — hand-wash only to preserve edge

🏷️ Check on Amazon

Last, but definitely not least, we have what might be the low-key king of budget chef knives under $30 – the TUO, from the brand’s well-received Phoenix series that features products that encompass the budget range and some $80+ picks as well. This chef knife balances sharpness and comfort in a way that’s rarely seen in this price range – or ever seen! TUO’s Fiery Phoenix line is a favorite among many home cooks that want more than just a basic kitchen blade – without having to overpay.

And I can see why. Testing this knife was a joy, and I’ve immediately integrated it into my personal collection for daily use. Its 14″ Honbazuke edge gives this knife incredibly clean slicing power. I found it ideal for vegetables, herbs, and boneless meats – especially when prepping a variety of ingredients without needing to re-hone constantly.

Unlike many competitors in the $20 – $30 price range, this knife looks and feels premium in your hand. That’s because of its quality full-tang build and smooth pakkawood handle. This budget chef knife is extremely durable too, crafted with German stainless steel, it’s been heat treated to HRC56+2, meaning it won’t rust easily and it will maintain its excellent sharpness for a long time – especially with proper maintenance.

To cap it off, the TUO has a classic brown-wood look that pairs well with rustic and modern kitchens. Plus, it comes with a gift box and a lifetime guarantee. For the price? It’s a steal.

Which Chef Knives Under $30 Should You Avoid?

The under $30 bracket is dangerous territory. There are hundreds of options to choose from, and it’s easy to be mislead by fancy product sheets and feature lists. In reality, a lot of these knives don’t make the cut (heh). Here’s which chef knives under 30 you should steer clear from:

1. Generic No-Name Amazon Knockoff Chef’s Knives ❌

No-brand knives that are often sold as “8-piece stainless set” or “professional chef’s blade” typically have poor balance, flimsy construction, and near-zero longevity. These look like deals but when you start using them; you’ll see they feel like disposable toys.

2. Tojiro Petty (Budget/Entry-Level) ❌

Even though Tojiro’s upper-tier lines get praise, Reddit users and forum experts criticize the cheaper petty versions; claiming sketchy build quality and inconsistent heat treatment. Another lesson why cheap doesn’t always mean quality.

3. Zwilling Kramer FC61 – 8″ Chef’s Knife (Laser-Etched Damascus Look) ❌

This Zwilling blade might turn heads with its Damascus-style finish – and it’s arguably one of the more popular knives in this price range. However, but many knife experts on the Kitchen Knife Forums report poor grind geometry. Your food will stick to the blade because of drag-inducing grind flaws—making it more of a counter decoration rather than a workhorse.

4. Misen (Entry-Level Models) ❌

While its pricier sibling gets applause, the lower-tier Misen models overhype their quality. Throughout my years of experience, I’ve noticed that Misen low-cost knives often suffer from dull edges, uncomfortable handles, and loose fittings.

5. Kyocera (Low-End Options) ❌

Kyocera low-end options under $30 have been frequently singled out by Food & Wine tests and different industry experts as under-performing in sharpness and ergonomics. I can personally echo that sentiment as I run a few of these through my hands during my reviews of the top chef knives under 30. It’s better to skip these bargain picks if you’re interested in quality.

Quick Reference Table

How I Tested The Best Chef Knife Under $30

Testing budget knives means looking beyond the initial sharpness out of the box. Odds are, they will all get the job done immediately after unpacking.

Real world use cases call for durability, ease of maintenance, and consistent performance over a period of time. Its a similar method I employed when evaluating air fryers built for one person in compact kitchens.

These are the specific criteria I used to evaluate the best chef knives under $30.

Sharpness and Edge Retention

Each of my best cheap chef knives underwent three simple, but very telling tests.

• The Tomato Test: The ability to cleanly slice a ripe tomato without crushing and tearing its skin indicates razor sharpness.
• The Paper test: Smoothly slicing through printer paper edge-to-edge is where a real quality knife will make a clean, smooth cut without snagging or dragging.
• The Carrot and Sweet Potato Test: When you repeatedly slice dense vegetables you’ll quickly see if your blade will dull swiftly or retain its cutting edge.

Comfort and Ergonomics

A good knife should be comfortable, making it easy to handle. I assessed each knife for handle comfort, focusing on ergonomic design, a secure grip when wet o roily, and suitability for extended chopping sessions.

Build Quality and Durability

Budget knives need to be sturdy despite their price:

• Blade and tang structure: Preference for full-tang or solidly constructed partial-tang designs, ensures the knife won’t loosen and wobble as you use it over time.
• Handle material and integrity: Handles tested for durability, resistance to heat, water, and daily wear and tear.

Ease of Maintenance

Budget chef knives should remain hassle-free, which is why I prioritized ease of sharpening, meaning how quickly and easily the blade returns to peak sharpness with minimal effort.

Moreover, cleaning and storage are also important to consider, considering the knife’s dishwasher safety and stain resistance. The knife should be easy to maintain and care for.

Price to Value Ratio

Each knife was evaluated on how effectively it balanced affordability with real kitchen performance. A knife exceeding expectations for its price earns a higher recommendation, based on all the above factors.

Chef Knife Anatomy: Know Your Blade

If you understand the anatomy of a chef knife, it will help you make smarter purchases, regardless of budget.

I break down key parts of the blade and what they can practically do in the kitchen.

Here is an image for illustration:

Chef Knife vs. Santoku – What’s the Difference?

Both chef knife and Santoku knives are excellent all-purpose blades. However, their designs and how they feel in your hand differ quite a bit. Depending on your cooking method, one may suit you better than the other.

Chef knives are typically heavier. They boast a curved blade that allows for a rocking motion, which is ideal for chopping herbs and meat. Most Western kitchens use a chef knife.

Santoku knives, on the other hand, are typically lighter, and they have a flatter blade. These are great for clean, thin slices. They’re best suited to cutting vegetables and fish, but they can also work fine with julienning and mincing.

The truth is, most home cooks will be totally alright with either choice. However, if you cook often and frequently prep lots of vegetables, and you want more control in fine cuts – it might be ideal to consider both.

Should You Hone or Sharpen a Budget Knife?

A sharp knife is actually a safer tool. When the blade is dull, it’s more prone to slipping and accidents. The good news? If you take care of it properly, even a $30 knife can remain sharp for months.

Here’s the key distinction:

Honing realigns the edge. The microscopic edge of the blade bends a bit over time. Honing does not take away metal — it only straightens out the edge. You can (and should) sharpen weekly.

Sharpening is about removing material to create a new edge. It’s a more aggressive action when honing is no longer effective. For most home cooks, sharpening every 10 to 12 weeks is enough. As I explain in my page where I bust common chef knife myths, a sharper knife is safer and more reliable to use.

Keeping your knife clean is too, once you make a habit of it — and done right, it can transform even a $25 knife into a tool that feels made for lifelong use.

Summary: Which Inexpensive Chef Knife Should You Buy?

Following my extensive testing, each affordable kitchen knife listed here offers genuine value under $30, but depending on your needs, certain models stand out:

• Best Overall Performance: Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife – This is the sharpest and most reliable blade from my top 3 picks. It’s ideal for daily cooking, effortless chopping and precise cutting.
• Best Comfort and Handling: iMarku Chef Knife Professional – If ergonomics and traditional feel matter to you the most, then this imarku knife delivers impressive balance and full tang durability. The grip is quite comfortable as well.
• Best Grip & Durability: Mercer Culinary Milenia – This one is ideal for high-volume meal prep, and different heavy-dust kitchen tasks. The Mercer is quite a robust unit, and it’s safe to use. What’s more, it’s built to withstand demanding kitchen use

Quick Comparison: $30 vs $50 Chef Knives

If you are on the fence on which chef knife to buy, and you have a little extra in your budget, you can consider some good blades under $50 as well. They add that little extra value to make your knife feel truly premium. Here’s a quick comparison table and a link to my roundup of top blades under $50.

📌 Thinking of upgrading? Check out the best chef knives under $50 to see which can be your top performers, without breaking the bank. Just for exploration’s sake, or if your budget is more flexible, top chef knives under $150 offer premium quality and decades-long durability.

Quick Buying Guide, Choosing Your Chef Knife Under $30

Here’s how to pick quickly based on your kitchen needs:

• Frequent cooking & meal prep? Prioritize sharpness retention and ergonomic comfort, Victorinox or imarku fit best here.
• Heavy-duty use & large meals? Select strong, durable knives like the Mercer Millennia. The grip and build quality matter most here.
• Maintenance-conscious? I advise you to choose knives that are known for easy sharpening and made of dishwasher-friendly materials. The Victorinox in particular is very easy to use for beginners as well.
• Want professional feel on a tight budget? It’s best to look for full-tang design and comfortable handles. This is where the imarku offers a surprisingly high-end feel at this price point.

If you’re putting together a smarter, safer kitchen setup on a budget, you might also want to check which healthy kitchen gadgets can transform your eating habits and make cooking easier.

❓ FAQs – The Best Chef Knives Under $30