Steak knives are a dining table staple. They’re an essential component of your cutlery collection, and no home should be without a complete set. The best steak knives are full tang forged with high-grade steel for ultimate sharpness and durability. Though the debate wages on between serrated and straight-edge blade supremacy, we believe both types are worth their salt which is why we compiled a list featuring the very best of both for your consideration.
We thoroughly reviewed dozens of steak knives and have identified the best for your Sunday dinner steak slicing. As we examined each steak knife, we considered factors such as steel grade, blade hardness, and handle quality to choose our top picks, and then we compiled a detailed list of many more great steak knife options for you to browse.
If you’re looking for a total kitchen overhaul, you may also be interested in The Best Range Hoods.
After thoughtful consideration, we have chosen the Cangshan German Steel Forged Steak Knives as our overall top pick. These knives are perfectly balanced between handle and blade, and that attention to detail carries over to every other aspect of their superior construction.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Steak Knives
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Steak Knives Overall | Cangshan German Steel Forged Steak Knives | 4.8 |
| Best Dishwasher-Safe Steak Knives | Sky Light High Carbon Steak Knives | 4.8 |
| Best Budget Steak Knives | Home Hero Serrated Steak Knife Set | 4.6 |
| Best Wooden Handle Steak Knives | Sabatier Olivewood Steak Knife Set | 4.9 |
| Best Titanium Steak Knives | DALSTRONG Shadow Black Series | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Steak Knives Overall: Cangshan German Steel Forged Steak Knives
Beautiful to look at, weighted perfectly for your hand, and razor-sharp to boot, the Cangshan Steel Forged Steak Knives are a top-tier set of four knives that will slice through a ribeye like it was warm butter. They are full tang serrated blades forged from high-grade German steel with a perfectly balanced five-inch blade and five-inch handle. That attention to balance is reflected in the knives’ 58 Rockwell Hardness Rating, a measurement which indicates a strong blade that has enough pliability to be sharpened with ease when the time comes.
The high-alloy steel used in these knives undergoes a six-stage heat treatment process that is finished off with an ice-hardening process for long-lasting sharpness. Each blade is sharpened and polished by hand by Cangshan’s expert bladesmiths.
Triple-riveted handles have been seamlessly attached to the full tang blade for enhanced grip and style. The steel of the blade is never interrupted from tip point to the back end. Michelin Star Chef Thomas Keller is an ambassador for Cangshan’s knives, many of which have gone on to win Red Dot, German Design, and IF Design Awards. These highly-rated knives come backed by a lifetime warranty because they are a lifetime product that will never fail nor disappoint. They’re your forever steak knives.
Cangshan German Steel Forged Steak Knives Key Features:
- Full tang X50Cr15MoV German steel
- Five-inch handle and five-inch blade
- 58 Rockwell Hardness Rating
- Lifetime warranty
Best Dishwasher-Safe Steak Knives: Sky Light High Carbon Steak Knives
The Sky Light High Carbon Steak Knives have a stunning modern design that features an elegant curved shape and a vibrant Pakka-Wood handle. The sharp, full tang blades are forged from strong stainless steel and have a straight-edge blade for smooth cuts. They also have an upward-curved tip that is designed to facilitate the removal of meat from the bone. Now that’s a quality steak knife feature!
To make these knives dishwasher-safe, Sky Light utilized a stainless steel that is rust and corrosion resistant, and then they nitrogen-cooled the blades at the end of the forging process for enhanced corrosion resistance. They also used a Pakka-Wood handle, which is a composite wood and plastic material, that can withstand the extreme heat and cleaning force of a dishwasher. It is still recommended that you handwash the knives to achieve the longest-lasting durability, but they are dishwasher safe. It would still be wise to remove the knives from the dishwasher when the cleaning cycle is complete and hand dry the knives immediately to help prevent rust and corrosion.
Their 56 Rockwell Hardness Rating is a tad on the softer side, so they will need sharpening and honing every so often, but because they are straight-edge blades they will be easy to sharpen at home.
Sky Light High Carbon Steak Knives Key Features:
- Full tang x50CrMoV stainless steel
- Colored Pakka-Wood handle
- 56 Rockwell Hardness Rating
- Arrives in a gift box
Best Budget Steak Knives: Home Hero Serrated Steak Knife Set
Given that they are a budget-friendly package of eight, the knives of the Home Hero Serrated Steak Knife Set perform admirably and come with an assortment of features that aren’t universally seen across more expensive premium steak knives. For instance, the stainless steel blades have a nonstick coating that prevents food from clinging to the knives. You don’t see that feature on our previous two top picks!
Though the blades are not full tang, they are thicker than most any other budget steak knives you will find and should not easily bend or break. They’re safe to use in your dishwasher’s top rack for easy cleanup. If any issues do happen to arise, the product comes with a no-risk money-back guarantee.
Each steak knife features a textured polypropylene handle with excellent grip, and the handles have been coated with a TPR coating for enhanced durability and heat protection. Together, the handle and blade extend to 8.5 inches in length.
Home Hero Serrated Steak Knife Set Key Features:
- Eight stainless steel blades
- Nonstick blade coating
- Polypropylene handles with protective coating
- Top-rack dishwasher safe
Best Wooden Handle Steak Knives: Sabatier Olivewood Steak Knife Set
There are no two ways about it, this Sabatier Olivewood Steak Knife Set has what may be the best-looking knives on the market. The triple-riveted olivewood handles are accented by the visible full tang of the blade to create a rustic yet grandiose design that’ll look as good in a banquet hall as it would in a rustic backcountry cabin. They’re delightfully eye-catching, and they perform just as well as they look.
The fully forged high-grade steel blades are hand shaped and sharpened by skilled laborers in the area of Thiers, France. The knives’ handles have been weighted to acquire the perfect balance for holding and slicing, and the supple olivewood has been triple-riveted onto each side of each knife for long-lasting security.
Simple in design, these knives were made to last a lifetime. If cared for properly, the steel can be sharpened for many decades to come, and the olivewood handles will age gracefully as would any top-quality wood. This is the type of knife you would pass on to future generations.
Sabatier Olivewood Steak Knife Set Key Features:
- Full tang X50Cr15MoV steel
- Triple-riveted olivewood handles
- Made in France
- Lifetime warranty
Best Titanium Steak Knives: DALSTRONG Shadow Black Series
The titanium nitride coating on the DALSTRONG Shadow Black Series of steak knives prevents corrosion and rust from ruining the high carbon German steel blades. DALSTRONG decided to run with the shadow design of the black blade coating all the way through the wicked handle which the company says was inspired by the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter Jet.
Though the fiber-resin handles look like something out of the TRON movie, users say that they are comfortable and provide plenty of grip. They’re thick and work well for those with large hands. The ergonomically designed shape is intended to meld perfectly the palm of your hand, and the military-grade materials are virtually impervious to extreme temperatures and moisture damage.
A striking design such as this can be quite polarizing, but the function of these knives is undeniably top-tier. They come in a luxurious gift box, and each knife is paired with its own protective sheath. This package can serve as a great gift for someone in your life who’s got a distinct style that these knives will complement. Or, perhaps you are digging the look and fancy yourself a set. Let it sink in. This is the kind of design that grows on you the more you think about it.
DALSTRONG Shadow Black Series Key Features:
- Titanium nitride coating
- Full tang high carbon German super steel
- Military-grade fiber-resin handles
- Lifetime warranty
Who Should Buy Steak Knives
Anyone who eats at home, even if it is only on occasion, should own a set of quality steak knives. Butter knives, plastic knives, and cheap supermarket knives are not meant to handle the rigors of cutting through meat and vegetables, whereas quality steak knives can easily cut through anything on your plate. A sharp and durable steak knife is far and away one of the best kitchen utensils you can own. If you have none, then it is time to treat yourself.
First-time buyers don’t need to spend a fortune on an expensive top-tier knife set. The budget-friendly options we’ve listed are plenty sharp and will serve as a great introduction to the world of fine cutlery. Whether you’re young and are living on your own for the first time, or you’ve simply never invested in quality knives before, the time is now to purchase some sharp steak knives. You and your guests won’t have to saw through steak like its a two-by-four ever again!
And for those who are purchasing a new home or looking to upgrade their kitchen, purchasing a high-quality steak knife set is the perfect gift to yourself and your family. A fine set of knives displayed prominently in a knife block on the countertop is a great accent piece. Looks aside, every dinner from this moment on will be easier and more enjoyable once you start using your new knife set. It’s unbelievable what a difference good steak knives can make.
Important Features to Consider
There are a few important considerations to think through before purchasing steak knives.
- Serrated or non-serrated. Serrated steak knives have blades with sharp ridges along their length. These serrated edges look sharp and they maintain their sharpness for longer than non-serrated blades, but they are difficult to sharpen when they do eventually become dull. Non-serrated steak knives, otherwise known as straight-edge knives, can be sharpened and honed by anyone with the proper tools. Straight-edge knives can arguably be made sharper than serrated blades, but they do dull more quickly because more of the blade comes into contact with hard surfaces such as ceramic dinner plates.
- Tang. No, we’re not talking about the orange drink! Tang is the back portion of the steak knife that is either forged into a complete handle or connected to one. Full tang blades are more ideal because the tang is designed to go all the way to the back end of the handle, thus creating a stronger solitary piece of metal that is nigh unbreakable. Anything less than full tang has a greater chance of breaking. When force is applied to cut a steak, a full tang blade has no weak points, whereas a lesser blade will have a weak point where the tang end is connected to the wooden or plastic handle.
- Steel grades. Most of the steak knives on our list are composed of high-quality German, Swedish, or Japanese steel. German steel is usually considered a reliable standard of great quality, while Swedish and Japanese steels are cut above, and prices often reflect that. When you see a knife that simply states that its product is made of stainless steel or surgical steel, it is usually of a lesser grade, though it can still be quite strong. There is a long list of steel grades to explore, and you can delve deep into the documentation if you wish to do so, but the rule of thumb is this: however expensive a knife is will often correlate with how high of quality the steel is.
- Hardness. Most knives will advertise a hardness rating in relation to the Rockwell scale. The higher the number, the harder the blade is, though the highest number isn’t necessarily the best for a steak knife. The harder the steel is, the better it will hold an edge, but if it is too hard it will be more likely to crack or completely break. Most steak knives hover in the mid-50s for a balanced level of hardness, while some top-tier scale knives have blades that reach into the 60s or higher.
- Display. The aesthetic of a steak knife may be just as important as its function. Does it complement your current dinnerware? Do you have a knife block to store them in? Some of the knives on our list come with their own sheaths or storage boxes that can be used to keep them safe inside of your kitchen drawers.
- Dishwasher or hand wash? For the majority of steak knives on our list, it is recommended that you hand wash them after each and every use. High-quality forged steel blades can easily get unsightly rust spots after a few runs in the extreme heat and chemical bath of a dishwasher. Likewise, lustrous wooden handles will lose their shine and can crack from such an abrasive washing. Steel knives that claim to be dishwasher safe can still be subjected to damage after many runs through the rinse cycle. It’s better to hand wash your blades to keep them in good condition. Budget blades made from lower grade steels and plastics actually hold up much better in dishwashers, and if they do become damaged they are much less expensive to replace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a steak knife?
Steak knives are sharp table knives with either serrated or flat edges that are primarily used for cutting steak and other meats. They are typically the only sharp knife set at a traditional dining table.
Are serrated steak knives better?
This is up for debate, and it comes down to personal preference. Serrated steak knives tend to stay sharper for longer because only a small portion of the blade ever comes into contact with the hard surface of dinner plates which can quickly dull a blade. A flat edge steak knife will become dull faster due to its blade’s increased contact with dinner plates, but flat edged blades are easier to sharpen and many believe that they are in fact sharper than serrated blades. Serrated blades usually require a professional to sharpen.
Can you use steak knives for other things?
Absolutely, but their primary purpose is for cutting steaks at the dinner table. Steak knives can be used to cut anything on your dinner plate. They should be kept at the table, though they can be used on cutting boards if necessary. The blades will dull faster when used outside of their intended use.
How big is a steak knife?
Steak knives come in a wide range of sizes. Typically, blades will be between four and nine inches in length, with handles of approximately the same range. The longer the blade the easier it will be to cut through thick, wide pieces of meat. The shorter the blade the easier it will be to cut through thin pieces of meat. Handle length mattes as well because grip, leverage, and weight are all important factors that can be affected by the handle’s length. Make sure to consider your preferences before choosing your next steak knife!
Other Steak Knives We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other steak knives. Even though they didn’t make our five best steak knife list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option to add to your kitchen knife set. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Serrated Steak Knives
The exquisite Equinox Dark Wood Knife Set has four full-tang German stainless steel blades that are complemented by dark Pakka-Wood handles. They’re well balanced and durable, and their wooden handles have been ergonomically designed for ultimate comfort and leverage when you’re slicing into a juicy steak.
Key Features:
- Full tang blades
- High carbon German stainless steel
- Dark Pakka-Wood handles
Cost: $60
FOXEL Sandalwood Serrated Steak Knife Set
Built to last a lifetime, the FOXEL Sandalwood Serrated Steak Knife Set featured full-tang blades with weight drum handles for a satisfying balance that rests in the palm of your hand. The sandalwood handles are triple-riveted to ensure a long-lasting secure fit. With a Rockwell hardness rating of 55, these serrated blades seek to find the balance between edge retention and blade longevity.
Key Features:
- German stainless steel
- Sandalwood handles
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $55
Hamgeek Fine Edge Steak Knives
The Hamgeek Fine Edge Steak Knives features micro serrations along its wavy edge. The company claims that this provides a smooth cut that is better than traditional serrations, and user reviews reinforce this claim with positive remarks about the blade sharpness.
Key Features:
- Micro serrations
- German stainless steel with 15% chromium
- Full tang
Cost: $35
J.A. Henckels Prime Steak Knife Set
J.A. Henckels is known for producing high-quality cutlery, and this Prime Steak Knife Set is no exception. The German steel blades are sharp, hard, and durable. The unique aspect of this set is that you can have them custom engraved with up to three characters at no extra charge. This is a great way to personalize a steak knife set that can one day be a family heirloom.
Key Features:
- Custom engraving
- German stainless steel
- Full tang blade
Cost: $30
Linoroso Premium Steak Knife Set
Forged with a thick bolster at the handle and padded with a non-slip grip, the Linoroso Premium Steak Knife Set is a joy to hold in your hand. The full-tang blades are well-balanced and feature micro serrations for a long-lasting, sharp edge. The included Beachwood storage block is a nice addition that looks great on a countertop and will fit will into a kitchen drawer.
Key Features:
- Micro serrated German steel blade
- In-drawer storage block included
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $50
Tramontina Polywood Steak Knife Set
The Tramontina Polywood Steak Knife Set comes with six knives, making it an awesome value collection. The red Polywood handles have been treated for long-lasting durability and comfort that will hold up against the heat of a dishwasher. Aluminum rivets hold the steel blade in place.
Key Features:
- Aluminum rivets
- Polywood handles
- Dishwasher safe
Cost: $40
The Wusthof Boxed Knife Set features eight full-tang steel knives that are elegantly presented in a velvet-lined mahogany box. This wonderful presentation, and the quality steak knives, make for a lovely gift that is sure to impress.
Key Features:
- Full tang 18/10 steel blades
- Velvet lined mahogany box included
- Lifetime warranty
Non-Serrated Steak Knives
Cangshan Swedish Sandvik Straight Edge Set
The Cangshan Swedish Sandvik Straight Edge Set is singularly forged with supremely high-quality Swedish steel. These one-piece knives are amazingly sharp and durable. They’re made by the same company that makes our top overall pick, and they’re actually constructed of a higher grade of steel. They are legitimately better steak knives than our top overall pick, though the much higher price tag may be off-putting for the average consumer. These knives won the Red Dot Award for innovative design in 2016 and the German Design Award in 2018.
Key Features:
- Swedish Sandvik steel
- Single piece construction
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $300
Meat will slide right off of the DALSTRONG Gladiator Series steak knives with their tapered design and rock-hollow dimples. The full-tang ThyssenKrupp German steel blades have been hand sharpened and heat treated. They’re rated at a 56 Rockwell hardness, and the Pakka-Wood handles have been triple-riveted. Protective sheaths are included.
Key Features:
- Rock-hollow dimples
- Black Pakka-Wood handles
- Triple-riveted
Cost: $90
The beautiful and efficient DALSTRONG Shogun Series utilizes full-tang Japanese super steel that has been heat-treated to a class-leading 62 Rockwell hardness rating. The edge retention is unbelievable, as is their sharpness. The military-grade G-10 handle is decorated with three rivets, one of which is capped in a signature tsunami-rose that ties together the breathtaking aesthetic.
Key Features:
- Japanese super steel
- 62 Rockwell hardness rating
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $200
The FOXEL Full Tang Steak Knives are a quality set at an affordable price. Their full-tang German steel construction and triple-riveted handle match the craftsmanship seen on much more expensive knives. They also come with a lifetime warranty, which makes them an incredible value.
Key Features:
- Full tang German stainless steel
- Triple-riveted
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $50
Equipped with a non-slip Santoprene handle that won’t break down due to oils or temperature fluctuations, the Mercer Culinary Genesis steak knife provides an excellent grip for its full tang German steel blade. The handle is weighted for balance. Unlike most other knives on our list, this knife is sold individually rather than in a set so that you can order just as many as you need.
Key Features:
- Rubber-infused Santoprene handle
- Full tang German steel blade
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $14
Perhaps the paragon of Japanese cutlery, the Shun Premier Steak Knife Set utilizes a fine steel blend for an immaculately sharp blade that’s comprised of chromium, cobalt, manganese, vanadium, and more to achieve its amazing characteristics. The laminated black Pakka-Wood handles are exquisite, and the beautiful hammered tsuchime finish looks as rustic as it does luxurious.
Key Features:
- Sora VG10 Japanese steel
- Black laminated Pakka-Wood handles
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $420
Zelite Infinity Alpha-Royal Series
The stunning Zelite Infinity Alpha-Royal Series knives are made of supremely high-quality German steel with a well-balanced Rockwell hardness rating of 56. Three rivets secure the G10 military-grade handles onto the full-tang blades, and the center rivet features a delicate emblem design that adds a touch of visual interest that sets off each knife’s classy aesthetic.
Key Features:
- German ThyssenKrupp high carbon steel
- Triple-riveted G10 handle
- Lifetime warranty
Budget Steak Knives
Bellemain Premium Steak Knife Set
Don’t be fooled by the budget category in which this Bellemain Premium Steak Knife Set resides. This steak knife set nearly made it into our top-rated picks because they come highly rated by thousands of Amazon users. They’re a great bargain because they’re high-quality, full-tang blades that are set at an affordable price point.
Key Features:
- Full tang surgical steel blades
- Serrated edge
- Ergonomic slip-resistant handles
Cost: $24
Culter Multi-Color Steak Knives
The Cutler Multi-Color Steak Knives look unique, yet they function as well as any other full-tang stainless steel blade. The handles are stainless steel as well, and the knives are completely dishwasher safe. If you want a colorful kitchen set that’ll make your kitchen your own, these are a low-cost and highly rated option.
Key Features:
- Full-tang stainless steel
- Dishwasher safe
- Multi-color design
Cost: $22
HISTORY Forged in Fire Steel Knives
For fans of History’s Forged in Fire TV series, this set of steel knives serves as an homage to the world-class bladesmiths featured on the program. The full-tang surgical steel and triple-riveted handles are sure signs of quality, and the 50-year guarantee that comes with these knives ensures that they will last you for the many years of steak dinners ahead.
Key Features:
- Inspired by HISTORY’s hit TV show
- Full tang surgical steel
- 50-year guarantee
Cost: $20
KitchenAid Classic Forged Series
KitchenAid is a brand synonymous with top-quality kitchen essentials. Their Class Forged Series of steak knives holds true to the brand’s promise featuring full-tang German stainless steel and triple-riveted handles. These are the standards of steak knife quality, and they come backed by a lifetime warranty to boot.
Key Features:
- Full tang German stainless steel
- Serrated edge
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $22
Rada Cutlery Utility Steak Knife
Rare to find these days, the Rada Cutlery Utility Steak Knife is made in the USA. The surgical steel blade featured a hollow ground flat edge for precision cuts with a sharp edge. A brushed aluminum handle is secured to the edge of the blade and it features a finger guard to prevent accidents when you’re digging into your steak dinner.
Key Features:
- Surgical steel blade
- Brushed aluminum handle
- Made in the USA
Cost: $9
This Victorinox Steak Knife is a well-received budget steak knife that can be found almost anywhere that kitchen cutlery is sold. It’s a reliable, inexpensive alternative to the more premium options on this list. Users praise it for its unexpected excellence with many claiming that it outperforms its price and should be considered over many of the more expensive knives on the market.
Key Features:
- Stainless steel blad
- Textured nylon handle
- Made in Switzerland
Cost: $8
