A good chef’s knife is among the most important tools for any cook in the kitchen. Trust me, I’ve been a cook for a long time. Before I worked in professional kitchens, I was an avid home cook who prepared meals for my family on a daily basis. Since then I’ve worked in all different kinds of kitchens outfitted with all different levels of equipment. I have strong feelings about what I look for in a chef’s knife, and I’ve also done the research to back it up.
I have my favorite knives (yes, I own multiple chef’s knives), the ones that I reach for when I’m deboning a chicken or skinning a piece of salmon and then lovingly hand-wash and dry afterwards to keep them in pristine condition. I also have what I lovingly refer to as my “beater” knife. It may sound a bit rude, but it’s the knife I reach for when I’m not doing something highly technical, or when I don’t feel like hand drying. A knife that is super reliable, but also super utilitarian. No frills, no special care needed, but always a solid option: the Victorinox Swiss Classic 8-inch Chef’s knife.
What Makes the Victorinox 8-Inch Chef’s Knife So Great
I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this knife. It’s not a looker, but it doesn’t need to be. Its beauty is in its workaday presence. It stands in contrast to my more expensive knives that, while superb and effective, I do hesitate to use for any tasks that might damage them (which may or may not be a realistic fear). If I need to chop one onion, it feels like a lot sometimes to use one of my fancier knives that then has to be hand-washed and dried to preserve its pristine blade and gorgeous handle. Instead I reach for this knife that has a plastic handle and a utilitarian blade. I wash it off and let it air dry without worrying too much about destroying it because I know from experience that it can handle whatever I throw at it.
- Blade material: Stainless steel
- Handle material: Plastic
- Blade length: 8.26 inches
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
- Lengths available: 5, 6, 8, and 10 inches
The Victorinox chef’s knife might not be as perfectly sharp as some of my other knives, but speaking from experience, it is plenty sharp. And what it lacks in finery, it more than makes up for in comfort and handling. The ergonomic plastic handle might not be the most attractive, but the knife feels like an extension of my hand. It is the knife in my kit with which I feel the most control when holding. It’s kind of a dream.
In addition to owning one, I worked for years in a busy test kitchen where Victorinox chef’s knives were stocked. I used one every single day, and I watched them go through industrial dishwashers and come out just fine. I am not recommending you put your knives in the dishwasher, just noting that this knife is quite durable and doesn’t require some of the higher-lift care tasks of my fancier knives. This knife is a great supplement to your personal knife collection if you’re looking for something with great control, that’s super reliable, but you don’t want to spend a ton. At only $61, it’s a really budget-friendly option for a great basic knife.
What to Know About the Victorinox 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
- It comes in other sizes. If you’re more comfortable with a smaller or larger knife, you have options from 5 all the way up to 10 inches.
- A great option for beginners. If you’re new to cooking, this is a great knife to learn with. It’s lightweight with an ergonomic, textured handle that makes it super easy to use with no fear of the knife slipping.