Best Steak Knives
If you enjoy a good steak, you know the importance of great steak knives. These are sharp knives used at the table for cutting your steak. They are generally the only very sharp knife you will have at your kitchen table. Steak knives are also handy for cutting into other cuts of beef, as well as chicken.
Steak knives make eating more enjoyable because they make a sharp cut into your meat, allowing you to savor your meal rather than wrestling with it.
Many steak knives have a serrated blade, which has multiple small teeth along the blade. A serrated blade tears through meat, while a straight blade makes a clean cut (if it is sharp). The drawback with straight blades is they need more maintenance and more frequent sharpening; however, they are an excellent choice for steak knives.
Let’s find out about some of the most popular steak knives available on the market today.
Cangshan German Steel Forged Steak Knife Set 59502
This set of eight steak knives is modern and contemporary looking, and will fit well with both your sleek dinnerware and your fine china. But they are not just attractive, they are also durable. They are made of high-alloy German steel with a perfect combination of hardness and durability.
These five inch blades are serrated, slice easily through steak and other cuts of beef, and they stay sharp for quite some time. They are ice-hardened and super sharp, and should be handled with care. The blades have an Asian-style hollow edge. This enables effortless and smooth cutting every time.
The knives are high quality, well balanced and seamlessly crafted. They are capable of withstanding heavy and frequent kitchen use. They are full tang; the steel has a hardness of 58 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale and is stain-resistant.
These knives are made using a precise multistep heat treatment process which allows the blade to take on an incredibly sharp, 16 degree angled edge. Once manufactured, these knives are hand polished and sharpened by an expert bladesmith.
They have a classic-style dark wood handle. But along with the aesthetics of the handle comes function. Every curve and angle on the handle is made with a comfortable and secure grip in mind. These knives are wonderful to hold and can be used for long durations without making your hands tired.
They are stored in a pretty, handcrafted rosewood presentation box, which protects the knives during storage. Every box has its own unique grain.
The knives are easy to clean and can be put in the dishwasher, but they last longer if you wash them by hand.
Pros
- Set of eight modern and contemporary looking steak knives
- Made of high-alloy German steel which is hard and durable
- Blades are high quality and serrated
- Blades are incredibly sharp and honed to a 16 degree angle
- Full tang and well-balanced, and able to withstand heavy kitchen use
- Classic dark wood handle has comfortable and secure grip
Cons
- None mentioned by users
Bellemain Premium Steak Knife Set EPI
This set of four steak knives is made of stainless steel construction, and features a hollow ground blade, which is designed to prevent the knife from sticking while it is cutting. The knives are elegant and attractive. They have a nice, substantial weight.
Each knife has a five inch blade that is full tang, which is great for durability. The blade is surgical grade and will slide through your steak easily. The stainless steel is ice tempered which enables the blade to keep its edge for a long time.
Although the blades are serrated, they provide a clean cut and do not accumulate bits of meat between the teeth.
Each knife has an ergonomic handle is designed to provide you with a comfortable and firm grip. The handle is nicely shaped for both large and small hands.
One drawback that numerous users have mentioned is the blades tend to rust over time. This may be avoided by washing by hand instead of in the dishwasher.
Pros
- Set of four steak knives
- Made of surgical grade stainless steel construction
- Features hollow ground blade, which is designed to prevent sticking when cutting
- Blade is full tang, which is great for durability
- Blade is serrated yet does not accumulate bits of meat between the teeth
- Ergonomic handle provides comfortable, firm grip
Cons
- Some users have mentioned the blades rust over time
MCIRCO Stainless Steel Steak Knives
This budget-friendly set of eight steak knives is perfect for special occasions like your annual Christmas party. Then you can store them away with your table cloths until the next big get together. Or, if you prefer to use your steak knives every day, you can do that too.
They are made entirely of durable 18/10 stainless steel, and are heavy duty, heat resistant, and corrosion-proof. They are non-toxic and tasteless. They are also stylish and delicate, with a nice weight.
The blades are serrated, and the knife teeth are clear and sharp. They make it easy to cut your steak with ease and elegance.
The knives have thick, stylish yet ergonomic handles. They have a flare design and polished surface.
They are dishwasher safe but be careful not to soak them for long periods of time. Always make sure to thoroughly dry them immediately after washing, in order to maintain their appearance. They will maintain their smooth surface with regular polishing.
Some users have mentioned these knives eventually get dull.
Pros
- Affordable set of eight steak knives with serrated blades
- Stylish and delicate, with a polished surface
- Made entirely of durable 18/10 stainless steel
- Heavy duty, heat resistant, corrosion-proof, non-toxic, and tasteless
- Thick, stylish, ergonomic handles with flare design
- Dishwasher safe but will last longer if washed by hand
Cons
- The knives may become dull over time
Oneida Flight Steak Knives 2865004F
This set of four steak knives is a great choice for couples and small families. Made from 18/10 stainless steel, the knives have an attractive, high-luster, mirror finish and swooping design. They are simple and timeless, and will match with any other flatware you already have.
These are strong, sharp steak knives that can used every day for other tasks such as preparing lunch/dinner and carving tomatoes without squishing them.
The knives are durable and rust-resistant. They are made of quality construction, with a good weight and a serrated edge at the top of the knife. They are sharp enough to cut through meat easily without bending, yet are not so razor sharp that they are a safety hazard.
Each knife has a nicely formed handle with a good grip.
They clean up easily and are dishwasher safe.
One drawback is, some users have complained that this version of the knife set is slightly thinner than its previous version.
Pros
- Set of four steak knives with serrated edge at the top
- Attractive, high-luster, mirror finish and swooping design
- Simple and timeless, strong and sharp
- Made of durable and rust-resistant 18/10 stainless steel
- Nicely formed handle with a good grip
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
Cons
- Some users have complained this set is thinner than its previous version
What to look for in a steak knife
You’ve seen some of the most popular steak knife sets on the market today, now let’s take a look at features to consider when searching for a set of your own.
Style
Obviously, style is important. Try to choose a set of steak knives that looks attractive and goes well with the dinnerware you already have.
Material
Steak knife blades come in a variety of materials, but the best are made of stainless steel. There are different types of stainless steel, including cold steel, tempered, and hard carbon. Cold steel is the most robust material. High carbon is the most light weight. And tempered stainless steel is the easiest to clean.
Blade type
As mentioned previously, many steak knives have serrated blades, and some have straight blades. Serrated blades are jagged like a saw, and they cut through meat easily, so you do not have to work so hard. However, a straight blade, when finely sharpened, can do a nice straight cut without the jagged edges, which looks better. The choice is up to you.
Blade size
Steak knives come in a variety of blade lengths, such as five inches or seven inches. The smaller the blade, the better the cutting quality will be. Shorter blades are more flexible and easier to hold. They are also easier to maintain. High end restaurants choose longer blades simply because they look nicer on the table.
Balance
Many people do not think about balance when choosing a steak knife but it is actually very important. Make sure the blade and handle are proportional to each other. Also, the knife should feel comfortable when you pick it up and hold it. Next, check if the blade looks like it comes out straight from the handle or if it comes out at an angle.
Fit
Fit is how well your knife components have been put together. You should not see any gaps between the handle and the blade. It should look seamless.
If your steak knife is high quality, it will have a fine fit which will support the knife’s strength and keep it rigid. Also, if your knife has good fit, it will prevent fluids and food particles from getting into the handle and lessening its lifespan.
Tang
Tang is how far your blade extends into the handle. Short tang is when your blade only reaches about halfway down the handle and is secured by only one rivet. This type of blade can fall off easily after being used a few too many times. Try to choose a knife with a longer tang and with more rivets holding the blade and handle together. Full tang is when the blade extends to the end of the handle, and that is a very sturdy knife indeed.
Handle
Steak knives tend to have wood or stainless steel handles as these are the most elegant and polished looking materials. The handle should look good. Most people like to put their steak knives on display in a block, and what you see is the handle. As a result, many steak knife sets have eye-catching handles.
Choose a knife with a handle that appeals to you aesthetically but also consider how it feels in your hand. It should be comfortable and sturdy. The handle should be a good size, with curves that allow you to get a better grip. Make sure the handle is not too large, narrow, or slippery.
If the handle does not feel high quality to you, beware, as the blade is probably not high quality, either.
Ease of cleaning
While many steak knives last longer if they are washed by hand, sometimes convenience is more important. Give some thought to whether you absolutely need a set that is dishwasher safe. If yes, look for a set with that feature. Understanding your priorities will make it easier for you in the long run.
Now that you have seen some of the features that steak knives have to offer, and looked at the pros and cons of the most popular sets on the market, you are ready to go out and find the perfect set for yourself. Enjoy shopping and have fun using those steak knives!