The 10 best kitchen knives

If what you’re after is a lovely set of knives that require very little thought, then go for this Zwilling seven-piece set. It comes with a 20cm chef’s knife, bread and carving knives, and two smaller utility knives, plus a pair of scissors. The German company has been producing knives since 1731 and currently create them in ‘Friodur’ steel, a tough composite of chrome and carbon that’s ice-hardened. The set is stored in an attractive ash wood block that – and this is the best bit – self-sharpens thanks to the angled ceramic compartments.

When the late Robert Welch MBE left the Royal College of Art in 1955, he began designing wonderfully stylish home and kitchenware. The company, which is still family-run, has continued his design legacy, even winning The Queen’s Award for Enterprise two years running for their efforts. Their Signature Book Block is particularly pretty, made from oiled oak and standing upright (which saves space). Silicon feet keep the block stable while filled with six knives from their Signature range, which are forged from German steel and lifetime guaranteed (the block has a 25-year guarantee). It also comes with a handheld sharpener.

Spain isn’t renowned for bladesmithing, but family-run company Pallarès has been forging knives in Solsona since 1917. From pocket to agricultural to kitchen – they make it and they’re damn fine at it too. Their Boxwood chef knife is especially lovely, with a clean, minimal design capped off with a light boxwood handle (made from the plant not old cardboard). The blade is 20cm of stainless steel, which is perfect for multitasking on the chopping board. Priced around the £100 mark, it’s not exactly a bargain tool, but if you did buy one and fall in love, you’ll be pleased to know you can get a matching paring knife for under £20.

Got a budding chef in your midst? Or always fancied yourself as a bit of a whizz in the kitchen? Treat yourself or someone else to this fab two-piece starter kit from Wüsthof. The German brand has been family-run since its founding in 1814 in Solingen, which is essentially the capital of knife making (it’s known as the ‘City of Blades’). They still forge their stainless steel in Solingen to this day. This duo set features chef and paring knives from the Classic range, which are forged from a single piece of steel each and are as robust as they are pleasing the eye.

Relatively new compared to some of the long-established brands in our list, Global has been making knives in Japan since 1985. They use a steel known as ‘Cromova 18’, which has been designed especially for them and is made from a mix of chromium, molybdenum and vanadium, which supposedly resists rust and gives better edge retention (so you shouldn’t have to sharpen it too often). Their G2 chef knife is uniquely designed from one piece of steel, with no joins – meaning it’s extremely hygienic, as there’s no added materials for the handle, which is made simply from hollowed steel weighted with sand for balance.

Not everyone is after something fancy (read: expensive) because, let’s face it, some of us are less than desirable in the kitchen. But that doesn’t mean we don’t still need something better than adequate to chop, slice and dice. Well, say hello to the Mercer Culinary chef knife. It’s not particularly pretty, with a chunky boring black handle, but it’s created from a single piece of high carbon stainless steel and is just £16. The reason it’s so cheap, is because of the small amount of carbon in the mix, which is prone to rust, but also makes the knife tougher.

If you’ve done any knife research – even a quick Amazon browse – you’ll be aware of the name Sabatier. They’re pegged as some of the best knives out there and they are. But the name isn’t a brand, so if you want to get true Sabatier stainless steel, which is 100 percent forged in Thiers, France, you need to check the authenticity markings on the blade. Or head to a legitimate dealer such as K Sabatier, which is run by direct descendants of Philippe Sabatier himself. This six-piece gift box contains a fine set of paring, cheffing and slicing knives, plus a sharpening rod and a wooden block that’s also crafted in Thiers. C'est magnifique!

Originally made in Damascus, Syria, in the 700s (eventually dying out in the nineteenth century) this patterned steel is more preference than practicality, because build-wise it’s just a sharp and durable as stainless. The reason it comes out with a wavy pattern is because it’s made from a mix of different grades of steel. This modern version of Damascus from Zelite is in fact a steel core with 33 layers of carbon steel either side, giving it a wave imprint that they call ‘Tsunami Rose’. This chef knife is part of their Infinity range, which means it’s guaranteed for life.

Having the perfect knives at home is great, but wouldn’t it be a luxury to be able to take them away with you too? We’re not talking abroad – don’t get arrested – but to an Airbnb, say. Lucky for you, this five-piece set from German manufacturer F Dick comes in a reinforced, clip-closure roll bag – perfect for travelling. Boasting a distinctive striped handle, this set is from their 1905 range. The all-stainless steel choppers – including a chef knife, slicer, and paring and boning knives – are durable and easy to clean and will make light work of cutting everything from a meat joint to fine herbs.

When you imagine a Swiss army knife, what you’re probably picturing is a Victorinox. This is the brand with the little cross in their emblem and, although they make all kinds of travel gear, they’re renowned for their blades. This chef knife is a pleasantly affordable addition for your kitchen (under £40). The knife is made from carbon stainless steel that has been ice-tempered – a finish that supposedly retains the sharpness for longer. It’s a useful and very useable 19cm, lightweight and topped off with a lovely, riveted rosewood handle. When it comes to practicality and looks, trust the Swiss to get it spot on.