Best Kitchen Knives Under $100

Kitchen Knives Under $100 Buyer’s Guide

Selecting a performance knife under $100 sounds simple, doesn’t it? But knives are expensive! Some can cost hundreds of dollars, so making the right choice comes down to some basics: Sharpness, as well as the knife’s ability to retain a cutting edge, have to be primary considerations. Sure, you will need to invest in a reliable sharpener, but you don’t want to buy a knife that needs sharpening every time you use it.

It can also be helpful to consider the following elements:

Functions

Look for a multi-purpose knife first and foremost. Don’t get into the expensive habit of buying a knife for every occasion.  Second, look for the way it cuts, and how it handles. One of the primary functions should be: Is it sharp enough? If not, why spend all that money? Make sure that the cutting edge is at least 15 percent, and if it’s double-edged, even better.

Styling

A good quality kitchen knife should perform well, and look good. Some have hammered finishes, and others have patterned Damascus steel blades. Whatever you want out of your knife, don’t forget to give consideration the handle. After all, this is where you will feel the balance and comfort the most. Is it ergonomically designed for comfort and grip? The last thing you want is hand fatigue when using it. Most manufacturers use highly polished Pakkawood for the handle as it gives a classic look and an excellent grip.

Clever Technology

Modern knives are produced using the most up to date methods. Some blades are cooled using liquid nitrogen to add super-hardness and to prevent corrosion or tarnishing. But that doesn’t mean that advanced knifemaking doesn’t recognize the methods of the past: the Honbazuke 3-step sharpening method is still widely practiced today, and it is a sure-fire way of achieving a sharp blade.

Product Warranty

Luckily, when it comes to warranties, most manufacturers give you a lifetime guarantee. Now that’s pretty impressive. Imagine never having to worry about your cutting needs ever again. Of course, misusing the knife in any way will make that lifetime warranty will disappear, so make sure you look after it, especially when it comes to washing. Even if the manufacturer recommends cleaning it in a dishwasher, it’s better to hand wash the knife to prolong its useful lifespan.

Brand Reliability

It stands to reason that the brands that have sold the most significant numbers on Amazon are the brands to look at in more detail. Zelite, and Dalstrong, as well as Victorinox, have some great reviews, and a lot of happy customers. When things do go wrong, check out their responses: I’m thinking Zelite in this instance. They respond to every bad review to offer a solution. Now that builds brand loyalty. A happy customer is a happy customer, but turn around an unhappy customer, and they’ll be loyal for life.

FAQ

Can I put my knife in the dishwasher?

Yes, you can. Some makers claim that they’re dishwasher safe, however, when you read into it a little, you’ll discover that hand washing is always best for the care of your knife. Abrasive detergents and the fast jets of water can dull the blade.

What angle should the cutting edge be?

It should be 15 percent, but you can buy Asian knives that differ. Generally speaking, American and European knives are 15 to 20 percent angled. And if it’s a double-edged blade, the angle should be the same on both sides.

What is high-carbon stainless steel?

High-carbon stainless steel is an alloy containing various amounts of carbon. The amount varies depending on the manufacturer. Some steel blades have as much as 1.2 percent of carbon, while others have 0.2 percent. It all depends on how hard the maker wants the knife.