If you want a chef’s knife that slices clean, sharpens easily, and lasts for decades, America’s small and mid-sized makers are doing incredible work. Below are ten standouts—why they’re great, the typical size, what they cost, and the best place to buy. For storage and safety, don’t miss our Blade Guard blade covers and chef’s knife rolls.
Top Picks, Explained
🔪 1) Steelport 8" Chef — Portland, OR
Why it’s great: one-piece forged carbon steel with integral bolster; superb food release and artisan fit/finish.
Size: 8"
Price: ~$400
Buy: Steelport
🔪 2) New West KnifeWorks 8" Chef (G-Fusion) — Jackson, WY
Why it’s great: powder-metal steel + lively grind; durable, colorful handles; pro-level performance.
Size: 8"
Price: ~$410
Buy: New West KnifeWorks
🔪 3) Lamson 8" Premier Forged Chef — Shelburne Falls, MA
Why it’s great: America’s oldest cutler; forged German steel finished/sharpened in MA; excellent value.
Size: 8"
Price: ~$135.99–$169.99
Buy: Lamson
Protect Your New Edge From Day One
Slip on a Blade Guard before the drawer closes. Fewer chips. Longer-lasting sharpness.
🔪 Get Blade Guard Now🔪 4) Dexter-Russell 8" Chef (Sani-Safe) — MA
Why it’s great: the US food-service workhorse—tough, grippy, easy to maintain, budget-friendly.
Size: 8"
Price: ~$53
Buy: WebstaurantStore
🔪 5) Cutco 7-5/8" Petite Chef — Olean, NY
Why it’s great: comfy handle, easy maintenance, and the famous Forever Guarantee.
Size: 7-5/8"
Price: ~$183
Buy: Cutco
🔪 6) Warther 7" French Chef — Dover, OH
Why it’s great: family shop, thin grinds, excellent control, honest pricing.
Size: 7" (also 9")
Price: ~$149–154
Buy: Warther
🔪 7) Town Cutler 8.5" Chef — Reno, NV
Why it’s great: pro geometry, balanced feel, striking handles; multiple lines/price tiers.
Size: 8.5"
Price: ~$156–266
Buy: Town Cutler
🔪 8) Case XX 8" Chef — Bradford, PA
Why it’s great: classic American brand; straightforward, durable kitchen profile.
Size: 8"
Price: ~$143.99
Buy: Case Knives
🔪 9) Rada 8.5" Chef — Waverly, IA
Why it’s great: no-frills US build that outperforms its price—great starter or backup.
Size: 8.5"
Price: ~$38.20
Buy: Rada
🔪 10) Old Hickory 8" Chef — USA
Why it’s great: high-carbon steel that takes a fierce edge; embraces patina; incredible value.
Size: 8"
Price: ~$25
Buy: SMKW
Comparison Snapshot
| Knife | Size | Typical Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steelport 8" Chef | 8" | ~$400 | Steelport |
| New West KnifeWorks 8" (G-Fusion) | 8" | ~$410 | New West KnifeWorks |
| Lamson Premier Forged 8" | 8" | ~$136–170 | Lamson |
| Dexter-Russell Sani-Safe 8" | 8" | ~$53 | WebstaurantStore |
| Cutco Petite Chef | 7-5/8" | ~$183 | Cutco |
| Warther French Chef | 7" | ~$149–154 | Warther |
| Town Cutler Chef | 8.5" | ~$156–266 | Town Cutler |
| Case XX Chef | 8" | ~$143.99 | Case Knives |
| Rada Chef | 8.5" | ~$38.20 | Rada |
| Old Hickory Chef | 8" | ~$25 | SMKW |
Watch the Blade Guard Work
Here’s a quick demo of how the Blade Guard from FLI Products works—see how effortlessly it slips on to shield your blade, keeping it sharp and safe:
Protect Your Investment (and Your Fingers)
Storing a bare blade in a drawer is the fastest way to dull an edge (and nick a finger). Snap on a Blade Guard between uses to keep edges sharp and chip-free, whether you store in a drawer, a roll, or take your knife on the road.
🔪 Protect it now → Buy the Blade Guard by FLI Products
FAQs
What’s the best Made-in-USA chef’s knife for professionals?
The Steelport 8" and New West KnifeWorks 8" deliver pro-level performance with excellent edge feel and balance.
What’s the best budget American-made chef’s knife?
Dexter-Russell’s 8" Sani-Safe and the Rada 8.5" Chef offer outstanding value without sacrificing reliability.
How do I keep my knife sharper, longer?
Use a Blade Guard in storage, hone lightly before sessions, and avoid glass/stone cutting boards.
Are carbon steel knives hard to maintain?
Not really—just hand-wash, dry immediately, and apply a tiny bit of food-safe oil. A patina is normal and protective.
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