Best kitchen knives and cutting boards
One good chef knife and a decent board cover most jobs. Keep knives sharp and honed, wash them by hand, and store them so the edge and your fingers stay safe.
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Compare all 10 at a glance
Prices are estimates and change often. Amazon shows the current one.
| Product | Best for | Est. price | Biggest plus | The catch | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chef'sChoice Diamond Hone Knife SharpenerChef'sChoice | Sharpener | $10-$14 | Restores edges without skill | Removes metal quickly | Amazon |
| Joseph Joseph Nest 100 Chopping BoardsJoseph | Nested Boards | $30-$40 | Colour-coded and nesting | Plastic scars with use | Amazon |
| Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting BoardEpicurean | Slim Board | $29-$38 | Thin and light | Can feel hard on knife edges | Amazon |
| OXO Good Grips Carving and Cutting BoardOXO | Everyday Board | $34-$44 | Juice groove and non-slip feet | Plastic can scar over time | Amazon |
| Victorinox Fibrox Pro 10.25 Inch Bread KnifeVictorinox | Bread Knife | $50-$65 | Serrated edge for crusty loaves | Long blade needs storage space | Amazon |
| Victorinox Fibrox Pro 4 Inch Paring KnifeVictorinox | Paring Knife | $25-$33 | Sharp and cheap | Needs honing | Amazon |
| Cuisinart 15-Piece Knife Set with BlockCuisinart | Starter Set | $116-$150 | Complete set with block | Quality varies across pieces | Amazon |
| Wusthof Classic 8 Inch Chef's KnifeWusthof | Premium Knife | $153-$196 | Forged and balanced | Expensive | Amazon |
| Mercer Culinary Millennia 8 Inch Chef's KnifeMercer | Budget Pick | $18-$25 | Very low price | Edge dulls faster | Amazon |
| Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8 Inch Chef's KnifeVictorinox | Best Value Knife | $41-$53 | Sharp out of the box | Plain handle | Amazon |
Every knives & cutting boards pick, in detail
Common questions
Do I need a whole knife set?
Most home cooks use a chef knife, a paring knife and a bread knife for nearly everything. A large set can include pieces you rarely use.
How should I care for a kitchen knife?
Wash and dry it by hand soon after use, store it in a block or sheath, hone it regularly and sharpen it when it dulls. Always cut away from your fingers and follow the maker's guidance.
General information only. Follow each maker's instructions and safety notes, and check current specs and prices on Amazon.