When it comes to slicing, dicing and cutting, a good kitchen knife will spare you from a lot of trouble and effort. While many people might be tempted to go for the first cheap knife they encounter out of a desire to save money, this mentality actually leads to more money being spent. A cheap knife, apart from corroding much quicker than an average priced one, will needlessly extend the time that it takes to accomplish a kitchen task.  Due to the fact that there are so many variants on the market, the average buyer might be understandably confused about what exactly is worth purchasing, and what should be dutifully ignored. Luckily for you, we have gathered a small selection of reliable, high-quality products that will help you figure out what you need. Here are five knives every serious cook should own.

7-Inch Stainless Steel Chopper-Cleaver-Butcher Knife by Utopia Kitchen

With a rating of 4.5 stars out of 911 reviews, this is arguably one of the best knives reviewed on any platform, and once you get a chance to test it, you will fully agree with the ratings. Admittedly, at $12, nobody would expect to get much out of this knife. However, if you have ever been a fan of kitchen instruments, you might know that it is not a good idea to judge a book by its cover.  This cleaver knife comes extremely sharp, so you should take caution when removing it from the box to avoid any potential accidents. Furthermore, it has a great grip ensured by a sturdy, well-designed handle that inspires safety and confidence, so you have no reasons to get intimidated by its size. Although it weighs more than your average cleaver, it is not bulky at all, a perk which you do not usually find at other knives of this size. All in all, if you find yourself engaging in cooking tasks that require brute force, consider picking up this model and you will not be disappointed.

Professional 10 “ Meat Cutting Knife – Slicer Knife, jerky.com

Are you looking for something capable of slicing meat into thin, elegant pieces? Then you might want to consider trying out this beauty here. This 10-inch solid steel, razor-sharp slicing knife features a dimpled blade, and a smart, triple riveted handle that inspires comfort and stability. Made out of food grade steel, it is totally dishwasher friendly and very easy to maintain. It works with any type of meat, and you can also use it to cut fruits and vegetables.

J.A Henckels International Classic 8 “ Chef’s Knife

This model from J.A. Henckels, available in a 8 “ variant, offers a top-notch cutting experience even to those who are uninitiated to the world of cooking. Boasting a classic, handsome German design with a flat edge, a thick, balanced bolster and a trustworthy riveted handle, this knife is capable of accomplishing almost any job you think about, from mincing parsley into fine, equal pieces, butchering chicken to cutting thin slices of tomato. Due to the fact that it has a full-tang – meaning the blade extends through the handle -, it provides excellent control and cutting motions. People who are not keen on frequently sharpening their knives need not worry in this case, as the Henckels stays sharp for a long time. All in all, this is a perfectly balanced and reliable model that will last you through the years.

Wustof Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife

A hallmark of masterful German knifemaking, the Wusthof classic is one of the best low-budget chef knives available on the market. Featuring a smartly designed three-riveted polymer handle, this knife will never slip out of your hands or make you feel unsafe and not confident in your cutting skills. Like all Wustof knives manufactured in Solingen, the blade is made out of authentic German high carbon stainless steel. As far as the forging process is concerned, the company employed their signature Precision Edge Technology to confer it with a hardness measured at 58 on the Rockwell Scale. Considering its features, at just $60 on Amazon, this knife is truly a steal.

Zyliss Control Chef’s Knife

If you are a big fan of knives with ergonomic designs, you might get a kick out of using this model from Zyliss. The handle is made out of a non-slip material, so you will never have to concern yourself about dropping it into the sink and hurting yourself. At the top of the blade, you will find several safety touchpoints that ensure a seamless rocking motion, as well as adequate rest and comfort for the thumb and index fingers. Overall, there is nothing not to like about this knife, and for just $30, you will get a kitchen instrument that will last you for a long time.

Conclusion

Every self-respecting cook who wants to take his hobby or profession to the next level needs a high-quality and reliable knife collection. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to invest ridiculous sums of money to find a professional knife, and the pieces highlighted in this article stand as living proof. If you are in the market for a kitchen knife and you are looking for options, make sure to give these models a shot.