Answer Details

* **Best overall:** **MAC Professional 8" (MTH-80)** — ultra-sharp, thin, great food release; a pro favorite, usually ~$150–$180. ([GearLab][1]) * **Best budget:** **Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8"** — excellent value, comfy non-slip handle, widely recommended, ~$40–$60. ([Swiss Knife Shop][2]) * **Best Japanese value:** **Tojiro DP Gyuto 210mm** — VG10 core, sharp, tough, unbeatable under ~$120. ([Nothing But Knives][3]) * **German workhorse:** **Wüsthof Classic 8"** — forged, balanced, lifetime piece, typically ~$200–$230. ([WÜSTHOF][4]) * **German alternative:** **Zwilling Pro 8"** — curved bolster, durable steel, often ~$150–$170. ([Cutlery and More][5]) * **Lightweight option:** **Global G-2 8"** — nimble, stainless handle, holds a keen edge; ~$100–$150. ([Nothing But Knives][6]) * **Upgrade under $200:** **Shun Classic 8"** — very sharp, Damascus cladding, strong all-rounder, ~$170–$200. ([GearLab][7]) * **Sleek Japanese pick:** **Miyabi Koh 8"** — hard FC61 steel, thin grind, great value around ~$135–$165. ([Zwilling][8]) **Quick buys by need** * want sharp + low maintenance: MAC MTH-80, Shun Classic. ([GearLab][1]) * tight budget or first real knife: Victorinox Fibrox, Tojiro DP. ([Swiss Knife Shop][2]) * prefer heavier German profile: Wüsthof Classic, Zwilling Pro. ([Food & Wine][9]) * prefer light/one-piece steel feel: Global G-2. ([Nothing But Knives][6]) **Add-ons that matter** * **Honing rod** weekly and **pro sharpening** 1–2×/year keeps any of these performing like new; don’t use glass/stone boards. (General best practice; supported across reviews above.) ([WÜSTHOF][4]) [1]: https://www.techgearlab.com/reviews/kitchen/chef-knife/mac-professional-series-8-with-dimples-mth-80?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Mac Professional Series 8\" with Dimples MTH-80 Review" [2]: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/products/fibrox-pro-8-chef-s-knife-by-victorinox?srsltid=AfmBOoqwHQ8LTFx8avt8HfPpoMvI06oZmdXpxLaxFtxDy2tSOHiqWKMd&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8\" Chef's Knife" [3]: https://www.nothingbutknives.com/tojiro-dp-gyutou-f808-chefs-knife-quick-review/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Tojiro DP Chef Knife Review" [4]: https://wusthof.com/products/wusthof-classic-8-cooks-knife-1040100120?utm_source=chatgpt.com "WÜSTHOF Classic 8\" Chef's Knife" [5]: https://cutleryandmore.com/products/zwilling-pro-traditional-chefs-knife-33921?srsltid=AfmBOoplD-z1_d-fJwIYtBQbmFF82xKabicO43CLFoiMwA10adC99TVu&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Zwilling Pro 8\" Traditional Chef's Knife" [6]: https://www.nothingbutknives.com/global-g-2-chefs-knife-review/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Global G-2 8 Inch Chef's Knife Review" [7]: https://www.techgearlab.com/reviews/kitchen/chef-knife/shun-classic-8?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Shun Classic 8\" Review | Tested & Rated - Tech Gear Lab" [8]: https://www.zwilling.com/us/miyabi-koh-4000fc-8-inch-chefs-knife-33951-203/33951-203-0.html?srsltid=AfmBOorqJ3XE-ESdlkiopCCWLqbo12Rpt_Ky6JKYYv_M14S3cssu34HL&utm_source=chatgpt.com "MIYABI KOH 4000FC 8-inch, Chef's Knife MIYABI" [9]: https://www.foodandwine.com/wusthof-vs-zwilling-knife-comparison-8722827?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Wüsthof vs. Zwilling: Which Knife Brand Is Better?"