Answer Details

Here’s a short list that’ll serve a keen home cook very well under $300. I’ve grouped them by “what you’ll like most,” then added quick buying notes. ### [MAC Professional MTH‑80 (8")]() #### Best all‑around *€179.00* ### [Tojiro DP Gyuto 210mm (F‑808)]() #### Best value *€85.32* ### [Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8"]() #### Best budget *€23.00* ### [Wüsthof Classic Ikon 8"]() #### German workhorse *€147.00* ### [Shun Classic 8" (DM0706)]() #### Jap. Damascus feel *€179.02* ### [Global G‑2 / G‑55 8"]() #### Light & nimble *€110.92* ### [Zwilling Pro 8"]() #### Ergo German pick *€109.00* ### [Miyabi (5000FCD / Kaizen II) 8"]() #### Premium under $300 *€194.00* Quick rationale and notes (with sources): * **MAC Professional MTH-80 (8")** — Thin, sharp, easy to control, glides through veg; a long-time test favorite. Expect excellent balance and everyday versatility. ([MAC Knife][1]) * **Tojiro DP Gyuto 210mm** — Outstanding value in VG-10 steel; holds an edge well and punches far above its price. Great first “Japanese-style” buy. ([Nothing But Knives][2]) * **Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8"** — Inexpensive, tough, and grippy. Edge retention is modest, but it sharpens quickly and takes abuse. Perfect beater or first knife. ([ChefPanko][3]) * **Wüsthof Classic Ikon 8"** — Heft, durability, and easy service. A comfortable Western profile with strong fit and finish. ([WÜSTHOF][4]) * **Shun Classic 8" (DM0706)** — VG-MAX core with Damascus cladding; very sharp, refined cut feel, and a D-shaped handle many home cooks like. ([GearLab][5]) * **Global G-2 / G-55 (8")** — Lightweight stainless with a thin grind and lively handling. If you prefer a nimble, one-piece steel design, this is it. ([WIRED][6]) * **Zwilling Pro 8"** — Forged German steel with a comfortable bolster and classic profile; widely recommended and often discounted. ([WIRED][6]) * **Miyabi (5000FCD / Kaizen II) 8"** — Polished fit and finish with hard steel and a fine edge; a nicer “treat yourself” pick that still lands under the cap when on sale. ([Paudin Store][7]) ### What size and style? * **Go 8"/210 mm** first. It’s the most versatile length for home kitchens. Western profiles (Wüsthof, Zwilling, Victorinox) feel familiar and sturdy; **gyuto** profiles (MAC, Tojiro, Shun, Global, Miyabi) are thinner and feel sharper on produce. ### Steel and care * German knives use slightly softer steel—tough and forgiving. Japanese VG-10/VG-MAX and similar steels take a keener edge and keep it longer, but don’t twist the edge on hard boards or bones. A **honing rod weekly** and a **pro sharpening or a 1,000/3,000 stone** a few times a year will keep any of these humming. (Sale timing can help too.) ([Food & Wine][8]) ### Simple picks by scenario * **One-and-done all-rounder:** MAC MTH-80. ([MAC Knife][1]) * **Best quality per euro:** Tojiro DP. ([Nothing But Knives][2]) * **Workhorse you won’t baby:** Wüsthof Classic Ikon. ([WÜSTHOF][4]) * **Budget starter that just works:** Victorinox Fibrox Pro. ([ChefPanko][3]) * **Sharper, dressier feel:** Shun Classic or Miyabi. ([GearLab][5]) If you tell me your hand size, cutting board space, and whether you prefer heavier or lighter balance, I can narrow this to one or two models for you. [1]: https://www.macknife.com/products/professional-series-8-chefs-knife-with-dimples-mth-80?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Professional Series 8\" Chef's Knife with Dimples (MTH-80)" [2]: https://www.nothingbutknives.com/tojiro-dp-gyutou-f808-chefs-knife-quick-review/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Tojiro DP Chef Knife Review" [3]: https://www.chefpanko.com/victorinox-fibrox-review-budget-chef-knife-8-inch/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Victorinox Fibrox Review - Budget Chef Knife - 8 inch" [4]: https://wusthof.com/products/wusthof-classic-ikon-8-cooks-knife-1040330120?utm_source=chatgpt.com "WÜSTHOF Classic Ikon 8\" Chef's Knife" [5]: https://www.techgearlab.com/reviews/kitchen/chef-knife/shun-classic-8?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Shun Classic 8\" Review | Tested & Rated - Tech Gear Lab" [6]: https://www.wired.com/gallery/the-best-chefs-knives/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The 9 Best Chef's Knives (2025), Tested and Reviewed" [7]: https://paudinstore.com/blogs/news/whats-the-best-japanese-chef-knife-under-300?srsltid=AfmBOor7a6ZuOuLiW-VYcVmzGd2UW4XI9x6C6AdwhCo7YZ1jd5eJFJ0N&utm_source=chatgpt.com "What's the Best Japanese Chef Knife Under $300?" [8]: https://www.foodandwine.com/williams-sonoma-labor-day-weekend-deals-2025-11797547?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Williams Sonoma's Labor Day Sale Includes the 50+ Best Deals on Brands Like All-Clad, Le Creuset, and Staub"