Answer Details

Here are rock-solid chef’s knives (8" / ~210 mm) under $300 that home cooks love. I’ve grouped them by “why you’d pick it,” with the exact model to search for and a trusted source on performance. Best overall under $300 MAC Professional “Mighty” MTH-80 (8", hollow edge) — Exceptionally sharp, thin, and versatile; easy to control. Often cited as a top performer for both pros and home cooks. GearLab +1 Best value (western/German profile) Wüsthof Classic 8" Chef’s Knife — A durable, workhorse blade with great ergonomics; ideal if you prefer a slightly heavier, more forgiving grind. GearLab +1 Best value (Japanese profile) Tojiro DP Gyuto F-808 (210 mm) — Outstanding bang-for-buck introduction to Japanese steel; holds an edge well and cuts far above its price. Nothing But Knives +1 Lightweight, all-stainless feel Global G-2 (8") — Very light, nimble, one-piece design; great if you like minimal handle bulk. (Steel is a bit softer than MAC/Tojiro, so plan on more frequent touch-ups.) Nothing But Knives +2 Amazon +2 Damascus look / gift-worthy Shun Classic 8" — Beautiful fit/finish and excellent out-of-box sharpness; a little pricier for the aesthetics but still under $300 on sale. GearLab Modern direct-to-consumer picks (good, budget-friendly) Made In 8" Chef Knife — Well-liked by many home cooks; solid performance/price sweet spot. Prudent Reviews +2 Made In Cookware +2 Quick buying tips (so you pick “your” best) Size & style: For most home cooks, an 8" / 210 mm gyuto (Japanese) or classic chef’s knife (German) is perfect. Japanese profiles (MAC/Tojiro/Shun) cut thinner and feel faster; German (Wüsthof) is beefier and more forgiving on hard items/bad cutting boards. GQ Edge care: Any knife improves with a ceramic honing rod and occasional whetstone touch-up. Softer steels (e.g., Global G-2) need more frequent honing; harder steels (MAC/Tojiro) hold an edge longer. GearLab +1 Handle feel matters: If possible, hold one—balance and grip comfort can outweigh tiny performance differences. GQ Watch for sales: Shun, Zwilling/Wüsthof, and Global frequently dip well under list at major retailers. Food & Wine +1 If you want, tell me your hand size preference (light vs. sturdy, slim vs. chunky handle), and I’ll narrow this to a single pick plus a starter care kit (honing rod + board).