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Here’s a tight, no-nonsense short list of chef’s knives that crush it for home cooks under 300 bucks. Stick to an 8" or 210 mm “gyuto” and you’ll be set for 95% of kitchen work. **1) MAC Professional “Mighty” MTH-80, 8" (hollow edge)** Laser-y thin, great out-of-box sharpness, comfy Western handle. A classic “level-up” knife that still forgives beginner technique. Street price usually ~$150–$170. ([MAC Knife][1]) **2) Tojiro DP Gyuto, 210 mm (F-808)** Ridiculous value. VG-10 core steel, easy to sharpen, balanced feel. Often around $95–$110. If you want the most knife per dollar, start here. ([Chef Knives To Go][2]) **3) Wüsthof Classic, 8" (model 4582)** Full-bolster German workhorse. Heftier than the Japanese picks, excels at rock-chopping and dense veg. Typically $150–$200. ([Amazon][3]) **4) Shun Classic, 8" (DM0706)** Damascus-clad VG-MAX steel, very sharp, slightly lighter than German knives, D-shaped handle. Commonly ~$180–$200. ([Cutlery and More][4]) **5) Global G-2, 8"** One-piece stainless build with a grippy dimpled handle. Light, agile, holds a keen edge. Usually ~$150. Trivia: long favored by pros, including Bourdain. ([Global Cutlery USA][5]) **6) Victorinox Fibrox Pro, 8"** The budget hero. Grippy handle, tough steel, easy maintenance. Not flashy, just cuts. Commonly $60–$70. ([Swiss Knife Shop][6]) --- ### How to pick the right one for you * **Weight and feel:** If you like a little heft, go Wüsthof. Prefer light and zippy, try MAC, Tojiro, Shun, or Global. * **Maintenance:** All of these are stainless or semi-stainless. Hand-wash, dry immediately, and hone every few uses. * **Cutting board matters:** A soft wood or quality plastic board keeps edges happy. * **Edge tune-ups:** Plan on a basic honing rod now and a proper sharpening plan later. Japanese steels (MAC, Tojiro, Shun, Global) reward whetstones; German steel (Wüsthof) loves a regular hone. If you want the simplest choice: grab **MAC MTH-80** for a premium feel or **Tojiro DP** for best value. Add a bread knife later and you’ve got a home-kitchen toolkit that punches way above its weight. [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.chefknivestogo.com/tojiro-dp-f-8081.html?srsltid=AfmBOooZylcNQGl7QcTxc5tZpKd-GcJsgI6MtMQjeTvZRV2OBjaTmw83&utm_source=chatgpt.com "TOJIRO CLASSIC Gyuto 210mm" [3]: https://www.amazon.com/W%C3%9CSTHOF-Classic-Chefs-Knife-8-Inch/dp/B08CS96H2K?utm_source=chatgpt.com "WÜSTHOF Classic 8 Inch Chef's Knife,Black,8-Inch" [4]: https://cutleryandmore.com/products/shun-classic-chefs-knife-5286?srsltid=AfmBOoop7JbEzzzWpOOydfICzOESM_wstBhdxi5wnGVaLricdPnWtPoy&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Shun Classic 8\" Chef's Knife" [5]: https://www.globalcutleryusa.com/classic-g-2?srsltid=AfmBOopXRGO9EyMjCIwvPFHaOJK0T5eNxfNvhL6R_A0vkuaH0AU9MZA8&utm_source=chatgpt.com "8\" Classic Japanese Chef's Knife" [6]: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/8-inch-kitchen-knives-by-victorinox-forschner?srsltid=AfmBOoqygRbkD7iRkwBRa5h6fjNhqzPeQTevF9Ut9-GSwgcpJNUiCiPh&utm_source=chatgpt.com "8-inch Kitchen Knives by Victorinox Forschner"