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I'll search for current recommendations on chef's knives in that price range.Let me get more specific information on individual knives commonly recommended.Based on recent reviews and recommendations for home chefs with a budget under $300, here are the top options: ## Best Overall Value **Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife** (~£30-40) This stamped blade offers excellent bang for your buck and is commonly found in professional kitchens. The knife requires regular honing as edge retention is only moderate, but it's sharp out of the box and handles all basic tasks well. The grippy Fibrox handle excels in wet conditions. ## Mid-Range German Options **Wüsthof Classic 8" Chef's Knife** (~£100-130) Features forged X50CrMoV15 steel with excellent durability and edge retention, sharpened to a 14-degree angle per side. It's a hefty knife at 9.1 ounces but well-balanced. Known for lasting decades with proper care. **Wüsthof Classic Ikon 8" Chef's Knife** (~£130-170) Same blade as the Classic but with an updated ergonomic handle. However, edge retention is not quite as good as other knives in this price range, and it has a slower cutting feel. ## Japanese-Style Options Under $300 **Shun Sora 8" Chef's Knife** (~£150-180) Features VG10 cutting edge with 420J steel upper, offering good performance at a lower price than Shun's Classic line. **Cutluxe Artisan 8" Chef's Knife** (~£200-250 for the set) Excellent balance and ergonomic design with sharp edges out of the box, though no sharpener is included. **Tojiro DP 8" Gyuto** (~£80-100) VG-10 steel core provides excellent sharpness and edge retention, though the blade is thinner and more brittle than Western knives. For a home chef, the **Victorinox Fibrox Pro** offers exceptional value if you're comfortable with regular maintenance, whilst the **Wüsthof Classic** is the solid investment piece if you want a workhorse that'll last for decades.