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Here are excellent, no-regrets chef’s knives for a home cook under $300. I grouped them by what they’re best at and included trusted sources + current storefront pages for specs and typical pricing. Quick picks (why they’re great) • MAC Professional MTH-80 (8”) – A perennial top pick for home cooks: thin, stiff blade with slight flex, great bite, and low maintenance; granton dimples help with starchy foods. Typically ~$140–$160.  • Tojiro DP Gyuto (210 mm) – Incredible bang-for-buck entry to Japanese gyutos (VG10 core, stainless cladding). Often ~$70–$120 depending on retailer.  • Victorinox Fibrox Pro (8”) – Cheapest “do-everything” option that still performs: thin stamp, grippy Fibrox handle, easy to sharpen. ~$40–$60.  • Wüsthof Classic (8”) – Classic forged German profile with thicker spine, durable and balanced; excellent if you prefer a heavier feel. ~$150–$200.  • Global G-2 (8”) – Feather-light stainless, one-piece steel handle; great if you like nimble blades and minimal upkeep. ~$120–$160.  • Shun Classic (8”) – Refined fit/finish, VG-MAX core with Damascus cladding; slightly slicier grind, excellent push-cutting. Sale pricing commonly $170–$200.  • Mercer Genesis (8”) – Best ultra-budget forged option with comfy Santoprene handle; ideal first “real” knife. ~$50–$70.  • Misono UX10 Gyuto (210 mm) – Premium stainless gyuto that stays just under $300 in 210 mm; superb fit/finish and balance. ~$230–$270.  • Zwilling Pro (7–8”) – German workhorse with curved bolster that guides pinch grip; usually $140–$180 and often on sale.  How to choose (fast) • Size: 8” (≈ 200–210 mm) is the sweet spot for most home boards and tasks. • Feel: If you like heft & rocker → Wüsthof / Zwilling. Prefer light & slicey → MAC / Global / Tojiro / Misono. • Maintenance: All above are stainless; hone weekly, sharpen a few times a year. • Handle comfort: Try a pinch grip; Zwilling’s curved bolster and Mercer’s soft-grip handles are especially forgiving.  If you want only one recommendation • Buy the MAC MTH-80 if you want the easiest upgrade that makes prep instantly more fun. • On a tight budget? Get the Victorinox Fibrox Pro now and add a proper sharpener later. • Prefer German heft? Choose Wüsthof Classic or Zwilling Pro. • Want Japanese feel under $120? Tojiro DP Gyuto is the standout.  Tip: Whichever you pick, pair it with a 12” ceramic/steel honing rod and a wood or rubber board; those matter as much as the knife for edge life.