Answer Details

Here are excellent chef’s knives (8"/210 mm) under $300 that are beloved by home cooks and pros alike. I grouped them by “feel” so you can pick what matches your style. ### [MAC Professional ‘Mighty’ MTH‑80 (8", hollow‑edge)]() #### Best all‑rounder *£152.26* ### [Tojiro DP Gyuto 210 mm]() #### Best value Japanese *£80.93* ### [Wüsthof Classic 8" Chef’s Knife]() #### German workhorse *£106.15* ### [Global G‑2 8" Chef’s Knife]() #### Light & nimble *£96.51* ### [Shun Classic 8" Chef’s Knife]() #### Damascus look *£142.04* ### [Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife]() #### Best budget *£32.99* ### [Zwilling Pro 8" Chef’s Knife]() #### German classic *£59.01* ### [Misono UX10 Gyuto 210 mm]() #### Premium step‑up *£141.80* ### [Miyabi Kaizen II 8" Chef’s Knife]() #### Refined fit & finish *£241.88* ### [Mercer Genesis 8" Chef’s Knife]() #### Budget forged *£27.89* ### Quick picks (why these?) * **MAC MTH-80** – Thin, super-slicey blade with shallow dimples that help release food; widely praised as a “do-everything” knife for home cooks. ([MAC Knife][1]) * **Tojiro DP 210 mm** – Terrific performance-per-pound entry into Japanese gyutos (VG10 core, great OOTB edge). A frequent “best under $100–$130” pick. ([Seisuke Knife][2]) * **Wüsthof Classic 8"** – Forged German steel with Wüsthof’s PEtec sharpening; sturdy, balanced, and easy to maintain. ([WÜSTHOF][3]) * **Global G-2** – Lightweight, one-piece design that glides through veg; a longtime favourite (famously recommended by Bourdain). ([globalcutleryusa.com][4]) * **Shun Classic 8"** – VG-MAX core with Damascus cladding; sharper, thinner cut with elegant looks if you like a bit of flair. ([Amazon][5]) * **Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8"** – Incredible value and ergonomics; perfect first “real” chef’s knife and a great beater you’ll keep. ([Swiss Knife Shop][6]) * **Zwilling Pro 8"** – German profile, comfortable bolster, everyday durability. ([zwilling.com][7]) * **Misono UX10 210 mm** – Premium step-up gyuto with excellent fit/finish and edge holding, still within budget. ([Korin][8]) * **Miyabi Kaizen II 8"** – Hybrid feel (German parent, Japanese profile) with attractive Damascus finish and very keen factory edge. ([zwilling.com][9]) * **Mercer Genesis 8"** – Budget forged knife with a comfy, grippy handle—great if you want sturdy and affordable. ([Amazon][10]) ### How to choose (30-second guide) * **Weight & feel:** * Like **lighter, thinner** knives? Choose MAC, Tojiro, Global, Miyabi, or Misono. * Prefer **heft & robustness**? Pick Wüsthof or Zwilling. Mercer is a budget “forged feel.” * **Maintenance:** All are stainless or semi-stainless; hand-wash and dry. Hone regularly; sharpen a couple of times a year (more if you cook a lot). * **Size:** 8"/210 mm is the sweet spot for home kitchens; if you meal-prep big batches, consider 240 mm later. If you tell me your preferences (lighter vs. heavier, handle style, cutting board size), I’ll narrow this to a top 3 with a buy-now pick. [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://seisukeknife.com/products/tojiro-dp-cobalt-gyuto-japanese-chef-s-knife-210mm?srsltid=AfmBOoq5ipQzY9eEbRxOZx3gj9l17cXKoiiz2F9_jXp1ByUvgrOuOnPh&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Tojiro (Fujitora) DP Cobalt Alloy Steel Gyuto 210mm Pakka ..." [3]: https://wusthof.com/products/wusthof-classic-8-cooks-knife-1040100120?utm_source=chatgpt.com "WÜSTHOF Classic 8\" Chef's Knife" [4]: https://www.globalcutleryusa.com/classic-g-2?srsltid=AfmBOopXZV6WqRxzxFF2dC2reVFdqotaz73PhwGtsG59Zsl2F-zt16Yo&utm_source=chatgpt.com "8\" Classic Japanese Chef's Knife" [5]: https://www.amazon.com/Shun-Classic-8-Chefs-Knife/dp/B0000Y7KNQ?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Shun Classic 8\" Chef's Knife" [6]: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/8-inch-kitchen-knives-by-victorinox-forschner?srsltid=AfmBOopbx9r_JVdjRNazBZ4FkyaAKG4hml36K6Akfq-OrQGVyj_mZ43V&utm_source=chatgpt.com "8-inch Kitchen Knives by Victorinox Forschner" [7]: https://www.zwilling.com/us/zwilling-pro-8-inch-chefs-knife-38401-203/38401-203-0.html?srsltid=AfmBOopkMxWjlkzN311ogkmX9VAtf8mDs7Hptg7e_AOAbYpH0V2ONNlw&utm_source=chatgpt.com "ZWILLING Pro 8-inch, Chef's Knife ZWILLING" [8]: https://www.korin.com/japanese-knives/brands/misono/misono-ux10?srsltid=AfmBOorei8eGW2_jKy43ZPWaXM_cIg_ozaxRmbS4IjedY9DXIPp3Yrrs&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Misono UX10 - Knife Brands" [9]: https://www.zwilling.com/us/miyabi-kaizen-ii-5000fcd-8-inch-chefs-knife-34681-203/34681-203-0.html?srsltid=AfmBOop9AIEyvbsIC4Bc9q8_6quRYUSXN1YL3PJWVw7EKYbNcgls4Apb&utm_source=chatgpt.com "MIYABI KAIZEN II 5000FCD 8-inch, Chef's Knife MIYABI" [10]: https://www.amazon.com/Mercer-Culinary-Genesis-Forged-Chefs/dp/B000OOQZMY?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Mercer Culinary M20608 Genesis 8-Inch Chef's Knife,Black"