Ever feel like your kitchen knives just aren’t cutting it? You’re not alone. Finding a truly reliable set can be a real chore, with so many brands making big promises. That’s where the reputation of americas test kitchen knives really stands out. They’ve built a name by putting gear through the wringer, so you know their recommendations—and their own line—are worth a look.
We got our hands on a few of their popular models to see if they live up to the hype. In this review, we’ll chop, slice, and dice our way through what makes these tools special, or if there’s any drawbacks you should consider before investing. Let’s see how they handle the real test: your everyday cooking.
Product Comparison Table: 9 Best Americas Test Kitchen Knives
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Mercer Culinary Millennia Colors Bread Knife, 10-Inch Wavy Edge…
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9.9 |
Read Review |
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Cuisinart C77TR-5SUT Triple Rivet Collection 5″ Serrated Utility Knife,…
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9.6 |
Read Review |
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Cozzini Cutlery Imports 10″ Chef Knife Choose Your Color…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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Tramontina Pro Series Forged 6-Inch Chef Knife, Stain-free High-Carbon…
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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Alfi All-Purpose Knives Aerospace Precision Pointed Tip – Home…
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8.8 |
Read Review |
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Blue Diamond Sharp Stone Nonstick Stainless Steel Cutlery, 3…
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8.5 |
Read Review |
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Cozzini Cutlery Imports 8″ Chef Knife Assorted Colors and…
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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360KB MAX ™ – magnetic rotating knife block -…
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8.0 |
Read Review |
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Bellemain Premium Steak Knives Set of 6, Kitchen Knife…
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7.7 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 9 Americas Test Kitchen Knives
Mercer Culinary Millennia Colors Bread Knife, 10-Inch Wavy Edge Wide, Green
The Mercer Culinary Millennia Colors Bread Knife is a 10-inch wavy edge knife designed for clean, effortless slicing. It’s officially recommended by America’s Test Kitchen, which is a strong endorsement for its performance in real kitchen tests.
Its built around a single piece of high-carbon Japanese steel. This means the blade is strong, resists rust, and holds a sharp edge for a long time.
The sharpness is easy to maintain with occasional honing, so you won’t be struggling with a dull knife. The unique wavy edge, or scalloped blade, is the key feature. Instead of tearing, the teeth gently saw through tough crusts and skins without squishing the soft interior. It’s perfect for artisan breads, baguettes, and even delicate items like ripe tomatoes or peaches where you want neat slices.
Comfort and safety are big focuses here.
The handle is ergonomically shaped with textured finger points to give you a secure, non-slip grip even when your hands are wet or greasy. This design reduces hand fatigue, which is great for bigger slicing tasks.
Cuisinart C77TR-5SUT Triple Rivet Collection 5" Serrated Utility Knife, Black
The Cuisinart C77TR-5SUT Triple Rivet Collection 5″ Serrated Utility Knife is a versatile tool designed for the detailed work in your kitchen. Its 5-inch serrated blade is perfect for tasks where a larger knife is just to cumbersome, offering you control for slicing through foods with tough exteriors and soft interiors.
This knife is built with high-carbon stainless steel, which is the key to its performance.
The steel holds a sharp edge well, resisting stains and corrosion, so it stays precise and reliable. The serrated edge is particularly good for cleanly slicing through bread, tomatoes, citrus, and even chocolate without crushing or tearing. It’s a real problem-solver for those tricky items.
You’ll notice the substantial feel of the forged construction. The blade is forged from a single piece of steel, and it includes an extra-wide safety bolster.
This bolster acts as a finger guard, providing a safe and comfortable transition from blade to handle. It also adds significant weight and balance right where you need it, giving you perfect stability and control during use. The full-tang design means the steel runs the entire length of the handle, which is secured with three stainless steel rivets for exceptional durability.
The handle itself is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand, reducing fatigue.
Cozzini Cutlery Imports 10" Chef Knife Choose Your Color – Razor Sharp Commercial Kitchen Cutlery – Cook's Knives (1 of Each – Black, Blue, Green, Red, Yellow)
Cozzini Cutlery Imports 10″ Chef Knife Choose Your Color is a serious tool for anyone who spends time at the cutting board. It’s built for the demands of a commercial kitchen, which means it can handle anything you throw at it in your home kitchen. The 10-inch blade gives you that classic chef’s knife versatility, from chopping herbs to slicing through larger roasts.
This knife arrives ready to work.
Cozzini professionally sharpens each one before shipping, so you get a razor-sharp edge right out of the box. It’s way sharper than a typical factory edge. The blade is hollow ground, a technique that helps it maintain that sharpness through alot of use. You won’t be reaching for the sharpening steel constantly.
Durability is key. The polypropylene handle is NSF certified and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, though handwashing is always recommended for the longest life.
Its designed to be ergonomic and secure, even when your hands are wet. This is a heavy-duty knife with some heft to it, giving you confidence and control through tough ingredients like winter squash or dense root vegetables. It’s also excellant for precision tasks like dicing bell peppers or thinly slicing tomatoes without crushing them.
You get to choose your color: Black, Blue, Green, Red, or Yellow.
Tramontina Pro Series Forged 6-Inch Chef Knife, Stain-free High-Carbon Steel Kitchen Knives for Cooking
The Tramontina Pro Series Forged 6-Inch Chef Knife is a professional-grade kitchen tool designed for serious home cooks. It’s built to be a reliable, long-lasting partner for all your prep work, from dicing vegetables to slicing meat.
At its core is a stain-free, high-carbon forged steel blade. This material is known for its exceptional edge retention, meaning the knife stays sharp through alot of use before needing a honing.
The blade is further ice-hardened to a precise 52 ± 2 HRc, a process that enhances its strength and contributes to that long-lasting sharpness. Each edge is hand-honed by skilled craftsmen, resulting in a level of sharpness that glides through ingredients with clean, precise cuts and minimal effort.
Balance and control are crucial for safety and comfort.
This knife features a full tang design, where the steel of the blade runs the entire length of the handle, secured with three solid rivets. This provides superior balance in your hand and exceptional strength.
Alfi All-Purpose Knives Aerospace Precision Pointed Tip – Home And Kitchen Supplies – Serrated Steak Knives Set | Made in USA (Multicolor)
The Alfi All-Purpose Knives with Aerospace Precision Pointed Tip are designed to be a versatile and reliable addition to your kitchen drawer. This three-piece set of serrated steak knives aims to handle a wide range of tasks, from slicing through a crusty loaf of bread to cutting tender meats and prepping fruits and vegetables.
Its all-purpose design means you might find yourself reaching for it more often than you’d expect.
Each knife is crafted from cutodynamic Stainless Steel, a material chosen for its ability to maintain a sharp edge over time. The blades are noted for their razor-sharp serrations right out of the box, which are meant to make cutting feel effortless.
A key feature is the lightweight construction, which helps reduce hand fatigue during prolonged use, weather you’re preparing a large family dinner or a quick snack. The pointed tip adds precision for tasks like coring tomatoes or detailing cuts.
Manufactured in the USA, this set emphasizes durability and ease of maintenance. The knives are dishwasher safe, offering a straight-forward cleanup, though handwashing is always recommended for long-term edge preservation.
Blue Diamond Sharp Stone Nonstick Stainless Steel Cutlery, 3 Piece Set including Chef Serrated and Pairing Knives with Covers, Diamond Texture Blade, Dishwasher Safe, Blue
The Blue Diamond Sharp Stone Nonstick Stainless Steel Cutlery, 3 Piece Set is designed to tackle common kitchen frustrations. This set gives you the three knives you use most: an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 5-inch serrated knife, and a 3.5-inch paring knife. Each one comes with its own protective cover for safe storage and handling. The standout feature here is the Diamond Texture Technology. The blade has a unique textured surface that creates tiny air pockets.
This helps prevent soft, sticky foods from clinging to the knife. Think about slicing cheese, tomatoes, or cake – they should glide off cleanly instead of squishing or sticking. A nonstick coating adds to this effect, aiming for smoother, cleaner slices with less mess. These knives are crafted from 3CR13 stainless steel. This material offers a good balance, providing a lightweight feel in your hand without sacrificing durability.
The edges are precision-cut to maintain sharpness for power and performance through various tasks. The ergonomic handles are designed with a slip-resistant surface, giving you a secure grip even when your hands are wet or oily. And yes, the whole set is rust-resistant and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, though handwashing is always recommended for longetivity. So, if you’re tired of food sticking to your blade or dealing with heavy, cumbersome knives, this set offers a practical solution.
Cozzini Cutlery Imports 8" Chef Knife Assorted Colors and Packs – Razor Sharp Commercial Kitchen Cutlery – Cook's Knives (Mixed – 1 of Each Color)
The Cozzini Cutlery Imports 8″ Chef Knife is a professional-grade tool built for real kitchen work. It’s designed to offer the performance of commercial cutlery without the typical high cost, making it a smart choice for both home cooks and professionals.
This 8-inch blade is a versatile size. It’s slightly smaller than a full 10-inch chef’s knife, which many find gives them better control.
That makes it perfect for detailed tasks like mincing garlic or dicing shallots, while still having enough length to comfortably slice through bell peppers and tomatoes. The blade is hollow ground, a feature that helps food release easily and contributes to the knifes long-lasting sharpness. We should mention, each knife is professionally sharpened before it ships, so it arrives ready to use with a edge that’s superior to standard factory sharpening.
Durability is key in a busy kitchen.
This knife features a heavy-duty construction with a sturdy polypropylene handle. The handle is ergonomically shaped for a secure and comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged prep sessions. An important feature is the color-coding. The knife comes in assorted colors—black, green, yellow, blue, and red.
360KB MAX ™ – magnetic rotating knife block – w/top slots, capaciy for 20+ knives – largest in the 360 Knife Block ® family. (Honey Bamboo)
The 360KB MAX ™ is the largest model in our magnetic rotating knife block family. Crafted from beautiful Honey Bamboo, it’s built to be the last knife block you’ll ever need.
We took the original 360KnifeBlock Classic and maxed it out. At 12 inches tall, it has the largest capacity we offer. It can hold over twenty different knives and tools. You can store up to three larger knives on a single side. This includes chef’s knives, santokus, kitchen shears, or any other metal utensil.
The open-top slots make adding and removing items a breeze.
Its key feature is the 360-degree rotating carousel. It showcases your knives blades-out for instant identification. No more guessing or fumbling. You simply spin the block and grab the exact knife you need for the task. Two strong rows of rare-earth magnets inside securely hold every blade in place, from a delicate paring knife to a heavy cleaver.
Stability was a primary concern. The 360KB MAX weighs a solid 14 pounds.
This intentional weighting means it will not tip over when you remove a knife, even with one hand. You get a safe and secure foundation for your entire collection on the countertop.
This isn’t mass-produced. Each block is handmade in Washington State. The maker, Sara, backs it with a genuine lifetime guarantee.
Bellemain Premium Steak Knives Set of 6, Kitchen Knife Sets with Steel Blades for Precise Cutting, Lightweight Steak Knife Set Stainless Steel & Durable, Serrated Steak Knives Dishwasher Safe
The Bellemain Premium Steak Knives Set of 6 is designed for anyone who appreciates a good meal at home. This set focuses on providing the right tool for the job, combining reliable performance with straightforward design to enhance your dining table.
At the core of these knives is a full-tang construction. This means the steel from the blade runs the entire length of the knife, right through the handle.
It’s a mark of durability, offering better balance and strength that prevents wobbling or breaking. You’re getting a tool built to last through years of sunday dinners and special occasions. The blades themselves are made from surgical-grade, rust-free stainless steel that’s been ice-tempered. This process helps the edges maintain there sharpness over time, so you’re not constantly reaching for a sharpener.
Cutting performance is tailored for meat.
Each knife features a 5-inch serrated blade. The hollow-ground design and precise edges are key here—they reduce friction and help prevent the meat from sticking to the blade as you slice. This allows for clean, controlled cuts through your steak without shredding or tearing it, preserving those juices. The ergonomic handle is shaped for a secure and comfortable grip in your hand, which gives you better control during cutting.
We believe good tools should also be easy to live with.
Americas Test Kitchen Knives Buying Guide
You’ve probably seen them on TV or in a magazine. Americas Test Kitchen knives are known for their rigorous testing and focus on performance over flashy looks. They’re not a single brand, but rather a collection of top-rated knives from various makers that have earned teh ATK seal of approval. This means thay excel in balance, sharpness, and durability. Finding one that fits your hand and your budget is key.
Blade Material and Sharpness
Most ATK-recommended knives use high-carbon stainless steel. This gives you a great edge that stays sharp and resists stains. The real test is how the knife feels cutting through a tomato skin or a tough squash. A top pick will glide through without squishing or slipping. Remember, even the best blade needs occasional honing to keep it’s edge aligned.
Handle Comfort and Grip
You’ll be holding this for a while, so comfort is non-negotiable. Look for a handle that fills your palm securely. It should feel balanced, not too heavy in the front or back. Materials like composite or textured plastic provide a safe grip even when your hands are wet. A good handle makes prep work faster and much safer.
Weight and Balance
This is about control, not just heft. A well-balanced knife feels like an extension of your hand. Some prefer a lighter blade for quick chopping, while others like a heavier one for slicing through meat. The best way to know? If possible, hold it. The right weight for you minimizes wrist fatigue during big cooking projects.
Your Typical Kitchen Tasks
Think about what you actually cook. Do you need a versatile chef’s knife for daily chopping, or a specialized santoku for vegetables? A paring knife is essential for detail work. ATK often recommends starting with one great multi-purpose knife rather than a cheap full set. Invest in the blade you’ll use 90% of the time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Americas Test Kitchen Knives
What makes these knives special?
They are tested extensively by teh experts at America’s Test Kitchen. The goal is to find knives that perform great for home cooks, balancing comfort, sharpness, and durability.
Are thay a specific brand?
No, they are not their own brand. Instead, the team reviews many brands and recommends specific models that meet there high standards. You’ll see recommendations for brands like Victorinox or Wüsthof.
What’s the most important knife to get first?
They almost always recommend starting with a good chef’s knife. An 8-inch blade is a versatile choice for most tasks, from chopping vegetables to slicing meat.
Do I need a full block set?
Not usually. Most home cooks can do almost everything with just three knives: a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated bread knife. Buying them individually often gives you better quality for your money.
How do I keep them sharp?
Regular honing with a steel helps maintain the edge. For actual sharpening, you can use a manual pull-through sharpener, a whetstone, or a professional service. A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one.
Are the recommended knives very expensive?
They recommend options at different price points. You can find a highly-rated chef’s knife for under $50, as well as superb ones over $150. The best value is often in the middle.
Where can I buy them?
You can find the specific recommended models at most kitchenware stores or online retailers. Check the America’s Test Kitchen website or cookbooks for the latest top picks list before you shop.
Our Verdict
Choosing a good kitchen knife is a big help. It makes everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable. You don’t need a huge block of fancy knives. You really just need one or two that feel right in your hand. The goal is to find a tool you’ll actually want to use every day.
In teh end, it’s about what works for you. Think about how you cook and what feels comfortable. A well-made knife that you like using is the best choice. For solid, reliable options, it’s hard to go wrong with the recommendations from americas test kitchen knives. They focus on performance, so you can trust their picks to work well in a real kitchen.