10 Best Damascus Knife for Smooth and Clean Cut!

The quality of your kitchen utensils determine the quality (or not) of time you’ll be spending in the kitchen. All that slicing and chopping and crushing of ingredients that you need to do require you to have some great utensils at hand. And what’s better for it than the sharpest knife?

But of course, the wrong knife leads to frustrated cuts and a hasty meal in the making. The fix? Getting the best damascus chef knife for your kitchen! These are not only pretty to look at, but also have pristine sharpness and deliver clean cuts with its versatility and prowess.

But so with many imitation damascus knives in the market, how do you get the real deal? In this article, you will find a collection of 10 of the best Damascus kitchen knives. These Damascus steel knives are great for at-home chefs for their durability and of course, sharpness.

Comparison Table:

Best Damascus Chef Knife to Accurate Cut

Below is a list of the best damascus chef knife under $100 or more for all you aspiring home chefs looking for the best kitchen knives:

1. Very Sharp: Ytuomzi Damascus Kitchen Knife

The first one on our list of Damascus steel chef knife is a superb stainless steel knife. Made of high-quality Damascus steel, this knife is one of the most durable ones you can find. It does not only prevent early wear and tear but also prevents stain and rust as well as discoloration. Here are its features:
Specifications:

• Features ultra-sharp blades and a perfect curvature of 16° per side.
• The edges are razor-sharp and forged to make cutting easy.
• Comes with a water ripple surface that makes prep time enjoyable. .
• Has a comfortable and ergonomic G10 handle for superior control
• The construction is made to give you balance, grip, and agility irrespective of hand size.

A professional Damascus chef’s knife that also serves as an all-rounder for the home chefs, the best feature of this Japanese knife is that it never makes you uncomfortable in handling all the kitchen work. Instead, it can perform seamlessly throughout. All thanks to its core steel quality in the 67-layered blade that you have extraordinary sharpness in every kitchen task.

This beautifully hammered damascus steel chef’s knife is not only one of the sharpest from the get-go but is also very easy to re-sharpen. Even cutting a super ripe tomato as thin as 2 mm slices is a neat job with this one, without causing a mess of the seeds and the juice all splurts out.

Frequently chopping onions which is known for taking out the sharpness of knife blades still allows it to maintain its solid edge down the road. All in all, this is a balanced, sleek, and sturdy pick.

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2. Best Paring Knife: FANTECK Professional Damascus Chef Knife

Just like the Ytuomzi Damascus Kitchen Knife, this Japanese damascus chef knife right here is also made of expertly crafted, 67-Layer Japanese high carbon stainless steel. However, it has a cutting core at 62+ Rockwell hardness, which is more than the former. As a result, you get exceptional strength and durability from its razor-sharp edge.

Specifications:

• Vacuum heat is treated and cooled with nitrogen to get the best steel characterization.
• Comes with a comfortable G10 handle ergonomically designed with blue glass fiber.
• The package includes a mini sharpener and knife sheath other than the knife.
• The knife blade is stain resistant to stay neat for a long while.
• The molybdenum and the vanadium in materials reinforce its resistance to corrosion.

If you are a true knife enthusiast, you would know that the knife material, the content of the overall material, the knife manufacturing processes, and the blade angle of a knife are far more important than what brand the knife is. So being someone on the lookout for newer and better knives that meet your qualifications, this is an excellent option.

It maintains the 10-15 degree blade angle seen in Asian knives instead of the European/American knives, which contributes to the cutting sharpness.

Thanks to the VG-10 steel the blade is also a little harder so you have durability in these knives for a good time before you have to resharpen it: 4 times in 2 years and it still cuts tomatoes like nothing!

 On top of that, besides the Damascus steel, the cobalt, carbon, and chromium content further add up and make it resistant to early breakage, rust, blunt, etc. as the best 8″-Professional Kitchen Knife.

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3. Most Well-Balanced: KYOKU Kiritsuke Chef Knife

Like the most worthy child of a respectable family, the Kiritsuke knife comes from Kyoku’s premier Shogun series. The manufacturing process of the knife binds age-old Japanese knife craftsmanship with modern technology, resulting in a highly-functional 67-layer Damascus steel blade, cryogenically treated for a balanced end product.

Specifications:

• The blades have been sharpened to an 8 to 12-degree edge.
• The 8.5-inch VG-10 stainless steel blade maintains 58-60 HRC for unrivaled performance.
• Fiberglass handles can withstand cold, heat, abrasion and moisture.
• Comes with a provided case and knife sheath for storage.
• Has an excellent blade vs handle weight distribution ratio for balanced working.

As you saw, the FANTECK Professional Damascus Chef Knife was more suitable for professionals. But this one, the Kiritsuke, is suitable for both home and culinary professional chefs. The best bit about it is that it is not just the knife that is balanced, the handle is too. And it offers superior control and precision in the chopping and dicing processes among all the best damascus chef knives.

The manufacturing of the knife is quite a delicate process too. It starts with a traditional, 3-step Honbazuke method, for which you can ultimately get exceptionally accurate cuts on fish, meat, or even the most wobbly of vegetables with negligible resistance.

 The signature mosaic pin also bears the truth of its meticulous craftsmanship and in the end, you have the right shape and angle for professional/home settings requiring heavy usage.

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4. Everyday Knife: KYOKU Chef Knife – 8″

The sharp cutting edge and the wavy pattern of the  KYOKU Kiritsuke Chef Knife return here again! While the superior sharpness of this damascus chef knife’s blade is still maintained in the construction, there’s more to this knife than meets the eye. The Japanese VG10 here is hammer-beaten to result in a custom wave pattern, creating the best handmade damascus chef knife tempered and quenched to perfection.

Specifications:

• The core is made of steel added with cobalt to increase the hardness and durability.
• 67-layers of Damascus steel cladding make it tougher.
• Cryogenically treated blades are flexible and corrosion-resistant.
• The G10 handle is connected to the handle with an ergonomic bolster.
• 8-inch Japanese chef knife made for marathon food prep sessions.

When you have increased hardness in your knives, you naturally have better sharpening (and cutting from it). This also means that even if this is an everyday chef’s knife, it can maintain the sharpness and durability for a longer while than other everyday knives, making the VG-10 steel of this blade outperform the AUS-10 steel blades in durability.

So the reason why this professional damascus chef knife from the Shogun series is so loved is because it can retain its ultra-fine edge for a long while. Another thing is that the hollow-edge design on this knife makes sure that while you cut, the slices do not stick to the blade or cause any discomfort to you.

Coming from the home of those who know how time-honored swords are made, you can expect harder and thinner yet sharper blades for overall balanced performance.

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5. Superior Craftsmanship: HEZHEN Chef’s Knife

Here’s another Japanese damascus knife that is a crowd favorite as an everyday chef’s knife. This one is quite similar to the KYOKU Everyday Chef Knife, except that the former has a little more length at 8.3 inches.

It has been made with Damascus steel by proper compression and heat-based treatment to perfect its sharpness.

Specifications:

• This HEZHEN Master Series knife comes with a super 10Cr15CoMoV core and a sharp blade.
• It has been built with a rating of 60-62HRC hardness.
• The steel core is constructed with Cr, Mo, Co to be sharp and super resistant to rust.
• The handle is made of white shadow wood for more comfort and less fatigue.
• Includes a brass ring in the handle that has been embedded to give you more balance.

The first thing, that you will notice in this Damascus Steel knife is the beautiful rose pattern that not only looks elegant but is also part of its cutting beauty.

Thanks to the deep-freezer liquid nitrogen treatment, you have both hardness and flexibility in this knife. Tie this with the comfortable handle and you can push through bread, fish/meat, processed food, or veggies easily with the damascus kitchen knife made for a professional chef.

If you are someone who has previously suffered with your in-house knives getting too dull too quickly, this onesies for you. If you are continuously cooking for the family at different hours of the day or you cook periodically over the year, even an amateur home chef will recognize its quality craftsmanship and unrivaled sharpness.

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6. Superb Quality: HEZHEN 7PCS Kitchen Knives Set

Knives made in China usually get a bad rep, but if you have been one of those who previously despised it, it is time to rethink your choices because Hezhen isn’t here to play! This chef’s knife is from the Master Series, just like the one discussed previously has stainless steel rivets, sharp edges, is made of vacuum heat treatment, and is a gorgeous chef knife. Let’s see what makes it the best chef knife set.

Specifications:

• Made of selected 67 layers of Damascus steel that has been vacuum heat-treated.
• It comes with a 10Cr15CoMoV steel core and 60-62HRC hardness
• The wood handle features inlaid rivets for comfort in long-term use.
• It is made both moisture and heat-proof for any sort of cutting.
• Embellished copper ring connecting the handle and blade provides stability.

If you are a big fan of handmade Damascus knives, HEZHEN needs no comparison. The production of this top damascus chef’s knives in this beautiful set starts from a high-level manual wet sharpening where they maintain the golden ratio of blade sharpness: 15° on each side. The result is then forged using precision tempering techniques so that you get the strength and sharpness required from a professional chef’s knife.

Like any good knife, this one also cuts with minimal pressure for the very sharp blade so you don’t have to act as if you are forcing your way through the object/food you are trying to cut. Another good thing about it is that it makes cutting vegetables like tomatoes or soft fruits like kiwi very easy and controlled. So if you struggle with controlling your food while cutting/dicing/chopping, this is a great pick.

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7. Cleanest Cuts: KAN Core Chef Knife

To give you one of the cleanest cuts from all the knives you have ever bought for your kitchen, this one from Kan will change your idea of a clean cut. Featuring a steel core, this 7.9-inch (200mm) KAN chef knife is made of Japanese VG-10 steel. This special construction allows it to reach for a high hardness rating of 59-60 HRC, without causing it to be brittle.

Specifications:

• The construction features steel core clad by 66 layers of Damascus stainless steel.
• A one-of-a-kind pattern that combines strength and abrasion resistance.
• The knives have been balanced at the pinch point for the blade grip and safer control.
• Hammered Damascus pattern that is beautiful and aesthetically made for kitchen work.
• G10 glass-based epoxy/resin lamination on the handle makes it comfortable and sturdy.

It is usually a tough job trying to find a knife that pleases or can be used by both left and right-handed users the least. Not with this one!

No matter what your hand orientation is, this knife is easy to cut with. You can noiselessly cut through your choice of food with these Kan knives, and you’ll instantly feel how different they are from cheap blades that make harsh, wacky sounds when dull!

While a lot of knives will be claimed that they have been balanced for a pinch grip, this one does not play. You can feel the difference comparing it with your other kitchen knives. It can cut through the obnoxious combination of bread and tomato without spilling, meat of any size or vegetable of any variety without the slices ever sticking to the blade.

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8. Best for Vegetable Cutting: Enso HD 7″ Vegetable Cleaver

If you are someone who needs an exceptionally good knife for cutting their vegetables, this 7″-Professional Kitchen Knife from Enso is unmatched. People who like to think the one-knife-cuts-all are the best route to go have changed their mind with this one! So why is its so good? Let’s see.

Specifications:

• The Vegetable Cleaver features Japanese VG-10 steel in its core and has 61 Rockwell Hardness count.
• 37-layers have been folded onto this Damascus blade with a tsuchime finish.
• The 7-inch blade is 2.75-inches wide and comes with a double bevel edge.
• It includes a black canvas micarta handle that is similar to wood.
• This knife has been Handcrafted in Seki City, Japan, and comes with a lifetime warranty.

If a knife could be a staple in the Asian kitchens given that it already isn’t there, The Enso HD Chinese Chef’s Knife would be it. Combining the benefits of beauty, sharpness, and comfort, this knife is very good for chopping, slicing, and dicing veggies of any kind. It does resemble the ]western cleavers a bit, but it is much thinner and lighter, making it great for scooping too.

What’s even better is that it holds its edge quite well. So what you are getting from this is what you call a smaller version of the classic Chinese chef’s knife, which is perfect if you are frequently conducting delicate tasks in the kitchen that do not require or cannot be done with high-profile chefs’ knives. Particularly to make the processing of vegetables effortless, this is one of the best Enso knives you will use.

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9. Best Overall: Zelite Infinity Chef Knife

Finally, to the best knife of the list: the Zelite Infinity. This knife has a cult following for more than one reason. First off, this knife features the highest quality of military-grade G10 handle, and authentic 67-layered, high-carbon Japanese steel handcrafted by experienced knife specialists. So what you get is one of the sharpest chef knives in the world in your kitchen.

Specifications:

• It comes with a 12-degree Damascus blade edge for optimal slicing abilities.
• A full-tang, double-beveled knife that has been made using the traditional Honbazuke Method.
• The 8-inch chef’s knife has been balanced and hammered to make a beautiful Damascus pattern.
• The construction features high-quality Japanese steel for longevity and sharpness.
• Manufactured to be resistant to corrosion, stain and discoloration.

Right out of the box, this knife feels excellent in your hands and visibly proves that you are in for a good kitchen knife experience. The patterned damascus steel blade along with the hammered tsuchime coat is absolutely terrific. The mosaic center pin and the booster seamlessly blend into the belly of the knife, creating a form and shape that is easy on the hands.

In terms of performance, the knife is supremely sharp. You can push the cuts on the food objects effortlessly and without pressure. With proper treatment and steeling when needed, and given that you only stick to cutting bread, boneless meat and vegetables, this is going to last you a long while before you need a reground.

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10. Also See: enowo Damascus Chef Knife

The last one on the list is from a rising brand called Enowo. If you are a homechef who wants to try a chef’s knife that has most of the specialties of a Damascus knife, this is it. Made from 67-layers of high-carbon steel, this knife has an ultra-sharp cutting core among a lot of other things.

Specifications:

• Cryogenic treatment forging of the blade has a Rockwell hardness of 60 ±2 HRC.
• Features a V-shaped cutting edge at 11 degrees blade angle.
• Includes a special water ripple on blade with a hand-polished mirror surface.
• The construction features a military-grade G10 black handle
• A full-tang design attaches the knife handle to the blade for maximum reliability.

If you are a fan of patterned knives, this Enowo cooking knife will be a great starter for you. Featuring a beautiful and natural waved pattern, this knife can resist slipping when you are continuously cutting with it and your hands start to feel sweaty. Thanks to its special cutting-edge technology, you don’t have to work too hard and can work with less cutting friction and more ease.

This knife is well balanced too. For those who struggle to maintain the grip of the knife and the weight plays on their palms, this knife is a good pick that can not only give you reliable cutting but also comfort. All in all, this is a solid piece that is going to last in your kitchen for a long while.

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Types of Damascus Steel

There are 3 main types of Damascus steel knives. They include:

1. Cast: This is traditionally made by folding steel during the forging process and is considered the “true” damascus steel.
2. Fabricated: The steel here is made to look like the Damascus steel but in reality, is a replica and is not made by the traditional manufacturing processes and hence lacks in quality.
3. Modern: These are coated blades with a steel core. The steel core is topped with layers of Damascus steel that have been forged together so you get good strength, stability, and sharpness from it. These are also stain-resistant.

Benefits of Using Damascus Chef Knives

Think of it like this: the same steel that had been historically used to make swords are now being used to make knives you would use in the kitchen! So the blades that have notoriously slit throats and helped heroes survive combats are your weapons in the kitchen.

This only means that you have extensive quality and sharpness when you invest in such knives. The blades are better, the sharpness is better and the overall quality is superior compared to German or American knives.

Besides, these are made with a beautiful, hammered pattern so they are visibly beautiful. Also, they are sturdy and can last a lot of cooking seasons before you need to sharpen them. For flebile and seamless cutting, Damascus knives are an excellent choice.

How To Maintain A Damascus Knife?

The care and maintenance of a high-quality knife like this requires the following:

1. Make sure the knives are dry after you wash them.
2. Only use cutting boards made of wood. Avoid glass cutting boards.
3. While in storage, make sure the knives are sheathed.
4. Invest in a high-quality whetstone for re-sharpening purposes.
5. Do not bend, drop or ang the blade unnecessarily against anything.
6. These knives shouldn’t make contact with rough or super hard objects to prevent chipping.

Keep in mind that Traditional damascus blades are not made to be stain-resistant, so you will have to be extra careful with these: like wiping them dry between each cut when cutting acidic food, and then coating them with mineral oil after the final cut of the day.

How to Choose A Damascus Chef Knife

The following criteria will help you choose a good Damascus knife:

Number Of Layers

Whether or not you have invested in a true damascus steel blade will be evident from what crafting the blades have. The attention put to making intricately layered blades will indicate if yours is better or worse than regular kitchen knives.

To save you from the complexity, always invest in a damascus knife that has been folded in 67 layers. It is indicative of the time and attention put into its crafting. More folding results in a more intricate pattern and creates more durability and edge retention for you. But a lot of it may weaken the blade if the mix of low/high carbon steel gets extremely fine, so don’t be tempted to buy a lot more layers than this..

Bevel

A Damascus knife may have a single or double bevel. For finer cutting requirements, a single bevel knife is enough. It prevents the object to be cut from sticking to the knife and is a neat one. So this is excellent for delicate foods in Asian cuisine, such as sushi.

Double-beveled knife blades are for generic use and can be used on anything. So for general, simple, and more compatible everyday use, this is what you should pick.

Handle

The handle of a Damascus knife gets attention for two reasons: aesthetics and comfort. You will typically get a wooden handle in these knives.

Make sure that besides enjoying the look of it, it can balance the weight of the overall knife, make cutting easy for you if you will have to cut for long hours, and if it feels comfortable. You can pick from straight handles or go for the D-shaped/octagonal ones if you are experienced with Japanese knives.

Balance

In traditional Damascus knives, you don’t have to look out for criteria of balance, it naturally lies there. But for modern ones, look out for an ergonomic bolster to help you in the process of maintaining agility and comfort if you want to get balanced work in the kitchen. Also, the weight of the knife needs to be manageable for you to keep the balance.

FAQs

Are Damascus chef knives really any good?

Yes. These knives are good for their sharpness and durability. Before modern metallurgy happened, these were the sharpest steel for knives.

Does Damascus steel rust?

Traditional Damascus steel has no rust-preventing ingredient in the making, so it might rust depending on the care you have taken of it. However, modern damascus knives do not rust for their stain-resistant finish.

What type of sharpener do you use for a Damascus knife?

To sharpen your Damascus knife, you can use a whetstone. Other than that, Honing Steel, or Tabletop Sharpeners work too.

How well do damascus knives hold an edge?

Traditional damascus knives hold an edge for a long while if you are responsible during the cutting and maintenance stages. You will only need to sharpen them every 6 months or so.

Which Damascus knife is the best?

There is no single best knife for all. While one exceeds in paring, the other may be better for butchering. Again, there are knives that can and cannot cut processed foods or bread properly. However, in terms of brands, Zelite, Hezhen, Kyuoku make the best damascus knives.

Final Words

And that brings you to the end of the discussion for the best Damascus chef knife! As you saw, the absolute best has been the Zelite Infinity Chef Knife for its quality, sharpness, and agility.

However, if you are looking for something different with a prime focus on craftsmanship and sharpness and more in the package, the HEZHEN 7PCS Kitchen Knives Set would be an excellent pick.

In terms of durability, the FANTECK Professional Damascus Chef Knife is great for paring, chopping, and much more, being resistant to early breakage, rusting, and blunting.

Whether you are a home chef or not, the list has all the knives you might need with a variance or durability, comfort, style, pattern, and production. So be sure to have a wise pick!