The one knife every kitchen needs: the best chef's knives from $20 to $175

Hone your knife with a steel every few uses to keep the edge aligned, and sharpen it with a whetstone or a quality sharpener a few times a year. Always hand-wash and dry immediately; dishwashers dull and damage blades. Store knives on a magnetic strip or in a block, not loose in a drawer. Use wood or plastic cutting boards, not glass or stone.

Round out your kitchen with our best nonstick pans and best air fryers.

• Western vs. Japanese. German-style knives are heavier and tougher; Japanese-style knives are thinner and sharper.
• Length. 8 inches suits most people.
• Handle. It should feel secure when wet.
• Balance. Pinch the blade near the handle; it shouldn't feel blade- or handle-heavy.

How we chose: we compared specs, materials, features and price, and read owner and expert feedback. We didn't test these products ourselves. Prices are approximate and change often, so check the current price before you buy.

• Using a dull knife. Dull blades slip and need more force, which causes more cuts than sharp ones.
• Scraping food with the edge. Flip the knife and use the spine to move chopped food on the board.
• Cutting on glass, stone or metal. Hard surfaces dull and chip blades quickly.
• Leaving knives in the sink. It's dangerous and damages the edge and handle.
• Using a chef's knife for everything. A serrated knife is better for bread and tomatoes, and a paring knife for small, detailed work.

Learn the claw grip: curl your fingertips under on the hand holding the food so your knuckles guide the blade. It feels awkward at first but quickly becomes the safest, fastest way to chop.

A good chef's knife is also a thoughtful gift for anyone setting up a first kitchen; see our best gifts for men for more ideas.

For most home cooks, the Victorinox Fibrox Pro is the best value. If you want a knife that feels special and razor-sharp, choose the Mac MTH-80. Prefer something heavy and nearly indestructible? Get the Wüsthof Classic. The Global G-2 suits people who love a light, sleek design, and the Mercer Millennia is the bargain that works great if you sharpen it often.