1. Wüsthof
- Founded: 1814
- Country: Germany
- Number of Employees: 480 (2018)
- Pros and Cons:
Pros: Wüsthof is a well-established and reputable brand with a long history of making high-quality kitchen knives. Wüsthof’s knives are precision-forged, sharp, durable and corrosion-resistant. Wüsthof offers various series and types of knives to suit different needs and preferences. Wüsthof also provides customization service for its knives.
Cons: Wüsthof’s knives are relatively expensive compared to some other brands. Wüsthof’s knives may require regular honing and sharpening to maintain their edge. Wüsthof’s knives may not be suitable for some cutting tasks that require more flexibility or delicacy.
- Company Profile:
Wüsthof is a knife-maker based in Solingen, Germany, with a history of seven generations. Wüsthof’s main products are mid-priced to high-end kitchen knives for domestic and professional use. Wüsthof is one of the leading manufacturers of chef’s knives. Wüsthof’s Classic and Grand Prix series have been recognized as top-rated knife series by Consumer Reports. Wüsthof’s knives are only made in Solingen, Germany, where around 400 of the company’s 480 employees work. Wüsthof’s trademark is a trident in a circle. The brand is sold in over 80 countries worldwide. In North America, traditionally the largest market for Wüsthof products, the company operates two local distribution subsidiaries.
As a kitchen knife manufacturer and solution provider, Wüsthof has a strong focus on innovation and quality. Wüsthof invests in research and development to improve its products and processes, as well as to create new products that meet the changing needs of the market. Wüsthof also adheres to strict quality standards and controls throughout its production chain, from raw materials to finished products. Wüsthof’s products are tested and certified by independent organizations such as NSF International and TÜV Rheinland.
2. Zwilling
- Founded: 1731
- Country: Germany
- Number of Employees: 3,800 (2023)
- Pros and Cons:
Cons: Zwilling J.A. Henckels’ knives are relatively expensive compared to some other brands. Zwilling J.A. Henckels’ knives may require regular honing and sharpening to maintain their edge. Zwilling J.A. Henckels’ knives may not be suitable for some cutting tasks that require more flexibility or delicacy.
- Company Profile:
Zwilling J.A. Henckels is a knife-maker based in Solingen, Germany, with a history of almost three centuries. Zwilling J.A. Henckels’ main products are mid-priced to high-end kitchen knives for domestic and professional use. Zwilling J.A. Henckels is one of the leading manufacturers of chef’s knives. Zwilling J.A. Henckels’ Pro series has been recognized as one of the best knife series by Cook’s Illustrated. Zwilling J.A. Henckels’ knives are made in Solingen, Germany, as well as in other countries such as Spain, Japan and China. Zwilling J.A. Henckels’ trademark is a pair of twins in a circle. The brand is sold in over 100 countries worldwide.
As a kitchen knife manufacturer and solution provider, Zwilling J.A. Henckels has a strong focus on excellence and innovation. Zwilling J.A. Henckels invests in research and development to improve its products and processes, as well as to create new products that meet the changing needs of the market. Zwilling J.A. Henckels also adheres to strict quality standards and controls throughout its production chain, from raw materials to finished products. Zwilling J.A. Henckels’ products are tested and certified by independent organizations such as NSF International and TÜV Rheinland.
- Founded: 1985
- Country: Japan
- Pros and Cons:
Cons: Global’s knives are relatively expensive compared to some other brands. Global’s knives may require careful handling and maintenance to avoid chipping or rusting. Global’s knives may not be suitable for some cutting tasks that require more flexibility or delicacy.
- Company Profile:
Global is a knife-maker based in Tsubame, Japan, with a history of over three decades of blade-making excellence. Global’s main products are high-end kitchen knives for domestic and professional use. Global is one of the leading manufacturers of chef’s knives. Global’s Classic series has been recognized as one of the best knife series by Cook’s Illustrated. Global’s knives are made in Tsubame, Japan, by skilled artisans who follow the tradition of Japanese swordsmiths. Global’s trademark is a stylized letter G in a circle. The brand is sold in over 30 countries worldwide.
As a kitchen knife manufacturer and solution provider, Global has a strong focus on excellence and innovation. Global invests in research and development to improve its products and processes, as well as to create new products that meet the changing needs of the market. Global also adheres to strict quality standards and controls throughout its production chain, from raw materials to finished products.
4. Shun
- Founded: 2002
- Country: Japan
- Pros and Cons:
Cons: Shun’s knives are relatively expensive compared to some other brands. Shun’s knives may require careful handling and maintenance to avoid chipping or rusting. Shun’s knives may not be suitable for some cutting tasks that require more flexibility or delicacy.
- Company Profile:
Shun is a knife-maker based in Seki City, Japan, with a history of over a century of blade-making excellence. Shun’s main products are high-end kitchen knives for domestic and professional use. Shun is one of the leading manufacturers of chef’s knives. Shun’s Classic series has been recognized as one of the best knife series by Cook’s Illustrated. Shun’s knives are made in Seki City, Japan, by skilled artisans who follow the tradition of Japanese swordsmiths. Shun’s trademark is a stylized kanji character for “Shun”, which means “at the peak of perfection”. The brand is sold in over 30 countries worldwide.
As a kitchen knife manufacturer and solution provider, Shun has a strong focus on excellence and innovation. Shun invests in research and development to improve its products and processes, as well as to create new products that meet the changing needs of the market. Shun also adheres to strict quality standards and controls throughout its production chain, from raw materials to finished products. Shun’s products are tested and certified by independent organizations such as NSF International.
5. Victorinox
- Founded: 1884
- Country: Switzerland
- Number of Employees: 2,981 (2023)
- Pros and Cons:
Cons: Victorinox’s knives are relatively expensive compared to some other brands. Victorinox’s knives may require regular cleaning and oiling to maintain their functionality and appearance. Victorinox’s knives may not be suitable for some cutting tasks that require more precision or delicacy.
- Company Profile:
Victorinox is a knife-maker and watchmaker based in Ibach, Switzerland, with a history of almost three centuries. Victorinox’s main products are mid-priced to high-end kitchen knives and Swiss Army knives for domestic and professional use. Victorinox is the sole supplier of multi-purpose knives to the Swiss army since 2005, when it acquired its rival Wenger. Victorinox’s Swiss Army knives have been recognized as one of the best knife products by Popular Mechanics. Victorinox’s knives are made in Ibach, Switzerland, as well as in other countries such as Portugal, France and Thailand. Victorinox’s trademark is a cross and shield in a circle. The brand is sold in over 100 countries worldwide.
As a kitchen knife manufacturer and solution provider, Victorinox has a strong focus on excellence and innovation. Victorinox invests in research and development to improve its products and processes, as well as to create new products that meet the changing needs of the market. Victorinox also adheres to strict quality standards and controls throughout its production chain, from raw materials to finished products. Victorinox’s products are tested and certified by independent organizations such as NSF International and TÜV Rheinland.
6. MAC
- Founded: 1964
- Country: Japan
- Pros and Cons:
Cons: MAC’s knives are relatively expensive compared to some other brands. MAC’s knives may require careful handling and maintenance to avoid chipping or rusting. MAC’s knives may not be suitable for some cutting tasks that require more flexibility or delicacy.
- Company Profile:
MAC is a knife-maker based in Sakai City, Japan, with a history of over five decades of blade-making excellence. MAC’s main products are high-end kitchen knives for domestic and professional use. MAC is one of the leading manufacturers of chef’s knives. MAC’s Professional series has been recognized as one of the best knife series by Cook’s Illustrated. MAC’s knives are made in Sakai City, Japan, by skilled artisans who follow the tradition of Japanese swordsmiths. MAC’s trademark is a stylized letter M in a circle. The brand is sold in over 30 countries worldwide.
As a kitchen knife manufacturer and solution provider, MAC has a strong focus on excellence and innovation. MAC invests in research and development to improve its products and processes, as well as to create new products that meet the changing needs of the market. MAC also adheres to strict quality standards and controls throughout its production chain, from raw materials to finished products.
7. Mercer Culinary
- Founded: 1980
- Country: USA
- Pros and Cons:
Cons: Mercer Culinary’s knives are relatively low-priced compared to some other brands, which may reflect lower quality or performance. Mercer Culinary’s knives may require regular honing and sharpening to maintain their edge. Mercer Culinary’s knives may not be suitable for some cutting tasks that require more precision or delicacy.
- Company Profile:
Mercer Culinary is a knife-maker and supplier based in Ronkonkoma, New York, with a history of over four decades of serving the professional culinary market. Mercer Culinary’s main products are mid-priced kitchen knives and accessories for domestic and professional use. Mercer Culinary is the predominant supplier of culinary education with a strong presence in commercial food service. Mercer Culinary’s Millennia series has been recognized as one of the best budget knife series by Wirecutter. Mercer Culinary’s knives are made in various countries such as Germany, Taiwan and China. Mercer Culinary’s trademark is a coat of arms with a lion and a crown. The brand is sold in over 50 countries worldwide.
As a kitchen knife manufacturer and solution provider, Mercer Culinary has a strong focus on quality, performance, value and service. Mercer Culinary invests in research and development to improve its products and processes, as well as to create new products that meet the changing needs of the market. Mercer Culinary also adheres to strict quality standards and controls throughout its production chain, from raw materials to finished products.
8. Chicago Cutlery
- Founded: 1930
- Country: USA
- Pros and Cons:
Cons: Chicago Cutlery’s knives are relatively low-priced compared to some other brands, which may reflect lower quality or performance. Chicago Cutlery’s knives may require regular honing and sharpening to maintain their edge. Chicago Cutlery’s knives may not be suitable for some cutting tasks that require more precision or delicacy.
- Company Profile:
Chicago Cutlery is a knife-maker and supplier based in Rosemont, Illinois, with a history of over nine decades of serving the culinary market. Chicago Cutlery’s main products are mid-priced kitchen knives and accessories for domestic and commercial use. Chicago Cutlery is a subsidiary brand of Instant Brands, which also owns Corelle, Pyrex, Snapware and others. Chicago Cutlery’s Insignia series has been recognized as one of the best budget knife series by Wirecutter. Chicago Cutlery’s knives are made in various countries such as China, Taiwan and Portugal. Chicago Cutlery’s trademark is a stylized letter C in a circle. The brand is sold in over 50 countries worldwide.
As a kitchen knife manufacturer and solution provider, Chicago Cutlery has a strong focus on quality, performance, value and service. Chicago Cutlery invests in research and development to improve its products and processes, as well as to create new products that meet the changing needs of the market. Chicago Cutlery also adheres to strict quality standards and controls throughout its production chain, from raw materials to finished products.
9. Tojiro
- Founded: 1955
- Country: Japan
- Pros and Cons:
- Company Profile:
Tojiro is a knife-maker based in Tsubame-Sanjo, Japan, with a history of over six decades of blade-making excellence. Tojiro’s main products are high-end kitchen knives for domestic and professional use. Tojiro is one of the leading manufacturers of chef’s knives. Tojiro’s DP series has been recognized as one of the best knife series by Wirecutter. Tojiro’s knives are made in Tsubame-Sanjo, Japan, by skilled artisans who follow the tradition of Japanese swordsmiths. Tojiro’s trademark is a stylized letter T in a circle. The brand is sold in over 30 countries worldwide.
As a kitchen knife manufacturer and solution provider, Tojiro has a strong focus on excellence and innovation. Tojiro invests in research and development to improve its products and processes, as well as to create new products that meet the changing needs of the market. Tojiro also adheres to strict quality standards and controls throughout its production chain, from raw materials to finished products.
10. Misen
- Founded: 2015
- Country: USA
- Pros and Cons:
Cons: Misen’s knives are relatively new to the market compared to some other brands, which may affect their reputation or reliability. Misen’s knives may require careful handling and maintenance to avoid chipping or rusting. Misen’s knives may not be suitable for some cutting tasks that require more precision or delicacy.
- Company Profile:
Misen is a knife-maker and cookware maker based in Brooklyn, New York, with a history of over six years of disrupting the culinary market. Misen’s main products are high-end kitchen knives and cookware for domestic and professional use. Misen is one of the leading manufacturers of chef’s knives. Misen’s Chef’s Knife has been recognized as one of the best knife products by Wirecutter. Misen’s knives are made in Yangjiang, China, by skilled artisans who use Japanese steel and technology. Misen’s trademark is a stylized letter M in a circle. The brand is sold in over 30 countries worldwide.
As a kitchen knife manufacturer and solution provider, Misen has a strong focus on quality, performance, value and service. Misen invests in research and development to improve its products and processes, as well as to create new products that meet the changing needs of the market. Misen also adheres to strict quality standards and controls throughout its production chain, from raw materials to finished products.
