When it comes to cutting steaks, traditional knives that sit prettily in the silverware drawer alongside matching forks and spoons won’t cut it. And utility or paring knives are more likely to slice your finger along with the steak. They are not recommended.
For the peaceful devouring of the most delicious meal without frustrating over cutting it, you need knives made specifically for the purpose of eating it. Now, you might still be debating whether you want to bundle-buy them, but with extremely compelling prices, the decision gets easier.
Assuming you love steaks, because who doesn’t, we have compiled a list of the best steak knives under 100. So, let’s get started.
Best Steak Knives under 100 – Buying Guide
You might be awed by the myriad of types, brands, and designs of the knives while each offers you inescapable features, but you still have to know what you’re here for.
And that’s why we will tell you exactly what to look for so that your decision isn’t swayed by taglines like best dishwasher-safe steak knives or sharpest blades. So, before you read our best steak knives review, get to know these important factors.
Bolster
We start with this because amateur buyers don’t even know these exist. Bolsters can be the difference between life and death because they are a great deal important to keep you safe. It’s like the bridge between the blade and the handle that protects you from accidentally cutting yourself.
So, if you’re not confident about your cutting skills, choose knives with full bolsters to have that added safety.
Tang
Look for full tangs as they maintain the balance, weight, and power of the knife. Full tangs offer more stability and control. They also last longer because the knife is forged out of one metal, and it prevents from breaking it.
Forged and Stamped Knives
We prefer forged knives because they are solid. Forged knives are crafted from a single metal, making the whole knife better balanced. In forged knives, the blade and the tang are all from the same steel. It’s the traditional and preferred method of creating knives.
Stamped knives aren’t bad by any means but are a bit riskier as the handle is added separately. Hence, the two sections are separate. But they are also cheaper and lighter as they don’t have a full tang.
Handle
You’d want the handle material to be strong and sturdy. Wood is preferred by many as it has long-lasting features. And wood knives are also better aesthetically. However, they are also harder to clean and almost never dishwasher friendly.
Handles using good plastic, however, can be made in interesting designs and are easier clean. The design of the handle is also important. And the traditional design is what most of us are comfortable with. Opting for anything else might take some adjusting, so bear that in mind.
With that said, Japanese designs and many of the contemporary designs bring about a whole new look and feel to the knife. Those looking to make a statement with their kitchenware are sure to find them interesting.
Stainless Steel
It doesn’t need telling that you want the knife to be forged from stainless steel, whether the steel is from Germany or Japan. What matters is its stainless steel.
| Brand | Image | Features | Price |
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| Dalstrong |  |
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| Wusthof |  |
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| Mercer |  |
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| Trudeau |  |
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| Henckles |  |
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| The OOU |
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| La Cote |  |
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| Allwin |  |
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| Marksford |  |
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| Linoroso |  |
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Best Steak Knives under 100 Reviews
For this review, we have included sets under $100, so knives that didn’t meet this criterion were excluded.
Dalstrong Gladiator Series Steak Knives
Want a stellar brand that uses innovative, cutting-edge technology to make cutleries that even chefs can’t help but acknowledge? Dalstrong is not only strong by name, but their innovation and premium products, which come for very affordable prices, is what places them at the top of our best steak knives setlist.
The serrated edges are perfect for accompanying your ceramic dishes. Straight edges are extremely rough and screechy on ceramics. And will even leave marks on the plates. But the serrated blades on this are not only super sharp but as it uses powerful carbon steel, it’s also wear-resistant.
What we love about the brand and the product at a glance is it comes with its own sheaths. And Dalstrong is known for reliable packaging. So, ordering it online won’t leave you in an ocean of regrets.
Apart from that, this was forged professionally to give it a polished satin finish. Also, the quality laminated haft doesn’t just look pretty but is firm and adds to the strength of the knife. You hold it, and you get a confident grip to smoothly cut through the steak.
And the blade itself is long and perfect for cutting in sharp and easy movements. Perhaps, the feature that stands this out as a steak knife is the second bolster. If you’re at all worried about your inexperience with sharp objects, this ought to provide some reassurance.
Pros
Cons
Wusthof Classic 4.5-Inch Steak Knife
This German-based brand has been crafting knives for over 200 years. And to say precision is the excellence they’ve been searching for is the least you can say for them.
We have told you how straight edges need to be sharpened more frequently. Well, here’s a smooth knife to defy that logic. The blades are ultra-sharp and need no regular sharpening. They defy the logic of needing regular sharpening because they are that well-made.
And this uses the special high-carbon stainless steel, which is crafted for precise cuts. You’d be foolish to expect anything less from the Solingen, the city known as the city of blades.
The fact alone that the blades are forged there increases their value many times, but you’re getting them for a very reasonable price is the just the cherry on top.
Hence, this will surely broaden your cutlery collection and not just be the fancy tool that sits prettily on your drawer, never to be used. The single piece of steel extended for a finish that only master crafters can bring about is reason enough to buy this.
But the comfortable handles and full bolster add to its name. The handles feature strong rivets that will hold the haft in place. And the bolster adds to the safety.
Pros
Cons
Mercer Culinary Genesis 7-Piece Forged Steak Knife Set
Whether you’re a professional or a home culinarian looking to add expert touches to your culinary tools, this 7-piece set will pique your interest. What we love about Mercer is they have a solution to all your kitchen tool concerns.
And their myriad of products makes them the perfect choice for those looking to renovate their kitchen and stack it with matching accessories.
To start, the first thing you notice and instantly love is the handle. The Santoprene handles have a non-slip grip, which you don’t see in products of this range. And it is an immediate attention grabber. Even if you’re working with wet or oily or even sticky hands, the knife will feel well-balanced in your hands.
On top of that, the overall quality of the tool is pretty great for the price. It has good tolerance to hot and cold temperatures. And won’t lose to oil exposure as well. Meaning it will maintain its shine and won’t rust over time.
That is also true for steel. Carbon and stain-resistant steel are easy to clean. Moreover, it’s also very resilient to corrosion.
But one thing that sets this apart is the tapered ground edge. The edge features a unique blend of scallop like and straight edge. This gives the knife the best of both features, which makes it easy to chop and stay sharp over time.
Pros
Cons
Trudeau Laguiole Steak Knives With Wooden Handle
Let your cutlery tools speak for themselves to represent your unique taste in timeless collections. But lucky for you, these aren’t mere collectibles. Trudeau brings to you some of the finest and classiest tools that we have ever seen.
The craftsmanship, the design, the Laguiole French heritage all come together to give you the best Laguiole steak knives.
As this comes in a pack of 6, you get to look forward to an elegant box that you can store them in. The box adds to the elegance, but the knives themselves are plenty stylish. Moreover, the timeless beauty of the knives is portrayed in the iconic bee symbol.
What you will notice right off the bat are the serrated edges throughout. This is a full tang design, which makes the knife sturdier. It’s a long knife, and the full tang only makes it better for the grip.
When cutting the steak with this, the style and pattern of the knife will let you slice effortlessly. The flavors of the food will be retained completely as you savor into its taste.
And as this comes from the renowned French town, this uses pakkawood. Pakkawood is not only aesthetically pleasing to look at; it also has moisture resisting benefits which make for long-lasting haft.
Pros
Cons
Henckles Classic 4-Piece Steak Knives Set
Being an internationally renowned brand that is famous for bringing your favorite tools and utensils to you, Henckels has some of the sharpest knives. And what makes them a favorite is the balance in their knives, which seasoned chefs will love, and beginners will feel more confident around.
The knives come fully forged with quality German stainless steel. If you take care of them right, one of these can last for decades. This is a knife that once you buy, you can pretty much rest assured will be there with you for a long time.
As they are smooth-edged, they will need the occasional sharpening, but that’s a given for any sharp knife.
Now, right from the moment you hold this, you will notice the satin finish that gives you a superior precision when cutting, and it just feels comfortable in your hand. And it should because with this knife as it has the triple-rivet for more control and balance.
And the haft itself has an ergonomic design with bolsters for safe cutting. Slicing steaks and pork chops were never easier. The steel and the shape of the knife are exactly what you need to slice through the meat effortlessly. And the best part is, they are dishwasher-safe. So, cleaning them got a lot easier as well.
Finally, if you’re looking for simple and sharp looking blades to make eating steaks smooth and easy, these are the best quality steak knives you can find.
Pros
Cons
The OOU 6-Piece Carbon Steel Steak Knives Set
We have a thing for black utensils, but when they come with a wooden finish, one can’t help but ogle at its majestic looks. Enhance everyone’s dining experience by adding these classy looking blades to your kitchen artilleries. And if you have black ceramic dishes to accompany them, you have got yourself a show-stealing combo.
While we can’t get over the black blade, the ebony wooden hafts are equally breathtaking. Speaking of which, the wood has pretty good fungus-resistant ability and is breathable, so if you want to just tuck them inside your drawer for use on special occasions, you don’t have to worry about rust or odor.
But that’s not all this has got going for itself. The advanced BO oxidation technology used for forging these knives makes them one of a kind, making the black oxide on top not only great to stare at but also durable and resistant to corrosion.
Also, this looks just as appealing with regular silverware and can even look better with them. Finally, the blades themselves are of high quality and engineered to cut slices of beef with smoothness while you are admiring the shape, shade, and design of your knife.
You can get them in an elegant box that is perfect for storing and gifting.
Pros
Cons
La Cote 6-Piece Japanese Steak Knives Set
La Cote presents us with one of the best Japanese steak knives sets that we have seen. The balance of the knife and handle, the weight and the material, all feel and look great.
With the traditional bee emblem, the design on the handle immediately grabs attention. And the unique shape of the knife is a pleasure to hold. It also feels great to cut with. The design was made in a way to mold into your hands regardless of you being left or right-handed.
If you prefer a rusty finish to your tools, the antiqueness of the pakkawood will tickle your fancy. And the copper bolsters on top also fits the wood flawlessly. The triple bolster evenly balances the length of the knife with its full tang blade.
Moreover, the blades use plain edge, so they might need some sharpening. However, this was engineered to make the knife stable and give you more control. The shape of the knife makes it a unique tool to own, and if you’re planning on gifting it to someone, this comes in an exclusive gift box.
Finally, the handle on each of these blades has its own unique patterns and coloring to bring about a different aesthetic.
Pros
Cons
Allwin Houseware 8-Piece German Steak Knife Set
If you want a knife with a longer blade and a firmer base, this is it. Coming from the brand Allwin houseware, who are known for their creative designs, comes their very own forged serrated steak knife set. This is for those looking for premium quality knives within a more affordable range.
The best part about these knives is they never need to be sharpened; the edges have micro serration, and the scallops or teeth are so small and sharp that you never have to maintain it.
Further, this isn’t a flimsy item. It’s tough, and with its full tang extending up to the very ends of the haft, this is a strong and durable blade. The blade itself uses superior German steel.
On top of that, due to the quality of the steel, this knife has a high resistance to tarnishing. It won’t fade or lose color after a few washes. Also, if you’re afraid that you won’t use it very often and it will lose its flare, rest assured because this is also resistant to corrosion and discoloration.
This was engineered to serve as a steak knife and has the exact length and width for it. With a length 4.75’’, the blade is long, and the handle also has enough girth to feel adequate in your hands.
Pros
Cons
Marksford 4-Piece Stainless Steel Steak Knives Set
Bring about the touch of modern cutlery tools to your kitchen by using utensils by Marksford. Their out-of-the-box designs are redefining how people buy kitchen appliances. And their stainless steel steak knives set is a fan favorite that you can’t help but admire.
If you know anything about blades, you have probably heard of Japanese santoku designs. And that’s exactly the kind of shape this uses to make the less threatening steak knives. Eating steaks were never easier and classier than this. And you have Granton edge dimples to thank for it.
The hollow dents on the blade make cutting smoothly dreamlike as it doesn’t let any leftover to stick with it. Cut smoothly and eat cleanly. You will definitely get a few cheers of approval once you bring them out for your dinner party.
We love the beveled V-edge on the knife’s head. It makes cutting the fat chunks out a whole lot easier. Apart from that, the stainless blade from Outokumpu is also worth mentioning.
But where this truly steals the show is the hafts. The handles use reliable and comfortable micarta wood. Nothing like wooden knives to give your hands a pleasure as you slice through. And the design and appealing look of the haft is just the icing on the cake.
Pros
Cons
Linoroso Mako Series Semi Serrated Steak Knife Set
Perhaps the sharpest serrated blade on this list, Linoroso, is the last set but definitely not the least. We love the shape of the blade and the handle. It’s one of a kind. This knife takes redesigning to a whole other level.
Firstly, the blade may look lean, but it’s super sharp and strong. This uses one of the finest stainless steel materials, and it shows. And this was professionally engineered by following an intense process of hardening. When people say cutting-edge technology, this is what they are referring to.
The semi-serrated blade is perfect for slicing the meat like a professional. And to make it even better, the straight edge part will let you separate the meat and the bone effortlessly. The balance between the two edges is exactly what you need.
But where this really steals our attention is the innovating haft design. The rounded haft is innovative and as modern as you can get. But this isn’t for show only; the slip-resistant handle will let you grip firmly and cut with ease.
Also, you will love the beech block. With the wooden block, you can safely keep your knives away. And it was designed to be placed smartly on countertop or drawers.
Pros
Cons
Types of Steak Knives
The knives that you need to look into before you buy are the serrated, straight, and hollow edge knives.
Serrated Edge Knife
This is the most commonly used meat cutting knife. Using this will also make cutting pieces of bread and roasts a whole lot easier.
And the best feature of this knife is it has scallop like edges, hence serrated. The toothlike edge makes it easier to cut through hard exteriors with a soft inside.
Non-Serrated or Straight Edge Knife
What makes this a favorite is it can slice through steak as salt bae does. For clean and effortless slices that go through the fibers smoothly, these knives are unrivaled. However, they do require more work as they need to be sharpened often as well.
Hollow Edge Knife
If you hate it when your plate gets messy, this is the knife that will keep it clean. The hollow indentations and non-stick features of the knife keep food from sticking to it.
It’s also a clean eater’s best friend because of how precise you can be with the cuts. So, for even slices that won’t leave the knife in a mess, the hollow edge knife is a popular choice.
Who Makes the Best Steak Knives?
Most of the brands on our list are more or less renowned enough to be the chef’s favorite, but if we had to pick out a brand that exceeds all with their integrity and dedication, Wusthof would be one of them.
For a brand as old as them who have constantly been using the best materials to forge the finest blades, you have to admire their consistency. Further, their blades come from the city, which is known as the city of blades. Their history makes their knives more than just a blade.
But you can’t talk blades without keeping the Laguiole knives out of it. They are from a French brand that is widely known all across the globe for their knives.
Newer brands who have rightly used the Japanese blade technology to forge their way into the spotlight are also forces to be reckoned with.
Steak Knife vs. Dinner Knife
Thanks to our love for food, there’s a knife for everything. Which is also why distinguishing between them becomes that much harder. But for this one, we have chosen the two commonly mistaken knives.
We can’t stress it enough. Dinner knives can’t be compared to steak knives.
Steak Knives
Their sole purpose is to chop the meat. Whether you’re dining pork chop, chicken, or beef steak, these are the knives you need to not frustrate over your dinner knife not cutting it (pun intended). But with that said, these can or cannot have serrated edges and are likely to have a strong and stable body with a full tang.
Dinner Knives
This is the knife that comes with your silverware set. The regular knives which do the work of a sharper spoon to prop food into your mouth are these. They are also called table knife.
How to Sharpen Steak Knife
For a smooth or plain edged knife, sharpening is a must. But the process is simpler than you think with the right tool.
Step 1: Acquire a Ceramic Sharpening Rod
This isn’t even a step but more like a prerequisite.
Step 2: Holding the Knife and the Rod
Hold the knife with the pointed end angling away from you. Hold the rod in the other hand and use the serrated scallops of the knife and place it on the rod.
Step 3: Sharpening
Start moving the rod across the scallop. Remember, you are running the rod against the knife. Not the other way around. Run the rod back and forth a couple of times.
Step 4: Using Leather Strop (Optional)
Your sharpening is done, but for a finer and lasting result, use a leather strop and run the blade over it. Do it with both sides one at a time. And that’s about it.
How Do I Care for My Steak Knives?
While knives may come with a lifetime warranty, you’d still want to retain their flare. Knives may rust or discolor over time. Or some may simply get dull. There are, however, a few tricks and tips to keep them tidy.
Cleaning
Try to hand wash them in warm water. Don’t use strong soap or an abrasive sponge. These will scar them and make them lose their shine. Retaining the shine is quite important to maintain their elegant looks.
Don’t use the dishwasher to wash them unless you really have no other choice. After you have cleaned them, dry them using a towel or cleaning cloth.
Storing
Try storing them in wooden blocks or drawers. If you are using expensive knives, then make some more for the wooden blocks.
And if you’re not planning to use them for a while, you can use a neutral oil to softly coat the knives. This is optional; this helps to retain their shine and prevent rusting or corroding.
Sharpening
While some say they never need to be sharpened, we do suggest you sharpen at least once or twice a year. This will prevent them from dulling down beyond repair.
You can sharpen it yourself using a rod and a leather strop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here we have the most commonly asked queries regarding the best steak knives:
Q: What is a steak knife?
A: A steak knife is a knife with the special properties of cutting and slicing meat. They are sharper than the table knife but not as rough as a chef’s knife. Also, they often use serrated edges and won’t damage your ceramic dishes.
Q: What are steak knives used for?
A: Their main purpose is cutting meat. Whether you’re eating beef, pork, or chicken, you can use these to eat any kind of steak. They also help to separate the fat or bone from the food.
Q: Are serrated steak knives better?
A: If we are referring to slicing the meat, then yes. Serrated knives are better for cutting food with a sharp exterior but with soft insides. As a result, they don’t damage the plate but are sharp enough to easily slice through the beef exterior.
Q: Do you sharpen serrated knives?
A: You don’t necessarily need to. But if you’ve been using one for a long time and regularly, then you will need to sharp it for best results. However, it differs from knives to knives. Follow the instruction given with the set.
Q: How are plain steak knives?
A: They are also pretty good for eating steaks. You get cleaner cuts and better-looking pieces. But they need to be sharpened more often. So, if you’re not turned off by that, straight knives come in more variety and are great options too.
Final Words
These were the best steak knives under 100 and possibly some of the finest for any budget. Not only home culinarians but professional chefs also use these brands. And these are some of the most reliable brands you can find, so go with the one you like.