If you’re looking for high-quality knives, such as a paring knife, boning knife, santoku knife or even a bread knife, you always want to look at the best of the best. There are also Japanese knives, karambit knives, and steak knives. It’s not always easy to find but, if you can, well, you’re definitely going to be one step ahead of all of your friends and relatives. The most important thing is making sure that you know what you’re actually looking for when it comes to custom style knives.

We’re going to take a look at the custom chef knife or cook’s knife that come separately from a more traditional knife set, and just what it is about them that’s going to be so much better than a standard knife that you can buy off-the-shelf at just any store. You want something that’s really going to work for your needs, after all, and that means you’re going to want to look at more features.

A Buying Guide: Blades, Profile & Use

Think about what you really use your chef knives for in your home. The truth is, you’re probably using them for a range of different features, right? You’re using them for cutting, chopping, slicing and a whole lot more and that’s one reason you need them to be so much higher quality than some of your other knives.

There’s no reason to settle for knives that aren’t going to last you a long time or aren’t going to cut through anything and everything that you need. With this list, you’re going to find several great options that may cost you a bit more, but they’re going to be well worth it in the end.

We’ve actually compiled a list of some extremely important features when it comes to choosing a great knife. We’ve also come up with several great chef knives that are going to accomplish many of these things and help you get what you’re looking for in the kitchen. So, take a look and see what you find.

In the Buyer’s guide below, we look at Blade, Profile and Uses in much more detail.  Let’s jump in.

1. Knife Blades

The blade itself is something important and special but it’s also going to have a number of different features that are associated with the knife itself. You want to look at the edge of the blade, such as a flat, convex or hollow edge. A flat edge is the most common when it comes to just about any culture. It offers an even grind from the spine all the way down and seems flat all the way through. On the other hand, a hollow grind is going to give you a flat area and a concave area with a bevel on one side. This type of edge is generally better for sticky foods (rice doesn’t count) and helps them slip off the knife more easily. Finally, a convex edge is going to have a wider bevel, which can cut through hard items more easily.

The steel that’s going to be used is important as different types of high-carbon stainless steel have different hardness. A carbon steel is going to be stronger and more durable than a stainless steel, for example, so it’s an important feature to consider. Stainless steel is going to be a good quality, however, and will also feature less difficulty with corrosion or rusting. Carbon steel gives you more quality but can also be more prone to these types of damage over time, which can make them a less desirable choice for anyone who doesn’t want to put a lot of effort into their knives.

The way the blade actually sharpens is going to be important overall as well. You’re going to want a knife that you can get as sharp as possible because that’s going to make it easier for you to cut through anything that you need and get more fine and small slices as needed. A carbon steel exterior is going to sharpen down to a much finer point while a stainless steel blade will generally have a slightly thicker edge. You just need to think about what your personal preferences and your personal needs are going to be overall.

The handle is going to affect the overall comfort level that you have when it comes to your knife. If the handle isn’t smooth and comfortable to hold onto you’re not going to want to use the knife. But what type of material is used will be up to your personal preference. Some knives use a wood handle while others use metal or any type of synthetic material. Knives may have wider or narrower handles, as well as short or long ones, which is going to be entirely up to your personal preference as well, so pay attention to how each feels in your hand.

2. Knife Profile

The profile of the knife is the type of edge that it has. A straight edge with a sloped end near the handle is generally called a German profile while a knife that has a more pronounced straight line is a French profile. These profiles will depend on your personal preference as well as the specific way that you actually cut through different items. If you tend to use a more rocking motion you may want a knife that offers more of a sloped end rather than one that has a very pronounced and sharp edge.

3. Knife Uses

What exactly are you going to use your knife for? If you’re going to use it mostly for larger items and projects then you may want to consider a larger chef’s knife. If you’re going to use it mainly for smaller items then you can likely consider a smaller knife. After all, chef’s knives are some of the ones that come in a range of different sizes that are all open to your personal preference. Just because you’re cutting something small or large doesn’t mean you need a knife that exactly matches. You should use the type of knife that you’re going to be most comfortable with, and that can be used for a wide variety of uses, like cutting meat right before it hits the oven or the grill.

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Custom Chef Knife Reviews

Below are 5 of our favorite models that you can buy, without them being a “true custom” knife that was basically made for you from scratch.  We like all 5 of these and don’t think you’ll be disappointed in knife quality, design or durability.  Any of the 5 should make a fantastic option for many years to come.

When you think about a “custom” knife, you might think of having one made specifically for you – but the 5 below can quite honestly be just as good at an actual fraction of the cost of having one designed and made from scratch.  Let’s dig a little deeper and look at our favorite 5.

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1. Gossberg Chef Knife

This knife has an 8” blade as well as a wooden handle and is overall designed to look sleek and elegant. It’s ready for just about anything with the German-style carbon stainless steel aspect. It’s an authentic knife with a Pakka wood handle so you’re getting safety and the level of control that you would expect from a Japanese knife. You’re also getting a material that’s designed not to rust and to stay sharp when you need it most. There’s even a guarantee that says it’s going to stay ready for your needs.

With this knife, you get a sleek design to the blade and a whole lot more. The blade has a pattern to it that really draws your eye, the bolster is designed to keep your entire hand protected and still allows the knife to be easily sharpened. The handle has a sleek wood look and is still smooth and easy to hold however you feel most comfortable. It has a great amount of balance and just the right level of thickness for your most common needs. The Damascus layer on the exterior increases the overall durability as well.

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2. HNS Custom Damascus Blade

The Damascus blade on this set of knives has a sleek and stylish look that you’re definitely going to love (and so will your guests). The set of three blades feature razor-sharp edges that are designed to cut through absolutely anything and the different sizes mean you’ll have no problem cutting through larger and smaller items as well. These knives come with one of several different styles of handles, so you can choose something that fits your own personal style preference and looks great in your kitchen.

The handles are made with horn and there’s a stainless steel bolster that’s designed to protect your hand during use but still allow the blade to be easily sharpened when it starts to dull. The Damascus steel helps to protect from this somewhat but the 200 layers of high and low carbon steel are definitely going to help as well. You’ll be able to get great quality and overall excellent hardness out of the blade as well as the walnut wood handle that’s designed to be ergonomic and comfortable.

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3. Gladiators Guild Damascus

This set of knives definitely look unique and you’ll almost feel like you’ve gone back in time when you have them in your own kitchen. The set of five features several chef knives as well as a few smaller knives that are going to help you with a range of different tasks around the kitchen. The handles are designed with a smooth surface and a larger end that’s easier for you to grip and hold onto while cutting. The sleek wood is also made to look great at the same time. With each knife, you’re going to have the perfect angle for cutting through a range of different foods.

There’s a case that you can roll the knives into when you’re not using them or when you’re transporting them anywhere but you’re probably going to want to show them off as much as possible. The Damascus steel keeps them sharp and ready for anything as well as making sure that they are durable. You’ll need to be very careful about keeping them clean at all times to ensure they don’t rust or corrode, however, because this type of steel can be a little more prone to this type of damage.

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4. Randy Knives Custom Knife

This knife has a Damascus coated blade that provides excellent sharpness as well as an elegant design that you’re definitely going to love. It’s a hand forged steel so it even increases the durability even further for those who really want a knife that’s going to accomplish anything and provide them with the quality that they really need. This knife even has a Pakka wood handle in a brilliant red color that’s going to draw even more attention and create something you’re going to want to leave out for everyone to see.

The full tang of the blade increases overall longevity of the knife and the elegant bolster means that you don’t have to worry about slipping or hurting yourself while you’re using it. You’ll have no problem getting a good grip on the sleek and smooth handle that still has just the right amount of curve for an ergonomic fit. This knife is also moderately priced so it’s within the budget of most users and you’ll be able to pick one up for your kitchen.

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5. Damascus Depot Chef Blade

With this knife, you’re getting something very elegant and stylish because it has a Damascus steel blade that’s been hand forged to 5”. Not only that, it’s a full tang to increase the durability and strength even more and also has a stag antler for the handle. The handle has been smoothed and polished to shine so that it’s comfortable in your hand and looks great when you’re using it or even just leaving it out. The handle is 5” as well for a full 10” knife and comes with a cow hide leather sheath that you can easily store it in.

The knife itself is made with high and low carbon steel that has been heating treated and hardened to give you the level of power that you’re looking for and make sure that you can cut through anything. It’s great for using in your kitchen or anywhere else that you might need a knife, including heading out for your next hunting trip.

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Wrapping Up

Overall, you’re going to get a lot of different options when it comes to custom knives. Chef knives are available just about everything and you’ll have no problem finding something that fits your purposes and will provide you with the quality and durability that you’re looking for. It’s all about taking a look at the options and choosing something that reflects your personal style and needs.

You might also be interested in: BEST KNIFE BLOCKS: STORING YOUR KITCHEN KNIVES