A juicy steak is widely considered to be one of the finest and most enjoyable cuts of meat. Pan-seared, grilled, or broiled, steak packs a punch of protein and iron and tastes phenomenal while doing it!
However, it’s also a well-known fact that if you want to enjoy a stress-free, effortless steak dining experience, you need a good-quality steak knife.
Anyone who’s ever tried to cut through a steak with a regular table knife or even a substandard steak knife will know that this simple piece of cutlery has the power to turn your favorite meal into an exhausting, messy struggle.
Given that a good cut of Wagyu filet mignon can cost up to $30 per pound, tackling your steak with the wrong kind of knife is a surefire way to end up feeling like you’ve wasted your hard-earned money.
Thankfully, there are high-quality steak knives out there on the culinary market to suit all budgets and preferences. Whether you’re looking for serrated or non-serrated blades, a dishwasher-friendly set, or simply a high-quality budget option, we’ve got recommendations for you!
Check out our selection of the best dishwasher-safe, budget-friendly, and non-serrated steak knives on the market, along with our buyer’s guide for helpful tips!
Best Dishwasher Safe Steak Knives
One of the biggest inconveniences steak lovers encounter with their steak knives on a regular basis is the fact that many steak knives are not dishwasher-safe. This makes cleaning a much more time-consuming process and can take away from the enjoyment of a steak meal.
If you’re looking for steak knives that you can load into the dishwasher after your meal with no additional stress or responsibility, the following three products are for you!
1. J.A. Henckels International Steak Knife Set of 8
This set of 8 steak knives from J.A. Henckels may look very minimalist – and it is – but that’s not a bad thing! These knives are built to do their job and last a long time without any extra frills, so they’re perfect if you prioritize convenience and functionality over elaborate designs.
Because a single purchase from J.A. Henckels can get you 8 steak knives, this set is well suited to larger families or small gatherings.
These knives benefit from a 100% stainless steel, full-tang construction. Because there is no separation between the blade and the handle, the potential for weak spots in the overall construction is minimized, meaning that the knives are likely to last longer.
Moreover, because stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant and physically strong metal, the J.A. Henckels knives will hold up against repeated use and dishwasher cleaning.
The serrated blades incorporated into these knives are very sharp (to the point where extra care should be taken when handling them) and won’t ever need resharpening, so they’ll make quick and easy work of even the toughest steaks.
However, because the knives don’t have any grip coverings over the handles, they can feel a bit uncomfortable when held for prolonged periods.
Pros
- Set of 8 – Suited to larger families and gatherings
- 100% stainless steel – Durable and easy to clean
- Full-tang – Reinforced construction
- Serrated blades – No sharpening required
Cons
- No grip covering – Can feel uncomfortable in the hand
2. Umogi Premium Stainless Steel Steak Knives
Umogi’s Premium Stainless Steel Steak Knives quite closely resemble those featured in the J.A. Henckels set, although they have enough unique features that we felt they deserved their own space on our list.
These are full-tang, stainless steel knives that are safe to put in the dishwasher (although hand wash is still the recommended method of washing).
The stainless steel used in the construction of the Umogi knives has been hardened through ice-tempering. This means that they are even stronger than the average stainless steel steak knife.
The full-tang, seamless structure of each knife contributes to their strength, so you have nothing to worry about in terms of durability.
Additionally, as you can see, the handles on these knives are curved in such a way that ensures they contour to the shape of the human palm. This helps to enhance the ease of use and ergonomic aspect of the Umogi steak knives, minimizing hand fatigue during the cutting process.
Another feature to note with regard to these steak knives is that their blades are micro-serrated. This is a type of serration consisting of extra-fine, straight points along the edge of the knife.
Micro-serration helps to ensure neat and precise cutting action, which is ideal for a mess-free steak eating experience. However, we did notice that some of the blades appear slightly less sharp than others on arrival, so it’s a good idea to have a blade sharpener at the ready just in case.
Pros
- Hardened stainless steel – Exceptional strength
- Contoured handles – Comfortable grip
- Micro-serration – Designed for clean and effective cutting
- Full-tang – No weak points
Cons
- Inconsistency in sharpness – Some blades may need sharpening
3. IsheTao Set of 6 Serrated Stainless Steel Steak Knives
In the category of dishwasher-safe steak knives, we’d also like to suggest the IsheTao serrated, stainless steel steak knives.
These full-tang steak knives are made of high-carbon stainless steel. High-carbon stainless steel is typically harder and holds sharpness better than regular stainless steel, and it also has an advantage over non-stainless hardened steel because it’s corrosion-resistant.
Therefore, not only are these knives highly durable and wear-resistant, but they’re also dishwasher-safe.
Like our previous dishwasher-safe pick, the IsheTao steak knives have micro-serrated edges. The micro-serration makes these knives versatile and highly effective utensils for cutting through steak and other food items.
The handles are curved to ensure and comfortable and ergonomic grip, although they do verge on the large side, which means that users with smaller hands may find them cumbersome or uncomfortable to use.
Pros
- High-carbon stainless steel – Sharp and strong
- Micro-serrated – Versatile
- Curved handles – Ergonomic grip
- Full-tang – Solid construction
Cons
- Handles are on the large side – May feel cumbersome
Best Steak Knives Under $100
A set of good-quality steak knives is essential for any steak-lover. However, it’s no secret that steak knives aren’t exactly always the most budget-friendly of cutlery items.
A set of these knives can easily surpass $100, but that doesn’t have to be the case! Here are our top 3 best steak knives under $100:
4. Victorinox Swiss Classic Serrated Steak Knife Set
This serrated steak knife set from Victorinox is budget-friendly yet high-quality. Even though these knives are very affordable, they’re manufactured to commercial standards. This means that they are durable and strong enough to be used in professional environments on a regular basis.
Moreover, the blades have been ice-tempered, which is a cold treatment performed to enhance the sharpness of metal. Therefore, the steel of the Victorinox blades maintains a sharp edge in the long term for minimal maintenance and effortless cutting.
Despite the steel of the blade being lightweight, the completed knives have been weighted in order to facilitate natural and comfortable handling.
The textured handles also help to ensure that a secure grip can be maintained throughout the cutting process without exerting too much force or incurring hand fatigue.
Although these handles are functional and comfortable to use, they are made of plastic, which feels a little cheap and isn’t optimal in terms of longevity. However, overall, these are excellent steak knives for the price!
Pros
- Ice-tempered steel – Very sharp
- Commercial-grade – Suited to professional use
- Weighted construction – Natural handling
- Textured handle – Easy, comfortable grip
Cons
- Plastic handles – Not the most durable material
5. Cuisinart C77TR-6PSK Triple Rivet Collection 6-Piece Steak Knife Set
As a trusted and well-loved home appliance and utensil brand known for manufacturing highly functional, aesthetically pleasing, and eco-friendly kitchenware. These knives are so high-quality, you won’t believe how affordable they are!
This set of 6 knives feature full-tang blades made from high-carbon stainless steel. Right off the bat, this is an excellent indication of longevity, strength, and sharpness, and the products definitely live up to the expectation. The blades cut through steak effortlessly.
Moving onto the handles, one of the most important features is the safety bolster forged into each knife. A safety bolster is an area between the blade and the handle of a knife designed to keep your fingers safe during use. Given how sharp steak knives are, this is a highly beneficial feature.
In addition to the full-tang construction, the connection between the handles and the blades in this knife set is reinforced by stainless steel rivets.
While these are great budget-friendly steak knives overall, we should clarify that despite being stainless steel, they do not do well in the dishwasher. Therefore, we’d like to stress that these knives are handwash only.
Pros
- High-carbon stainless steel – Tough and sharp
- Full-tang – Seamless construction
- Stainless steel rivets – Extra reinforcement
- Safety bolsters – Safe to use
Cons
- Rust easily – Handwash only
6. Amazon Basics Premium 8-Piece Kitchen Steak Knife Set
When it comes to seeking good quality for low to mid-range prices, Amazon Basics is one of the best places to look. One advantage of this steak knife set is that it contains 8 knives, so it’s perfect if you’re regularly catering to a large family or like to have people over for steak dinners.
The 9-inch steel blades are full-tang and micro-serrated, so not only will you never have to worry about the blade coming apart from the handle or not being able to efficiently cut through your meat.
Moreover, the knife handles are reinforced with triple rivets, so if you were still worried about the durability of the Amazon Basics knives, this should put your mind at rest.
A full bolster has been forged into the handle of each knife, so even though the blades are sharp, there’s minimal risk of cutting yourself while using them.
As with our previous pick, however, the Amazon Basics steak knives are not dishwasher-safe due to rusting concerns, so they should be carefully hand-washed after each use.
Pros
- Set of 8 – Great value for money
- Micro-serration – Sharp and versatile
- Full-tang – Extra strong
- Triple-riveted – Reinforced
- Full bolster – Safety-optimizing design
Cons
- Not dishwasher-safe – Handwashing required
Best Non-Serrated Steak Knives
The typical image conjured by the words ‘steak knife’ is of a serrated blade. However, many people don’t know that steak knives come in non-serrated models as well.
If you like to nearly slice through your meat without physically tearing through the fibers, a non-serrated knife could be what you need.
7. WÜSTHOF Gourmet Six 6-Piece German Steak Knife Set
This 6-piece German steak knife set from Wüsthof is one of the best steak knife sets on the market for highly functional, non-serrated blades.
Crafted from high carbon stainless steel and laser-cut to the highest standards of precision, these are fantastic non-serrated knives for steak. The laser-cut ensures that the fine edges of the blades are as sharp as possible, meaning that there’s no need for serration to ensure effective cutting action.
The handles are made of polypropylene, which is one of the best synthetic materials on the market for knife handle construction. It’s resistant to staining, heat, and impact wear, so you’re covered on all fronts. Moreover, a bolster has been incorporated into the handle for finger safety.
We should note that the handles are only partial-tang as opposed to full-tang, so the connection between the blades and handles in this knife set doesn’t have the same durability guarantee as a full-tang set.
However, the triple riveting in the handles helps the two sides to stay firmly pressed together, making it less likely that the blade will detach.
Pros
- High carbon stainless steel – Sharp and wear-resistant
- Laser-cut – Precision-oriented
- Polypropylene handles – Heat and impact-resistant
- Bolstered – Designed for safe use
- Triple-riveted – Reinforced blade-handle connection
Cons
- Partial tang – Potential for weakness between blade and handle
8. Laguiole California Steak Knives
If you don’t mind splashing out in the name of authenticity and excellent quality, the Laguiole California Steak Knives could be the non-serrated steak knife set you’ve been dreaming about!
The first thing to note about this knife set is that each knife has been hand-crafted from start to finish. This contributes to the authentic and lovingly-made feel of the Laguiole California knives and makes the higher price tag well worth it.
Laguiole California’s blades are made from stainless steel, which provides enough corrosion and wear resistance to ensure durability whilst scoring highly on the strength and sharpness scale.
The handles, meanwhile, have been hand carved from natural wood. Admittedly, this isn’t the most durable material in terms of water-resistance, so these knives are definitely not suited for dishwasher cleaning and should be hand-washed with the greatest care.
However, the handles are strong, feel comfortable and smooth in the hand, and look aesthetically pleasing as well.
As an added bonus, the 6-piece knife set comes in an attractive, oakwood storage case, featuring a magnetic closure and EVA foam cushioning. If you’re buying the set for yourself, the case will provide the perfect storage space to keep your knives from getting damaged.
However, the case also makes the set an excellent gift for a steak-lover in your life! Unfortunately, there is no bolster between the blade and the handle, so please be careful to keep your fingers as far back on the handle as possible when using these knives.
Pros
- Handmade – Authentic construction
- Stainless steel blades – Corrosion and wear-resistant
- Natural wood handles – Strong and aesthetically pleasing
- Oakwood storage case – Easy storage and gifting potential
Cons
- No bolstering – Handle with care
9. Messermeister Avanta 4-Piece Fine Edge Steak Knife Set
Last but not least, if you’re in the market for non-serrated steak knives that look sleek and appealing without taking away from functionality or durability, Messermeister’s set of 4 fine edge steak knives will be perfect for you!
This 4-piece set of knives consist of high-carbon stainless steel blades and pakkawood handles. The high-carbon stainless steel makes for long-term durability and optimal sharpness, while pakkawood provides all the aesthetic appeal of natural wood without the same propensity for water damage.
Pakkawood is water-resistant, so it won’t be as easily damaged by water residue. However, it isn’t fully waterproof, so these knives aren’t intended for dishwasher cleaning.
Something of interest to mention about these knives is that they feature curved tips. This isn’t something we’ve yet seen in our selection, but it’s actually a very useful feature in steak knives.
The curved tip is specifically designed to help separate meat from bone, so if you’re a fan of bone-in ribeye steak or any cut with the bone attached, these knives could make your life a lot easier!
The construction of each Messemeister steak knife is full-tang, and the tang is actually visible, so you can verify its durability for yourself!
Pros
- High-carbon stainless steel – Wear-resistant and sharp
- Pakkawood handle – Aesthetically pleasing and water-resistant
- Curved tip – Prises meat from bone
- Full-tang – Consistent strength from hilt to tip
- Forged bolster – Guards fingers during use
Cons
- Not dishwasher-safe – Hand wash only
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Steak Knife
If you want an easy dining and cleaning experience when it comes to enjoying your steak, you’ll need to think about the features that separate high-quality steak knives from the rest of the market.
Blade Construction
All components of your steak knife will prove important at some point, whether it’s during the actual dining experience or clean-up. However, it’s logical to start by considering the quality and construction of the blade(s).
The first decision you’ll need to make regarding your steak knife blades concerns the material. Luckily, it’s widely agreed that stainless steel is the best material for steak knife blades, so you won’t have too many metals to choose from.
However, stainless steel can be treated in different ways for reinforcement purposes. For example, it’s common for stainless steel blades to be ice-tempered. Ice-tempering increases the hardness of the blade to ensure it doesn’t bend when you’re cutting through your meat.
High-carbon stainless steel is also commonly used in the manufacturing of steak knives. Like ice-tempered steel, high-carbon stainless steel helps to harden the blade, although it can have the side effect of also making the blade more brittle.
You can also find steak knives made with regular steel as opposed to stainless; however, these knives will be more prone to rusting.
It’s also necessary to consider the difference between serrated and non-serrated steak knives. While a serrated steak knife will stay sharper for longer, non-serrated blades deliver a cleaner cut.
Micro-serrated blades encompass the sharpness of a serrated knife with the neatness of a non-serrated blade.
A rarer feature of steak knives, but one that’s still important to note, is a curved tip. If you love ribeye steak, you’ve probably struggled to separate the meat from the bone on at least one occasion. With a curved blade tip, this process is much easier and cleaner.
In general, we’d recommend a full-tang construction (where the blade extends to the end of the handle) over partial tang. This is because there’s less potential for weakness and breakage with full-tang knives.
Handle Construction
Handles are where you’re likely to see the most variety in terms of material and construction.
Dishwasher-safe steak knives typically feature stainless steel handles as well as blades, although these types of handles can feel a little uncomfortable. Discomfort can be minimized through curvature and contouring, however.
Wooden handles look aesthetically pleasing but have a higher risk of water damage. If you’re prepared to sacrifice ease of cleaning and, potentially, longevity for an authentic appearance, natural wood handles may be suited to your tastes.
However, if you want to combine aesthetics with durability, pakkawood (not a natural wood type) will be the better choice.
Synthetic handles, such as plastic or polypropylene handles, may not look the most appealing or feel expensive, but they’re water-resistant and tend to be durable enough to provide decent longevity.
Dishwasher Safety Status
If you’re not somebody who likes to wash steak knives by hand (after all, these are very sharp knives), you will need to make sure that your chosen set is dishwasher-safe.
Stainless steel knives, in principle, should be dishwasher-safe because they don’t rust as easily. So, a steak knife with a full-tang stainless steel blade and handle is likely to be dishwasher-safe. However, many stainless steel steak knives are still recommended for handwashing.
Therefore, it’s important not to rely on a stainless steel construction to determine the safety of a set of steak knives. Always check the product guidelines before purchase for confirmation that a steak knife is safe to clean in the dishwasher.
Knives with wooden handles are not usually dishwasher-safe. Even pakkawood, which is more water-resistant than natural wood, is not fully waterproof.
Storage Features
If possible, we would recommend choosing a set of steak knives that come in a designated storage container. As you can see from the Laguiole California Steak Knives, storage boxes can be elegant and high-quality, providing a luxurious, permanent storage space.
This will prevent your steak knives from getting damaged in contact with other kitchen utensils or exposed to moisture or other debris.
Moreover, if you were hoping to offer a set of steak knives as a gift to somebody in your life, a lined, wooden storage case would really complete the purchase and the elevate the value of your gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store my steak knives?
We’d recommend storing your steak knives in a separate area from the rest of your kitchen utensils. The reason for this is that any kind of abrasion or impact can potentially have an effect on the sharpness of your knives, which will negate their purpose as functional steak knives.
If your steak knife set comes in a storage box, this is the perfect solution. However, if this is not the case, we’d recommend a dedicated knife rack or at least a separate drawer compartment.
How should I clean my steak knives?
The best way to clean your steak knives will always be by hand. As you can see from our product reviews, there are steak knives on the market that are suitable for dishwasher cleaning. However, putting your steak knives in the dishwasher still isn’t as safe as washing them carefully by hand.
If you prefer to simplify the cleaning process for yourself, you can put your steak knives in the dishwasher as long as they are made of stainless steel and are marketed as dishwasher-safe.
Even in this case, remember not to position your knives in such a way that they will sustain any impact damage inside the washer.
The best way to clean steak knives, however, is to use hot water and a mild detergent solution. Use the soft side of a sponge to avoid abrasion, and do not leave the knives to soak or air dry. Dry the blades and handles immediately with a clean, dry towel and put them back into storage.
Are non-serrated steak knives better than serrated?
Some steak enthusiasts swear by serrated knives, while others prefer non-serrated.
Non-serrated knives do tend to deliver neater and cleaner cutting action. However, serrated knives need sharpening less regularly than non-serrated blades do.
A good middle ground between these blade types is a micro-serrated blade, which combines the elements of a flat and serrated blade and delivers clean cutting action as well as durable sharpness.
For more info, read my article: Serrated vs. non-serrated steak knives.
