Selection is a very subjective affair. There are serrated knives or non-serrated knives, wooden handles or resin handles, rustic looks or more delicate aesthetics, budget or high-end price tags; the landscape is wide. When choosing steak knives, there is also the consideration of how much work you want to put into maintenance, like sharpening and polishing.  Our team put our top three choices to the test to see if these are the best of the best. We cooked up a 1-pound New York strip to not only see how well these would perform at your dining table but also how they would handle maneuvering around the bone. We also tested how sharp they are out of the box with an easy slice test through thick and thin paper. During all of this, we consider the weight in your hand and how these looked stacked up against our regular flatware. According to our tests, the Messermeister Avanta 4-Piece Steak Knife Set is the best overall pick. From everyday budget options to the knives that will become family heirlooms, here are the best steak knife sets. The shape of the blade is the star with an upward curved tip designed to separate meat from the bone, while the gradually sloped blade efficiently cuts through boneless sections, making for even slicing of the thickest cuts. During our tests, these portion out our next bite easily and cleanly, without too much effort. Out of the box, they were sharp enough to slice paper like a great pair of scissors. Pakkawood handles, forged bolsters, and fully exposed tangs ensure the 4-piece straight-edged set is durable, strong, balanced, and attractive. The triple-riveted, sandblasted stainless steel handles are comfortable but have the heft you want in a quality steak knife. If pakkawood won’t fit with your modern flatware aesthetic, there are full stainless steel and black options available. With regular sharpening and honing, this set is a long-lasting investment.  “These knives are outstanding in performance and value. While testing, there were repeated comments on how high-end these knives felt. They have great weight and balance (the handle is slightly heavier than the blade) with a full tang, are extremely sharp, and easily maneuvered around the bone.” — Siobhan Wallace, Commerce Editor Price at time of publish: $70 Blade Type: 5-inch straight edge | Blade Material: High-carbon stainless steel This 4-piece set features black Garolite handles with triple rivets that are ergonomically designed and laminated for maximum balance and robustness. The hand-polished bolster adds comfort, and finger protection while slicing. They come with individual protective shields to maintain the quality of the blade at an affordable price tag with a full money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied. “During testing, a friend and I debated on whether these or the Avanta were better. These knives were heavier than the Avanta, but just as sharp and more modern-looking. The packaging on this is slightly better too, with a magnetic-closing velvet-lined box and full sheaths to protect the blades. These are definitely a great value, and a great gift for anyone who likes to eat steak.” — Siobhan Wallace, Commerce Editor Price at time of publish: $97 Blade Type: 5-inch straight edge | Blade Material: High-carbon steel The edges of the alloy steel blades are micro-serrated with deep teeth. This resulted in more tearing of meat during testing, but the blades will never need sharpening. A serrated edge also helps with other foods like bread and tomatoes. But that serrated edge snagged when we tried to slice it through paper. That said, these are sturdy, workmanlike tools with a traditional design that will last and not break the bank. “This is a very basic knife set, something you buy when you only need multipurpose serrated knives. They can handle your steak and stew meat, but also tomatoes, bread, and long enough to fit into a peanut butter jar. They’re durable for a budget knife set, but not something I would give as a high-end gift necessarily.” — Siobhan Wallace, Commerce Editor Price at time of publish: $26 Blade Type: 4.75-inch serrated edge | Blade Material: Stain-resistant steel This 4-piece set boasts durable black pakkawood handles and blades coated with a 34 micro-layer Damascus wrap that not only renders the knives elegant but resistant to corrosion and staining. Unlike others on this list, the Shun knife set has traditional Japanese straight handles, which add to the modern aesthetic. Not only are they a stylish addition to the dinner table, but they come with a presentation box, making an excellent gift option. Price at time of publish: $350 Blade Type: 4.75-inch straight edge | Blade Material: VG-MAX steel Andrew Arndt, executive chef at Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa in Newport Beach, California, appreciates the feel and handle of Laguiole knives. “The quality of the product is superior to other knives. The set is aesthetically pleasing as well as its functionality for all types of applications,” he says. “The knives keep their edge, and you don’t need to have multiple types of knives for your dinner. For the home cook with family or holiday dinners, this really is a classic set.” This 4-piece set features the traditional “shepherd’s cross” on the handle and a “bee” at the top. These are markers dating back to Napoleonic times when this symbol was bestowed on the village of Laguiole by Napoléon as a tribute to their courage. Each blade is balanced, sturdy, and beautifully shaped by French cutlers. They are an heirloom that can be passed from generation to generation, providing each with stylish precision cutting.  Price at time of publish: $320 Blade Type: 4.5-inch straight edge | Blade Material: Sandvik steel But, they are not basic. The blades are made of high carbon stainless steel with full tang for a balanced hold and stability. Chicago Cutlery ensures maximum sharpness with their 25-degree taper grind edge finish. They are durable and come with a lifetime warranty—a great choice for your next backyard barbeque steak night. Price at time of publish: $17 Blade Type: 5-inch serrated edge | Blade Material: High-carbon stainless steel The product is superior, but the presentation cannot be ignored. The rosewood-stained box makes a gorgeous display piece for the sleek set, and the stainless steel handles offer a modern, polished look to your tableware. The optional monogramming makes this a thoughtful wedding or anniversary gift as well. Price at time of publish: $210 Blade Type: 4-inch serrated edge | Blade Material: 18/10 stainless steel

What to Look for When Buying Steak Knives

Straight Edge vs. Serrated

There is some debate whether serrated or straight edge steak knives are better. Ultimately, this comes down to personal preference, and you’ll find several suitable options for both. Classic steak knives tend to be serrated. They slice through steak easily, but they’re difficult to sharpen. Straight edge steak knives are ideal for push cuts compared to slicing. Push cutting involves using the same spot of the blade to cut through food.  If you prefer to slice your food, you’ll have greater success with serrated steak knives. If you use push cuts more than slice cuts, you may gravitate towards steak knives with a straight edge.

Balance and Weight

A good steak knife should feel comfortable and perfectly balanced in your hand. This has a lot to do with the weight of the knife. Steak knives are heavier than your typical butter knife and for good reason—the handle is usually heavier than the blade to provide additional stability. The handle should be proportional to the blade, and the blade shouldn’t be at an angle to the handle. Overall, the knife should appear inviting to pick up and feel sturdy but balanced in your hand.

Maintenance

To care for your steak knives, hand wash them with warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid strong cleaners, especially those with citrus scents. Dry the knives immediately after handwashing them to prevent rusting. Your steak knives may become dull over time, so you’ll need to sharpen them every so often. It’s easier to do this with straight edge steak knives than serrated ones, but it’s possible for both. Depending on how often you use them, you may only need to sharpen them once every few months.

How do you sharpen steak knives?

There are many ways to sharpen your steak knives. You can purchase manual or electric knife sharpeners compatible with either serrated or straight edge steak knives. A steel or ceramic sharpening rod is an easy and affordable way to sharpen your steak knives. Simply run the blade of your knives along the rod at an angle to create friction that will sharpen the blades. Use light pressure, take your time, and be sure to do both sides of the blade.

What are forged blades?

Forged blades are made from a single bar of steel, which is in contrast to stamped knives that are made from a continuous sheet of steel. They are treated with heat before being hammered or pounded into the desired shape.

What’s the difference between a steak knife and a dinner knife?

Steak knives are specifically made to cut through meat, so they require sharp blades. Dinner knives, however, are more versatile and have duller blades. A steak knife can replace a dinner knife if the meal contains meat. Dinner knives are also called table knives and butter knives. They have a rounded point and aren’t serrated.

Why Trust Simply Recipes?

Carrie Honaker is a food writer who has tested many steak knives over the years. As a restaurateur and avid home cook, she knows the importance of finding the right knife for your grip and needs. She loves her Laguiole En Aubrac steak knives for their timeless beauty, functionality, and deep history. Her work has appeared in many publications including Bon Appetit, Allrecipes, and Wine Enthusiast. Read Next: The Best Dinnerware Sets