Recommendation? Best Chef's Knife under $30

[Razor54672]

I was looking to buy a chef's knife under $30 and I don't know a lot about them, just started. In my country (India), the only good ones I can find are KAI Seki Magoroku knives. There are 4 versions of them. Wakatake (AB-5422) [$20], Honoka (AB-5430) [$26], Imayo (AB-5434) [$35] and Benifuji (AB-5440) [$42]. Although the latter two are above $30, I want to know the differences between them, and if they are good enough, I might extend my budget. I know about the Fibrox and the Kiwi knives but that's just it and I cannot distinguish between them since I do not have any factors to consider to base my decision on.
Also, are there other knives that I should consider?

1) Wakatake:

2) Honoka:

3) Imayo:

4) Benifuji:

 

[Rhinoknives1]

Under $30 is a CHEAP Chef knife in any Country! Buy which Kai you like.

 

[bigsurbob]

This might be the only post like this where Bladeforums DOESN'T respond, "Buy em all!"

 

[Razor54672]

Under $30 is a CHEAP Chef knife in any Country! Buy which Kai you like.

They might be cheap but they are different. And I just wanted to know the differences between them, since they are priced differently. Surely there have to be some factors to be evaluated, even if they are cheap.

 

[Razor54672]

This might be the only post like this where Bladeforums DOESN'T respond, "Buy em all!"

I am only looking to but one of them and I cannot understand what you mean. Even if they are cheap, it's not like they literally have no value unless they are above a $100 or something. So how would I decide among them? That's what I meant.

 

[BellaBlades]

Artisan cutlery santoku (spain)$25.99. . We own a kai set. But this steel keeps a better Edge and the handle is far more comfortable.

 

[Razor54672]

Artisan cutlery santoku $25.99. . We own a kai set. But this steel keeps a better Edge and the handle is far more comfortable.

I just checked this one, but it seems like Miyabi doesn't have knives in my country. Thanks for the recommendation!

 

[Rhinoknives1]

They might be cheap but they are different. And I just wanted to know the differences between them, since they are priced differently. Surely there have to be some factors to be evaluated, even if they are cheap.

Which Style/pattern of knife suits you & how you like to cook? A Santoku? A Western style Chef? I haven’t used each one you posted. They are most likely very close in edge holding etc.. Which pattern do you like? That’s all of the help anyone can give you at this point ...

 

[Bearbreeder]

dont overlook cold steel

One may not think of kitchen knives with em but their 4116 heat treat is quite good and its a breeze to sharpen

Runs about 20$

 

[bigsurbob]

Of your options, I would get the Benifuji based on the VG-10 steel. Handle looks cool too.

 

[Razor54672]

Of your options, I would get the Benifuji based on the VG-10 steel. Handle looks cool too.

Ohk. Do you know what steel do the others have? I was leaning towards Honoka because it has MoVa written on, while the Wakatake does not.

 

[Razor54672]

Which Style/pattern of knife suits you & how you like to cook? A Santoku? A Western style Chef? I haven’t used each one you posted. They are most likely very close in edge holding etc.. Which pattern do you like? That’s all of the help anyone can give you at this point ...

I am looking for a Gyuto/Western style knife because of the added ability to Rock Chop because of its belly.

 

[Mikel_24]

"Question:
What's the difference between honoka and benifuji?
Answer:
The difference between Honoka and Benifuji range is the sturdiness' of knife and material used. Benifuji is a premium range whereas Honoka is regular kitchen range.
By NumBrave SELLER on 2 July, 2019"

So there you go. I would go with the Benifuji line.

Mikel

 

[DaveDM]

Look for 'Mundial G5610-8'. This is a bit heavy knife than you may be used to so keep it in mind. I gifted one to my friend and he likes it.
Tramontina is another good brand available in India. you can go for their higher end knives in similar plastic handles as mundial above.

I have no experience with KAI knives but I am sure they are good.

 

[vwb563]

Forschner/Victorinox.

 

[aleforme]

Forschner/Victorinox.

This ^

Best lower price/budget knives you'll find IMO.

 

[OrangeBlueOrangeBlue]

Another vote for the Victorinox. Lots of foodie magazines and websites recommend it, even against more expensive knives.

 

[Mikel_24]

Another vote for the Victorinox. Lots of foodie magazines and websites recommend it, even against more expensive knives.

And thanks to these reviews the prices are now at least 50% higher than when they started (and none knew about them)

And last but not least, do not totally rule out IKEA!!!!! I couldn't get a hold on them because they were sold before I went to buy one but... There was a run of VG10 damascus chef knives that are great performers.... Keep a look on them. I have a few as well and are well worth it.

 

[abbazaba]

Victorinox Fibrox Pro