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Chef David's Recommendations
Shop Chef David’s picks by category
The knives, cookware, sharpening supplies, and kitchen tools our chef recommends to customers. Choose a category, or scroll down to browse every pick.
Knives
Cookware
Sharpening
Kitchen Tools
Appliances-
Mercer Genesis 8 in. Chef Knife
Precision Control for Professional Prep The Mercer Genesis 8-inch Chef’s Knife (M21078) is built to endure the rigors of a commercial kitchen while providing the surgical precision required for fine brunoise work. Unlike traditional forged knives that feature a thick, heavy bolster extending to the edge, this Genesis model utilizes a 'Modified Bolster.' In a busy kitchen, this design is a functional necessity; it allows you to utilize the full length of the blade and, crucially, ensures that you can sharpen the knife all the way to the heel on a whetstone without the metal guard obstructing your stroke. Tactile Performance and Balance When you grip the Genesis, the first thing you notice is the Santoprene handle. Even when your hands are slick with oil or moisture from a high-speed vegetable station, the textured polymer provides a 'tacky' security that reduces hand fatigue and prevents dangerous slips. The weight is centered at the transition point, providing a balanced feel that favors a rhythmic rocking motion. The forged high-carbon, no-stain German steel (X50CrMoV15) holds a 15-degree edge that bites into tough proteins and delicate herbs with equal efficiency. This isn't just a starter knife; it is a high-utility workhorse designed for those who spend eight hours a day behind a cutting board. Learn More$56.70 -
F. Dick 1905 Series 7 in Carving / Boning Knife
The Friedrich Dick 1905 Boning Knife is an excellent multi-purpose blade that is fully forged, with a reduced bolster for comfort. This knife uses an excellent blend of high carbon steel with a mix of chromium and molybdenum for reduced wear and increased edge retention. I've never seen this shape before in German steel, but it is one of my favorites. Excellent for removing silver skin from tenderloins or veal legs. Great for trimming fat from the backside of ribs. Can be used as any other boning knife, but I also find this shape to be much easier to re-sharpen. Learn More$88.40 -
Mac Professional 9.7 in. (245mm) Mighty Chef Knife
The Mac Professional 9.7 in. (245mm) Mighty Chef Knife is modeled after a traditional French chef's knife; the tip is vertically positioned at the center of the blade. This is a highly functional shape that creates a very smooth rocking motion while maximizing the amount of contact the knife makes with the cutting board. This blade shape helps the user work quickly, maximizing efficiency, something especially important for professional cooks or anyone processing large amounts of food. This is a workhorse that can be relied upon as your primary knife. This particular model is Meghan's favorite chef knife. The 240mm length is long enough to suitably cut even the largest produce without becoming unwieldy. Although honing is not necessary with this blade, MAC knives can be easily maintained with a steel honing rod which will significantly extend time between sharpenings. We highly recommend this knife and are very confident that you will find it to be a great addition to any collection. Learn More$234.95 -
Robert Welch Signature 9 in. Carving Knife
Master the Art of the Perfect Slice with Award-Winning Ergonomics The Robert Welch Signature 9-inch Carving Knife is more than a kitchen tool; it is a precision instrument designed to move through proteins with zero resistance. When you first grip the handle, the tactile feedback is immediate. Developed in consultation with professional chefs, the ergonomic handle features a unique bolster that provides a secure thumb rest and a comfortable finger guard, ensuring your hand doesn't fatigue during high-volume slicing tasks. The 9-inch blade is forged from high-quality X50CrMoV15 German stainless steel, hardened to 55-56 HRC. This specific hardness provides the ideal balance between extreme sharpness and the toughness needed to avoid chipping when navigating around poultry bones or dense holiday roasts. During testing, the long, thin profile of the blade allowed for long, sweeping strokes that produce uniform, restaurant-quality slices without the jagged 'sawing' effect common with shorter, duller blades. Whether you are carving a delicate smoked salmon fillet or a heavy prime rib, the weight distribution of this knife remains centered in the palm. The blade is ground at a precise 15° angle, offering a level of sharpness that rivals Japanese cutlery while maintaining the robustness of European steel. This is the definitive tool for the host who values presentation and the chef who demands technical reliability. Learn More$70.95 -
I.O. Shen 6.7 in (170mm) Boning Knife
This I.O. Shen is longer than most boning knives at 6.7 inches. It can be difficult to find Japanese steel in a Western boning knife shape. The U.S. market tends to use softer steel boning knives requiring regular honing. This is an excellent option for someone who wants better sharpness and edge retention. A unique modified VG10 steel that is tough. I am comfortable recommending this knife for breaking down fish, poultry and meats, removing silver skin, etc. If you are going to be scraping bones for "Frenching" chops and that type of task, go with a softer steel. Learn More$189.95 -
Victorinox Rosewood 10" Curved Breaking Knife
Engineered for the Deck and the Butcher Block The Victorinox 10-inch Curved Breaking Knife (SKU 5.7200.25) is a specialized tool designed for the high-intensity demands of professional meat and fish processing. Originally developed for 'breaking' primal cuts from hanging sides of beef, this knife has evolved into a legendary piece of equipment on the sport fishing boats of San Diego (our original hometown) and commercial fisheries across the West Coast. Its unique geometry allows for the smooth processing of large-game saltwater fish with a level of control that standard fillet knives simply cannot match. Constructed from high-carbon martensitic stainless steel, the 10-inch blade provides a superior balance between edge retention and ease of maintenance. In a high-volume environment where you are processing 40+ lbs of protein, the ability to quickly hone the edge back to a razor-sharp state is critical. The scimitar-style sweep of the blade is specifically designed for long, singular draw-cuts, reducing the need for 'sawing' and ensuring the integrity of the muscle fibers. The handle is crafted from modified maple wood—often referred to in the industry as the Rosewood line—providing a traditional, warm aesthetic without compromising on the rugged durability required for wet environments. The ergonomic shape ensures a secure grip even when processing slick, fatty cuts or working on a moving vessel. This isn't just a kitchen knife; it is a specialized industrial tool built to endure the rigors of commercial butchery and professional angling. Learn More$79.99 -
Minonokuni Homura 210mm Ao-Ko Wa-Gyuto
The Minonokuni Homura 210mm Gyuto is a beautiful, hand-crafted artisan knife. This knife has an Ao-Ko, Blue, Carbon steel core that has been sandwiched in Stainless Steel for rust resistance and ease of care. Hand-hammered and forged in the traditional sword-making methods this is a true craftsman work of art. Learn More$330.00 -
Shun Kanso 8-inch Chef's Knife
Kanso takes its name from the Japanese design principle of simplicity, and the 8-inch chef’s knife is the series’ all-purpose blade. Shun shapes it for push cuts through vegetables, and the blade can also be rocked gently through fresh herbs.Kanso blades are made from a single steel, AUS10A, a high-carbon stainless refined with vanadium for a fine grain and a keen, durable edge. Shun notes that this mono-construction is easier to maintain than a layered blade. The rustic Heritage finish hides the scratches of daily use, and the contoured Tagayasan handle, a dense, dark wood, gives a secure grip. For a cook buying a first Japanese knife, it delivers Shun’s edge and craftsmanship in a plain, practical form, and it also suits professionals who want a hard-working blade.
Kanso AlternativesFor a flatter profile, see the 7-inch Hollow Ground Santoku. The Kanso 3-Piece Starter Set includes this knife. Learn More$144.95 -
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 10 in. Curved Breaking Knife
The Victorinox Fibrox 10 in. Curved Breaking Knife is designed for breaking the primal cuts out of a hanging side of beef. Useful in dressing out wild game like deer and elk. This is also my choice of knives for filleting large saltwater fish. Semi-flexible so you can feel the fish bones without breaking through them, and the shape makes for easy removal of fins and slicing around the gill plates. Learn More$64.00
