To put this list together, I inspected more than 43 steak knife sets under $100. Out of those, I personally tested 15 over the course of several weeks and months. Only the sets that consistently delivered top performance across key quality factors made the final cut.
In addition, these picks are backed by hundreds of high customer ratings, so you can feel confident that you’ll be satisfied with any of the recommended steak knives for $100.
Selection criteria for the top rated steak knives under $100:
- Knives from reputed brands with a lifetime warranty
- Blades are crafted from high-quality steel
- Sharp enough to cut neatly and effortlessly
- Handles are full tand and perfectly balanced
- They are easy to hold, use, and maintain
What’s the Best Steak Knives Under $100?
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| 1. HENCKELS Serrated Steak Knife Set of 8-Pc | Best-Selling |
| 2. ZWILLING Serrated Steak Knife Set of 8-Pc | Premium-Quality |
| 3. SYOKAMI Non-serrated Steak Knife Set of 8-Pc | High-Quality |
| 4. PIKLOHAS Non-serrated Steak Knife Set of 8-Pc | All-Purpose |
| 5. COQUUSAID Straight Edge Steak Knife Set of 8-Pc | Most-Agile |
Best Steak Knives Under $100
1. HENCKELS 8-Piece Serrated Steak Knife Set
Blade: The blades are made from stain and rust-free stainless steel. The blades are 4.5 long and thin. The combination of large and small serration designs provides agile edges that precisely slice soft steak. No tearing or shredding, keeping the taste and texture of the food intact.
Handle: The handles of these knives are made of plastic. The full-tang and triple-riveted attachment is quite sturdy. Also, the handles are quite comfortable when used with a large hand.
I found the handles to be decently balanced and firm. The texture of the handle ensures a comfortable, non-slip grip.
Maintenance: Although this set is dishwasher safe, the manufacturer recommends washing it with hands to maintain its quality and lifelong usability.
Pros
- The blade arrived “scary sharp”
- Rust-resistant blades, easy clean-up
- Serrated blades cut effortlessly
- Handles don’t slip or fall
- Triple-riveted handles feel solid
- Dishwasher safe set
- Covered by a lifetime guarantee
- Great knives for the price
Cons
- The blades are thin
- Plastic box, no sheaths
2. ZWILLING 8-Piece Serrated Steak Knife Set with Wood Case
Blade: The set arrived very safely in a beautiful wooden block, perfect as any housewarming gift. The knives fit perfectly in the slots and they are easy to take out. Its 4.5″ long classic design blades are forged from high-carbon German stainless steel.
The blade’s half-edge is dull and the serrated edges are not as sharp as expected. However, I had no problem slicing through meat, poultry, rib roast, and go through potatoes and onions too.
Handle: I have big hands and they fit quite nicely into my grip. Not too big or heavy, easy to hold and use. The silver handles are not hollow but solid and full tang. The joint between the blade and handle shows that they are not made from a single piece of metal.
However, the handles are very sturdy even though they are not a single piece. Also, steel handles are less likely to accumulate food odors or harbor bacteria than wooden or synthetic handles.
Maintenance: From my experience, these ZWILLING knives are outstanding. The stainless steel feels premium, completely rust-resistant, and after 40+ dishwasher cycles, they still look new. They stay razor-sharp, and I’ve never encountered any staining issues.
Pros
- Guarantees life-long edge holding
- These knives are dishwasher safe
- They have a good feel and weight
- Skillfully crafted, ease of handling & cutting
- One-piece shining steel is easy to clean
- Definitely a great value for the price
- Knives came in very nice wooden box
- There is a full lifetime warranty
- Best rated steak knives under $100
Cons
- Half-way of the blade is dull
- Polished handles are a bit slippery
3. SYOKAMI 8-Piece Non-serrated Steak Knife Set
Blade: To make these 4.8″ long blades the manufacturer uses high-carbon Japanese stainless steel with a Damascus finish. The Damascus pattern looks beautiful, but it’s not real, they are laser engraved. Out of the box, they were pretty sharp. The first day I was cutting through my thick ribeye like they were going through melted butter!
The blades are non-serrated and you can easily cut, slice, peel, or chop a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and other kitchen items. I intentionally used them frequently and I must say, they held their sharpness really well.
Handle: The eye-catching handles are made from Wenge wood. The triple-rivet fittings are flush perfect where the wooden handle joints the steel, there are no burrs or flaws, or uneven surfaces. Its traditional look full tang handles feel solid, weighty, and more balanced.
They are also comfortable and easy to hold. However, due to its low texture, it becomes a bit slippery on wet or oily hands. The ergonomic blade design features one inch of non-aggressive teeth spot on the spine allowing thumb or index finger pressure to cut, making delicate or heavier cutting tasks much easier.
Maintenance: Knives are not dishwasher safe, after use, it is recommended to wash it with clean water, then wipe it with a dry cloth and place it in a ventilated place.
Pros
- Knives cut smoothly and effortlessly
- Holds an edge much longer & easier to sharpen
- Wood handles feel warmer and more natural
- Nicely weighted and easy to handle
- Look expensive but are reasonably priced
- A perfect gift for family and friends
- A lifetime warranty & refund policy
Cons
- They are not dishwasher safe
4. PIKLOHAS 8-Piece Non-serrated Steak Knife Set with Wood Holder
After extensive research, I’m pleased to report that I’ve found an exceptional German-engineered, non-serrated steak knife set priced around $100. Not only is it dishwasher-safe, but it also boasts a level of aesthetics and refinement that has truly exceeded my expectations. I recently received the knives; each knife was individually wrapped and came with an elegant dark wood block.
Blade: Right out of the box, these knives were impressively sharp. The 4.5″ non-serrated blades are crafted from German high-carbon X50CrMoV15 steel, and the Damascus pattern is laser-etched, not authentic.
During a dinner, our guest effortlessly cut through chicken and thick ribeye, remarking that they sliced “like a hot knife through butter.” I used these knives consistently to test their quality, and I must say they retained their sharp edges remarkably well.
Handle: The triple-riveted ABS handles are full tang and crafted with a fully forged bolster. The overall fit and finish among the tang, scales, bolster, and rivets are flawlessly flush, with no gaps or uneven surfaces.
While the handles are slightly wide, this design enhances comfort and provides a secure grip. They strike the perfect balance – not too big or too small – making them suitable for hands of all sizes.
Maintenance: Although these knives are dishwasher-safe, hand washing and towel drying after each use is highly recommended to maintain their longevity and performance.
Pros
- The blades are dishwasher safe
- They feel great and well-balanced
- Ease of handling, cutting, and cleaning
- Lifetime after-sales service as standard
- Lovely wood gift case, very functional
- Pretty good knife set for the money
Cons
- Damascus patterning is fake
5. COQUUSAID 8-Piece Straight Edge Steak Knife Set
The set came to me neatly packaged. Its beautiful box keeps the knives separate and fits perfectly in my drawer, which is crucial for child safety. Also, it has table blocks for spoon or fork holders.
Blade: The 4.8″ steak blades are made of high carbon stainless steel and feature a laser-engraved Damascus pattern. The knives are extremely sharp straight out of the box. Without tearing they precisely and effortlessly cut through pork, ham, roasts, and thick steaks.
The non-serrated blades are slightly wider, making it very easy to cut various fruits and vegetables. Additionally, you can place your thumb or index finger on the spine of the blade when performing heavy or delicate slicing.
Handle: Triple-riveted ABS handles are very well made, none of the handle parts’ joints protrude above or below. The handles are full-tang with bolster and end-cap construction that helps to spread out weight evenly.
They are also a good size and fit my large hands comfortably. The grip is superb, even with wet and oily hands, thanks to the ergonomic curved design.
Maintenance: Although the knives are dishwasher safe and made from rust-free steel, I would highly recommend hand washing, if you want them to last a long time.
Pros
- Blades cut a variety of things with ease
- Hold up over time and easier to sharpen
- Handles have weight, balance, and heft
- Dishwasher safe, perfect for easy cleaning
- The set will make the table more high end
- They have a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Fake Damascus patterning
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Steak Knives Under $100 (FAQ)
Question: What to check before buying steak knives under $100?
Answer: Check blade material, edge type, handle size, balance, weight, sharpness, and durability. Also consider warranty, maintenance needs, customer reviews, and whether the knives are dishwasher-safe or hand-wash only.
Question: What is the best serrated steak knife set under $100?
Answer: The ZWILLING 8-Piece Serrated Steak Knife Set stands out with 4.5″ classic one-piece blades made from high-carbon German stainless steel. Dishwasher-safe and comes with a wooden block, they ensure lifelong sharpness, durability, and effortless cutting.
Question: What is the best non-serrated steak knife set under $100?
Answer: The SYOKAMI 8-Piece Non-Serrated Steak Knife Set features high-carbon Japanese stainless steel blades with a beautiful Damascus finish. The eye-catching Wenge wood handles and triple-rivet construction make cutting, slicing, peeling, or chopping vegetables, fruits, and other kitchen items effortless. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Question: How long is a steak knife?
Answer: A standard steak knife has an overall length of 8-10 inches and a blade length of 4.5-5 inches.
Question: Are steak knives under $100 durable enough for daily use?
Answer: Yes, many $100 steak knives are durable if made from stainless steel or high-carbon steel. Proper care, such as hand-washing and correct storage, ensures they last through daily family meals.
Question: What’s the difference between serrated and straight-edge steak knives?
Answer: Serrated steak knives have saw-like edges that grip tough or fibrous meat, requiring less sharpening. Straight-edge knives deliver cleaner, smoother cuts and versatile but need more frequent sharpening. Both perform well under $100.
Question: Which materials are best for steak knife blades in this price range?
Answer: Stainless steel and high-carbon steel are best choices under $100. Stainless resists rust and stains, while high-carbon steel maintains sharper edges longer with proper care, making them ideal steak knife materials.
Question: Are there dishwasher-safe steak knives under $100?
Answer: Yes, some steak knives under $100 are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing is always recommended. Dishwashers can dull blades and damage handles over time, so manual cleaning extends lifespan and performance significantly.
Question: How to care for steak knives under $100?
Answer: Hand-wash knives immediately after use, dry thoroughly to prevent rust, store them in a block or sheath, and sharpen occasionally. Avoid dishwashers to maintain sharpness and extend blade longevity.
Question: What should not cut with steak knives under $100?
Answer: You should avoid cutting bones, frozen foods, hard shells, or very tough vegetables with steak knives under $100. Additionally, never cut on hard surfaces like glass, porcelain, or marble to prevent blade damage.
Question: Can I use steak knives under $100 for other kitchen tasks?
Answer: Yes, but with caution. Steak knives are designed mainly for cooked meat. Using them on hard foods, bones, or cutting boards may dull edges faster and reduce overall performance.
Question: How to sharpen steak knives under $100?
Answer: For serrated knives, use a serrated sharpener or professional service. Straight-edge knives can be sharpened with whetstones, honing rods, or pull-through sharpeners. Regular maintenance ensures performance and longer lifespan.