Mercer Culinary M21078 Genesis 8-Inch Short Bolster Chef's Knife,Black

I started doing a lot more cooking during the quarantine. Or maybe instead of cooking, I should say "cutting raw ingredients and heating them in the oven to make them edible". My signature dishes are chicken, steak, and roasted vegetables. You heard me right: vegetables. It turns out they taste pretty good when you roast them and add a little bit of seasoning.Previously, I had a very cheap chef serrated knife that I bought from the grocery store. Food preparation involved a lot of vigorous hacking and sawing. At some point it dawned on me that my knife was super dull and it was dangerous to be using my other hand anywhere in its vicinity. So I put on my consumer hat to find the perfect chef's knife. After some research, I decided to avoid getting a knife with a full bolster or serrated edge because of the potential to interfere with sharpening. I decided that a Japanese style knife would likely be too expensive. For German-style knives, something like a Wusthof would also be out of my price range.The Mercers eventually stood out because they are a respected brand, and have some highly rated offerings at budget price points. Specifically, it was between this knife (the Mercer Genesis) and the Mercer Millennia. I chose the Genesis because of the forged construction and full tang, so it has a more premium look and might be more durable over time.The difference between the Genesis and my old knife has been like night and day. Out of the box, the Genesis was like a freaking light saber; anything I threw in front if it, it cut with barely any effort. I became even more worried about cutting myself than I was before, so I try to be extremely careful whenever I am handling it. The handle is very comfortable, and the weight feels very well balanced. The blade has a high quality look to it, and shows no signs of rust or discoloration so far. Along with the knife, I picked up a cheap honing steel, and have been using it every time I use the knife. After about a month of daily use, the edge is still very usable but not as light saber-like as it was initially. At some point, I'll pick up a set of whetstones and have a go at them.So far I am very pleased with this purchase. If you are looking for your first real chef's knife, I would say to definitely consider Mercer's lineup:- the Genesis if you can justify spending around $40.- the Culinary Renaissance looks to be even a little nicer at around $50.- the Millennia at around $20.- the Culinary Ultimate is currently around $12 if you're really hard up.There are a large number of other highly rated (and very nice looking) alternatives on Amazon under $40 if you are less concerned about brand recognition.

Did not disappoint I have one and bought this for my son. He fell in love. Raved about how well it handled sharpness comfort of use. It is my go to knife Great quality

Brilliant knife! My partner has a set at his house, and as a traveling medical professional who cooks more rarely, I purchased this as my one-and-done. Easy to hone, sharp, and durable (my partner has had his for over 10 years), I find it the perfect size to cut just about anything I need- not too small and not too large; this is the most versatile knife for a functional minimalist kitchen.

For such a low price, it's a decent knife. I wouldn't use this as my main chef's knife. The balance feels off to me, and it's a bit difficult to cut through tough things like carrots and onions. I don't think it holds an edge as well as my more expensive one either. However, it works fine as a second knife for when I have help in the kitchen. It cuts through most foods without any trouble and holds an edge fairly well. If you're looking for an inexpensive chef's knife, this one works.

Excellent knife. Stays sharp! Handles well. Nice size and length

I didn’t know this knife would make me a master chef! Thinking about applying for Hells Kitchen now because I’m so great! Ok not really, but this is the best knife I’ve ever owned and a really good price. Couldn’t be happier with it! Just be careful because it’s also the sharpest knife I’ve ever owned.

I have worked in professional kitchens for over 20 years and have used more kinds of knives than I can remember. Forged, stamped, cheap, expensive, American, German, Japanese, carbon, stainless, etc. I bought this as a go to kitchen kitchen knife to use at work, knowing that it will get abused, dropped, left with wet, acidic foods on it and so on. I have been very impressed with how this knife functions. Steel is on par with more expensive knives, does not stain, holds an edge well, hones easily. I absolutely love how this knife is shaped, especially that it has no bolster.Now I read through some of the negative reviews and it seems that many people have an unrealistic view of what a knife should be capable of. You will need a honing rod and eventually it will need to be put on a whetstone. It is not a cleaver so don't go chopping bones with it.If this knife can handle heavy restaurant use than it can easily handle home use. The negative comments are from people who don't know how use use and care for a knife. Also, I prefer the santoprene handles as they allow a better grip when using gloves when having to deal with slippery blood or fish.