Hecef 8-Inch Damascus Chef Knife vs imarku 8-Inch Damascus Chef Knife

Both are 8-inch 67-layer Damascus chef knives with wooden handles, and both are rated 4.7. The Hecef is the sharper, harder blade: HRC 60-62, a 12-15 degree edge, a hammered food-release finish and olive wood, backed by 437 ratings. The imarku is the easier knife to live with: a 24 degree edge that resists chipping, walnut scales and a mirror finish, but on far fewer ratings. Buy the Hecef for edge performance and the imarku for a forgiving edge and lower upkeep.

• Choose the Hecef if you want the keenest edge out of the box and a hammered blade that sheds food, and you will hand wash and dry it after every use.
• Choose the imarku if you want a Damascus chef knife with a sturdier 24 degree edge and a walnut handle, and you would rather not baby a thin bevel.