Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-Inch Chef's Knife vs 8 Inch Chef Knife

Buy the Mercer Millennia if you want a light, dishwasher-safe workhorse for a busy home or commercial kitchen and don't mind a stamped blade. Buy the Classic Ikon 8-Inch Chef Knife if you want a fully forged, heavier knife with a keener asymmetric edge and a longer service life. The Mercer wins on weight (5.9 oz), grip and easy care; the Ikon wins on build, edge geometry and edge retention. Both are rated 4.9, but the Ikon's rating rests on far more owner feedback, and owners of forged German knives of this type consistently report years of use with light honing.

• Choose the Mercer Culinary Millennia if you want a light, non-slip, dishwasher-safe chef's knife that holds up to heavy daily prep without fuss.
• Choose the Classic Ikon 8-Inch Chef Knife if you want a fully forged, heavier knife with a sharper asymmetric edge that stays sharp with quick honing.