Is this a good first chef's knife?

Yes. It is an 8-inch all-purpose blade that handles most chopping and slicing, and it sharpens easily, which helps beginners learn to maintain an edge. It is heavier than Japanese-style knives, so try the weight before committing.

How does it compare with a Japanese chef's knife?

This is a thicker, heavier Western-style knife with softer high-carbon stainless steel. It will not hold a razor edge as long as hard Japanese steel, but it is tougher, less chippy and far easier to resharpen at home.

It is stainless, so it resists rust, but high-carbon stainless can still spot or stain if left wet. Wash and dry it by hand rather than leaving it in a sink or dishwasher.

What is the Taper Grind edge?

It is Chicago Cutlery's name for a blade ground thin toward the edge for a sharper cutting angle. It sharpens normally on a steel, stone or guided sharpener.

Is it dishwasher safe?

No. Hand wash and dry it. Dishwasher heat and detergent can dull the edge, dry out the walnut handle and loosen the rivets over time.

Just the 8-inch chef's knife. No sheath, sharpener or block is included.

What do buyers say about the Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition Chef Knife?

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 36 ratings. Buyers like: Very sharp and easy to sharpen; Stays sharp longer than most knives used; Durable and ages well over decades. Common complaints: One knife arrived with a loosening handle; Hard to find the exact same knife to replace after many years.

Where can I buy the Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition Chef Knife?

13 stores we checked sell it, including KnifeCenter, Stones Ace of, True Value, Target, Carr Hardware.

Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition Chef Knife

Q: Where is the Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition Chef Knife cheapest?

At KnifeCenter, for $21.95, 31% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Best price now

$21.95at KnifeCenterChecked Nov 5

31% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 13 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit KnifeCenter

What reviewers say

4.4 / 536 ratings

Owners rate it highly for sharpness, edge retention and durability, with several saying theirs has lasted decades. The main complaints are a handle that loosened on arrival and the difficulty of finding the same knife again years later.

What people mention

SharpnessPraisedOwners say it arrives very sharp and takes a keen edge again quickly.
Edge retentionPraisedReviewers report it stays sharp longer than most knives they have used.
DurabilityPraisedSeveral owners say theirs has held up for decades of daily use.
Build qualityMixedMost praise the full tang and brass rivets, but one knife arrived with a loosening handle.
HandleMixedThe walnut handle is liked for its look and feel, though a loose handle was reported.
AvailabilityCriticisedOwners say it is hard to find the exact same knife to replace an old one.

About the Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition Chef Knife

The Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition Chef Knife is an 8-inch chef's knife from the Walnut Tradition Series. The blade is high carbon stainless steel with a Taper Grind edge for maximum sharpness.

The knife has full tang construction, with the blade running through the handle. The handle is solid walnut, secured with solid brass rivets. It is made in China.

Blade length

8 in

Blade material

High carbon stainless steel

Edge

Taper Grind

Construction

Full tang

Handle

Solid walnut

Rivets

Solid brass