Shun Ken Onion Chef’s Knife ($200 @ Amazon.com)
Best used for: Slicing vegggies, meat, fingers
We like Ken Onion. Partly because he’s a former Marine who now makes incredible knives, but mostly because he doesn’t scream “Bam!” every time he slices a damn tomato. Personal feelings aside, Onion’s Damascus-style chef’s knife — a 16 layer blade made of high-carbon VG-10 stainless steel with an ergonomic, moisture-resistant handle — is so intense it’s sure to make mincemeat of anything short of a T. rex femur.
Also: Sweet Fixed-Blade Knifes For, Uh, Slicing and Stuff
It resists corrosion, rust, and maintains its sharpness for years of use. It’s also much cooler and intimidating than having a Slap Chop sitting on the kitchen counter.
