To curate this list, I first took into consideration the backbone of most great groupings: a sharp, durable chef’s knife. With the exception of a couple of speciality packs (like steak knives ...

My chef’s-knife collection is substantial. I’ve owned some since I moved out of my parents’ house a decade ago, I’ve received others as gifts, and I’ve tested quite a few for this story.

But even a premium chef's knife will dull over time, and $150 (let alone higher-priced options) can feel like a waste when your blade cuts as well as a $10 generic knife after only a few months.