Mercer Culinary Millennia Colors 10-Inch Chef's Knife, Blue

I have many knives in varying price ranges. I'm a chef and I leave my Japanese knife at work so it's always there, and was looking to replace it (before it grows legs) with something a little less pricey and more easily replaceable.At around 18 dollars, I was quite surprised at the quality of this knife. The molded handle fits nicely in the hand, and there are rubber grippy things on it for when you're getting messy. I was almost afraid of the edge, as it was so sharp I took a patch of hair off my arm like a razor. I love everything about it, especially the entry level price. I'll be ordering another one for the house, as I'll be taking this to work to put it to work.The only box I can't check just yet is its ability to hold an edge. Not a huge issue for me as I have sharpening tools, it's just a matter of how often I have to hone or sharpen it, but for those who use their knives until they can't cut butter, could be a bigger issue.So that remains to be seen, but I sure enjoyed cutting up an onion into slivers last night.The only thing it doesn't do, and this is hard to explain, some knives almost "fall through" the item you are cutting, because of weight. This knife is fairly light and you'll have to contribute to the effort made by the knife to get through difficult projects.5 stars and I'm getting another!*update- Ive now used the knife at work every day for several months. That is a lot of use.Each time I pull it from the drawer I run it over my steel, and that just lets it be its sharpest. Ive also noticed that there are several ways to grip it, one of my favorite it to gently grip it and just let my 4 fingers lift the handle, then push downwith my palm, it really helps prevent fatigue and cramping.You'll really enjoy this knife.3 of my friends have purchased one after trying it.

Perfectly Ergonomic handle, ferociously sharp and an overall, light blade.BTW: I Collect, sell and customize Knives and Samurai swords, and I'm picky. The carbon/chromium alloy balance on this makes for a great blade-HAND WASH IT! Absolute Bargain and a pleasure to-Carefully-use. I enjoy this Mercer more than my pretentious German steel, heavy monster--Great for pairing a whole chicken, but everyday use, this 8" Mercer is Superior--And great deal.

These knives are commercial kitchen knives meant to take a little abuse. The knives are a little thin and have a nice edge that lasts. After many tries to find a decent sharpener or sharpening system, I just buy a new knife or two rather than bother when they dull. Only about $20-$25 and free shipping, and love the colors. Tall enough for my large hands and thicker fingers. A little brittle, my dad tends to drop them onto a tile floor and when my Jamaican brother in law who is a professional chef comes over and whacks chicken bones into pieces I cringe, but easier to replace than my expensive Guy Fieri knife, or my Dalstrong Gladiator, RIP. I have tried other brands of commercial kitchen knives and the quality and aesthetics just aren't there. I have bought several sets of Mercer pro series knives as gifts and for myself and there are good quality. These do it for me.

For me , I cook at home . These knives ae ,imo , An excellent buy .For the money the knives do what I want .Easy to get shaving sharp (with Whetstones) . I've only used 1 a few times But I am vey happy with it . Nope It's no a pro knife , but I am not a chef ,so I do not need the level of knife .The knife does everything I want and is easy to maintain . Feels vey good in hand .Not to large to make it a job to handle . Cuts (when sharpened like a razor) easy and quick . I would buy again in a minute , If I needed another .Out of the box ,it is sharp but I always get new knives sharper (you could just strop it and be very happy with the edge) . Also, If you are new to sharpening knives .these are an inexpensive way to work on your skills . Good bang for the buck , imo .

Boy oh boy have I been missing out! This cuts like butter! I have been wanting a decent chef's knife that doesn't break the bank in such a long time. We ordered the 8 inch blue handle one. Im no pro, but I feel it is the right fit for me because I have small hands. The handle has a nice non-slip grip to avoid cutting yourself. But be careful! This knife is SHARP and it can happen! The first night I receieved it, I made french fries for my husband and it cut down the prep time than my old dull knives where it felt like eternity and my hands would ache after cutting potatoes. I look back and wonder why did I ever do that to myself?! Long prep time and hurting hands are over now. It's been two months and it's still nice and sharp. I also avoid putting it in the dishwasher and rather wash and dry right away to avoid it becoming dull sooner. Just watch your fingers when washing it by hand! :)

So I've spent hundreds of dollars on very expensive chef knives for my kitchens. I like to cook and enjoy using high quality tools. I've tried Bob Kramer knives, Damascus steel knives and other expensive ones; this $20 knife surpasses them all!!! Why you say? The knife is thin kerf blade making it easy and light to use, it stays sharp and very versatile. I noticed that other expensive knives have thick blades making them heavy and, most of all, too thick to easily pass through an onion for example. I put all of my other knives away (sold a couple of EBay) and now I mostly use this one. Thinking of purchasing the 8" model for general purpose as well. Furthermore, though I take care of this knife, I don't panic when others use/abuse it because I can always get another one for $20!!

Do you want a pretty, but over-priced logo and sub par quality to display on the counter or do you want a razor sharp tool that is going to get the job done and impress you w its surprising affordability for a quality knife that WILL bring you back to Mercer when you need to replace a knife...or make a recommendation?I have both a Japanese version w the wood handle used primarily for chopping vegtables and this knife, both came RAZOR sharp.I do prefer the Japanese version slightly over this knife due to the weight and feel in MY hand and I expect the Japanese steel will be easier to sharpen once needed as its a thinner steel which is good for those of us that have had surgery on our hands.I won't turn down a Mercer Knife under any circumstance though.I'm starting a home blog and hope to make them one of my first spotlights!

This is a great knife and has lasted over 7 years. Ive had to sharpen it a few times but its great.

Sharp and simple, with an easy to grip handle. This is obviously not a fancy expensive knife, but compared with most supermarket knives it cuts better, is lighter weight, and easier to hold. It has no bolster (no bar of thicker steel near the handle); this makes the knife easier to sharpen, and in my opinion easier to use too, but if you like to have a bolster then this might not be your knife. The blade is thick enough for good strength, but not so thick that it gets in the way. (Many of the supermarket knives are so thick and heavy that slicing a carrot is like splitting wood!)If you are a specialized highly-skilled cook, you'll probably want three or four different knives that are all better than this one. But if you belong to the other 95% of people, like I do, then this knife does the job right for not too much money.

Excelente auxiliar en la cocina

Lo he probado con diferentes cortes de carnes y es extremadamente filoso!! Con decir que por un descuido se fue el corte hasta uno de mis dedos y fue sin aplicar mucha fuerza. Por lo tanto debe de ser manejado con precaución si no tienen experiencia en usar cuchillos tan grandes y muy filosos.El corte es preciso, por ejemplo, al cortar el Lomo de cerdo, las rebanas salen completas y hasta delgadas. Lo recomiendo muchísimo.

Good knife which can be used by a professional

The heft and solidity of this blade is well above average, and it holds its edge extremely well. The balance is good and favours the blade vs. the tang quite noticeably. I've used it daily on all manner of meat and tough veg, and still no need to even give the edge a honing. It's obviously not a boning or paring knife, so is not great for finer work, but as an everyday chopper and veg knife, it's brilliant.