20 chef knives for for serious food prep

No chef's arsenal is complete without a good set of knives. In fact, it's the first big sign that you're ready to start cooking meals as opposed to just warming them up. Here are 20 knife sets that any chef would be proud to own, from visually stunning old-world metallurgy to sleek modern cutlery.

Mini Chef Knives: Set of 3

Taking your recipes on the road? These Damascus steel blades are sharp, easy to wield even in tight quarters and come with their own sheath for traveling.

MSRP: $99.40

Sale Price: $74.99

Laguiole Steak Knife

The Laguiole is another full portable knife that's sure to impress any crowd. The hypnotic pattern is a side effect of the hand-forging process that also gives it up to a 58 rating on the hardness scale, with a precision edge to match.

MSRP: $57.40

Sale Price: $43.99

Rose Wood Chef Knives: Set of 4

Jay Knives brings you these heat-treated Damascus knives that feature a flat grind for a clean cut every time. The ironwood handle is a perfect complement for the patterned steel.

MSRP: $99.40

Sale Price: $74.55

Gotham Steel Pro Cut Japanese Style Super Sharp Knife: Set of 2

Looking for a more timely feel? The blade and handle on these stainless steel knives are forged from a single piece, with non-slip accents on the grip.

MSRP: $19.99

Sale Price: $15.99

Monroe Knives: Set of 5

Wood sheets and resin combine for the handles on this comprehensive set, and the knives are no slouch either. Read the rest