As we've said time and time again, a chef's knife is a very personal thing. There is no one-size-fits-all. It's all about how that particular knife feel feels in your hand, whether the size, weight, and comfort is specifically suited to you.
That said, when exploring your options, these five knives are a terrific starting point. Ranging in price from $25 (budget) to $296 (total splurge), these knives are the most frequently recommended by both Kitchn editors and readers.
1. Victorinox 40520 Fibrox 8-Inch Chef's Knife, $24.98 from AmazonEditor Review: "These Victorinox knives are great deals -- inexpensive, sharp, and long-lasting. We've mentioned these knives before; they are the choice of many chefs. This 8-inch knife is just the right size for my hands, but they also come in a larger 10-inch size." - Faith, Executive Editor of The Kitchn
* * *2. Wüsthof Classic Hollow-Ground Santoku Knife, $69.95 - $79.95 at Williams-Sonoma
Editor Review: "I love the nearly-straight knife edge with its slight rounded tip. The blade itself feels long enough that I can accomplish whatever slicing task I have before me, but not so long that I worry about accidentally stabbing the person across from me while dicing onions. The flat part of the blade is wide enough for me to easily scoop sliced vegetables off the cutting board and into a prep bowl. The handle fits snugly in my palm. - Emma, Associate Editor of The Kitchn
* * *3. Global 8" Chef's Knife, $115 from Sur La Table
Reader Review: "I received a Global chef's knife as a present a year or two ago, and I am still madly and desperately in love with it. If they weren't almost prohibitively expensive, I'd probably own the whole set, including the steak knives. I use my Global all the time - it is so beautifully balanced, and very nice to look at too. Prior to the Global I had used miscellaneous Henckels, which are also quite nice but I think I've become a Global user for life." - NDK
* * *4. Messermeister Meridian Elite 10-Inch Kullenschliff Chefs Knife, $142.73 from Amazon
Reader Review: "My 10" Messermeister Chef's knife [is my favorite tool]. It's the perfect knife for my hand, the fit, weight and balance are perfect and I just love it. So much so, I have two: one for the country and one for the city." - John and Jenny
* * *5. Chef's Knife by Coltellerie Berti, $296 from Didriks
Editor Review: "For a few days, I diced, chopped and minced all matter of fauna and flora with this excessively expensive and astoundingly beautiful knife. Its weight will melt a melon into two halves. It also happens to be handmade in Italy by a family-owned company who know what they're doing with blades. Surely, it's for when you hit the lottery, but should that happen to you, lucky friend, here's a fun little splurge." - Faith, Executive Editor of The Kitchn
Readers, what chef's knife do you use?
Related Kitchn posts about knives:
• How To Learn Basic Knife Skills: The Video
• Choose the Best Knife for Your Cooking: Advice from Chef Samin Nosrat
• Help Us Find a Really Good Cheap Knife
• What Is the Best Chef's Knife?
• How Do I Find a High Quality, Affordable Chef's Knife?
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Elizabeth Apron fro...
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
The America's Test Kitchen folks say the $25 Forschner is their favorite inexpensive chef's knife. I've gotten several of them as gifts for people moving into new apartments, and they are a hit!
I've only had decent knives in the last, say, 5 years, but now I have three in rotation: a Global (on my brother's recommendation), a Victorinox (on AT's recommendation), and a carbon steel one of an unremembered brand (a gift from same brother). I like them all, and try to give them all a share of daylight.
I have a set of knives from lee valley designed by F.A. Porche. Amazing. Best thing I ever did was get these. Japanese 301 stainless steel and I just love them. The chef's knife is my favourite but I spread the love as much as possible. They are all a joy to use.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/page.aspx?cat=2,40733,40738&p=58650
I have a Togiharu hammered Damascus steel vegetable knife that I got at Korin and I absolutely love it. The edge comes up beautifully on a water stone and it cuts vegetables like a dream.
I agree with Erica, the Victorinox is awesome, use it more than my Wusthof Chef's knife!
Bon Appetite raved about a $20 chef's knife from a company called Mundial. It is Brazillian. Has gotten good reviews too! Will get one soon :)
I only have experience with the Global, and I loooooooove it! My first grown-up kitchen knife. Ha.
I'm eternally dedicated to my CutCo chef's knife.
I also agree with the Victorinox. I have (well, had, since it's slowly headed out the door) a Wusthof, but I think the Victorinox is going to be my new go-to knife. It's very sharp and versatile, and I'm not afraid of doing damage, given its price.
I recently got the Victorinox 8" - best kitchen purchase ever. I love that thing.
Oh how I wish knives for lefties were more affordable.
I prefer Japanese knives, and I like Shun, in particular.
The VG10 steel used in Japanese knives is harder and holds a sharper edge than German knives, and the 16-degree angle allows these knives to be sharper than the Germans', too.
My favorite chef;s knife is the Shun Ken Onion 8" Chef's Knife. The ergonomics and balance are top notch. Never before has the pinch grip been so comfortable!
If you are in the market for a knife or looking for a decent knowledge base, I recommend reading "An Edge in the Kitchen."
I agree with Cass- I love Japanese knives. I recently tried a brand called itamae (www.itamae.co.za) and loved them. They are also made from VG10 steel- but are Damascus so the steel is folded. I love the look of them but they are also really strong and easy to use. I am chef myself from london and I used to use only Global- supposedly the best knives on the market- but now I love Itamae. The price is soooo cheap aswell.