What makes the best steak knife?
on July 03, 2025

What Makes the Best Steak Knife?

(And Why Non-Serrated Blades Are the True Mark of Quality)

When it comes to the perfect steak dinner, presentation matters — but performance matters more. A beautifully seared cut of meat deserves a knife that glides through it with ease, elegance, and precision. So, what truly makes the best steak knife? The answer lies in craftsmanship, steel quality, perfect balance — and most importantly, a non-serrated edge.

Serrated vs. Non-Serrated: Why the Best Steak Knives Are Non-Serrated

For decades, serrated steak knives have been commonplace in kitchens and restaurants. But here’s the truth: serrated knives tear — not cut. While they may seem “sharp,” they often rip through meat fibres, crushing instead of slicing. That’s not just bad for the texture of your food — it’s also a disservice to the quality of the steak itself.

Why Non-Serrated Steak Knives Are Better:

Cleaner Cuts: A non-serrated blade slices cleanly through meat, preserving texture and presentation.

Sharpenable Edge: Unlike serrated blades, a smooth edge can be easily re-sharpened — ensuring long-term performance.

More Elegant Dining Experience: There’s something undeniably refined about a steak knife that glides silently through your food.

Precision and Control: The smooth edge gives you more control over each slice — essential when enjoying premium cuts.

Is There Any Downside?

The only real “con” of a non-serrated blade? It requires occasional sharpening to maintain peak performance. But this is also what makes it a connoisseur’s choice — a blade you care for, that gets better with time. 


The Hallmarks of the Best Steak Knife

1. Handcrafted Excellence

At Forge de Laguiole, every steak knife is handcrafted under one roof in the village of Laguiole, France — a tradition that ensures quality, authenticity, and soul in every piece.

2. Perfect Balance

A knife should feel like an extension of your hand. The blades are expertly weighted and balanced, offering the ideal distribution for comfort and control — whether you're carving into a filet or a côte de boeuf.

3. Premium French Steel

Forge de Laguiole knives are forged from T14 high-grade French steel, prized for its edge retention, strength, and ease of sharpening.

4. Genuine Materials

From light horn and olive wood to polished stainless steel, every handle is made using authentic, sustainable materials — each with its own story and natural beauty.


Personalised Steak Knives: A Cut Above

Looking for a meaningful gift? Almost all products can be personalised with engraving — perfect for weddings, anniversaries, or as a corporate gift that leaves a lasting impression.


When Serrated Blades Do Shine

While serrated blades are less suited for steak knives, they do have their place in the kitchen. The jagged teeth of a serrated knife are ideal for:

Bread knives: Easily slicing through crusty loaves without compressing the soft interior.

Tomatoes and citrus fruits: Cutting through tough skins with minimal pressure.

Long-term use without sharpening: Serrated knives stay “usable” longer without sharpening — though this comes at the cost of precision.

So yes, serrated knives serve a purpose — just not at the dining table when you’re serving premium cuts of meat.


Sharpening: A Ritual of Respect

A non-serrated blade rewards care. With the right honing tool, you can easily keep your Forge de Laguiole knife razor-sharp for generations. Unlike serrated edges, which are near impossible to sharpen at home, those knives are designed for those who appreciate lasting performance.


Why Choose Forge de Laguiole Steak Knives?

✔️ Non-serrated for a clean, effortless cut
✔️ Handcrafted in Laguiole, France
✔️ Sharpenable and built to last
✔️ Perfectly balanced for elegant dining
✔️ Genuine materials and custom engraving options


The Verdict

The best steak knife is not just a tool — it’s a symbol of respect for the food you serve and the people you share it with. Non-serrated, perfectly balanced, and made by hand from the finest materials, Forge de Laguiole steak knives are the original — and the ultimate — table companion.


🛒 Ready to experience the difference?

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