I am very impressed with the Mercer Culinary Genesis 8-Inch Forged Chef's Knife. It is, as a type, very similar to the Wüsthof Classic 8" Chef's Knife and the Henckels International Classic 8" Chef's Knife, both of which cost more, much more in the case of the Wüsthof.
The Mercer Culinary Genesis Chef's Knife is a delightful kitchen tool, well balanced, made in Taiwan from high-carbon, German cutlery steel. This seems to be the method these days with Chinese and Asian knives: made in China or Taiwan to cut costs from imported high end German steel. The knife is definitely sharp right out of the box. Although I don't know for sure I would guess that it uses a standard 20 degree bevel rather than the 15 degree Japanese style that has become fashionable for super sharpness. For home cooking it should hold its edge for quite some time between stropping or sharpening.
I especially like the feel and grip of the Santoprene handle. Of course synthetic materials like Santoprene always raise a small worry about long term wear and durability. But I have had Henckels knives with wooden handles that splintered after a few years and also Chinese knives with ABS handles that shattered or separated. So it's mostly a matter of quality and the Mercer impresses that no corners were cut in its manufacture. The bolster on the Mercer Culinary Genesis is, for me, especially well proportioned and makes it easy to grip the knife properly. The knife has a full tang that runs the length of the handle, something that many cut rate but otherwise good looking Chinese knives do not have. Be especially careful of such Chinese made knives that have ABS handles with faux rivets and no visible tang on the top or bottom.
Mercer Culinary is not a brand well known to most consumers. Mercer knives are sold mostly to culinary professionals and food service businesses through restaurant stores and other commercial outlets. But in the industry Mercer Culinary knives are one of the go to brands for dependable high quality long wearing knives to be used in daily food service and food industry work that in one day probably does more work than the average home cook would do in a year. The Mercer Culinary Genesis 8-Inch Forged Chef's Knife can typically be had for about $30.00-45.00 whereas the Wüsthof Classic 8" usually goes for about $130-155.00. The Mercer Culinary Genesis 8-Inch Forged Chef's Knife is a solid, dependable, sharp high quality chef's tool at a very affordable price. RECOMMENDED.
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This item: Mercer Culinary M20608 Genesis 8-Inch Chef's Knife,Black
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From the manufacturer
The essential ingredient in any memorable meal starts with a finely crafted knife. The finest handle in forged cutlery and precision construction featuring high carbon German steel blades make cutting and chopping more efficient and enjoyable.
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This Item  Mercer Culinary M20608 Genesis 8-Inch Chef's Knife,Black | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $37.17 | -8% $26.08 Typical: $28.34 | $79.30 | $4.17 | -15% $44.99 Typical: $53.02 | $22.40 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Friday, Apr 4 | Get it as soon as Friday, Apr 4 | Get it as soon as Friday, Apr 4 | Get it as soon as Friday, Apr 4 | Get it Apr 9 - 15 | Get it as soon as Friday, Apr 4 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | JADA Lifestyles | Amazon.com |
| number of pieces | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| blade edge | Plain | Plain | Asymmetrical | Plain | Plain | Plain |
| blade material | High Carbon Steel | High Carbon Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | — | High Carbon Steel | High Carbon Steel |
| blade length | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches | 3.5 inches |
| blade color | Silver | Silver | Silver | Black | Silver | Silver |
| handle material | Santoprene | Glass Filled Nylon | Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon | Polypropylene | Delrin | Delrin, Santoprene |
| construction type | Forged | Stamped | Forged | Forged | Forged | Forged |
| dishwasher safe | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
Perfect for a busy home chef
I bought this knife to assemble a custom knife set according to what I want in my kitchen. I'm very particular with my knives and I treat them to last as long as possible, sharpening them every month or so.This knife stays sharp and has not lost it's edge in over 4 months of regular use (I'm a little upset because I like sharpening them). The full bolster makes it easy and safe to hold; I've found the half bolster knives to irritate my middle finger sometimes. The ergonomic handle is comfortable and I've never lost grip on it even when wet. This is my go to knife now.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2015Style: Chef's Knife 8-inchVerified Purchase
Before I go further, this replaces a Henkels chef's knife that I have used every day for 30 years or so. I use a wetstone regularly and keep my knives very sharp. Any difference in feel creates an issue for me; something that will take time to get used to.
On the plus side this knife is very good value. That it is made in Taiwan is irrelevant - it seems to be well constructed of very good steel. The dry handle has a great feel to it. The blade has ample width and it came razor-sharp out of the box.
On the minus side, the spine is rather thin for a forged knife. If you hold your knives correctly you will notice the thinness with roll cuts. There is additional stress where the knife's spine meets the hand at the webbing between thumb and forefinger. You can appreciate this in the photo (the Henkels knife is on the left). With a straight chop it makes no difference. The handle is a tad problematic if you rinse the knife while you are working with it. Due to the texture it is impossible to completely towel dry.
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Top reviews from other countries
- SnowolfReviewed in Canada on December 6, 2013
Excellent german-style knife
Style: Chef's Knife 8-inchVerified Purchase - MarioReviewed in Canada on January 2, 2020
Good quality at inexpensive price
Style: Chef's Knife 8-inchVerified Purchase - APReviewed in Australia on March 23, 2024
Product as per Description
Style: Chef's Knife 8-inchVerified Purchase - Unionville ManReviewed in Canada on January 15, 2023
A well balanced super sharp knife that I’m sure will become a favourite!
Style: Chef's Knife 8-inchVerified Purchase
