Best Handcrafted Kitchen Knives in Australia (2025 Guide)
Looking for the best handcrafted kitchen knives in Australia? Whether you're a passionate home cook or a professional chef, the right knife can elevate your cooking experience and make every cut effortless.
In this guide, we’ll show you our top picks for the best kitchen knives made with carbon steel and stainless steel, all handcrafted with premium materials like bovine bone, micarta, and gold-infused resin. Plus, we’ll help you choose between carbon steel vs stainless steel knives for your cooking style.
Carbon Steel vs Stainless Steel Knives: What’s Better for Cooking?
| Feature | Stainless Steel Knives | Carbon Steel Knives |
|---|---|---|
| Rust Resistance | Excellent – Low Maintenance | Moderate – Needs Care |
| Edge Retention | Good | Superior – Stays Sharper Longer |
| Maintenance | Simple – Just wash and dry | Requires oiling and quick drying |
| Look Over Time | Stays shiny and polished | Develops a unique patina |
In short: If you want a no-fuss knife, go for stainless steel. If you’re after sharpness and tradition — and don’t mind the upkeep — carbon steel will reward you with unmatched performance.
Choosing Between a Traditional Chef Knife and a Cleaver
Unsure whether to go for a traditional chef knife or a cleaver? Both serve important roles in the kitchen — here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you make the best choice for your cooking needs:
| Feature | Chef Knife | Cleaver |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | General use – slicing, chopping, dicing | Heavy-duty – meat, bones, hard veg |
| Blade Shape | Curved for rocking motion | Flat and wide for straight cuts |
| Weight | Light to medium | Heavier – adds cutting force |
| Best For | Everyday cooking and fine cuts | Butchering, thick meat, BBQ prep |
Tip: If you prepare a range of meals day-to-day, start with a chef knife. But if you're working with tougher ingredients or love BBQ and large meat cuts, a cleaver is the perfect partner in the kitchen.
1. D’Avila Gourmet 8" Knife – Stainless Steel 420, Resin with Gold Leaf Handle
Best for: home chefs who want elegance and practicality.
This premium knife features a hand-polished stainless steel 420 blade and a luxurious handle made from resin with gold leaves. It’s ideal for general use in the kitchen — from veggies to proteins — and is low-maintenance thanks to its high rust resistance.
- High rust resistance
- Easy to clean and sharpen
- Stylish and durable design
2. Big Chef Gourmet 8" Knife – Stainless Steel 420, Bovine Bone Handle
Best for: cooks who value balance, tradition, and precision.
With a full-size chef blade and a naturally shaped bovine bone handle, this knife delivers performance and personality. Forged in 420 stainless steel, it’s an excellent everyday knife with a classic aesthetic.
3. Serbian Cleaver Gourmet 8" Knife – Carbon Steel 5160, Bovine Bone Handle
Best for: heavy-duty prep, meat, and root vegetables.
Forged from 5160 high-carbon steel, this Serbian-style cleaver is built to tackle tougher cuts. It holds a razor-sharp edge and performs well in busy kitchens. The natural bone handle offers a secure, earthy grip.
- Superior edge retention
- High cutting power
- Handmade with rugged character
4. Viking Cleaver Gourmet 8" Knife – Carbon Steel 5160, Micarta Handle
Best for: cooks who want bold design and high performance.
Inspired by Viking tools, this handcrafted cleaver has a wide 8-inch blade in 5160 carbon steel and a highly durable micarta handle. Designed for serious chopping and built to last generations, this is a statement piece for any kitchen or BBQ setup.
Why Choose D’Avila Handcrafted Knives?
Every knife in our collection is forged by hand, combining tradition with innovation. Whether it’s a chef knife, cleaver, or gourmet blade, our handmade knives are made to deliver balance, beauty, and durability — for life.
We use only high-quality materials like bone, micarta, and resin to create one-of-a-kind pieces that are both practical tools and collectible works of art.
Shop the Best Kitchen Knives in Australia
Explore our full range of handcrafted kitchen knives and find the perfect tool for your cooking style. All D’Avila knives come with a lifetime guarantee and are built to handle whatever’s on your chopping board.
→ Browse Kitchen Knives Collection
