| Ranking | Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mac Knife Japanese Series Nonstick Sushi and Sashimi Knife |
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| 2 | Mac Knife Professional Paring Knife |
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| 3 | Mac Knife Japanese Series Vegetable Cleaver |
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| 4 | Mac Knife Professional Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife |
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| 5 | Mac Knife Chef Series Knife |
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Are you looking for the Mac Knives Reviews for your next knife purchase?
Then you are in the right place.
As you already know, there are a lot of things that go into purchasing a new Mac knife for your kitchen.
When you are in the mood to add a new set to your toolbox, so many questions pop up on your mind:
- Mac knife to buy?
- Are Mac knives stamped or forged?
- What steel does Mac knives use?
- How good are Mac knives?
In this guide, I’m going to answer all of these questions for you. You will learn everything about Mac knives, their features, the popular series and how they compare to other brands.
You will also get a specific recommendation for a Mac knife that will suit your needs perfectly.
Mac Knife’s Features
Mac Knife produces a series of knives that combine the best in design and knife-making craftsmanship.
The brand produces kitchen knives with diverse styles, with a knife for every cooking purpose in both home and commercial kitchens.
It’s important to understand the features of these knives.
These features include: Material, Sharpness, Edge Retention and Comfort.
Let’s go over each of these below:
Blade Material
Most Mac knives are made from the combination of stainless steel like Chrome, Molybdenum, and Vanadium.
The Chrome makes the blade on the knife better at resisting rust while the Molybdenum makes the blade stronger against friction.
These materials help to raise the hardness level of the blade and make it difficult to rust.
Another usefulness of this combination is that it gives you knife a well-balanced weight which makes it easy to handle.
Sharpness
Most Mac knives come with the factory edge, meaning they are razor-sharp right out of the box. They are so sharp that they can cut through the paper at their first use.
To keep them sharp, you have honed these knives regularly, hand-wash and clean them immediately after each use – doing this, you can enjoy moderate usage for up to 12 months without sharpening.
And because of this, there is a lesser chance of cutting yourself while working with one of the knives.
Edge Retension
Mac knives have moderate hardness/thickness and often come with high-carbon steel composition that ensures good edge retention.
The edge maintains a tight edge because the blade is thin and are made from hard steel called Molybdenum steel, which gives it that better edge-retention compared to other brands.
Comfort
Another thing Mac knives are known for is that they have ergonomic handles that make them fit comfortably in the hand.
They are easy to maneuver while cutting – this is why there is not a lot of handling complaints from previous owners.
To be candid, however, the feel of a knife always depends on how you grip the knife and the shape and size of your hand.
This means that comfort is a personal thing so that you know it only when you get your hands on a knife.
Some Mac Knives Series You Might Consider
Japanese Series: These Japanese Mac Knife series are vegetable cleavers and are shaped like meat cleavers but are lighter, thinner, and sharper.
Their blades cut straight down unlike tapered knives which tend to rock.
Their cutting motion is shorter and their blade stays in contact with the food longer, making them slightly faster at chopping.
Their super sharp blades are really thin though, so they can’t cut bone and really should only be used on fruits and vegetables.
Related article: Mac Knife MTH-80 Professional Chef’s Knife Review
Original Series: The knives in this Mac Knife series are the oldest and they usually have that out-of-box sharpness and durability that Mac knives are known for.
Their blades are flexible, thin, lightweight, and easy to sharpen.
Because they are thin, they slice into food easily.
You also don’t get a tired hand/arm after using it for long, thanks to its lightweight.
Finally, the handle is ergonomically designed to afford better maneuvering when cutting – especially on a board.
Superior Series: These knife series of Mac have better edge retention and feels stiffer in the hand than the Original series.
Their rounded tip makes them safe to use and the hole along the edge makes it easy to hang them when they are not in use.
Chef Series: The Mac Chef Knife series have knives that are easy to sharpen and very durable. They hold a very sharp edge.
And most other knives can’t pack a very sharp edge, stainless steel materials, and durability, which is why these are great for chefs who are looking for high-quality knives.
They are also an excellent fit for professional use and because they don’t rust and are easy to sharpen, maintenance is fairly easy.
Professional Series: These Mac knives have those traditional Japanese shapes which include those used for sashimi (Yanagiba), those used for cutting fish (deba) and those used for cutting veggies (usuba).
They are high-end knives and often very expensive. If budget is not the issue, you can get one of them as they are designed for specific uses.
Ultimate Series: They have thicker blades than professional series (at 2.5-3.0mm). This means that they are one of the thickest in this MAC Knife series and they have larger bolsters.
They are similar to German-cutlery and may be had for less than the Japanese models you see in the professional series.
Why Choose Mac Knives
Mac knives offer you a lot of options you rarely find from other brands. This includes the following:
- The price-to-value ratio is high. One thing that these knives have – that’s not readily available from other brands – is that they can provide many years of excellent service when you maintain proper care and maintenance. And they are not so expensive that you can’t afford any of them.
- They have great balance and are light in weight. One thing most people like about this is that they are easy to grip and move around when cutting.The handles are also ergonomically designed to prevent hand strain during a long kitchen chore. This is why they are popular among professional chefs and home cooks.
- They edge well. With just the Rollsharp, you can hone a Mac knife.These knives are hardened so that they can edge well and provide good service for longer even when they are not sharpened regularly. The edges don’t dull or change shape easily and they also don’t chip easily (this makes it easier to sharpen them).
- Powerful slicing. Most models from Mac are thin and flexible so you can effortlessly slice through fish, meat, veggies, and fruits. You don’t have to force them through to make a good cut; the weight is enough to cut through soft vegetables.
- Sharpness. Most Mac knives are chosen for their sharpness. They may not be as high quality as some high-end Japanese or German-style knives when it comes to sharpness, they are the most popular.
Mac Knives vs. Other Brands
Now that you have all the information you need to know about Mac knives, it’s time to compare them to other brands out there and see how they play out.
Mac Knives vs. Shun: Shun knives are made to be thick at the heel while most Mac knives are so thin, which is why it’s easier to get a very sharp edge on the Mac than the Mac.
If you are inclined to sharpness on knives, you know that Mac knives are the better option for you.
In addition, Mac knives are mostly informal and casual while Shun always goes for excellent fit and finish.
While Shun knives are more German inclined with their high tips, wide arc, and big flat surface, Mac knives lean towards French-style and feel more balanced.
Mac Knives vs. Global: If you want knives that are very soft and have a convex edge out-of-box, then Global knives are more notorious for this but be ready for serious thinning.
Global knives have an appealing design and are light but they can be overly uncomfortable to sharpen.
Mac knives are better cutters and although they have a basic design, they are extremely thin so no thinning is required.
Although Mac knives are more expensive, they are easier to sharpen and also light in weight. They equally have ergonomic handles and have received far fewer complaints on handling.
Mac Knives vs. Tojiro: While Mac tends to produce top of the line, high-end professional knives, Tojiro are more like entry level knives.
Mac knives have better handles while Tojiro knives have cladded design and may prove unpleasant for some when they are used for chopping.
Although Mac knives cost more than Tojiro, it’s easier to maintain their edges along the line.
The Most Recommended Mac Knives: 5 Best Mac Knive Reviews
The following five reviews of some Mac Knives are designed to make it easy for you to reach an informed decision when shopping for the kitchen knives that will meet your culinary needs.
1) Mac Knife Japanese Series Vegetable Cleaver
The Mac Knife Japanese Series Vegetable Cleaver comes with a 6-1/2-inch blade that is perfect for cutting veggies and fruits.
The blade is laser sharp and can cut through vegetables, mustards right out of the box.
In fact, you need to be careful when using it because it’s sharp from end to end.
Whether you are a home cook or work in a kitchen professionally, you’ll find that this knife is a suitable match as it is tough and can withstand heavy usage.
It has a blade broad surface which helps you transfer what you are dicing or mincing from one place to another quickly.
The handle is made from pakka wood, which feels good in the hand and comfortable to maneuver. It’s easier to use than a chef knife because you can use it to slice onions, cut squash, shave corn off the cob, and even cut thin tomato slices.
If you are tired of poor or medium quality and low-level knives, the Mac Knife Japanese Series Vegetable Cleaver is a good option for you.
Most importantly, it is easy to maintain for a long time.
Pros:
- Great balance and stability
- Very sharp knife
- Rust resistant
- Nonstick coating
Cons:
- Very light cutlery
- Blades are too thin
- Blade chips after some time
- Sharp blade need extra caution
2) Mac Professional Paring Knife Review
Although the design of the Mac Knife Professional Paring Knife doesn’t jump out at you like the Mac Knife Japanese Series Vegetable Cleaver, it’s one of the favorites of kitchen pros and seasoned chefs.
It’s well balanced and formed in the right sized and is able to retain its sharpness for a considerable period with little need for honing.
Its size makes it good for peeling and paring and you can use it to remove stems from tomatoes, strawberries or carve melon for your family.
Unlike other brands, it doesn’t rust after the first use – in fact, most users who have experienced the Mac Knife Professional Paring Knife stated that it doesn’t show any signs of wear after a few months of usage.
If you are looking for a paring knife to complete prep tasks in the kitchen, this straight paring knife is a good deal.
With the Mac Knife Professional Paring Knife, it’s easy to cut hot peppers, core apples, prep vegetables, and trim meat.
As long as you regularly hand-wash it and dry it immediately after use, it will retain its pristine condition.
Pros:
- Perfect paring knife
- Super sharp blade
- Dexterous and light feel on the grip
- Top quality cutlery
Cons:
- A little pricey
- Wooden handle cracks
- Knife rusts when left in water
- Does not keep the edge for long
3) Mac Nonstick Sushi and Sashimi Knife
This 8-1/2-inch knife is designed for you if you work in a professional setting and need a good knife for your day to day chores.
Just like the first two Mac knives on this list, the Mac Knife Japanese Series Nonstick Sushi and Sashimi Knife comes out razor sharp out of the box so no need of honing when you get it – just put it to use immediately.
The Mac Knife Japanese Series Nonstick Sushi and Sashimi Knife is well balanced, lightweight and has a good bit of bend to it – which makes it ideal for working on a cutting board.
It has a 2mm blade that is carved out of high-carbon stainless steel so that it is rust-resistant and able keep the edge for a long time.
The design prevents everything from sticking to the knife.
If you are looking for a sushi cutting knife, this is it. This Mac knife is versatile – you can use it for cutting celery, carrots, and leaks on a daily basis.
Pros:
- Light enough to allow for easy maneuvering
- Cleaver works great on vegetables
- Correct length and thinness of blade
- Great design
Cons:
- Not excessively sharp
- The blade develops rust
- Handles becomes loose
- A little pricey
4) Mac Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife Review
The Mac Knife Professional Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife features an 8-inch; 2.5mm – at 12.63 inches in length – bade that is slightly longer than the third knife on this list.
It is designed for home cooks who like to cook everything from scratch – it gives you the flexibility and versatility that’s need for each job.
If you do a lot of prep work like cutting herbs, meats, and vegetables, you will like this knife because it’s impeccably sharp.
And if you like aesthetically pleasing knives to complement your kitchen décor, you’ll find the beautiful shape and form of this knife pleasing.
The blade on the Mac Knife Professional Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife is thinner and lighter than forged German knives and it cuts like a lancet.
Tomatoes, potatoes, and veggies will turn to butter under the weight of this knife.
The weight of the knife alone can make a nice cut when it gets to the surface of your veggies.
Although it is not flashy like other knives, it has an excellent fit and finishes. And while it has exceptional edge retention, you need to protect it by hand-washing and store it immediately after each use.
Finally, if you have smaller hands, you’ll find that the Mac Knife Professional Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife is easier to handle compared to a Victorinox brand knife.
Pros:
- Great factory edge that is exceptionally sharp
- Great for chopping vegetables
- Extremely light and agile
- Polished blade and decent handle
- Excellent edge retention
Cons:
- The ink on the blade wears off
- Develops rust on the blade
- The edge is so thin it is weak
- Edge damages when used to cut hard or frozen items
5) Mac Knife Chef Series
While the Mac Knife Chef Series Chef’s Knife is the second-cheapest on this list after the Mac Knife Professional Paring Knife, but that doesn’t diminish its quality.
Not only is it comfortable in the hand, but it also comes with a thin blade that aids accurate cuts and above all, it’s able to edge well.
Many customers have found it to be a decent knife so much so that it has become their go-to knife for daily slicing and cutting.
Also, if you are looking for a change from heavy, clunky German-style knives, the Mac Knife Chef Series Chef’s Knife can be your companion in hacking many food items – from breaking down fish to coring apple to cutting vegetables.
Because of its weight and balance, it is only suitable for lighting cutting.
Its shortness makes it unsuitable for cutting thick, hard vegetables, but you can use it for sushi cutting if that’s what you are looking for.
Pros:
- Very sharp high carbon blade
- Holds edge very well
- Comfortable and secure handle
- Well-built knife
- Thin blade for precision and accuracy
Cons:
- Blade chips after some time
- Develops rust
- The handle is a bit small for middle-sized hands
- Not well-balanced
So, Which Is The Best Mac Knife?
After reading the Mac Knives Reviews, you are now equipped with the necessary information needed to make an informed decision.
At this stage, you should be able to choose one of the best Mac knives in this guide. But what if you can’t decide between them?
Don’t worry; here is a breakdown of what each model can do for you.
If you want the absolute cheapest Mac knives, go for the Mac Knife Professional Paring Knife.
It’s the cheapest on this list and packs a lot of features you can start utilizing in your kitchen.
The Mac Knife Chef Series chefs are also relatively inexpensive but have a slightly raised price than the Professional Paring Knife.
Both are good but I recommend you choose the Professional Paring Knife to enjoy the best of both worlds.
If you are looking for a Mac knife that’s perfect for sushi cutting, the Japanese Series Nonstick Sushi and Sashimi Knife is the best option for you.
It comes with a non-stick design so that your sushi doesn’t stick to the blade while cutting.
What if you want a versatile knife that can do everything and anything?
Then you should look at the Mac Knife Professional Hollow Edge Chef’s Knife. Helps you cut through sticky foods and you can switch between different foods when cutting without wasting too much time.
If you are a professional and you want a befitting knife for your kitchen chores, I’ll highly recommend the Mac Knife Japanese Series Vegetable Cleaver.
As you can see, Mac knives come in different varieties and whatever your needs and preferences, you’ll find one that will suit you.
