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Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-Inch Chef's Knife vs Tojiro DP Gyuto 8.2-Inch (F-808)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-Inch Chef's Knife ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 7) and scores better on easy care (rust, chips), value. Tojiro DP Gyuto 8.2-Inch (F-808) wins on sharpness out of the box, edge retention.
The biggest complaint about the Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-Inch Chef's Knife is not very sharp in one test; for the Tojiro DP Gyuto 8.2-Inch (F-808) it's can chip on hard foods. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-Inch Chef's Knife | Tojiro DP Gyuto 8.2-Inch (F-808) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in chef's knives | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $ | $$ |
| Type | German-style | Japanese-style |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 2% | 4% |
| Overall score | 3.9 | 4.0 |
| Sharpness out of the box | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| Edge retention | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Handle & balance | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Easy care (rust, chips) | 4.0 | 2.5 |
| Value | 5.0 | 4.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $60 · $$ $60–150 · $$$ over $150. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-Inch Chef's Knife
- Not very sharp in one test
Wirecutter says it was not very sharp, its stamped blade split carrots and it was uncomfortable to use.
Source: Wirecutter - Utilitarian, not refined
Serious Eats says it isn't flashy and describes it as sharp but without elegance or grace.
Source: Serious Eats
Tojiro DP Gyuto 8.2-Inch (F-808)
- Can chip on hard foods
Wirecutter found a tiny nick after cutting butternut squash, and Tojiro advises against hard or frozen foods. Amazon's summary says edge durability is mixed, with some owners reporting it chips too easily.
- Little knuckle clearance
Wirecutter says testers with larger hands found knuckle clearance scant.
Source: Wirecutter - Awkward for rocking; no maker warranty abroad
Wirecutter says the flat belly makes rocking awkward, and Tojiro offers no warranty outside Japan (Wirecutter confirmed Cutlery and More honors a lifetime warranty).
Source: Wirecutter
Who should pick which
Pick the Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-Inch Chef's Knife if
The cheapest decent chef's knife
Beginners
A spare or beater knife
Skip it if: You want refined, ultra-thin cuts; You care about looks; You want a heavier, forged feel
Pick the Tojiro DP Gyuto 8.2-Inch (F-808) if
A first Japanese gyuto
Thin slices, julienne and herbs
Push-pull cutters
Skip it if: You cut hard squash or frozen foods; You rock-chop; You have large hands
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