Head-to-head · Best Chef Knives

Hedley & Bennett Chef's Knife vs Mac Professional Hollow Edge 8" Chef's Knife

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Mac Professional Hollow Edge 8" Chef's Knife comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.6 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about fit for purpose — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #6 in Best Chef Knives

Hedley & Bennett Chef's Knife

4.0

4 sourcesall derived$109.62as of Oct 3

The Hedley & Bennett Chef’s Knife features a lightweight 0.4-pound design and an eight-inch AUS10 steel core that delivers high edge retention, making it ideal for reducing hand fatigue during extended prep work. The Kitchn found the blade arrives wicked-sharp with a convex grind that slices cleanly through delicate produce without crushing them. Will Stelter noted that while the ergonomic handle fits various hand sizes comfortably, visible scratches on the pins and uneven bolster transitions detract from its premium fit and finish. At $115, this mid-tier option suits cooks prioritizing performance over flawless aesthetics, but budget-conscious buyers or those demanding perfect cosmetic quality should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Lightweight construction (0.4 lbs) reduces hand fatigue during extended prep work
— Three-layer Japanese steel core with AUS10 material provides high edge retention and durability
— Ergonomic handle design features a neutral curvature that fits various hand sizes comfortably

Watch-outs

— Fit and finish issues include visible scratches on pins and uneven bolster transitions
— Mid-tier price point ($115) may be prohibitive for budget-conscious home cooks

$109.62 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Chef Knives

Mac Professional Hollow Edge 8" Chef's Knife

4.6

3 sources2 derived$175as of Oct 3

TechGearLab ranked the Mac Professional MTH-80 as their top pick for precision work, praising its exceptional sharpness out of the box which allows for fine cuts that other knives struggle to match. FoodJot highlighted the practical benefits of the hollow edge design and the durability of the PakkaWood handle, noting it is a favorite among professional cooks who value long-term performance. However, Cutlery and More pointed out that the short handle may feel awkward for users with larger hands or those accustomed to heavier Western-style blades. This knife is best suited for skilled home cooks seeking precision, while beginners might find the delicate edge and short grip intimidating.

Strengths

— TechGearLab found it to be the sharpest knife in their lineup, capable of performing delicate chiffonades and thin tomato slices with ease.
— FoodJot noted that the hollow edge (Granton) dimples create air pockets that reduce drag and prevent food from sticking to the blade.
— Cutlery and More described it as a 'Gateway knife' for those transitioning from German steel, offering a lightweight Japanese blade with a familiar Western-style handle grip.

Watch-outs

— TechGearLab reported the handle is much shorter than average, making it unsuitable for inexperienced users or those preferring a full-handle grip.
— The ultra-sharp edge is delicate and susceptible to chipping if used on frozen foods, bones, or hard squash.

$175 · Buy at macknife.com Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Hedley & Bennett Chef's Knife

The Hedley & Bennett Chef's Knife distinguishes itself with a lightweight 0.4 lb design that reduces hand fatigue, whereas the Mercer Culinary Genesis is significantly heavier and built for rigidity during heavy chopping tasks. While both offer ergonomic handles, the Hedley & Bennett features an AUS10 core steel compared to the Mac MTH-80's VG-10 core, offering a different balance of edge retention and durability against the sharper but more fragile Japanese options.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Hedley & Bennett Chef's Knife	Mac Professional Hollow Edge 8" Chef's Knife
Blade Length	8 in	8 inches
Steel Type	Three Layer Japanese Steel (AUS10 core)	Sub-Zero tempered, high-carbon Molybdenum Vanadium alloy
Hardness	60 HRC	59-60 HRC
Total Length	12.8 in	12-5/8"
Weight	0.4 lbs	6.8 oz. (192g)
Handle Material	Caviar Black	PakkaWood
Edge Angle	23 degrees per side	15 degrees, double bevel
Construction	Three Layer Japanese Steel	Stamped

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