Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Chef Knives

Mac Professional Hollow Edge 8" Chef's Knife vs Mercer Culinary 8-Inch Genesis 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 narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about fit for purpose — read the strengths below before deciding.

Mac Professional Hollow Edge 8" Chef's Knife
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Chef Knives
Mac Professional Hollow Edge 8" Chef's Knife
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.
Mercer Culinary 8-Inch Genesis Chef's Knife
Ranked #3 in Best Chef Knives
Mercer Culinary 8-Inch Genesis Chef's Knife
5 sourcesall derived$42.88as of Oct 3

The Mercer Culinary 8-Inch Genesis Chef's Knife features a forged X50CrMoV15 German stainless steel blade that offers superior rigidity and resists flex during heavy chopping tasks. Webstaurantstore found the ergonomic Santoprene handle provides a secure, non-slip grip even when wet or oily, while Knifeknowledge noted its taper-ground edges glide through ingredients without wedging. However, Esquire reported that the thick bolster obstructs access to the blade edge, making it difficult to sharpen all the way down with whetstones. This NSF-certified workhorse is ideal for culinary students and home cooks seeking professional durability, but those who prioritize easy full-edge maintenance should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Forged X50CrMoV15 German stainless steel blade provides rigidity and resists flex during heavy chopping tasks.
  • — Santoprene handle offers a comfortable, non-slip grip that remains secure even when wet or oily.
  • — NSF certified for commercial kitchen hygiene standards, ensuring durability in professional environments.
Watch-outs
  • — The heavy bolster obstructs access to the blade edge, making it difficult to sharpen all the way down.
  • — Requires hand washing only to preserve quality, as dishwasher use is not recommended by the manufacturer.

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

Mercer Culinary 8-Inch Genesis Chef's Knife

The Mercer Culinary Genesis is constructed with forged X50CrMoV15 German stainless steel and a full tang, providing superior rigidity compared to the thinner stamped construction of the Mac MTH-80. Its Santoprene handle offers a secure non-slip grip even when wet, contrasting with the Pakkawood handles found on the Shun Classic 8" Chef's Knife which require strict hand-washing and drying to avoid damage.

Specs side-by-side

SpecMac Professional Hollow Edge 8" Chef's KnifeMercer Culinary 8-Inch Genesis Chef's Knife
Blade Length8 inches8 Inches
Steel TypeSub-Zero tempered, high-carbon Molybdenum Vanadium alloyX50CrMoV15 German Stainless Steel
Hardness59-60 HRC—
Handle MaterialPakkaWoodSantoprene
Total Length12-5/8"—
Weight6.8 oz. (192g)—
ConstructionStampedForged with Full Tang
Edge Angle15 degrees, double bevel—
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