The Microtech 8” Chef’s Knife Merlot is built for cooks who want their everyday workhorse to feel anything but ordinary. Microtech’s reputation for precision engineering isn’t limited to the tactical world, and this chef’s knife proves it with a confident blend of premium materials, smart ergonomics, and a finish that’s ready for real kitchen mileage. It’s the kind of blade that makes prep feel smoother, faster, and more controlled from the first slice to the last.
Up front, you’ve got an M390MK® stainless steel chef’s blade with a stonewash finish. M390MK is a high-end stainless steel choice that’s made to hold an edge through repeated use, so you can keep chopping, slicing, and dicing without feeling like the sharpness disappears halfway through dinner prep. That edge retention is a big deal when you’re running through onions, herbs, proteins, and piles of vegetables back-to-back. The stonewash finish adds a hardworking, low-glare look that hides the inevitable scuffs of daily use, so the knife keeps its clean, professional appearance even after it’s been put to work.
The 8" blade length hits the classic sweet spot for a chef’s knife. It’s long enough to handle full-size ingredients with ease—think melons, cabbage, brisket trimming, or a stack of onions—while still staying nimble for detail work. That extra blade length also gives you better efficiency with rocking cuts and long slicing strokes, helping you keep a steady rhythm on the board. With a 13.52" overall length, you get comfortable reach and leverage without the knife feeling oversized or unwieldy.
The handle is built from Merlot G-10, bringing durability and dependable grip to the cutting experience. G-10’s a favorite in hard-use knives for good reason: it’s tough, resistant to moisture, and stays stable through temperature changes and constant handling. In the kitchen, that translates to a handle that feels secure even when your hands are wet or messy. The Merlot color adds a rich, refined tone that stands out from the usual black-and-steel crowd, giving the knife a premium look that still feels practical and grounded. It’s stylish, but it’s not delicate.
Microtech finishes the build with full tang construction, meaning the steel runs the length of the handle for added strength and stability. That matters more than people think—especially when you’re working quickly or applying controlled pressure through denser foods. Full tang construction also contributes to balance, helping the knife feel planted and predictable in motion. At 9.04 oz., it carries a confident weight that supports smooth, controlled cuts without feeling heavy-handed. You’ll notice the steadiness in your slices and the way the blade tracks where you want it to go, whether you’re making fine brunoise cuts or powering through tougher prep.
This is a chef’s knife that’s made to earn its place on the counter. It looks sharp, feels substantial, and performs with the kind of consistency that keeps you coming back for “one more prep task” because it’s simply satisfying to use. If you’re ready to upgrade to a premium kitchen blade that blends edge-holding steel, full-tang confidence, and a standout Merlot handle in a daily-driver size, this Microtech is ready to cook.
Pick up the Microtech 8” Chef’s Knife Merlot from the world’s largest knife store, Smoky Mountain Knife Works, the best online knife store for performance blades that bring precision to every cut.