Knives
Best kitchen knives: three 20 cm chef's blades
Arcos Riviera, Victorinox Fibrox and Wüsthof Classic: differences in weight, construction and maintenance, without confusing price with comfort.
AceiteySal editorial team · Reviewed 13 Sep 2026
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At a glance
Compare the essentials ↓
Victorinox Fibrox 20 cm chef's knife
An alternative with a lower stated weight for everyday knife work.
See analysis ↓
Arcos Riviera 20 cm chef's knife
A forged chef's knife for anyone looking for a general-purpose 20 cm blade.
See analysis ↓
Wüsthof Classic 20 cm chef's knife
A forged blade from the Classic range for anyone who wants this construction and is willing to care for the edge.
See analysis ↓Compare the essentials
Swipe the table to see every column.
| Model | What we like | Things to consider | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victorinox Fibrox 20 cm chef's knife |
|
| Anyone who prioritises a lower weight |
| Arcos Riviera 20 cm chef's knife |
|
| Chopping vegetables and everyday food preparation |
| Wüsthof Classic 20 cm chef's knife |
|
| Anyone who prefers a traditional forged knife |
How to choose
Choose the knife you will use, not the largest block
To start, we would prioritise a good chef's knife over a set full of pieces. Victorinox Fibrox is our option for a relatively low stated weight. Arcos Riviera may suit you if you prefer more mass and forged construction. Wüsthof Classic is another forged alternative to try in your hand. These preferences are not results of an ergonomics test.
Why compare blades of the same length
All three have a 20 cm blade. This avoids attributing to the brand a difference caused simply by comparing a short knife with a long one. Even so, blade height, handle geometry and weight distribution affect the feel. Check that you can hold it with control and that your knuckles do not hit the board.
Weight and hardness figures tell only part of the story. A harder blade does not by definition cut better or keep its edge for a fixed number of months. The board, what you cut and sharpening technique affect the result. We therefore do not award points based on a steel's trade name.
Which tasks it covers
A chef's knife chops vegetables and herbs and portions many foods. It does not replace a serrated bread knife, a paring knife for small jobs or a tool suitable for bones. Nor should it be used as a lever or on frozen products. Buying a versatile blade does not mean forcing it into every job.
Before deciding
If possible, try the grip in a shop. When buying remotely, check the exact reference and seller's terms. We do not treat all Fibrox, Riviera or Classic variants as equivalent. Also budget for a stable board and suitable maintenance equipment.
Cooking tip
For an evenly cooked stir-fry, first create a flat side on the vegetable and cut similar-sized pieces. Keep fingers tucked in and do not chase speed. Hand-wash and dry the blade, protect the edge in storage and never leave it hidden in a sink of water.
How we research and what we have not tested
Selection for the Spanish market reviewed on 13 September 2026. We cross-checked references and features on official pages and in manuals, linked in each product review. Recommendations by use are our editorial judgement based on those data, not results of physical tests. We have not measured these models' performance, noise, energy use, wear or comfort. We do not assign scores or a permanent value-for-money winner.
Images come from product pages; sources are listed in each review. Amazon links are reference searches and require checking the exact offer; other links lead to the official shop. Price and stock have not been confirmed. Related recipes illustrate possible uses, not verified compatibility or testing with each product.
Header image: Victorinox Fibrox 20 cm chef's knife. Source: Victorinox.
A closer look
Victorinox Fibrox 20 cm chef's knife
An alternative with a lower stated weight for everyday knife work.
Specification-based analysis · Reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Best suited to: Anyone who prioritises a lower weight
What we like
- 20 cm straight-edged blade; stated weight of 182 g.
- Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) handle.
Things to consider
- The blade is not forged and has a different construction from the other two.
- We have not measured edge retention or balance.
Methodology and evidence
Cross-checking official product information and manuals, with editorial interpretation based on cooking needs. No hands-on tests or verification of offers. Sources are linked in the review.
It is our first editorial choice if you want a general-purpose knife and prefer less weight than the Arcos included here. The recommendation is based on stated dimensions and construction, not on having tested both handles.
For even julienne cuts, rest the flat side of the ingredient on a stable chopping board. A more expensive knife cannot fix a board that moves. Keep the edge sharp and use a separate paring knife to peel small ingredients.
Sources and scope
Official source 1. Accessed: 13/09/2026. Documentary analysis, without our own hands-on test. We do not publish ratings, prices or availability. The image shows the product described.
The Amazon button opens a model search, not a validated offer. Check the reference, seller and package contents before buying.
Product image: Victorinox (source).
Choose your retailer market
Arcos Riviera 20 cm chef's knife
A forged chef's knife for anyone looking for a general-purpose 20 cm blade.
Specification-based analysis · Reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Best suited to: Chopping vegetables and everyday food preparation
What we like
- 20 cm forged Nitrum stainless-steel blade.
- POM handle; stated weight of 280 g.
Things to consider
- A higher stated weight than the Fibrox in this selection.
- Handle comfort can only be confirmed by holding it.
Methodology and evidence
Cross-checking official product information and manuals, with editorial interpretation based on cooking needs. No hands-on tests or verification of offers. Sources are linked in the review.
This is an option for anyone who prefers more weight in the hand when working on a chopping board. We do not claim that the extra weight makes it more comfortable: for a long preparation session, try the grip and check that your knuckles have enough clearance.
A chef's blade is for chopping and slicing, not splitting bones or frozen food. Wash and dry the knife by hand and store it with the edge protected. The steel's name alone does not establish how long the edge will stay sharp.
Sources and scope
Official source 1. Accessed: 13/09/2026. Documentary analysis, without our own hands-on test. We do not publish ratings, prices or availability. The image shows the product described.
The Amazon button opens a model search, not a validated offer. Check the reference, seller and package contents before buying.
Product image: Arcos (source).
Choose your retailer market
Wüsthof Classic 20 cm chef's knife
A forged blade from the Classic range for anyone who wants this construction and is willing to care for the edge.
Specification-based analysis · Reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Best suited to: Anyone who prefers a traditional forged knife
What we like
- 20 cm blade; stated hardness of 58 HRC.
- Forged construction from the Classic range.
Things to consider
- Hardness is not a quality or comfort score.
- It does not replace a bread knife or boning knife.
Methodology and evidence
Cross-checking official product information and manuals, with editorial interpretation based on cooking needs. No hands-on tests or verification of offers. Sources are linked in the review.
We would put it on the list of models to hold before buying. The stated hardness helps identify the blade, but does not establish how often it will need sharpening: the chopping board, technique and maintenance all matter.
Use the cutting edge for cutting. To transfer chopped food, use a scraper or carefully use the spine, rather than dragging the edge across the board. We have not carried out cutting or wear tests on this model.
Sources and scope
Official source 1. Accessed: 13/09/2026. Documentary analysis, without our own hands-on test. We do not publish ratings, prices or availability. The image shows the product described.
The Amazon button opens a model search, not a validated offer. Check the reference, seller and package contents before buying.
Product image: Wüsthof (source).
Choose your retailer market
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a complete knife set?
Not necessarily. A chef's knife, a paring knife and a bread knife meet different needs; it is better to choose them by use.
Does forged always mean better?
No. It describes manufacturing, not a guarantee of comfort, sharpness or fit in your hand.
How often should I sharpen it?
That depends on use and maintenance. We do not give a fixed schedule; check cutting performance and follow an appropriate sharpening method for the blade.
Recipes to put it to use
Use these recipes as a starting point; adjust batches and cooking time to your appliance. They have not been tested on every model in this guide.
Check the current price, availability and exact model at the retailer. Markets are shown explicitly; language does not select your country.
