Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Chef Knives

Mac MTH-80 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 MTH-80 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.8 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about experienced cooks seeking maximum precision and speed in fine cuts — read the strengths below before deciding.

Mac MTH-80
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Chef Knives
Mac MTH-80
4 sources3 derived$175as of Oct 3

techgearlab found the Mac MTH-80 to be the sharpest knife in their lineup, capable of performing the finest chiffonades and smallest onion dice. isaaccarew reported excellent edge retention lasting weeks of restaurant prep, significantly outperforming German blades due to its VG-10 steel core and 60 HRC hardness. The blade geometry is nearly flawless with a thin profile that glides through food with almost no resistance, while the balance point sits exactly at the bolster to prevent wrist fatigue during long sessions. However, the thin blade is too fragile to lever bones or split hard vegetables like butternut squash without chipping. Additionally, the notably short handle requires a specific pinch grip, making it unsuitable for inexperienced users who prefer heavier Western-style knives. The knife must be hand-washed only as the dishwasher will pit the blade within a month. This model fits experienced cooks seeking precision and speed, while those needing durability or ease of use should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — GearLab found it to be the sharpest knife in their lineup, capable of performing the finest chiffonades and smallest onion dice.
  • — The blade geometry is described as nearly flawless with a thin profile that glides through food with almost no resistance.
  • — Isaac Carew reported excellent edge retention lasting weeks of restaurant prep, significantly outperforming German blades.
Watch-outs
  • — The thin blade is too fragile to lever bones or split hard vegetables like butternut squash without chipping.
  • — The handle is notably short and requires a specific pinch grip, making it unsuitable for inexperienced users.
  • — The knife must be hand-washed only as the dishwasher will pit the blade.
Mac Professional Hollow Edge 8" Chef's Knife
Ranked #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.

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

Mac MTH-80

The Mac MTH-80 is noted for its exceptional sharpness and thin profile that glides through food with almost no resistance, making it superior to the thicker Mercer Culinary Genesis for precision slicing. However, unlike the Hedley & Bennett Chef's Knife which offers a neutral handle fit for various hand sizes, the Mac MTH-80 has a notably short handle that requires a specific pinch grip and is unsuitable for inexperienced users.

Specs side-by-side

SpecMac MTH-80Mac Professional Hollow Edge 8" Chef's Knife
Blade Length8 inches8 inches
Steel TypeVG-10 core / AUS-8 variantSub-Zero tempered, high-carbon Molybdenum Vanadium alloy
Hardness60 HRC59-60 HRC
Handle MaterialPakkawoodPakkaWood
Total Length12.63 inches12-5/8"
Weight6.4 oz6.8 oz. (192g)
ConstructionStampedStamped
Edge Angle15 degrees15 degrees, double bevel
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