I need a knife to cut my steak (with).

[sitifan]

1. I need a knife to cut my steak.
2. I need a knife in order to cut my steak.
3. I need a knife to cut my steak with.
4. I need a knife with which to cut my steak.
Are all the above sentences acceptable to native speakers?

 

[5jj]

Yes, though the second is a little stiff, and the fourth is very stuffy.

 

[jutfrank]

You should also realise that they differ in meaning.

 

[sitifan]

You should also realise that they differ in meaning.

1. I need a knife to cut my steak. = 2. I need a knife in order to cut my steak.
3. I need a knife to cut my steak with. = 4. I need a knife with which to cut my steak.