How to choose a kitchen knife?

Types of knives and their purpose

There are a large number of different knives used in the kitchen, and each has its own purpose. Knowing the types of kitchen knives will help you choose the one that will become an indispensable assistant in cooking.

Utility knife 

Compact yet functional, it is often used for slicing fruits, vegetables, meat and cheese. Its medium blade length makes it well suited for a variety of tasks, making it a great option for those who want good kitchen knives without spending too much.

Chef's knife 

One of the best kitchen knives that no chef can do without. It has a wide, heavy blade 18-25 cm long and is suitable for slicing meat, chopping herbs, and chopping vegetables. Its shape allows for rocking movements when slicing, which makes the process as fast and comfortable as possible.

Bread knife 

The long serrated blade makes it easy to cut soft foods without crushing them. Thanks to the special shape of the knife, it can also be used to cut tomatoes, watermelons and other foods with soft cores and hard skin.

Vegetable knife 

A small knife with a pointed tip, designed for peeling and slicing vegetables and fruits. It is a handy tool for fine work that will help you quickly deal with small products.

Fillet knife  

It has a thin and flexible blade that allows you to carefully separate meat from bones or cut fish into even pieces. If you often cook fish or seafood, this knife will become indispensable.

Santoku knife 

A Japanese analogue of a chef's knife, but with a wider and shorter blade. Its feature is the notches on the surface that prevent food from sticking to the knife.

Blade material

The blade material determines the sharpness of the knife, ease of sharpening, and durability. If you want to choose quality knives , you should pay attention to the type of steel, because it affects the characteristics of the tool.

Stainless steel

The most popular option for kitchen knives. This steel does not rust, is easy to clean, but requires regular sharpening. It is an excellent choice for home use, as such knives combine durability and ease of care.

Carbon steel 

Harder than stainless steel and stays sharper longer. However, this type of knife can rust if not properly cared for. Professional chefs often prefer carbon steel knives because they cut through even the hardest foods.

Damask 

This is a combination of several layers of metal, which provides unique strength and aesthetic appearance. Such knives have a characteristic pattern on the blade, cut perfectly and stay sharp for a long time. They belong to the category of premium tools and are a good choice.

Ceramics

Lightweight, extremely sharp knives that are ideal for cutting vegetables, fruits and meat. They are not subject to corrosion and do not require sharpening for a long time. However, they are quite fragile and can break if dropped or in contact with hard surfaces.

Which steel is best for a knife? The choice depends on your needs:

• For everyday use at home, stainless steel is best.

• If durability of sharpening is important, you should pay attention to carbon steel.

• If you are looking for a premium solution, then Damascus steel would be the ideal option.

Why sharpen knife blades? Sharpening a knife is essential to maintaining its effectiveness. Even the best kitchen knives lose their sharpness over time, making it difficult to cut. Regular sharpening helps maintain the performance of your knife and ensures ease of use. Use a whetstone or whetstone to keep your knives in great shape.

When choosing quality knives, pay attention to the type of blade, balance, shape, and handle material. After all, the best knives are not just tools, but the key to comfortable and safe work in the kitchen.

Handle material and shape

When choosing the best kitchen knives, you should pay attention not only to the blade, but also to the handle, because it is it that provides comfort and safety while working. An unsuccessful choice can lead to hand fatigue or even injuries due to slipping or improper grip.

• Wood is an aesthetic and pleasant to the touch material that is often used in professional knives. Wooden handles provide an excellent grip, but require special care. They do not like moisture, so after washing they need to be thoroughly wiped. To extend the service life, it is recommended to periodically rub with oil.

• Plastic is a lightweight, practical, and moisture-resistant material. It doesn't absorb odors, doesn't slip, and is great for everyday use. However, cheap plastic handles can lose their strength and crack over time.

• Metal is a strong and durable material, often used in professional knives. Metal handles are easy to clean and disinfect, but they can be cold to the touch and heavier than wooden or plastic handles.

• Rubber or rubberized coating – provides maximum grip even in wet hands. This option is great for those looking for good kitchen knives with maximum safety and comfort.

It is important that the handle is comfortable, well-balanced, and does not create discomfort while cutting.

Which hand should you hold the knife in?

The standard option is in the working hand, but the main thing is not which hand you hold the knife in, but how correctly you hold it. The optimal grip is when three fingers hold the handle, and the thumb and index finger fix the base of the blade. This allows you to control the movements and avoid slipping.

Balance and weight

The balance of a knife affects its comfort and efficiency in work. Kitchen knives have the correct weight distribution between the handle and the blade, which ensures ease of use and prevents rapid hand fatigue.

How to determine the balance of a knife?

1. Place the knife on your finger where the blade meets the handle.

2. If the knife does not lean forward or backward, its balance is perfect.

3. If the weight is shifted towards the blade, the knife will be more effective for working with hard products (for example, meat or pumpkin).

4. If it predominates towards the handle, the knife will be more convenient for thinly slicing vegetables or herbs.

What knife weight is best?

• Lightweight knives are great for jobs that require quick and precise cutting. They are ideal for herbs, vegetables, and fruits.

• Heavy knives – handle meat, hard foods, and chopping ingredients better.

When choosing a knife, it is important to hold it in your hand and perform a few trial movements. If the knife feels comfortable and does not cause discomfort, this indicates the right choice. The best knives are those that are comfortable to work with even for a long time.

Care and storage

Even the best kitchen knives need proper care to stay sharp and last for years. If you don't follow the care rules, even the highest quality knives will quickly lose their sharpness, become scratched, or corroded.

Basic rules for knife care

1. Hand wash – Always wash knives by hand in warm water with a soft sponge. Dishwashers can damage the blade or dull it.
   
   

2. Drying after washing – Avoid leaving knives in water or wet. Moisture can cause stains to form on even the best stainless steel knives .
   
   

3. Regular sharpening – why sharpen knife blades? Even the best steel loses its sharpness over time, so it is necessary to use a whetstone or whetstone.
   
   

4. Do not use glass or metal boards – they will dull the blade quickly. It is better to choose wooden or plastic boards.

How often should you sharpen a knife?

The frequency of sharpening depends on the intensity of use:

• For home use , once every 3-6 months is enough.

• For professional kitchens , knives are sharpened weekly or even daily.

How to properly store knives?

• A magnetic strip is one of the most convenient ways to store your knife. The knife is always at hand, and the blade does not come into contact with other objects, which helps maintain its sharpness.

• A wooden stand is a classic option that protects knives from damage. However, it is important to choose blocks made of high-quality wood to avoid the formation of bacteria.

• Knife covers are a great way to store knives in a drawer. They prevent the blade from coming into contact with other objects, which helps keep it sharp.

• Slotted stands provide safe storage, but you need to make sure that moisture does not accumulate in them.

The right kitchen knife will make cooking more convenient, faster, and safer. By following the care instructions, you can enjoy their efficiency and durability for many years.