Finding the perfect knife is a daunting task, you could spend hours online or in-store looking for what might be the one. As the number and types of knives are increasing with every passing day, the task has become no easier. You may vaguely know what you are looking for, but to simplify your approach, here are some points you should consider when finding the right knife for you.
Things To Consider When Buying A New Kitchen Knife
- First, you have to look for the type of blade you need in your kitchen. From pairing knives to cleavers, there are plenty to choose from. But here are the big four, a chefs knife, a multi-functional blade that you will use most often, which is also an equivalent to the Santoku blade. A serrated utility knife, smaller than a bread knife and made for cutting vegetables and citrus foods. A boning knife, designed to help easily detach meat from the bone, and finally, a pairing knife for intricate work and peeling of fruit. Know the purpose of your blade before buying, this will be the driving force behind which knife will serve you best.
- Next, what kind of handle you prefer? Different brands offer a range of different handles. Wooden handles provide a decent grip but require extra care and consideration, they need to be cleaned more thoroughly than a material like plastic or composite handles. Plastic is often choice for their sturdy nature and ability to be fully disinfected. This material does not absorb micro-organisms and therefore can be cleaned effectively. They allow your knife handle to remain lightweight too! Composite handles are a combination of both wood and plastic, a lamination encases the wood adding a protective layer. This allows the wood to remain durable for longer.
- Third, consider the material of the blade. You want a blade that won’t rust and will retain sharpness. Avoids blades which claim they never need sharpening. All blades eventually begin to dull with use, it is a natural process and eventually you will want and need to sharpen your knife. Invest in one that uses a steel that stays sharper for longer instead. Forged blades are preferred over stamped as the forging process allows the metal to reach its strongest form.
- Remember, that a dull knife is known to cause more injury in the kitchen than a sharp one. With a dull knife you tend to add more pressure, therefore are more likely to lose control of your blade. Always be careful, you can test if you knife is sharp enough by holding a sheet of kitchen paper and trying to slice through it. If your knife struggles, you have a dull knife! When investing in a knife, you should always consider buying yourself a sharpening whetstone so that you can keep your knives sharp and ready to cut! Quick to learn and simple to use, having a whetstone means giving your knife a longer life span.