Knives are key tools within every kitchen, but with the many options available it can be confusing as to which ones to buy. The goal of this article is to help aid your research process so you know what knife characteristics to look for. To get more information about buying knives for your needs, check out The Kitchen Calls.
Below, we list 7 things to keep in mind before buying knives.
- Using them should be easy – You want knives that feel natural in your hand and are easy to operate – user experience matters a lot. Cutting meats, vegetables, fruits, and other kinds of food should be simple to do with an automatic knife, and your experience should always be a positive one.
- Cost matters – If you spend lots of time in the kitchen and do much of your own cooking, then it’s a great idea to invest in high-quality knives that will last many years. Upfront costs can be high with knives, but if they are well built, stay sharp, and make cooking a breeze then you will quickly forget the price tags. A good chef knife, for example, can cost in excess of $200, but if it’s used every day and has some big responsibilities to carry out, then that purchase will quickly pay off in spades.
- Comfortable handle – How a knife feels when you place it in your hand can’t be understated. The material used for a handle matters greatly – plastic, wood, metal, and composites are common options. Shape and weight make a big impact in a knife’s handle, and depending on the size, shape, and strength of your hand(s) – it will dictate which handles are the most comfortable for you to use.
- Knife material – Stainless steel exists in many kitchen knives today – and for good reason, as they are strong, durable, and easy to sharpen. Some more expensive knives use carbon steel which is stronger and more sturdy than stainless steel, but less durable for the long-haul. High-carbon stainless steel is another type of knife material and is a hybrid of sorts between stainless steel and carbon steel. Ceramic knives are less common but are very sharp, lightweight, but are difficult to sharpen at home and may require professional help.
- Construction type – Knives are typically made using either a forged or stamped method. Forged knives are of higher quality than stamped, but also cost more as a result. Stamped knives still do perform well, but usually require more sharpening over time compared to forged.
- Sharpness – If you have ever tried to cut something with a dull knife you will understand the frustration. Ideally, you want knives that are sharp from day one and stay that way before sharpening is required. Sharper knives, on the surface, may seem more dangerous, but you’re actually more apt to cut yourself using a less sharp knife when struggling to cut something – control is best with sharper blades.
- Weight and balance – You want knives with weights that makes them easy to operate in all situations. Some prefer heavier knives for a good flow of motion, while others want lighter ones – the choice is yours. Balance is a result of weight and how it’s distributed throughout the blade. A well-balanced knife feels intuitive when you’re using it, and provides you with a full range of motion for each cut you make.
Buying knives may seem simple but when you start learning about their many different characteristics, you will find there’s more to it than first realized. Take your time with your research, and buy knives that will treat your cooking process and your food very well.
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