Why is your chef's knife important?

A chef’s knife is one of the most useful, versatile tools in your kitchen. It has a broad, sharp blade and a solid handle and is excellent for everything from chopping vegetables, fruits and nuts to finely slicing herbs. Because of its versatility, you’ll use your chef’s knife more than any other knife you may have so it’s worth it to invest in a good one.

A high-quality knife can last you for decades with proper handling and care. It’s important to have a good chef’s knife because it helps you perform many essential tasks. From breaking down a butternut squash, chopping an onion, to mincing garlic, peeling fruits, and much more, a chef’s knife can help you do it all, simply and safely.

The blade on a chef’s knife is made of steel and it is most often between eight and twelve inches long. Traditionally, the handle is made of wood, but since it’s prone to wear and tear if not maintained correctly, plastic and rubber has become more common. In the end, it really comes down to your personal preference. To begin selecting the right knife for your home use, you should first get familiar with the different types and styles. 

Chef’s Knife Varieties

There are different types of chef’s knives. They come in all price points and offer a wide variety of weights, grips, and lengths to fit your needs.

German-style knives

German style chef’s knives are strong, sturdy, and have a curved blade. The continuous curve in the blade from the handle to the tip makes it ideal for a rocking motion on the cutting board. The blade is thick and made with a tough carbon steel so that it stays sharper for longer. They tend to be heavier and sturdier than other styles which makes them ideal for tough vegetables such as squashes.

French-style knives 

French knives are similar to German style but they don’t have a continuous curve. Instead, they’re straight through most of the blade and then they curve towards the end into the top. Like German style knives, they’re heavy and durable with a thick blade. 

Japanese-style knives

There are two types of Japanese chef’s knife: Gyuto and Santoku. Both have the same wedge shape as western chef’s knives, but they tend to have thinner, sharper blades and are lighter overall. This makes them more precise, but requires them to be sharpened more frequently. Gyuto knives are most similar to western style knives while Santoku knives are thinner and lighter. 

What to look for in your chef’s knife

Although you can easily purchase knives online, it’s best to go to a store to try them out, if possible. Holding a knife will help you get a good idea of how long and how heavy a knife feels in your hand. It will also give you the opportunity to try different grips (plastic rubber, metal) to get a sense of what feels best to you.

Style

German, French, and Japanese-style knives all have their pros and cons and are all available at a wide range of price points. Western style knives are well-established. They’re weighty, durable, and can go longer between sharpening. Japanese styles are becoming increasingly trendy and are known for their lightness and precision. As with any knife, the way you use it will determine how well it serves you. The best Japanese knife may not feel as good to you as an average German knife. Try them out to get an idea of what you like best.

Material

There are two materials used to make the blade of a chef’s knife: steel and ceramic. Steel is the most common and definitely the sturdiest. Choose steel if you plan on cutting hearty vegetables on a regular basis. Ceramic doesn’t need to be sharpened like steel does so if you’re willing to replace your knife more frequently or if you don’t want to spend time sharpening your knives, ceramic may be a good choice for you.

As far as the handle goes, you’ll see rubber, plastic, and metal. Here’s where trying knives out in the store comes in handy: it’s hard to know what you’ll prefer until you try it for yourself. Remember that you’ll use your chef’s knife a lot, so grip comfort is important. All are easy to clean and durable so all that matters is choosing one that is comfortable.

Length

Chef’s knives are typically between 8 inches and 12 inches but can be as short as 6 inches but rarely longer than 12. Any size can be effective in the kitchen, so try them out. Shorter people may find longer blades unwieldy while taller people may prefer smaller, easier-to-control blades. It’s another matter of preference so buy whichever length feels best to you. For reference, 8 inches is the most common length in home kitchens. 

Weight

Weight is important in chef’s knives. You want one that feels hearty and durable, but not so heavy that it slows you down. German style knives tend to be the heaviest and Japanese Santoku knives are often the lightest. You’ll want one that feels heavy enough to handle large, sturdy vegetables but light enough to quickly chop herbs. It’s different for everyone, so try a large selection before deciding on one. 

Balance

The balance between the blade and the grip varies from knife to knife. A knife that feels heavier at the handle-end will make you work harder. A knife that feels like it tilts to one side will slow you down and hinder your precision. Try to find a knife that feels comfortably balanced in your hand. When holding a knife on your finger right where the grip meats the blade, a good knife should balance well without tipping to either side.

Cost

Finally, there’s cost. Chef’s knives can cost as little as $10 and up to $500+ for special, custom-made knives. A high-end knife will cost an average of $100 with some above and below. Choose what fits in your budget, but remember that you get what you pay for. The more you spend on your knife, chances are it’ll be a better knife in the end. And remember, a good chef’s knife will last a lifetime and bring you lots of joy in the kitchen.

The good news is: there are a lot of reasonably priced high-quality knives that won’t cost too much. Have a look online and read other people’s reviews to see how a particular knife performs.

Conclusion

A good chef’s knife is the most valuable tool in your kitchen. One that feels comfortable in your hand will help you prevent accidents and chop almost anything in your kitchen with precision. Choose one that fits in your hand, balances nicely, and fits within your budget.

In our next article, we will look at proper knife care. You will learn how to hone and sharpen your knife correctly.