Tips for Choosing a Chef Knife
Every functional kitchen contains a large variety of kitchen appliances and in that list, it is totally impossible to miss a knife. A knife is an essential part of kitchen life and though ignored by many people, its quality matters a great deal in making cooking a joy rather than punishment since good quality knife will make your tasks in the kitchen easier and faster. The following are great tips to help you in choosing the best chef knife for the money.
Considering the material of which the blade is made of is very important. It should be German or Japanese steel which is stainless and more resistant to rust and discoloration. German steel is usually thicker, stronger and easier to sharpen thus making it ideal for heavier jobs like cutting through tendons and bones while Japanese steel is thinner, lighter and razor-sharp thus perfect for delicate tasks like cutting vegetables. They require regular sharpening. Away from where the blades originate, any chef knife should have a blade that is resistant to stains, rust and discoloration and is stronger thus does not easily lose its edges requiring frequent sharpening. A good example of this blade is the High-Carbon stainless steel that combines both strength, resilience and durability.
Choosing a handle that fits and feels comfortable in your hand is also advisable since it promotes work efficiency by gives it the maneuverability required for finer tasks like dicing and carving. Most chef knife handles are ergonomically designed to enhance their grip and some are made from wood, plastics, metal and other synthetic materials. The handle should also be long enough and broad enough for a good grip which reduces the probability of the knife slipping off your hand hence reducing the risk of chopping your fingers as well as other accidents. This also makes work in the kitchen easier and quicker.
The best chef knife is one that is balanced from handle to tip. This makes it easier to perform a larger variety of tasks in the kitchen without the knife tipping from side to side. It is advisable to ask for a sample knife and try it out on different tasks such as cutting, dicing, mincing and carving before finally deciding on which one to purchase.
The weight of the knife should also be carefully examined. The best knife should be light enough to allow for finer cuts and easier manipulation. Though weight is mainly a personal preference, it is a great factor to consider especially if you perform heavier tasks such as cutting through tendons or disjointing bones in large chunks of meat. Most chefs prefer heavier knives for these heavy tasks.
The size of the blade should be optimal to all kinds of tasks you want to perform. Broader thicker blades are strong enough to withstand bending or breaking when performing heavier tasks and are most preferred. Some tasks usually require longer blades while some require shorter ones thus it’s advisable to own a set of knives with different blade sizes. The blade should also run all the way to the butt of the handle; known as a full-tang knife, thus promoting durability and strength of the knife. It is safer to purchase knives with a bulging finger-guard between the blade and the handle to protect your hand from slipping during cutting.
Equipped with a keen eye for beauty, enough money and the above tips, you will be on your way to finding the best chef knife for all your cutting needs.
Get more information on how to select a kitchen knife at Wiki How
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