How To Choose The Best Kitchen Knife? 7 Things To Look Before Buying

The knife is one of the simplest tools used in almost all kitchens. Being simple it’s the most important piece of tool in the kitchen. 

It’s the only tool in the kitchen that can do everything from cutting a whole chicken or micing garlic or herbs. 

But what makes the best kitchen knife and how to choose the best kitchen knife? Well, there are numerous factors that you have to consider while getting yourself a knife, such as material, weight, sharpness, balance, the thickness of the blade, and even the cost of the knife. 

For a beginner, it’s always a challenging task to find the best kitchen knives, as there are vast varieties of knives available and it’s very confusing which one to choose. 

If you are just getting yourself a knife just because of its looks then you will definitely get the wrong one, as there are many other factors that have to be considered. 

You probably would have read twenty similar articles, but would not have found the exact answer to the question. This is simple and that is why we have prepared this complete buying guide. 

So make sure that you read this entire post so that you can get a clear understanding and next time you can get yourself the best quality knife. 

So let’s get started!!

How To Pick a Good Kitchen Knife Set 

Finding out the best quality knife is tough as there are a lot of manufacturers that make different quality kitchen knives. 

There is no perfect knife, it’s just you have to consider a few of the factors while getting yourself a kitchen knife. So, I have shared some of the common ways that may not come to your mind. 

So, I have listed all the different factors that you should consider before getting yourself a kitchen knife or a Japanese Knife.

1. Material

There are many different types of steel used for making kitchen knives and most kitchen knives are made from stainless and high-carbon steel. 

The material of the knife is one of the most important factors that you have to consider while getting a knife because the material of the blade decides how long the blade will last. 

If you choose the wrong material, your blade might suffer from corrosion and the worst this that can happen is the blade will get chipped off. 

For making kitchen knives, it’s mostly recommended to get low-carbon steel as they are the best kitchen knife material and there is also less chance of the blade suffering from corrosion. 

No one wants to replace their knife every year. So, make sure that you look at the type of material while getting yourself a knife. 

2. Weight

The weight of the blade is also an important factor that you have to consider before buying a knife. If your knife doesn’t have a good weight balance then you cannot cut a perfect slice of vegetable. 

Well, there is no specific weight for a kitchen knife, but make sure that the blade weighs between 10 ounces, as it’s considered to be the perfect weight for comfortable maneuvering. 

Also, the weight of the blade is most likely a preference and it mostly depends on the size of the palm. Some of them prefer using  a lightweight knife while some likes using a heavy knife 

3. Hand Comfort

This is one of the factors that can make a huge difference while maneuvering the knife. 

When you are holding the knife you must feel comfortable in your hands. Some of the common handle materials are wood, metal, and even plastic. 

Wooden knife handles are considered to be among the best ones. There are many different types of woods used for making knife handles for which you check for more detail. 

Wooden knife handles are very comfortable to use. However, It requires more maintenance when compared to steel and plastic. 

You can also get an aluminum-handled knife because it’s usually hard and a very durable material for knife handles. The low-density metal provides a very nice feeling without weighing the knife down. 

4. Sharpness 

Nobody wants to use a dull knife. A dull knife can be more dangerous as you might slip while cutting. 

A sharp knife should be able to cut hair and tomato in a single go. You don’t want to risk your fingers just because of using a dull knife. 

So, make sure that you get a knife from a genuine brand that has been tried and tested before it’s sold.

5. Balance 

A chef knife should be equally balanced between the blade and the handle. If you are getting yourself a knife from a store then you can carefully lay down the knife between the middle finger and the forefinger.

Now, look at whether the knife tip is one way or the other. If the handle is too heavy then it won’t cut effectively, and if the blade is too heavy it will be very uncomfortable to use. 

However, if you are getting a knife from a genuine brand you won’t find these issues much. 

6. Tang 

The tang of the knife mostly refers to the unsharpened, unexposed part of the knife blade that is extended down the handle. There are usually three different types of tang. 

• Full Tang: The full tang blade is one solid piece of metal that goes down the entire length of the handle. The full tang knives are one of the best choices of knives because it provide a better balance and a robust design. The best part about the knife is there is no point in the handle coming out of the knife blade. 

• Rat Tail Tang: This type of knife blade narrows down as it goes through the handles and is welded at the base. This type of knife requires more maintenance and it can lose over time. 

• Half Tang: The knife blade extends halfway along the knife handle. This type of knife can be dangerous and if too much force is applied, the half-tang knife can snap off and it can be really dangerous.

7. Cost

Kitchen knives are available in a wide variety of ranges from $10 to $200 and even more. It mostly depends on the quality and brand of the knife. If you are looking for an even more premium brand it might cost you even more.

It’s true that expensive knives have a higher steel quality than cheaper ones. However, you don’t have to worry about that.

You can easily get a good quality stainless kitchen knife for under $50.

8. Blade Type

Consider the type of blade that suits your cooking needs. Chef’s knives are versatile for various tasks, while a serrated knife is ideal for slicing bread. Other specialized knives include boning knives, utility knives, and paring knives. Choose a knife set that includes the blades most relevant to your cooking style.

9. Edge Maintenance

Regularly maintain the sharpness of your knives using a honing rod or whetstone. A sharp knife not only makes your tasks easier but also reduces the risk of accidents. Learn proper sharpening techniques to keep your knives in optimal condition.

10. Handle Design

The design and material of the handle contribute significantly to comfort and control. Some prefer ergonomic handles made of materials like Pakkawood, while others may opt for stainless steel or plastic handles. Choose a handle that provides a secure grip and feels comfortable during extended use.

11. Bolster Presence

A bolster, the thick junction between the blade and handle adds balance and stability to a knife. Some knives have a full bolster that extends to the blade’s edge, while others have a half bolster or none at all. The presence and type of bolster affect the knife’s overall performance and weight distribution.

12. Knife Set Inclusions

Consider the additional items included in the knife set, such as kitchen shears, a honing rod, or a storage block. A well-rounded set can fulfill various kitchen needs. Ensure that the set aligns with the type of cooking you do and the frequency of use.

13. Blade Thickness

The thickness of the blade affects its durability and cutting performance. Thicker blades are generally more robust and suitable for heavy-duty tasks, while thinner blades excel at precision slicing. Choose a blade thickness that aligns with your cooking preferences.

14. Maintenance Ease

Consider the ease of cleaning and maintaining the knives. Some knives may require hand washing, while others are dishwasher-safe. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and storage to prolong the life of your knives.

15. Warranty and Customer Reviews

Check for warranties offered by the manufacturer, as this reflects their confidence in the product’s quality. Additionally, read customer reviews to gain insights into the performance and durability of the knife set. Real user experiences can help you make an informed decision.

16. Brand Reputation

Choose knives from reputable brands known for producing high-quality kitchen tools. Established brands often invest in research and craftsmanship, resulting in durable and efficient knives. Research customer feedback on the brand’s overall reputation and commitment to quality.

17. Specialized Cuisine

If you specialize in a particular cuisine, consider knives designed for those specific tasks. For example, a Santoku knife is well-suited for Japanese cuisine, while a cleaver is essential for Chinese cooking. Tailor your knife set to accommodate your culinary interests.

18. Storage Solutions

Evaluate the storage options available for your knife set. Some sets come with wooden blocks, magnetic strips, or blade guards. Proper storage not only keeps your knives organized but also prevents damage to the blades.

19. Versatility vs. Specialization

Determine whether you prefer a versatile set that covers a broad range of tasks or a specialized set tailored to specific needs. A balance between general-purpose knives and specialized blades can offer the best of both worlds.

What Are The Best Kitchen Knife Material

Stainless is one of the best materials for making kitchen knife as because it’s rust-free and gets easily sharpened using any type of knife sharpener.

Kitchen knives are prone to rusting because the knives come in contact with water most of the time and there is a high chance of rusting.

So, If you using a stainless knife you don’t have to worry about it. Also, stainless knives are less expensive than high-carbon steel.

Stainless knives are tough and have better durability. Mixed with 12% of Chromium makes the knife Corrosion-resistant. Also, steel knives are easy to sharpen, with less chance of getting chipped off and even recycling.

Wrap-Up on How To Choose The Best Kitchen Knives

I hope you have read the entire article and this post will help you in finding the best knife for your kitchen.

Getting a good quality knife is always important because if you choose the wrong knife it can cause serious Injury.

All of the above factors are some of the most important things that you have to look for before getting yourself a knife. The same thing is applicable when you are looking for a hunting knife.

So, make sure that you keep in mind all these points and we hope that our detailed Informative article will help you find the right knife.

And please let us know which knife set you have chosen. Your feedback is always appreciated!!

Related Post: Best self-sharpening kitchen knife

FAQ: How To Choose a Knife Set

Finding the perfect kitchen knife can be a difficult task, and because of that people have many doubts and questions about the topic. Here I have tried to give a brief answer and answered some of the most commonly unanswered questions.