A knife guide for chefs: What you need to know
The knife is, without a doubt, the most important tool in any chef’s kitchen. Knives make prepping food easy, fast and safer. However, there are so many different kinds of knives out there, so which is the right one for your kitchen?
In this article, we will discuss the different types of knives available at Cooksmill, so that you can work out the right knives for you.
The different kinds of knives (click on the images for products)
There are many, many different kinds of knives out there, all of which are designed to suit a specific purpose. If you're thinking about purchasing a new set of knives for your kitchen or your restaurant but aren’t sure where to start, here are some of the most common kinds of knives that you might find in the kitchen.
Chef's knife
The chef’s knife is, by far, the most versatile kitchen knife, and is a staple tool that every chef needs. This knife can be used for chopping, slicing, dicing and mincing. It's a great all-rounder, making it a knife you need in your tool kit.
Bread knife
The name of this knife gives its purpose away. The serrated edge of this long knife is perfect for slicing through bread without damaging it. This knife can also be used if you want to softly cut through delicate food, such as tomatoes.
Carving knife
If you are cooking big joints of meat (think Sunday roasts), this is the knife you want. Featuring a long, thin blade, it is perfect for cutting cooked meat into thin slices.
Cleaver
A cleaver is a big, powerful and heavyweight tool, making it a staple in any kitchen that regularly prepares meat. The cleaver can easily chop up meat, poultry and even bones.
Filleting knife
If your kitchen prepares a lot of fish, you need a filleting knife. Because fish can be delicate, you need a knife that can easily remove skin and bones as well as chop the fish without damaging it.
Utility knife
A utility knife is smaller than a chef’s knife but is still great for everyday use. This knife is best used for chopping smaller vegetables and slicing meats.
What material should my knife be made out of?
There are a number of different materials that a knife can be made out of, and all of them have different benefits. Here are some of the most common types of knife material and the benefits of choosing them.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is one of the most common materials that is used in knives. It is highly durable and will not rust. However, it is important to note that stainless steel is difficult to sharpen and is not considered to be the best material out there for knives.
Carbon steel
Carbon steel is, by far, one of the most popular knife materials and has been used for the last few hundred years. This is a great knife material because it is very easy to keep sharp. However, it can discolour easily and occasionally, and this colour can transfer onto the food.
Ceramic blades
These knives are non-metallic and non-magnetic, and they are incredibly lightweight, which some chefs like. They are also considered to be more hygienic than other knives. However, they are fragile and can be prone to breaking if they are dropped, which can happen in a busy kitchen.
Titanium blades
Titanium is one of the strongest materials in the entire world. Therefore, these make the strongest knives and they are incredibly durable. Although these make a great knife, it is important to note that these knives are not as easy to sharpen.
What brands are there?
At Cooksmill, we have a wide range of brands available, so you can find the perfect knife set for you. If you're struggling to pick the perfect knife set, here is some brief information about some of the brands we supply and why they make great chef knives.
I.O Shen: Designed in a Japanese style, these knives are made using the latest tech to make them sharp, strong and long-lasting.
Kitchen Devils: Kitchen Devils have been developing quality knives for businesses and homes since the 1960s. Over that time, they have become one of the premier brands for quality kitchen knives that last and deliver quality cutting options at everyday low prices. Every Kitchen Devil knife has been designed with the user in mind and you will find the full kitchen range required for home or professional use. This includes all-purpose knives through to specialist carving knives, along with innovative combination options. Whatever your kitchen’s size and needs, Kitchen Devils have a quality knife that is up to the job and will excel at it.
Final note
If you wish to enquire about any of our products or services, or if you are just after some friendly, professional advice, contact us today using the form on our website, by calling 0161 886 4989, or by emailing info@cooksmill.co.uk.
