Owning a high-quality kitchen knife set is not a luxury only reserved for professional chefs. The tools can bring a significant difference to any cooking enthusiast, beginner or just anyone interested in preparing their meals. Kitchen knives are synonymous with efficiency and safety when chopping, slicing, and dicing. Above all, a good knife collection is an investment you cannot overlook. A perfect example is the Wüsthof Classic 7-Piece Slim Knife Block Set, known for its precision and ideal for both amateurs and experienced chefs.
Kitchen knife sets contain different types of knives designed for specific tasks. These include a chef’s knife, your everyday knife for slicing, chopping, dicing, mincing, and more. Other aspects of the set are the slicing knife, carving knife, carving fork, bread knife, utility knife, boning knife, paring knife, cleavers, and a knife sharpener.
When choosing a knife set, it’s advisable to consider whether the knives are forged or stamped since it determines their overall quality. Traditionally, forged knives are crafted by experts using heated or melted metal to form the distinct blade shape. This method results in a heavier, well-balanced, durable, and sharp knife. On the other hand, stamped knives are machine-cut from large sheets of metal, making them lighter and less expensive, but also less durable.
The materials of the blade and handle matter a lot in deciding the best knife set for your style of cooking. While the choice is subjective, some of the common blade materials include Carbon steel, which is tough, durable, easy to sharpen, but also susceptible to rust issues. Stainless steel and High-carbon stainless steel blades resist rust and corrosion, even though their quality and sharpness may vary. Then there are ceramic knives that won’t rust or stain, and their blades tend to remain sharper for longer than steel models, but are prone to chips and cracks. For handles, those made from wood, metal, hard plastics, fiberglass, and resins are more durable than decorative options like bone.
Knife storage is equally important in protecting your blade. Various options are available, including a Knife block, a block of wood with cut-out slits designed for storing and protecting your blades. There are also Magnetic knife strips that can be conveniently installed in your kitchen, suspending knives in place by the blade, although they don’t work with ceramic sets. Then you have knife docks similar to wooden storage blocks designed to fit in your kitchen drawer. They separate the blades and prevent them from dulling. For those who like to travel with their knives, a chef knife roll bag is a great option as it comes with handles and keeps knives secure while on the go.
A quality kitchen knife set should bear some considerations. Firstly, go for a knife with a balanced weight: not too heavy or too light to avoid issues during meal preparation. The knives should feel balanced in your hand without feeling overly top-heavy or flimsy. This gives you a sturdy grip and less effort while chopping and slicing. The area where the blade and handle join, the hilt, should feel thick and comfortable as it determines your grip. Moreover, opt for knives that are sharp from the start for efficiency and reducing time spent sharpening your blades.
When it comes to costs, the price of knife sets can range from less than $100 for basic sets, and up to $300 for high-end models. But whether you are a regular cook or not, investing in an inclusive kitchen knife set is worth it, as this would mean you’ll never lack the necessary tools to make more advanced dishes or try new recipes. And whenever you store your knives in a drawer, consider using a knife dock to prevent the loose blades from dulling and avoid injuries.
Overall, the best kitchen knife set to buy is the Wüsthof Classic 7-Piece Slim Knife Block Set, a top-quality seven-piece collection perfect for any skill level. Another considerable option is the Cuisinart Graphix Collection Cutlery Knife Block Set featuring multiple knife styles with sharp blades at an affordable price. Finally, Imarku’s 16-Piece Japanese Knife Set is a versatile offering with a wide variety of quality knife options to meet all your cooking needs.
