Which Kitchen Knives Are Truly Worth Buying?

If you have always wondered which kitchen knives are truly worth buying, then I hope  this can help you make your selection.

I believe you would agree that knives are one of the essentials that you will need in a kitchen. Many believe the basic function of the knives is their ability to cut up things, however not all knives are created equal.

Some feel that the basics will do and I must say that depending on individual usage, it is good to start out right rather than spending tons of money down the road trying to figure out which knives are going to work out for you.

I felt the same way when I first set up my own kitchen. What I’ve realized over the years is that many of the knives I purchased just sat there. Some didn’t work well for what I needed them for, and others just slipped my mind entirely since they were out of sight..

Based on my own experiences, I want to help you make the best choices for your specific needs.

So Which Kitchen Knives Are Truly Worth Buying?

Here are some points to consider, knives can be pricey so it is something you need to put some thoughts into. You also don’t want to end up with a bunch of knives that you thought you may or are going to use at the time of purchase but end up not using them.

The right knife for the job at hand is of the utmost importance. Using the wrong type of knife may not produce the desired results. It’s not easy to find a one knife fit all but then again, that depends on how well you control it. The key word is Control.

And then there’s the dilemma if you should buy individual knife or buy a set of knives. You may want the convenience of having a set of knives without thinking too much about selecting individual knives. Some of the knives set even come with a pair of scissors, sharpener or sharpening steel and even finger guard.

Type of blade to consider

Stainless steel blades. Durable and stronger but requires regular sharpening. These are the type of knives I used in my kitchen.

Carbon steel blades. The preferred choice of culinary professionals. Retain its’ sharpness for a longer time when properly cared for but requires more day to day maintenance because it has lesser “protection” and more susceptible to rust.

Ceramic blades are harder and thicker than carbon steel, yet surprisingly lighter. They’re excellent at holding their edge, meaning they stay sharp much longer without needing frequent sharpening. However, they’re not designed for chopping and can chip easily. I own some, but rarely use them.

Sharpening of Knives

Sharpening of knives is an art and an entire topic by itself. I am no expert in this area but I do sharpen my own knives and have attain some skill in that area. I like to keep the knives in my kitchen sharp all the time.

A sharp knife is a safer than a dull knife. You may think this contradicts since sharper knife will cut you more easily but that’s what it’s primary task is. So the sharper it is, the better to cut with.

As for dull knives, they have higher tendency to slip rather than actually cut thus need more control. And when it comes to sharpening, there is the manual or electric knife sharpener, knife sharpening rod or knife sharpening stone. More choices!

Did I Help With Your Knives Selection?

I certainly hope I did not gave you information overload that make your decision making more difficult. If you are still undecided, hop over to My Must Have and Most Used Knives in my Kitchen to see what I actually use. 

Good luck and happy shopping.