Anyone who spends time preparing meals needs a good set of kitchen knives. Whether you're looking to upgrade a set of knives or registering for your first, choosing the right knife makes all the difference. A decent set of knives can be pricey, but they're built to last a lifetime. Shelling out a few extra bucks now can keep you from ever having to buy replacement knives.
Instructions
1. Determine what kinds of knives you need by thinking about how you cook. Some people enjoy knife sets because they're cost effective and give a wide variety of knives. Others prefer to pick and choose the knives they want. Whichever way you go, your kitchen should have three standard knives: a 3"-4" paring knife, an 8" Chef's knife and a 7"-10" slicer for carving meats.
2. Look for high-quality stainless steel blades that are rust resistant. Also, select knives whose stainless steel continues through the handle. The piece of stainless steel that the handle attaches to is called the tang. A full tang is important in a high-quality knife.
3. Choose a knife that fits well in your hand. If you're petite, an 8" chef's knife may feel too big; select a 6" instead. If your hands are larger than average, a 10" knife may feel just right. It's important to hold the knife in your hand and make sure your knuckles won't be knocking on the cutting board as you chop.
4. Notice the differences between forged and stamped knives. Stamped knives are punched out of a piece of steel; this makes them much lighter than forged knives. Many people prefer the quality of a forged knife, such as a Wusthof, over a stamped one.
5. Ask about sharpening. Some knives never need to be sharpened. Some chefs love these and others detest them. Knives with tapered edges tend to be easier to sharpen.
Tags: stainless steel, knife feel, your hand
