Have you ever wondered what kind of knife to use for butchering meat? Have you ever seen a kitchen knife block and wonder what were all the different knife functions?
Choosing the right knife for that cooking task will have you moving swiftly and efficiently. You do not have to acquire a whole set, especially if you are not looking to break the bank. And you will find when searching individual kitchen knives, the price can reach over $1,500.
Perhaps, you may not have the need for a knife block set because you seldomly cook. Or maybe you have kitchen space that is compact. You want ones of good quality and will last for years. When choosing a knife make sure it is sharp and well-constructed. The kitchen knife should feel comfortable when you grip around the handle. The knife should fit comfortably in your hand. If not, you will feel awkward holding the knife.
Below gives some details on what kitchen knives will be commonly made of. The estimated price range for what you can purchase individual kitchen knives of good quality. There are additional useful kitchen accessories that you may find useful. Exploring the different uses for the individual knives and kitchen accessories can help you in your decision making when you are on a budget.
Table of Contents
Material Knives Are Commonly Made Of?
Carbon Steel
This is steel that is made up of carbon and iron alloy. It is used most often since it can be easily sharpened and has a bit more flexibility. Carbon steel knives are not good for cutting anything acidic as it will lead to discoloration of the blade much quicker. This type of metal is susceptible to corrode much quicker than others.
Ceramic
This type of constructed knife is really eye catching and looks quite stylish and durable. It is rustproof and non-reactive when it encounters any type of food. The upkeep for this type of blade is taking it to be sharpened professionally since a diamond wheel is used. Due to the material being so brittle it is more likely to chip along the blades edge if you tried doing it yourself. Be aware that when purchasing a ceramic knife there is always a high probability of chipping when using it, especially if using it for heavy duty kitchen task like chopping through bones. Keep in mind there is also a chance of it breaking if dropped.
High Carbon Stainless Steel
Blades made from this metal contains a higher amount of carbon. An alloy with the combination of carbon steel and stainless steel. It is stain resistant which is an absolute plus. It is easy to sharpen and will not corrode making it the most frequently used metal for blades. It has an extensive life span that holds up to everyday kitchen cooking tasks while still maintaining its sharp cutting-edge blade. This type of knife can be relatively expensive due to its mention attributes.
Laminated
There is various types of steel that is layered to construct this type of knife. The blade edges are many times made of carbon to give it a good strong cutting edge. Yet, the upper outer part of the blade will be iron forged with thin layers of carbon. This gives strength and still allows the blade to have some flexibility. There is a chance that you will come across many laminated constructed knives that are forged with patterns on the blade such as Japanese knives.
Stainless Steel
A combination of compounded elements such as aluminum, carbon, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, silicone, and sulfur can be found in many stainless-steel knife blades. This type of steel will be used often for industrial equipment. Blades constructed from this material carry a downside, they are harder to sharpen, and the blade will become dull extremely quickly. The upside of purchasing this type of constructed knife, it durable, less expensive, and corrosion resistant. You will often come across cutlery and kitchen equipment made of this material due to it being easy to maintain and the added weight it gives. This makes it a great economical purchase.
Titanium
The blade is coated with titanium which gives it a good color altering effect. It is much lighter and flexible than a steel blade. This type of blade does not discolor when it interacts with food. It is corrosion resistant with the help of the coating. Blades made from this material should be professionally sharpened and recoated. It is considerably not suited for everyday kitchen use.
What Knife Should You Choose?
French or Chef Knife
– Uses: The Chef knife or French knife is considered an all-purpose knife. It is largely versatile in its uses from chopping, dicing, mincing, slicing, whether it is fruits, meats, and/or vegetables.
– Length: The blade will be anywhere from 8 inches to 14 inches long.
– Constructed: Typically, Chef knives are made from either carbon steel or stainless steel or blend of both.
– Price range: You can purchase an individual knife of good quality from $50 to $100.
Utility Kitchen Knife
– Uses: Utility kitchen knives are like a Chef knife since they are considered an all-purpose knife as well. They differ since the utility kitchen knife is much narrower. Its flexibility makes it great for maneuvering around meat joints, chopping fruits, and mincing vegetables.
– Length: The blade is approximately anywhere from 6 inches to 8 inches long.
– Constructed: High carbon stainless steel, recommended.
– Price range: You can acquire utility kitchen knives separately, anywhere from $40 to $70.
Boning Knife
– Uses: The boning knife has a bit of flexibility to it. It is mainly used to get in those carcass joints and separating the meat from the bones with precise precision. Also, great when you need to fillet a fish or few. And trust me it makes life much easier.
– Length: Typically, the length of the blade can be 5 inches to 7 inches long.
– Constructed: Stainless steel or high carbon stainless steel is the way to go.
– Price range: You can find boning knife individually ranging for $50 to $65 to use for your desired needs and not break your pockets.
Paring Knife
– Uses: It great for those smaller tasks like deseeding a hot long pepper and deveining shrimp. People with more advanced knife skills many times use it as a peeler for peeling vegetables and fruits.
– Length: A paring knife will be 2.5 inches to 4 inches in blade length.
– Constructed: Stainless steel is your better option if you happen to be need of one.
– Price range: You can purchase a good quality paring knife from $25 – $35.
Slicer Knife
– Uses: The serrated edge slicer knife is also known as bread knives. They are best used for slicing pastries, tomatoes, breads, whether hard or soft. It will allow for an even cut without the knife tearing into the food. The straight edge slicer knife is best used for slicing meat such as beef, fish, poultry, and pork. Due to the flexibility of this knife, you can acquire those nice juicy thin slices you desire.
– Length: Blade length can be between 6 inches to 12 inches.
– Constructed: Go for stainless steel when choosing a slicer knife. A serrated edge slicer knife is a much better choice between the straight and serrated edge slicer knife.
– Price Range: A reasonable price range for individual knives will be from $20 to $40.
Cleaver / Butcher Knife
– Uses: It is designed to chop right through cartilage and soft bones like poultry. It can be a great assistance in bigger heavy-duty task like cutting hard vegetable such as summer squash and pumpkins.
– Length: It a large heavy rectangular blade. The butcher knife has a 25-degree angle at the top tip of its blade. Its blade length can be from 6 inches to 14 inches long.
– Constructed: It is mainly made from tough steel and has a thick blade to endure the heavy-duty kitchen cooking tasks. High carbon stainless steel would be a good choice.
– Price Range: On a tight budget you can get an individual cleaver ranging from $55 to $65.
Clam and Oyster Knives
– Uses: The clam knife also knowns as a shucker, is used to pry open the shell of a clam to extract the meat. An oyster knife is used for separating the oyster meat from its shell. You will many times come across clam and oyster knives when you are perhaps at a seafood eatery.
– Length: The blade length of clam and oyster knives is usually 4 inches to 6 inches.
– Constructed: Clam and oyster knife tend to have short thick blade. They both have blunt tips, but only the clam knife has a sharp edge. Most often the handle will be a bulb shape, this gives the advantage for a better grip and handling when slippery. Choose clam or oyster knife with a plastic handle which gives you a better grip and would be more durable. Stainless-steel blade is the best choice.
– Price Range: They can range from $15 to $25 individually.
Additional Utensils
Cutting Board
– Uses: Cutting board made from wood or plastic is most seen. This is the second component needed in the task of chopping, cutting, slicing and so forth. It is used to protect the surface on which you are cutting and providing a specific area that is used to cut food. There are various types of wood cutting board, the upkeep of wooden boards would require the use of edible mineral oils to be rubbed on it constantly. Depending on the type of wooden board selected there can be a greater chance of toxins, allergens, and retention of dirt even after washing.
Plastic cutting boards are commonly used especially in commercial kitchen and is great for everyday home kitchen use. They are much easier to clean especially when using harsher products like bleach without breaking down the material of the board.
– Prince range: A good quality wooden cutting board will range anywhere from $60 to $110. You can buy natural or edible cutting board oils for about $10 to $15 to maintain your cutting boards quality.
Plastic cutting boards can be acquired from range of $10 to $30, keep in mind they vary in sizes. This makes perfect for compact kitchen space unlike wooden cutting board they are made mostly in larger sizes.
You can buy a silicone cutting board for about $25 to $45. You may be more limited in variety in terms of size. But it is flexible enough to make storing it great for compact living spaces.
Another commonly seen cutting board is silicone cutting board. This material has anti-bacterial properties and has the natural ability to restore itself. It is heat resistant and flexible making it easier when transfer foods.
Honing Steel
– Uses: Honing steel also referred to as Butcher’s steel or Chef’s steel. It a scored slightly abrasive steel rod. People quite often think it is used for sharpening knives. Its main use is to straighten the blade immediately after and between sharpening’s. Over time the blade edge loses its cutting ability so straightening the blade improves this factor.
– Length: The steel is usually about 1 foot long. It can be a quarter to a half inch thick.
– Constructed: There is possibility you may see ceramic but stick to steel which will be your best choice.
– Price Range: You can purchase individually for about $25 to $40.
Kitchen Scissors
– Uses: Kitchen scissors also known as shears have similar uses like actual knives. You will come across kitchen shears often provide with many kitchen knife block sets. You can use them to lessen the hardship of kitchen tasks such as cutting a roasted chicken in half, cutting fresh herbs, and vegetables. There are kitchen shears that are detachable which will have deeper ridges, they can be used to scrape the scales off fish.
– Constructed: They are many times mainly made of stainless steel for oxidation resistance and food safety purposes.
– Price range: You can buy an individually between prices of $10 to $20. The bonus is you can get detachable kitchen scissors within that price range.
Cutting Glove
– Uses: Cutting gloves or cut-resistant gloves can be a good addition to your kitchen if you are starting out in the kitchen as a new cook. It is many times a requirement in most commercial kitchens to have your cutting glove called PPE or personal protective equipment apart of dress code. The cut resistant glove is a great use for when you are sharpening your knife. And it will give you a sense of ease to pick up the speed if you are a beginner in the kitchen.
– Constructed: Made of Kevlar or metal mesh materials. The hand that is grasping the food will be protected from being cut if the knife happens to slip.
– Price Range: You can purchase a good cut resistant glove from about $10 to $20.
Side Note:
Getting knives that come with a block set is always a better choice since it can be a space safer. There are many styles and sizes to choose from wood, steel, and other materials. It helps in the preservation of your cutlery when maintain longevity of quality.
Tips:
- The knife you choose should allow you to put less effort in cutting your food. Make sure to always use a sharp knife. A dull knife will lead to a possible injury. And we both know you do not want to make yourself a part of the main course literally.
- Follow the manufacturer instructions for seasoning and sharpening that knife as this will extend its life span.
- Tang, a portion of the blade which fits inside the handle. There are knives that may have full or partial tangs within. Always choice a full tang that run through the length of the handle as it provides much more balance and support. There are many time ¾ length tangs or thin tangs in the handle they do not have the proper support needed.
- Be sure to use an actual peeler it is a much safer process; you are less likely to cut yourself.