The knife is one of the most important tools in a chef’s kitchen, if not the most important. A perfect knife depends on the size of the blade, the functionality of the knife, the size of your hands, your style of cooking and more.
Chefs use a range of knives. They use different knives to dice vegetables, slice meat, bone a fish and chop up the meat. This ensures clean cuts for every item.
Best Italian Chef says there are some knives that are a must for every chef’s toolkit. Let’s have a look at them-
A Chef’s knife
Be it dicing vegetables or carving meat, this knife can do it all. It is called the ‘King of the kitchen’ for many reasons. You can slice, dice, chop, cube and julienne vegetables with this knife. Just make sure you can handle the weight. You can slice and dice meat with this knife as efficiently as you can chop vegetables. The blade is six to twelve inches long and holds its edge well.
Things you should keep in mind-
- Buy full tang blades- Blades that have one full piece of metal extending the entire length of the knife.
- Buy knives that are made from forged steel. You can buy carbon steel knives too. Carbon steel holds a great edge, and is easy to sharpen. But it can develop patina when it comes in contact with vegetables like onions or other liquids. Thus, it can form s layer of rust if you don’t wipe it after use.
Stainless steel prevents oxidation and is less prone to rust.
- Buy full grind blades- This ensures that the vegetable sticks to the knife while you are cutting it.
A Paring Knife
We use this knife for meticulous garnishing and cutting small vegetables. This can mince garlic or peel small fruits.
Things you should keep in mind-
- Don’t spend a lot of money on a paring knife.
- Buy a metal plated knife.
A Boning Knife
For removing skins of fish and all kinds of meat from chicken or pork of any size. It has a pointed end that helps you to cut around the bones of the fish or the meat.
Things you should keep in mind-
- Make sure the knife is flexible enough.
- A 6 inch blade is enough for a boning knife.
A Carving Knife
You need a carving knife to cut meat. It should have a razor-sharp edge. You can use it to carve out chicken or any other kind of meat.
Honing Steel
Sharpening knives is a necessity to keep them functional. Knives work best at their optimal sharpness and honing steel realigns the teeth of the knife. Maintenance is necessary for every knife so honing steel is a must in your toolkit if you want your knives sharp and effective.
So, if you are a home cook and looking to expand your kitchen, we have listed some top quality knives for you. You can order them from Amazon over a cup of the best coffee, without having to step out!
Knives from Amazon
Amazon Brand – Solimo Premium Stainless Steel Chef’s Knife, Silver
- This knife is perfect for amateur and professional chefs alike.
- The handle ensures an easy grip and a high carbon stainless steel blade prevents staining.
- It is perfect for slicing, dicing, mincing and chopping vegetables and meat.
Pros-
It is not expensive, and is a great chef knife for home cooks.
Cons-
The blade of the knife is on the bigger side.
Mercer Culinary Millennia Curved Boning Knife, 6 Inch
- This knife is perfect for boning meat. It is razor-sharp from high carbon Japanese steel, which is stain-free.
- It has a razor-sharp tip and a broad handle made of Santoprene and polypropylene that make it durable and easy to grip.
- It has a textured finger guard that protects your finger. You can separate meat from the bone easily, without cutting your finger by mistake!
Maintain it well and it will give you the best results.
Pros
It has a sharp tip that is best for boning fish and meat. Also, the finger guard protects your finger.
Cons
It needs sharpening.
So, get a great knife, hone your techniques and whip up some great dishes.