Every chef knows that having a high-quality chef’s knife is the key to the kitchen. It’s the item that can do it all and the item that every chef will use the most. If we’re being honest, there’s likely a chef’s knife that you favor right now, but could it be time to find a new one that’s better for cutting? 

Finding a new chef’s knife is a tedious process. It’s an investment that you’ll want to make wisely since you will use it every day. We’re going to tell you what to look for when investing in the best chef’s knife that you’ll love long after your purchase.

Cut

First and foremost, you want to look for how well your knife will cut. Think of all the ingredients your knife will come into contact with. Are there any tough meats or vegetables it will need to slice?

When you get your new knife, practice by implementing the cutting test. Mince some seasonings like parsley or basil, dice some vegetables, julienne a few carrots, carve a watermelon to practice using your knife. Doing this will also show you how well the new knife cuts.

Weight

Another aspect of choosing the best kitchen knife is to consider the weight. The different weights in chef’s knives all play a part in how the knife falls when it cuts. Heavier knives will fall with force whereas lighter knives will glide more freely.

When it comes to the weight of the knife, you should select the one that feels right for you. Since you will be using it every day, the weight of the knife you choose should also feel comfortable. The last thing you should feel as a chef is intimidated by the weight of your new knife.

Size

Size is another important attribute of a chef’s knife to consider that is similar to the weight. The size of your knife can also be intimidating if you select one that is bigger than what you’re used to.

In the chef’s knife world, there are three main sizes: a 6-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch knife. The 8-inch knives are the ones used predominantly. If you’re not used to a 10-inch knife, it might feel intimidating after using an 8-inch knife for so long.

6-inch knives are mainly used for pairing, so if you’re thinking of downsizing, know that 6-inch knives will not be the best option for everyday cooking with vegetables and meats or anything that is higher volume.

Having a reliable chef’s knife means having the go-to tool for all possible circumstances. If we’re being honest, it’s not a bad idea to consider having all three sizes in your kitchen to get the perfect, effortless cut when it’s time to use these knives.  

Comfort

There are many characteristics a chef should consider when selecting their new best chef’s knife, but the most important one is comfort. With all of the characteristics we’ve previously mentioned, the comfort and effortless feel in your hand are most important. 

Chef knives are very sharp and can slice through fingers if not used properly. To prevent any accidents, you should choose a chef’s knife that feels comfortable in your hand and to use. This may mean you have to test a few out and become acquainted with the feel of them in your hand before you find the one you want.

The Bottom Line

Finding a new chef’s knife is not as long a process as it is to buy a car, but it’s something that does require careful consideration to meet your new kitchen best friend.