Chef Knives - Buying a Kitchen Knife Set
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Most knife experts will tell you never to buy a set of knives. I'm here to tell you that the right knife set is a chef's best friend and a kitchen's greatest asset. How to decide if a knife block is right for you, find the perfect knife set, and keep it for life. Who is the knife set really for? A person who gets the most out of a knife set is someone who loves to cook delicious meals using fresh ingredients, has a kitchen they love, and loves how simple and practical or elegant and stylish they are.
A knife block is ideal for those who are busy and not afraid to cook, but know that they need to simplify the prep work to make it more enjoyable. If they had more time or were easier to prepare, they would use fresh produce at every meal. A knife set is ideal for those who do not have much time to search and want to find new tools quickly. So why are so many people against padlocks? If you've asked questions about buying a knife set, you've probably heard: Don’t! For what? Well, most knife experts are knife enthusiasts. In most cases, they are oem knife collectors.
They know everything about steel types, edge geometry, skate and forging techniques, and everything there is to know about a knife. While this is very useful information, it's more than even the greatest chef wants to know. These knife experts have tried hundreds of knives and all have very strong opinions about the best knife in each knife category. Someone who takes the time to read hundreds of reviews on every type of knife they need will have an unrivaled set of the best knives in the world. However, if you're short on time and want your knives to match, buying a set is in your best interest. Another argument made by most knife experts is that the kits are full of "filling knives you'll never use". or that "all you need is a chef's knife".
I will say it once and for all. Yes, you can only research the Chef's Knife and yes, you will use the Chef's Knife more often than any other knife you own. But try using a chef's knife to slice a pumpkin, skin a fish, or slice a loaf of freshly baked Italian bread, and you'll find that even if you don't do those jobs very often, if you do it do that need the right knife for the job. It's like a food processor. While the hand mixer does 95% of the work, you still need the whipping attachment to whip cream and the dough hook to stir. How do I choose a knife set? The chef's knife is the one we use the most, so we recommend you choose your set based on that.
There is a lot of information about choosing a chef's knife, but here's the most important thing: the handle should be comfortable to hold and the blade should be made of decent steel. And the steel? The simple answer is, if it's a well-known company, they probably use decent steel. If you want valuable advice, call the professional who sharpens your knives and ask for advice. If you're planning on shopping online and aren't able to reach the store and hold the knives in your hand, look for a handle that's ergonomic and free of hard corners that can cause blisters.
The second line is the general appearance. Now I'm not cocky, but being able to display the knives in a beautiful block right on the counter adds a real touch of craftsmanship to any kitchen. So pick a set that you will be proud to display at the show. You'll most likely see it every day, so make sure it matches the look of your kitchen and that you're excited to see it in your home. Finally, it is worth considering the other knives included in the set. Why isn't it first on the list? There are no "useless" knives. The most important thing when it comes to knives in your block is knowing what tasks to use them for. If it's in your block, it probably has a special purpose and is worth taking the time to learn how to use. Ask the retailer, or your cooking buddy, or do a quick internet search for each knife in the set and learn how to use it. This will save you hours of frustration in the kitchen trying to use Santorum to debone fish. If your knife set doesn't come with a sharpening steel, you need to buy one and learn how to use it to take care of your knives.
Your steel doesn't need to be stored in any special way, but if it's not included in your kit, you'll need to consider this an additional expense. How do you look after your set? There are only two ways to look after your knife set. Always place completely dry, clean knives in the block to prevent bacteria from entering, and when vacuuming, carefully remove the knives from the block and vacuum up the debris that has fallen into the crevices to prevent the knives from being scratched or smeared get dented. Otherwise, hold each knife as it should. Hand wash knives, use only on wooden or rubber cutting boards, and use each knife as intended. Your chef's knife should be resharpened every half hour and professionally sharpened at least once or twice a year. Additional bonuses? That's why I love knife sets so much. A properly selected and well-cared-for set will last a lifetime, becoming your best friend in the kitchen and maybe one day a family heirloom.