How to Find the Right Kitchen Knife
If you’re like I was when I first started cooking, you are probably unsure of how to find the right kitchen knife or if you need more than one kind of knife in the kitchen. Knives are categorized according to fit, form, and function, and what kind of knife you need will depend on your fit and what you plan to use it for.
Find the Right Kitchen Knife
Cooking knives range from basic sets bought at your local discount store to handmade knives crafted just for you. My own journey with cooking knives can help you better understand what you need and where to find it.
The First Set of Cooking Knives
My first set of knives was a set of Henkles that I purchased at my local target and I thought that I had found the last knives I was ever going to use. Little did I know at the time that my journey was just beginning.
I was still just a home cook and food enthusiast. I knew that the Cutco knives I purchased from my sister didn’t feel right in my hands, so I searched online for “my knives”.
An article that featured that year’s knife suggestions showed me just how little I knew about how to find the right kitchen knife. I discovered that knives are generally categorized by:
- Fit
- Form
- Function
I read a review about Henkle knives and the name sounded familiar, so I thought that was a good place to start.
I liked that first set of knives and I still own them however I knew they didn’t feel quite right. So, I continued to research, but this time I interacted on knife forums where professional cooks were discussing their knives. That’s when I found the website, Chef Talk. I began to learn about different features and profiles that affect the way a knife feels and performs. I also learned what they liked most about them, and more importantly, where they bought them.
Japanese Classic Knives
After about a year of research and online conversation I decided to try Japanese knives.
I went with a set of Shun classic knives. The classic line is an entry level knife at a reasonable price. I paid $80.00 for an 8” chef’s knife or “Gyuto” which is the Japanese version of what we normally call a chef’s knife.
The purchase of the Japanese Shun classic knives was a major step up in terms of fit, form, and function. The knives maintained their edge a lot longer too.
After about 2 years of using my Shun’s and beginning to cook professionally, I decided to take the next step up.
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Handmade Japanese Knives
Back in the knife forums I started researching websites that other cooks and professional chefs were purchasing from and decided upon Chefs Knives to Go. Chefs Knives to Go sold higher-end knives at somewhat reasonable prices while offering top-notch product and customer service.
I am proud to say that I have been working with Mark at CKTG ever since. I am currently using handmade Japanese knives for both my medical office catering in Tampa Bay and my home cooking. Through the Masakage and Kurosake knives I know I have finally found “my knife.” These knives are handmade for you and feel like the perfect fit, like a Ferrari in your hands.
If you’ve made it this far in the knife search story, check out Chef knives to Go and tell Mark that Marty sent you. Happy knife hunting and as always, feel free to contact me with any suggestions, questions or feedback you may have. And if you need pharma lunches or corporate catering in Tampa Bay please explore what LoCiceros has to offer. Sayonara!
