To better understand why the chef's knife, paring knife, and bread knife are each greater than the sum of their parts, let's break down these all-purpose kitchen companions a little further.
Sharp, easy-to-hold knives make chopping and slicing easier and safer—and can also allow for greater control when dealing with more intricate cuts. Investing in a complete set is the easiest (and more economical) option to prep your kitchen for any task.
When you are ready to buy knives, remember that they should not be considered a disposible object. Instead, a good set of knives will easily last you a lifetime.
Gordon Ramsay
Ramsay likes Henckels knives. This is a German brand known for their toughness and bulky blades.
If you're like my family, you need a good set that'll last a long time, and one of the best brands you can buy is Henckels. My family has owned an older version of this set from the brand for just shy of 10 years, and they're still going strong.
Features to Look for in a Knife Set
High-Quality Material and Design and Warranty: Most knives have a lifetime warranty, but some don't. As for handles and construction, look for high-carbon full-tang knives with composite or resin handles. Wooden handles are great but might require extra care.
The Cuisinart 12 piece knife set is a great addition to any kitchen. The knives are made of high-quality stainless steel and are sharp and durable. They have comfortable handles that make them easy to grip and maneuver.
The advantage of laminated steel kitchen knives is that due to their hard core they remain sharp for a very long period of time, and due to their softer external layer they are easier to resharpen.
The Zwilling brand typically appeals to professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts who value top-tier materials and craftsmanship. On the other hand, the Henckels brand manufactures more budget-friendly yet reliable kitchen tools at different factories around the world.
As a trusted brand in the world of chef's tools, Calphalon is known for creating superior products that kitchen artists trust. The pieces in this Calphalon knife review are no exception. These blades take their place among the best kitchen knives on the market.
I felt the knives were a good quality. They're weighted well. They are extremely sharp and have cut through many food items. I would purchase KitchenAid knives again.
The Best Celeb Chef's Knife: Shun Classic Western Chef's Knife. The knife that topped our testing is Bobby Flay's favorite, the Shun Classic Western Chef's Knife. The heft and comfort of the handle, sharpness of the blade, and overall balanced proportions made it stand out against the others.
Henckels typically get a score of 56-57 on the scale and Wüsthof gets a 58, so technically Wüsthof is a slightly harder steel. This is good because it means Wüsthof knives vs. Henckels will hold their sharpened edge better. On the flip side, a softer Rockwell score means a knife is easier to sharpen.
This move expands Gordon Ramsay's ownership in the unicorn brand after the world-renowned chef first invested in HexClad as an equity partner in 2021.
Price: Expensive, but worth it
Given the quality of the knife, we can't argue with the cost. But what really makes this knife a bargain is that if it ever gets damaged beyond repair, Cutco will replace it.
The Verdict
It's tough to beat the Wüsthof classic chef's knife. Besides being reasonably priced for the quality, the knife feels great to hold, and the blade is sharp and precise. Wüsthof has been producing knives since 1814 — the company knows what it's doing.
In general, honing should be done every two to three times a knife is used. Though honing can be done repeatedly without damaging your blade, a knife does not need to be honed every time you use it. For most at-home chefs, once or twice a week is enough.
The importance of precision in the design of a knife cannot be overstated. High quality American-made knives are usually produced by skilled manufacturers with a high attention to detail. As a result, the overall quality and performance of higher-end knives is elevated.
With the right care, our knives can often last a lifetime.
If you're looking to spend a chunk of money on a knife to last you for years to come and are willing to maintain it with some considered care, this will do the work without complaint. For the price, it's certainly worth its weight.