Handmade chef knives are customised for the purpose, utility, and cutting or chopping a range of edible essentials. A professional chef knife is customised with a sharp blade that conveniently slices and chops. Nearly 90% of the work depends on the quality of the chef knife used. No matter the kitchen setup, a set of custom chef knives is a promising addition that improves efficiency.
As a chef, it is not mandatory to choose an expensive set of kitchen knives. However, what is critical is choosing knives that does it work, serve the purpose, and are 100% functional. The right chef knife is the building block for a good and functional kitchen.
Few features of a kitchen knife that make it stand outÂ
The majority of the chef knives range in the length from 6 to 12 inches with a broad blade that gradually tapers towards the end. This makes the knife convenient for a range of kitchen-related tasks like chopping, cutting, mincing etc. Here is the simple anatomy of a chef knife that one needs to understand:
- Handle – The handle is a critical part as it conveys the ergonomic part of the knife and makes it convenient for the chef to use the tool. The handle holds the blade, and hence it simply acts as an extension for your hand. Higher is the comfort of the handle, it offers better comfort and security while strengthening the grip. Hence, an ergonomically designed handle makes chopping convenient.
- Tang – Tang is a part of the knife which connects the blade safely to the handle. It is best to go for a full tang knife that extends from the handle to the blade end ensuring better safety. It is functionally better as well makes the knife authentic, traditional, and efficient.
- Heel – It is the part of the knife which is located at the bottom of the bolster. It is the part of the knife, which is the broadest and thickest, which helps in swiftly conducting the rocking motion while using the knife.
- Bolster – The blade and handle of the knife connect with help of a bolster. It is critical to prevent injury and hence keep the grip away from the blade. The sloped bolster is best as it slides swiftly onto the blade face and makes cutting comfortable by helping one hold the knife correctly.
What are the important factors that determine the efficiency of a chef’s knife?Â
While purchasing chef knives, it is important to look for some critical factors. Here are a few things that you need to consider before buying a chef’s knife.
Size of the knife
This is where the customizing part comes into play determining your comfort zone. The size varies from 5 to 8-inch as well, as the length of the blade matters. If you have smaller hands, it is best to stick to a knife that has a shorter length and is light in weight. However, if you are looking for a knife for slicing and cutting meat, you might want to look for a knife that is around 8 inches long.
Balance and comfort
The handle of the knife is heavier as compared to the blade, and hence it is crucial to find a knife that offers optimum balance. Make sure that the handle is not very heavy as it might cause an imbalance. It is best to look for a chef knife that is heavier on the holster or heel side to maintain a good balance.
Weight of the knife
Heavy knives are not convenient for use by many, but some prefer heavy iron. The weight of the knife depends on the material of the blade. Stainless steel is lighter as compared to iron. A heavier knife uses weight and gravity that makes cutting or chopping easier and hence makes manoeuvring easy and convenient.
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