subject: Professional Knives Are A Necessity For Any Kitchen [print this page] No chef worth his or her salt would even dream of using a low quality knife, even for the simplest of tasks. A cheap, flimsy knife does not perform properly, even when new; on the other hand, professional knives perform well year after year. Here, well discuss three of the most important knives for any kitchen Chefs Knives, Santoku Knives, and Cleavers - the big three.
Chefs Knives
If you had to spend a few weeks on a deserted island and could take only a single knife with you, the chefs knife would be the one to choose. These knives are multi-purpose, acting as garlic presses, shell crackers, and food processors capable of chopping, slicing, dicing, grinding, and smashing various ingredients. A Chefs Knife is definitely the first knife you should invest in.
Santoku Knives
The Santoku Knife is a general purpose knife that originated in Japan. With a flat edge and a sheepsfoot blade that is normally between five and eight inches long, these knives are ideal for slicing, dicing and mincing. The knifes name, in fact, is loosely translated as three uses or three virtues, which refers to these three cutting tasks. Well made Santoku Knives are perfectly balanced, and are slightly lighter, thinner, and shorter than standard western chefs knives are.
Cleavers
With tough edges designed to withstand very heavy tasks such as hacking through bones and cartilage, the cleaver varies in blade shape; however, all blades are designed to be swung down hard, like a hatchet. Cleaver blades are made from softer steel which is much less likely to fracture than the hard steel other heavy duty professional knives are.
Maintaining Professional Knives
Treating your knives as essential tools is a must. All professional knives must be kept sharp, since sharp knives are safer and work better than dull blades. Knife sharpeners are designed to keep these important kitchen tools working their best. There are several different types of knife sharpeners available, including countertop models, handheld sharpeners, and electric knife sharpeners. Proper knife sharpening techniques are something everyone who uses knives should know. Attempting to sharpen a knife incorrectly can damage and weaken blades.
Wash knives carefully after each use, and dry them thoroughly to prevent water damage. While high quality professional knives are designed to be used heavily, abuse will ruin them. Caring for them like the important investment items that they are can aid you in extending the life of your blades.
