This is the most asked question when I begin working with clients and the subject of cutlery comes up. They quickly say that they don’t want to buy a set because they won’t use all 20 knives included in the block. I totally agree with them!
There are three basic knives that most homeowners need in their kitchens:
Paring knife:
Serrated knife:
Chef’s knife:
The paring knife does your detail work like peeling or slicing strawberries and mushrooms, the serrated knife helps you to easily slice anything with tough skins like peppers, tomatoes and breads, and the final knife is your chef’s knife. It has it’s name for a reason. It’s the work horse knife in your kitchen. If you buy a good quality one, it will do most tasks for you very cleanly and easily.
In reality, though, I really think you need five knives for your kitchen. In addition to those mentioned above, I also believe having a slicing knife for slicing/carving meats, fish, poultry, eggplant and watermelon is a tremendous asset to your kitchen. My final recommendation is to add a 6 inch utility knife to your collection. If you are just cutting an apple, you may not want to pull out your 8 inch chef’s knife for such a simple task.
If you are in the market for kitchen cutlery, I would take some time and visit your local cooking stores like Williams-Sonoma, Crate and Barrel and Sur La Table where you are able to test out the knives. Take a look at knives by Wusthof, Zwilling, Shun and Global. If you have any knife related questions, send a message by replying to this post. What’s your favorite knife in your kitchen?
Happy Chopping!
I think we only have the chef knife and its dull.. we need them sharpened. I believe they are cutco… i have no idea.
You have probably heard that old adage that you get hurt faster on a dull knife than a sharp one. It’s true! You have to work harder to cut through something with a dull knife risking the blade slipping. I think Cutco will sharpen their own knives for you at no or minimal cost. Or you can take them to your local kitchen store. Many of them will sharpen for you at a low cost. Thanks for your message.
Those look like high quality knives! I have small knives, as I have a fear of them. Thanks for the info, though.
Here’s a trick: if you get a chance, take a knife skills class or go to your local kitchen retailer who will hopefully be able to show you how to best hold the knife. Classes are tons of fun and you will feel so much more comfortable using the knives you have that are for their respective purposes. ie. Chef’s knife
Hope that helps. Thanks for your message.
I have to admit that i have a ton of knives and no clue what they are suppose to be used for. I usually just grab anyone that is clean and go to cutting away. The only ones that I know are the paring knife steak knife and butter knife beyond that i am lost on cutlery.
You are giving us a new idea for a post! What is the purpose of each blade shape! As we wrote, just pull out those three basic knives identified in the post and use them for your preparations. They will work way better than that butter knife. Thanks for the message.
That would be a very helpful post. I have quite the assortment of knives with not real idea of what I am suppose to be using them for.
We have two sets of really nice cutlery that work good for us. Interesting article.
I think I have those. I definitely need to sharpen mine though. They’re getting dull.
Those are the only 3 knives I use too! Although I have three of each, because we’ve bought three blocks. Good thing they don’t all go to waste though since the hubs uses the rest.
SO informative! I actually really need this – It is SO time for me to get a new set of knives!!
This post made me think of Crocodile Dundee. THIS is a KNIFE! Great post. Forgive my random thoughts.
Many people don’t realize the importance of having sharp and useful knives in the kitchen. It makes cooking so much easier.
My hubby is a fan of a good knife, i remember we spent over $200 for a Sheng something or another it lasted for a while but we are in need of a new one. Thank you for reminding me I need a new carving knife!
Check out Shun Classic knives for your next slicing or carving knife. You will love it and it will last forever if you take care of it. Williams Sonoma carries them as do other retailers.
I need new knives and this was so helpful, thanks!
I admit it…I buy my knives from Dollar Tree. Lol! Probably not the best options out there. I have no clue what type they are. Butter knives and…ummm….sharper knives. Can you tell I’m no chef? Lol
I want those!! Please…now!!
Thanks for the info. The best decision I ever made was buying my big set of wusthof’s from Sur la Table. It’s made cooking so much more enjoyable!
Having good knifes in the kitchen is really important to make your cooking experience even better! Thanks for sharing!
Agreed, I have all three and use them the most…great post!
I use all six of these on a monthly even weekly basis. Add in my steak knives and it’s a heaven. =) My deal has always been finding a good quality set that doesn’t break the bank but doesn’t end up breaking in a couple of years.
Another good addition to go with your knives is a good quality knife sharpener like restaurants and such would use.
Great overview of the kitchen knife essentials. Thanks for sharing.
i should probably start sharpening my knives…i usually just get new ones when they get dull lol! thanks for the post 🙂 xo, jess @ dreamingofleaving.com
Those look like good knives!
I took a 12 week cooking class from an award winning French chef, and the first week was just about knife skills, including each of us going out and buying at least these 3 knives you mention as “core.” It has made a huge difference in my cooking, and even in my ability to perform during the class itself.
You’re right. I have a set and I certainly don’t use all of them. Good to know which are best in the kitchen!
Sharp knives are important for cooking. A dull knife will frustrate you and lead to you cutting yourself.
The one knife we’re missing is a serrated knife. I need to find a good one and keep it around.
I agree with you! Every kitchen needs these types of knives. I love a sharp knife.
Good knives are such an important part of the kitchen. I love my knives, and am now reminded that they are probably due for a good sharpening!
These look like great knifes! I really need to get new knifes mine are so dual!
This is a great reference tool for the newbie and the experienced cook alike. Thanks for sharing.
I find it so hard to find good kitchen knifes .
Love Williams Sonoma! All their kitchen gear is lovely!
I’m not the cook in the house. I do know that my husband sure loves his cooking knives.