Author: James

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Guide

How to Dispose of Kitchen Knives – The Guide

So, your old kitchen knives have been sharpened to oblivion and are well and truly done for. What do you do with them now?

Whilst a good knife has the potential to last a lifetime, excessive use can cause it to reach an early grave. If you’re into cooking, then lower quality knives often just don’t cut the mustard and simply wind up being a false investment. Unfortunately, many people realise this too late and end up with a draw full of useless implements that they just want to be rid of. Even the best quality knives are destined to wear out at some point and will need to be disposed of.

However, throwing them out in the trash would be irresponsible for a number of reasons. Not only could their sharp edges stick through the bin bag and injure whoever is disposing of it, they could also be discovered and used as a weapon. Although knives are common and readily available, discovering a knife in the bin is far less deliberate than walking into a shop to buy one, which is why it is so dangerous to leave them lying around in public. With knife-crime an ever-persistent problem, you certainly don’t want to be the one contributing to its effects.

If you have a set of knives that you can’t wait to see the back of, here are some responsible solutions for disposing of them.

Recycling Centre

Simply disposing of an unsalvageable knife is wasteful to say the least, as they are often made from metals which can be recycled and reused. Your local dump may have a scrap metal facility that accepts knives, where you can be sure that they will be recycled responsibly.

Failing this, you can check with other local recycling companies who may be able to repurpose your knives. Depending on the material your knife is made from, you may even be able to sell it for scrap metal and make some money in the process. Whichever of these options you go for, you will be reducing your contribution to landfill as your knife will be melted down and reborn into something new.

Police Station

If you just want to get rid of your knives and be done with it, then most local police stations will offer a knife disposal facility. Here, you will simply be able to hand your old knives over and rest easy in the knowledge that they are in safe hands.

This is the most failsafe way of ensuring that your knives do not fall into the wrong hands and end up doing harm.

Donate

If you’re throwing away your old knives not because they’re done for but simply because you’ve upgraded, you might want to consider donating them to charity.

Good knives can be expensive, so charity shops are able to make decent money from selling them second hand, and what may be useless to you could well do the job for someone else – not everyone is Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen after all. This is not only a safe way of getting rid of your knives, it also means that they go to a good home for a good cause, rather than simply being wasted – it’s a win-win situation.

When donating your knives, you should ensure that they are wrapped up properly to avoid injury – you can create protective blade covers out of cardboard and donate them in a box. You should also make the charity shop staff aware that there are sharp objects in your donation. You may also wish to check that they follow the proper process of ID’ing any customers seeking to buy knives in line with the law.

Wrap Carefully

If you don’t have the time for any of the above options and are dead set on throwing your knives in the bin, then the least you can do is wrap them up safely. This not only prevents any sharp edges from poking through the bag, it also disguises them so that anyone rooting through the rubbish will not be able to recognise them as knives. There are a number of different options when it comes to wrapping your knives safely. Here are some of the best ones:

  • Plastic Bottle – By chopping off the end of a plastic bottle, you can create a container for your knife that is tough and resilient. You can tape up the open end to prevent the knife from falling out. This is a cheap and easy way to dispose of your knife safely using a throw-away item that can be found around the house.
  • Newspaper – Following placing your knife in a plastic container, you should wrap it up in newspaper in order to disguise it and to give an extra layer of protection.
  • Bubble Wrap – Encasing your knife in bubble wrap, secured by duct tape, is another good option to ensure that its sharp edges can’t lead to any harm. You should also wrap duct tape around the sharp end to prevent it poking through.
  • Cardboard – You can use a piece of scrap cardboard to create a sheath for your knife. Simply cut out a piece of thick card that is longer than the blade of the knife and fold it around to cover the sharp edges.
  • A Box – Following any of the above techniques, you can place your knife in a small box to provide added protection.
  • Dull the Blade – In order to be extra safe, you may wish to dull the blade fully before disposing of your knife. You can lightly hammer the blade or tap it against a hard object, such as concrete block, until the edge is flattened or bent into a less menacing shape. This will guarantee that it can’t cause any harm, whether intentional or not.

Solutions and Alternatives

If you want to avoid the hassle of disposing of your dull knives, then the best preventative measure is to buy good quality knives in the first place. By investing in knives that will last, you can save yourself time and money in the long run as you will neither have to buy new ones or dispose of old ones.

It is also important to care for your knives properly in order to extend their lifespan to the fullest extent possible. Learn how to sharpen your knives properly and buy the correct equipment to do so.

If you have already made the mistake of buying lower-quality knives, you may be able to give them a new lease of life with the right sharpening techniques. For better quality knives that you’re having trouble restoring, you may wish to have them sharpened professionally as this will give you the best chance of salvaging them.

It is always better to find a way to revive or reuse your knives, rather than disposing of them. However, if your knife truly does have its point firmly in the grave, then be sure to dispose of it responsibly.

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Guide

How to Sharpen a Ceramic Knife – The Ultimate Guide

Ceramic knives have become popular for their many advantages. Being immune to the wear than can be caused by acids, they are completely stainless, making them ideal for cutting things such as citrus fruits. In addition, ceramic knives are very light and can be washed in the dishwasher unlike steel knives.

Ceramic knives are also lauded as being able to retain their sharp edges for longer than your average kitchen knife. Whilst this may be the case, ceramic knives do eventually suffer the same fate as all other knives. So, what happens when the blade begins to dull?

Ceramic knives are by their very nature far more brittle than metal knives, which means that they often suffer from nicks and chips more than steel knives. This also means that traditional sharpening methods cannot be applied to ceramic knives without running the risk of snapping them. This begs the question, is it possible to sharpen ceramic knives, or are they destined to fall into disuse?

Can They Be Sharpened?

Against all odds, it is indeed possible to sharpen ceramic knives. Whilst sharpening methods may not be capable of restoring their fresh-out-the-box former glory, they can certainly be utilised to extend the life-expectancy of a knife.

However, sharpening a ceramic knife doesn’t come without its difficulties. We will take a look at these here.

The Challenges

When it comes to sharpening a ceramic knife, there are some unique challenges you are likely to face:

  • Technique – Due to ceramic’s tendency to snap, placing pressure on the blade is a big no-no. This is why you’ll need to adopt a different technique when sharpening a ceramic blade on a stone versus a steel blade. For ceramic knives, rather than holding the block steady with one hand and the knife handle in the other, it is advisable to use your first hand to guide the blade along the stone. this will give it the support it needs to withstand the pressure without snapping. Just be very careful to keep your fingers well away from the blade itself.
  • Knowing When to Stop – The second challenge when it comes to sharpening a ceramic knife is knowing when to stop. With a steel knife, you can tell when it’s time to switch sides as a result of the burr that forms. As ceramic is not a ductile material, this is not the case with ceramic knives, which can make it very difficult to know where you’re at. This means that high levels of precision are required to get it right. It is always best to under-sharpen rather than over-sharpen, so you may need to test the knife at stages along the way.
  • Don’t Be Fooled – Be wary that ceramic sharpening rods are not capable of sharpening ceramics, as they are only the same strength and not stronger. These should be used only to sharpen metal knives whose strength is lower than ceramic.

Professional Sharpening

If you’re wary of the pitfalls of sharpening your ceramic knives, one of the best ways that you can ensure that they are sharpened to perfection without running the risk of damage is to take them to a professional. Although this may be expensive, it saves you having to buy specialised sharpening equipment and it reduces the chances of ending up with no knives at all due to breakages.

However, this method is not ideal as it involves taking your knives to a professional sharpener, which not only takes time but also means you’ll have to wait to get them back. If you want to complete the task yourself in the comfort of your own home, then here’s a look at your options.

Diamond Stone

Diamond stone is by far the most common and effective means by which to sharpen a ceramic blade. As ceramic is a far harder material than steel, diamond is the only material hard enough to sharpen it effectively and efficiently.

When using a diamond sharpening stone, you should begin with one that has a low grit level, or a coarser surface, in order to tackle any chips. You should then work up to a finer grit level, with a smoother surface to refine the blade.

Are There Any Other Alternatives?

If you’re unsure about purchasing a diamond stone especially for your ceramic knives, then there are some alternatives out there, which could double-up as sharpeners for the rest of your knives too:

  • Knife Sharpener – Some knife sharpening devices come with diamond stone add-ons, making them suitable for use with ceramic knives.
  • Electric Sharpeners – Some electric sharpeners are capable of sharpening ceramic knives, but it is imperative to check that they are compatible before trying, as many simply aren’t up to the job. You will need a sharpener with abrasives strong enough to handle ceramic, i.e. diamond abrasives.
  • Sharpening Stones – It is possible to sharpen a ceramic knife with the more traditional water stones used for steel knives. However, you will not obtain the same effect as using a diamond stone, which means a less effective and shorter-lived result.

Maintaining Your Ceramic Knife

One of the best ways you can minimise the need for sharpening and extend the lifespan of your ceramic knife is to maintain it properly. There are a number of things you should avoid when it comes to ceramics.

These include:

  • Glass Boards – Glass cutting boards have a higher probably of leading to chips or breakages in your knives. This is why wooden chopping boards are much kinder on ceramics.
  • Dishwashers – Dishwashers should also be avoided. Although ceramic knives are technically “dishwasher safe”, it is risky business as debris may fly at them during the wash cycle causing breakages.
  • Tough Foods – In addition, you should not attempt to cut very tough or frozen foods with a ceramic knife as this may again result in breakages.
  • Manhandling – Proper care should be taken when handling ceramic knives. Dropping or tossing a ceramic knife should especially be avoided, as this is more than likely to result in it breaking; for this reason, ceramics should also be stored somewhere safe away from other utensils.

Are They Worth It?

Whilst ceramic knives certainly can last a lot longer than steel before they need sharpening, they will eventually become dull. When it comes down to it, the difficulty that is met when the time comes for sharpening a ceramic knife is simply not worth it for many people. Unless you are willing and able to take on the challenge, then you may be best sticking to traditional steel knives.

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Guide

Knife Sharpening Guide – How to Effectively and Efficiently Sharpen Common Knives  

Sharpening The Blade

If you’re getting serious in the kitchen, then a sharp knife is an essential tool. Dull blades can cause a hazard in the kitchen, as you will have to struggle to use them, which is more likely to result in accidents.

If you’re searching for the best method of sharpening your knives, that will not only restore their effectiveness but also result in lasting effects and the least damage possible to your implements, here is a breakdown of all the different methods out there and their pros and cons.

Sharpening Stones

Sharpening stones, otherwise known as whetstones, are used across the board to sharpen all kinds of metal tools, and knives are no exception. Their coarse surface is able to grind and hone the surface of a knife to allow you to reach a razor-sharp edge.

Sharpening stones can be found in a whole range of different materials offering varying coarseness, which is measured according to the grit size and density of their particles. A higher grit size corelates with higher density; this equals smaller particles that provide a less abrasive tool, which can be used to create a finer finish.

Although it is possible to find natural sharpening stones, such as Coticule or Novaculite, artificially created stones tend to dominate the market due to their superior abilities and uniform particle size. You can often find sharpening blocks with a different particle size on either side, allowing for a whole range of different functions.

When sharpening your knife using a stone, it is essential to consider the following:

  • Selecting a Coarseness – You should always be careful to select the correct coarseness for each particular knife. Knives which simply need a quick refresher will only require a medium or fine stone. Blunt knives, on the other hand, should start with the coarsest stone to achieve sharpness, followed by a finer stone to refine the blade. Generally speaking, all knives will benefit from working through to the finest stone – only those which will be used for cutting soft vegetables are better with a toothed edge created by a coarser blade.
  • Choosing a Sharpening Angle – There is no use sharpening a knife if you get the angle wrong, which is why it is essential to take this into consideration before you begin. This is easiest if you know what angle your knife was sharpened at to begin with – these details can be found from the manufacturer of the knife. However, these angles usually fall within the ten to thirty-degree mark. The majority of knives which are to be used to cut hard products work well with a twenty-degree angle for a durable edge. On the other hand, knives used for softer foods should go slightly lower than this for the best effects, although the results may not last as long. Maintaining the angle whilst sharpening is essential to achieve a precise edge.
  • Maintaining the Angle – For the less experienced among us, a sharpening guide is a powerful ally when it comes to maintaining a consistent angle when sharpening. This allows you to achieve a sharp and precise edge using a small tool designed to maintain a consistent angle when sharpening. This removes room for mistakes in attempting it freehand. Another method which can be used to determine whether a consistent angle has been maintained is to shade the sloped edge of the knife with a black marker. If you have kept to a consistent angle, then this marker will have disappeared following a couple of strokes.
  • Wetting the Stone – Water or oil is sometimes used to lubricate sharpening stones as a method by which to dispel any waste material that arises whilst sharpening, thus preventing it from obstructing the surface of the stone. this makes the sharpening process more efficient and effective. It can also reduce the need for resurfacing or cleaning following use.
  • Sharpening Technique – The knife should be swept across the block sideways a number of times, moving from base to tip, first on one side and then on the other. It should be swept with the blade coming from bottom to top – in the opposite motion to that which would be used to slice a thin layer from the surface of the stone.
  • When to Use – Sharpening stones should not be used too often, as they can wear down the knife and reduce its lifespan. They are best kept for desperate times, when your knife is becoming unmanageably blunt.

Sharpening Rods

Sharpening steels or rods commonly come as part and parcel of a knife block, meaning they are often more readily available than sharpening stones. They provide a quick and easy fix when you need to refresh your knives. Sharpening steels are effective at topping up the sharpness of your knives throughout their lives but may not be capable of reviving a very blunt blade.

Honing rods are capable of smoothing out the blade of your knife, removing any bumps or nicks that may be causing resistance in your cutting motion. They are a good solution for a quick fix that will not significantly alter the lifespan on your knife.

When sharpening using a honing rod, your technique should be as follows:

  • How to Hold – The honing rod should be held facing horizontally outwards at a slight incline, in your non-dominant hand. Your knife should be held in your dominant hand so that you can maintain a firm grip whilst sharpening.
  • The Angle – As with sharpening stones, the ideal angle for sharpening is approximately twenty-degrees and should be maintained as consistently as possible throughout the process for the best effects.
  • The Motion – The knife should be drawn across the length of the honing rod, using a wrist motion to begin with the base of the blade and move up to the tip of the knife as you reach the end of the rod. Between six to eight sweeps should be adequate to complete the task. This should be repeated on the top side and the bottom side of the rod, so that both sides of the knife are sharpened.

Pull Through Sharpeners

Pull through sharpeners consist of a device which contains gritted grinding wheels, which you can simply pull your knife through in order to sharpen.

Although these are very easy to use, the effects are usually not as good. They are incapable of achieving the fine edges made possible with sharpening stones, and their results are usually short-lived. It is usually not possible to achieve a fully smooth edge or a razor-sharp blade with a pull through sharpener.

Electrical Sharpening Machine

Electric knife sharpeners are not something you find in every kitchen. These consist of a device containing a number of different slots with varying sharpening wheels, which are set at a precise angle.

On the plus side, they are very quick and easy to use and can achieve precise and reliable results. On the down side, their ready-set angles reduce flexibility for knives which require something a little more nuanced. In addition, they can significantly reduce the lifespan of a knife compared to practically every other method, as they diminish the metal much faster. Furthermore, they are quite large, so are not suitable for kitchens with limited storage.

A Coffee Mug

You’re probably wondering ‘did I read that right?’ – but, yes, a coffee mug can be used to sharpen a knife. If you place your mug upside-down on a clear, flat surface, it can act in much the same way as a sharpening stone. Drag each edge your knife along the edge of the cup several times at a twenty-degree angle. Just don’t try this with your favourite mug!

The Recommendation

If you want a set of effective knives which are sharpened to perfection, then the best option is to use a combination of a sharpening rod and sharpening stones. Whilst the steel rod can be used regularly to top up the performance of a knife and maintain longevity, the sharpening stone can be whipped out when times get really tough and your knife is crying out for a new lease of life.

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Best Kitchen Knives Set

Best Knife to Cut Various Types of Food 

Knives come in so many different forms that you may be wondering if you can find one all-purpose wonder and be done with it; unfortunately, not. There are many different knives for a reason and each one is designed especially for a specific purpose. As any chef will tell you, knives are by far the most important implements when it comes to their kitchen, which is why it’s essential to know what’s what.

Here, we’ll take a look at the best knife to use for a whole range of different food stuffs. Whilst it may all seem a little extravagant, we’ve all experienced having tomato splatted all down our fronts when the knife was too blunt for the task at hand, or a massacred brie when the wrong implement was selected. If you’re a foodie, it really does pay to have a knife for every occasion.

Wedding Cake

Cutting the cake is a pivotal part of the big day that’s likely to be snapped from every angle, so the last thing you want is to get it wrong. There are various different kinds of wedding cake, so the knife that you choose will depend on the density of your cake.

Whilst a knife that is too small or too blunt is liable to see the tiers come crashing down on any wedding cake, a long, sharp and finely serrated knife is best when it comes to less-dense cakes with a hard exterior and a soft interior. If you have opted for a less traditional cake which is denser, you are best using a non-serrated knife.

Whilst some bread knives may be suitable for this task, they might not quite look the part. For this reason, it is worth considering buying a specialised silver cake knife to fit the occasion.

Bread

It’s no secret that bread has its very own knife assigned to it and it really is the perfect tool for the job. Anyone who has attempted to cut bread using a chef’s knife will have experienced the deflated pile of crumbs that ensues.

A bread knife is the perfect implement for tasks which require sawing. It’s large serrations and long form make it capable of cutting a perfect slice, working through the thick crust without tearing the delicate interior of the bread. There truly is no other knife for the job.

Cheese

Cheese comes in many different forms, so from soft cream cheese to hard parmesan is there any one knife that can do the job justice? Cheese knives, of course, are designed just for this purpose. With their stainless-steel blades, cheese knives are capable of overcoming the stickiness of cheese.

Their perforated holes are especially designed to prevent cheese from sticking to the knife, which is particularly handy for soft cheeses. This not only reduces wastage but also maintains the integrity of the cheese allowing for more attractive presentation. They have a rounded end, which can be used to spread softer cheeses, and a forked tip which can be used to serve the slices.

Their shape is especially engineered for cheese, with a thin base that widens towards the middle of the blade, allowing for an easier cut. In general, cheese knives are best used for soft or medium hardness cheeses.

In lieu of a cheese knife, a very sharp knife will be necessary for cutting a soft cheese. Hard cheeses on the other hand call for a very tough, thick and short blade that can withstand the pressure of cutting through tough products such as parmesan.

Another alternative to obtain precise slices of both soft and hard cheeses is a wire cutter or cheese slicer. These tools are usually called upon by the professionals to ensure thin, even slices especially when cutting larger blocks of cheese.

Meat

For slicing meat and disjointing larger cuts, a standard chef’s knife is often up to the job. These are large sturdy utensils that are capable of carrying out tough work, although they will not be able to tackle the very toughest of jobs such as cutting through bone. For these tasks, you will need a meat cleaver.

With their large, sharp blade and rectangular shape, meat cleavers are the only knives capable of handling cutting through bone. These hardy knives can be swung at dense cartilage and bone with force, as they are resilient enough to chop through hard, thick materials without breaking.

If you want to cut succulent slices of beef or chicken for your Sunday roast, then a carving knife is the one for you. With their long, slender blades, carving knives are perfect for cutting thin, even slices. They should be used in conjunction with a carving fork, which holds the meat steady as you cut.

If you are seeking to debone a cut of meat, then you might want to enlist the help of a boning knife. Unlike most other meat knives, these are more delicate with a narrow and flexible blade and tapered tip, which can easily do the intricate work that is needed to cut around bones. These knives are also great when it comes to removing skin from meats such as chicken. Alternatively, fillet knives can be used for deboning meat, as they too have a flexible blade.

Frozen Meat

When it comes to frozen meat, it’s a whole different ball game. If you have a frozen joint of meat, then you may wish to use only part of it rather than defrosting the whole thing, as thawing and refreezing is not recommended due to its potential to make you sick. In other situations, a joint may not be defrosting as quickly as you had hoped, leaving you needing to cut it into smaller pieces to encourage the thawing process.

This leaves you with the problem of how you’re going to slice through it. This can be a very tough task, especially if you want your meat to remain in good shape following the process. Short of bringing out a hacksaw, what other options do you have in this situation?

Under these circumstances, the trusty meat cleaver makes a return. Meat cleavers are usually more than capable of handling frozen meat as they are heavy-duty and provide a lot of leverage due to their large blade. By using a rocking motion rather than hard blows, and by placing one hand on top of the blade, you can ease through frozen meats. Just be sure that your meat cleaver is sharpened to perfection before attempting this job and ensure that you place the meat on a solid chopping board, as it is liable to be slippery.

If this is a task that you happen to carry out often, then you may wish to invest in a frozen meat slicer. These are professional pieces of equipment which consist of a levered blade for precision slicing and a special holding platform to keep the meat in place. These can also be useful for fine slicing meats such as salami.

In very tough circumstances, an electric knife or kitchen saw can also provide the power needed to get through that ice. Unfortunately, these do not come cheap and are not the safest of kitchen implements, so always handle with care!

Fish

Fish can be tricky to cut with its many small bones and delicate skin. Fish knives are the obvious choice when it comes to preparing fish. They have a thin and flexible blade which is up to the delicate task of skin removal and slicing. In addition, a fillet knife is useful for removing bones, as it similarly has a flexible blade that is capable of getting right in there.

If you are preparing sushi, then you may require the specialist skills of a sashimi knife. These are specially designed to allow a flat and even cut, with one edge of the blade being flat ground to accomplish this precision task.

Prawns

Prawns are a tricky specimen to cook, not least for the fact that they need deveining to ensure that they are clean and hygienic. When it comes to this task, a paring knife is the one for the job, as these are expert tools when it comes to making intricate cuts.

Alternatively, you may want to go all out and opt for a professional shrimp deveiner. These knives come with a thin, curved blade and a serrated end that is perfect for both deshelling and deveining prawns.

Fruit and Vegetables

Although some fruit and vegetables present their own unique set of problems, which we will go into below, there are some knives which are best suited for this field in general.

Paring knives are best suited for cutting smaller fruit and veg with a firm texture and are particularly good for cutting apples and plums or peeling citrus fruits. These knives are smaller than most, allowing you trim, peel, and slice with precision and ease. This makes them perfect for tasks which require finer detail too, such as creating elaborate garnishes from vegetables.

For harder items, such as carrots and potatoes, a chef’s knife is a better option. The weight of the knife takes the hard work out of chopping, allowing you to cut through these tough items easily.

For softer, juicier items, a serrated knife is a better choice, as this will allow you to achieve smooth slices without splattering. These work well for cutting citrus fruits.

Butternut Squash

Hard root vegetables can be incredibly difficult to cut through. This is why the right knife makes all the difference. A high quality, well-sharpened chef’s knife is the best implement for the job, allowing you to slice cleanly through a butternut squash with relative ease. These knives are strong enough to allow you to maintain a steady hand whilst cutting, which is essential to avoid slipping and causing injury.

Be sure to opt for a larger, heavier knife that is around ten inches long, as this will help to get the job done. It will also be capable of making it through the firm interior of the squash without breaking.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are notoriously sensitive if the wrong knife is used, which is why they are commonly used as a test material for professional knife sharpeners to see if they have achieved the perfect blade.

Surprisingly, your bread knife may find a new purpose in life when it comes to cutting tomatoes. Its serrated edge is perfect for breaking the thick skin and then gliding effortlessly through the soft interior. Alternatively, any other sharp serrated knife will be capable of chopping and slicing tomatoes smoothly and precisely.

Leaves and Herbs

When it comes to cutting up herbs and salad leaves, a utility knife comes into its element. With their smooth, sharp and narrow blades, utility knives are perfect for making precise fine cuts, whist their tapered tips allow for a rolling motion which is perfect for speed-chopping herbs just like the chefs on TV.

If you want to be really professional, then you could invest in a mincing knife. These consist of a large rounded blade with a perpendicular handle at either side, allowing you to hold the knife with both hands and create a rolling motion. This can result in finely minced herbs or vegetables, perfect for garnishing.

To Round It Off

As you may have gleaned, some knives are more useful than others. If you’re not a meat-eater, then there are a number of knives you can easily forego, whereas if you’re a vegan you’ll have no use for a cheese knife. If you must narrow it down, the most essential knives can be pared down to a selection of four: a versatile chef’s knife; a paring knife; a boning knife; and a serrated bread knife. If you have these under your belt, you’ll pretty much be prepared for anything.

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Types of Knives

Different Types of Knives – Kitchen & Outdoor

When it comes to knives, no one shoe fits all. As a result, there are literally hundreds of different types designed for different purposes. From professional chef’s knives, to work knives, to survival essentials, it is important to know which ones are fit for purpose. Using the wrong knife may not only be ineffective, it could also cause damage to the knife itself and even be dangerous.

Whilst kitchen knives are intended solely for cutting through various food types, outdoor knives can be used for a far wider range of purposes. They may be utilised to pry things open, cut branches or wood, dig holes, or even kill and gut prey, which is why they tend to be much more heavy-duty. They usually have a wider angle along the edge and sturdier handles which have more grip.

Whatever type you go for, when selecting a knife quality really does count. By opting for high-carbon steel knives you can be sure to maintain a rust and stain-free finish with a blade that can be sharpened time and time again. A sharp and precise edge is useful in any knife in order for it to function properly.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the main knife types and their uses.

Common Kitchen Knives

When it comes to kitchen knives, there is a seemingly endless array on offer. However, there are a few staple knife-types that every respectable kitchen should have in the drawer, as listed here:

  • Utility Knife – A utility knife is the perfect option for every day use. These versatile knives can be used for anything from trimming fat to chopping fruit and vegetables, making them one of the most useful additions you can make to your kitchen.
  • Paring Knife – For more delicate jobs, a paring knife is smaller in size and capable of making precise cuts. These are great for cutting up your veggies.
  • Bread Knife – No home is complete without a decent bread knife. Their long, serrated blades are the only thing capable of cutting the perfect slice, and they can also be utilised for other tasks such as slicing cakes, meats and seafood.
  • Butter Knife – Once you’ve sliced up that bread, you’ll want to butter it. The smooth edge of a butter knife allows it to glide through and spread without affecting the surface of the bread.
  • Carving Knife – When a Sunday roast or Christmas dinner comes around, the carving knife is king. These are perfect for cutting thin slices from cooked whole chickens or hams. They can also be useful for cutting large fruits such as watermelons.
  • Steak Knife – If you enjoy a good steak from time to time, then be sure to have some decent steak knives in your cutlery drawer. These come with a serrated edge that allows you to tackle a steak with ease.

Specialist Kitchen Knives

If you’re a professional chef, or just fancy yourself as a bit of an Anthony Bourdain, then you may want to invest in some more specialist knives in your kitchen. Here’s a list of those which are most commonly used:

  • Boning Knife – If you’re a meat eater, then a boning knife is an essential tool. These can be used to cut up chops or whole chickens, making them the perfect companion for carnivores.
  • Butcher’s Knife – Another meaty contender, these knives are essential for professional butchering work and can be used to break down larger cuts of meat with precision.
  • Meat Cleaver – If you’re really serious about your meats, then a meat cleaver should be on the cards. These are large, heavy-duty knives capable of tackling tough jobs, including cutting through bone.
  • Bird’s Beak Paring Knife – With their curved blade, these knives can be utilised for precision cutting, such as creating elaborate garnishes. They are also often utilised to peel fruits and vegetables that are round in shape.
  • Cheese Knife – For all you cheese lovers out there, a cheese knife is the perfect companion, with multiple features designed to cut cheeses without them sticking. Cheese knives also come with a rounded tip to allow for spreading.
  • Fish Knife – When fish is on the menu, the thin and flexible blade of a fish knife is the best way to remove the skin with care. These can also be used for the delicate task of cutting raw fish.
  • Vegetable Cleaver – In a professional kitchen, there’s plenty of chopping to be done, and more often than not a paring knife just won’t cut it. Enter the vegetable cleaver: this heavy-duty knife is perfect for chopping, slicing and dicing large volumes of vegetables in a hurry.

Essential Outdoor Knives

When it comes to completing work around the house or in the garden, there are some knives which are essential to keep tucked away in your toolbox. Here’s a list of the most useful work knives to keep in the house:

  • Multitools – These are a one-stop-shop when it comes to home repairs. Combining a multitude of tools into one, multitools include knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and more all into one handy utensil.
  • Utility Knife – These sharp knives come with a refillable and retractable blade and are useful for making precise cuts through a whole range of materials, such as lino, carpet, plastic and fabric.
  • Pen-Knife – Pen-knives or pocket-knives are always useful to have on hand due to their foldable, compact size and diverse functionality. They often include not only knives but bottle openers, screwdrivers and scissors too.

Specialist Outdoor Knives

If you’re planning an extreme outdoor adventure or work in a field which requires knives, then you might need something a little more fit for purpose. Here’s a list of some of the most popular specialist knives out there:

  • Electrician Knife – These insulated knives look like an extreme version of a pen-knife and are designed especially for electrical work as they protect against electric shocks.
  • Hunting Knife – If hunting is your sport, then you’re sure to need a decent hunting knife. These heavy-duty knives often come with gut hooks for ease of gutting your catch.
  • Machete – These are useful for larger-scale tasks such as cutting branches or retrieving fruit from trees.
  • Diver Knife – These knives are designed specifically for use under water. They have a sturdy handle with plenty of grip so that you can hold them tight even in the depths of the deep blue.
  • Survival Knife – Survival knives come with a whole range of functions and are perfect if you’re venturing out into the wilderness. Many of them come complete with fire starters, flashlights, and whistles for attracting attention.

Can Any of Them Be Cross-Purpose?

Generally speaking, kitchen knives and outdoor knives are worlds apart. They tend to be used for wildly different purposes, which means they are very different in design. However, pen-knives can be useful in both settings, although it’s unlikely that you’d opt for that in lieu of a proper kitchen knife!

Meat cleavers are probably the only knife heavy-duty enough to handle outdoor tasks. Whilst many outdoor knives can be used for rough food preparation when camping, their place is usually not in the kitchen. You could take kitchen knives on a camping trip for use in food preparation, but a multi-purpose survival knife or pen-knife is a far more useful tool to have on hand.

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Best Kitchen Knives Set

Premium Kitchen Knives – Top 3 In 2019 – 2020

Victorinox Cooks Knife - 8.5- blade

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Top 3 Premium Quality Kitchen Knives

If you are a professional chef, your tools are very important to you. Part of that is having good, reliable knives that are always going to be sharp and strong. Even if you aren’t a chef however, you can still benefit from a great knife that will do the job in the kitchen. Here is a list of the top three chef’s knives.

Victorinox Chef’s Knife Extra Broad Review – Our Number 1

Premium Kitchen Knives - Top 3This knife from Victorinox (CHECK PRICE!) would be the ideal addition to any kitchen. It is made from strong stainless steel that will maintain its sharpness for a long time. Here is why it has reached the number one spot.

  • It has a broad 20cm blade that id perfect for chopping and slicing. It is also sharpened to a high degree, so any food no matter how hard will be easy to slice.
  • Weighing in at just 204g, the Victorinox is perfectly balanced to give you complete control.
  • The blade is easy to sharpen with a steel, however you won’t need to sharpen it very often as it will maintain its edge for a long time.
  • The plastic handle is securely fastened and comfortable in the hand. It won’t slip or twist at the wrong moment.

Overall, the Victorinox Chef’s Knife is perfect for any type of chopping or slicing. It will be a great help at Christmas to carve the turkey or chop the vegetables.

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Victorinox Chef’s Knife Review – Number 2

Victorinox 19cm Chefs KnifeAnother great addition to the range is the Victorinox 19cm chef’s knife. It has the same design and build quality as the Extra Broad version, but it is designed to be able to more versatile things. Lets see why it made it to number two.

  • The 19cm blade is a more conventional size which means it is very versatile. It is great for chopping and slicing soft or hard vegetables and fruit.
  • The knife is completely dishwasher safe, this means you don’t have to wash it separately. It won’t tarnish or rust no matter how many times you put it through the wash.
  • Its black Fibrox handle is comfortable in the hand and perfectly balanced against the blade. You will find that it is very easy to use because it won’t slip.
  • The knife is just 145g in weight which is ideal when it comes to food preparation. It isn’t too heavy or too light.

The 19cm version of the Victorinox Chef’s knife is a versatile kitchen utensil that will be a great addition to any home. From the original inventors of the Swiss army knife, this is perfectly balanced, dishwasher safe and great value.

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Victorinox Cooks Knife 8.5 inch Review – Number 3

Victorinox Cooks Knife - 8.5- bladeThe Victorinox Cooks Knife 8.5 inch is designed to the same high standards as the rest of the knives in the range. It has an 8.5 inch blade that makes it a great help with any food preparation. Here are a few of the reasons it made it to number three.

  • The 8.5 inch blade is made from high carbon stainless steel so that it keeps its sharp edge for a long time.
  • It has a soft grip fibrox handle for comfort and easy handling. It also helps balance the knife perfectly.
  • The Victorinox is fully dishwasher safe so that you don’t have to worry about separate washing or tarnishing.

The Victorinox Cooks knife has all the things you need to make it a great knife for any amateur or professional cook. It deserves its place at number three.

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Verdict

The top spot is reserved for the Victorinox Chef’s knife Extra Broad. It has a long blade for easy chopping and slicing as well as good balance and weight.

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Electric Knife Sharpeners

Best Electric Knife Sharpeners – Top 3 In 2019 – 2020

Warthog V-Sharp Classic II

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Top 3 Best Electric Knife Sharpeners

When you have a knife that becomes a little dull, you will need to sharpen it to bring it back to its best. You can use hand steels but this doesn’t always get all of the blade sharpened to the same degree. What you need is an electronic knife sharpener to do the job. Here are the top three knife sharpeners around at the moment.

Chefs Choice 1520 Diamond Hone Review – Our Number 1

Best Electric Knife SharpenersThe Chefs Choice 1520 knife sharpener (CHECK PRICE!) is a multi-purpose sharpener that can handle a range of knife lengths. Its compact design and simple operation make it ideal for any home. Here is why it became number one.

  • The sharpener is suitable for all knives made in Asia as well as Europe. This means you never need to worry if your knife collection will fit.
  • It has a three stage sharpening system that gives your knives the perfect edge every time.
  • There are diamond abrasives that the sharpener uses to create the best results. It also means that the abrasives won’t wear down with use.
  • It can be used with both straight and serrated knives so you can keep all your collection sharp.

The Chefs choice 1520 Sharpener makes light work of your knives and will keep them in peak condition for many years.

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Chefs Choice 130 Review – Number 2

Chefs Choice Model 130The Chefs Choice 130 is packed with features and is perfect for the professional who wants a good edge to their knives. It has multi-sharpening stages and a simple use that will make keeping your knives sharp easy and pie. Here is why it has reached number two.

  • The diamond abrasives and powerful 75 watt motor give your knives a sharp edge that will last for a long time.
  • There is a three stage sharpening system which involves sharpening, steeling and polishing. This gives a comprehensive sharp edge.
  • Can be used for straight as well as serrated knives so you can do all your collection.
  • The sharpener is covered by a three year warranty for your peace of mind, just in case you have any problems with its operation.

The Chefs Choice 130 Professional Sharpener is just what you need if you are a professional cook with lots of knives to keep sharp. It is well built by a company that has many years’ experience in the business.

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Warthog V-Sharp Classic II Review – Number 3

Warthog V-Sharp Classic IIThis sharpener has a classic design that is also very functional. It has an adjustable frame to suit most knives and is very easy to use. See why it made it to number three.

  • The 325 Diamond Grit Honing stones are designed to give the best edges to the knives. It also maintains an even blade all the way along.
  • A steel frame construction makes it very durable and steady to use thanks to its rubber base.
  • There are three adjusting angles at 20, 25 and 30 so you can sharpen most knives.
  • Used by many professionals because of its simple yet reliable design. It is also portable enough to be taken with you if needed.

The Warthog V-Sharp Classic II Professional knife sharpener is the ideal accessory to any kitchen. It is strong and reliable but simple to use.

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Verdict

The top spot in this list has gone to the Chefs Choice 1520 Diamond Hone Electric Knife Sharpener. With its easy to use operation and three stage sharpening system, it will give any knife a great edge. It is also suitable for any type of knife so is a very versatile machine that will give anyone many hours of sharp knives.

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Professional Kitchen Knives Quality Kitchen Knives

Best Kitchen Knives Reviewed – Top 3 In 2019 – 2020

Best Kitchen Knives Reviewed - Top 3

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Top 3 Best Kitchen Knives

It doesn’t matter if you are a dedicated regular cook, or someone that only cooks occasionally, you still need the right equipment. This is especially the case when it comes to knives, because you want a knife that is going to be sharp and strong. This list contains the top three sets of knives around at the moment.

Richardson Sheffield V Sabatier 9 Piece Knife Set Review – Our Number 1

Best Kitchen Knives Reviewed - Top 3The Richardson range (CHECK PRICE!) contains some of the best well-made knives you will find. They are strong and durable but also well balanced and precise. Here is why these are at umber one.

  • One thing that most kitchen utensils need to be is dishwasher safe and these are. They won’t discolour or tarnish and they will always be ready to go.
  • They are full tang riveted which makes them incredibly strong and durable even when faced with the harshest of challenges.
  • The blades are made from martensitic stainless steel. This has the advantage of being stronger and staying sharper longer than some other brands.
  • You get a whole set of knives including a carving fork so you will be prepared for any cooking challenge.

The Richardson Sheffield V Sabatier knife set would make a great addition to any kitchen. Its strong and durable build quality and blade means that it will last for many years

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Richardson Sheffield Kyu 5 Piece Block Set Review – Number 2

Richardson Sheffield Kyu 5 Piece Knife Block SetThis amazingly striking set of knives from Richardson is designed to be more than just a knife set. It is also meant to be a beautifully crafted piece that will be a talking point in the kitchen. Here is why it made number two.

  • Made from high carbon stainless steel, the blades are easy to sharpen and stay sharp for a long time.
  • The five piece set comes in a beautifully designed wood block to keep them safe and organised.
  • They are totally dishwasher safe so that you don’t have to spend time washing them by hand. They won’t tarnish or rust no matter how many times you wash them.
  • They come with an impressive 30 year guarantee which shows just how strong and durable these knives are.

If you want a set of strong knives that have a distinctive look, then these are the ones to choose. Durable and completely dishwasher safe, they deserve their place at number two

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Taylors Eye Witness 5 Piece Dexterity Knives Review – Number 3

Taylors Eye Witness 5 Piece DexterityThe Taylors Eye set of knives looks really striking with its many colours. It also has a wonderfully unique design to its knife holder. Here is why it has reached number three.

  • Easy to sharpen non-stick blades are specially coated to make then smooth and durable.
  • As with many knife sets, they are completely dishwasher safe for ease and won’t tarnish or lose colour.
  • They are covered by a 12 month guarantee that shows just how strong these knives are.
  • They come in a range of sizes that will cover any type of preparation you will need.

Not only are the Taylors Eye Witness knives great to look at, they are also strong and stay sharp for a long time. They are beautifully designed piece of kitchen ware.

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Verdict

Our top spot has gone to the Richardson Sheffield V Sabatier 9 piece knife set. It has achieved this because of its classic design and durable build quality. The stainless steel blades and the ability to go in the dishwasher make it a great buy. It is also a favourite knife for the celebrity chefs on cooking shows. When choosing a reliable knife set, these three contenders should be the first ones you look at.

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