Knives are essential tools in the kitchen.

I am a true believer that if you have a great chef’s knife in your kitchen, then you can prepare anything! A good knife is your secret weapon to cutting, chopping, skinning, dicing, and all other things to prepare your dishes and also make them look appetizing to eat. A good knife will cost you a decent chunk of money, but it’s an invaluable purchase because most of them can be sharpened and reused for years to come. If you’re on a budget, it’s better to allocate as much as you can towards a great knife and forgo other kitchen gadgets since your knife can do it all!

Show Your Skills

Once you select and purchase your knife, I also recommend taking a local knife skills class, which is taught as many culinary schools, Williams Sonoma, and similar high-end kitchen-type stores because knowing the proper way to use a knifewill make it that much more effective.

Selecting the Perfect Knife

So where should you start when selecting a knife? Well, it’s a very personal choice because they come in all different weights, blade sizes, handle types, and blade types. One part of your knife that I do recommend uniformly is going for a blade made of high carbon stainless steel. This type of metal will not discolor the blade when it is exposed to acidic foods because of the stainless steel, but the carbon factor will help keep the blade sharp.

The other thing I almost uniformly recommend is going with an 8-inch blade. The knives vary in length from 6 to 10 inches, and I say “almost uniformly” because you must go with comfort first for your hand and technique. However, that being said, most people do find the 8-inch very comfortable and its length is just the most versatile in using it.

Beyond the Blade

Beyond those two variables, the rest is really up to you. You can choose the type of blade, the brand, different weights of different knives all by feeling what is most comfortable in your hand. Once you’ve found the knife that’s right for you, always keep it sharp because a dull knife is a useless knife. Many high-end kitchenware storessuch as Williams Sonoma offer knife-sharpening services. Such stores also sometimes offer free knife skills demonstrations, and these basic classes are a great way to learn to properly use your new knife. Always watch for the great cooking classes these stores and/or local professional kitchens/restaurants offer and take advantage. Enjoy your new tool!