Metals and Materials
Most reputable knife manufacturers pride themselves on the often-proprietary formula of metal they use to create their knives. Different metals and elements can add properties to the end product, including durability, ability to hold an edge, the ability to resist staining and pitting, and more.Certain aficionados love Carbon steel because of its strength, but it rusts easily and it can also react with certain acidic foods, discoloring the food. The most popular material for knives is stainless steel, which is a mixture of iron, carbon, chromium and other elements to create a blade that is a good balance of being durable, resistant to stains and easy to sharpen. There's also a high-carbon stainless steelwhich gives the benefits of a stainless steel knife in a slightly more durable and sturdy blade. Ceramic knives also have their fans; this super-hard material is lightweight, ultra-sharp and will not dull easily. Of course, because it's ceramic, it'll shatter if dropped and can also chip or break if used improperly. Because ceramic is so hard, it can't be sharpened in a home sharpener, and likely will need to be sent back to the manufacturer or to a specialist to resharpen.
As for the knife handles, you'll also find several different materials, including wood, composites, metal and different types of plastic. Wood looks great, but it can warp or degrade over time. Look for a plastic or composite that seems comfortable to the touch but stable to grip (keep in mind that you might be using your knife with wet or greasy hands), and that is securely riveted to the blade.Whatever kitchen knives you choose, the most important aspects of the decision are:
- Your budget: Get the best-quality knives you can afford, and if you don't have a big budget, consider buying one great-quality knife that can be used for most tasks
- Your cooking style: Think about how you cook and what sort of knives are best suited for the types of meals you prepare. For instance, if you're a vegetarian, you likely don't need a boning knife.
- How it feels: Never buy a knife without getting the chance to hold it in your hands and try it out (obviously, in a store you might not be able to actually slice food with it, but at least you can mimic the slicing, rocking motion to see if the knife feels balanced in your hand, and if the handle is comfortable.
A good knife, if cared for properly, will last a lifetime, so it's important to choose wisely and buy the best knives for your needs.
