Which knives are better for the kitchen: review, specifications, manufacturers, rating

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Professional chefs always have their own set of kitchen knives. For them, the choice of such a tool is a whole science with its own rules, secrets and terminology. For a good chef, a quality kitchen knife is almost an extension of the hand.

Of course, professionals in their field have long identified the best options for themselves. But ordinary people are experiencing serious problems with the choice of an intelligent tool. On a variety of thematic forums dedicated to the art of cooking, questions are very often left not so much about cooking, but about which kitchen knives are better to choose in this or that case and how to buy them in general.

Numerous offline and online shops offer a wide range of cook tools. And it is very easy to get confused in all this diversity, especially for a beginner. Our article will help answer the question: “Which kitchen knives are better than others and why?” To begin with, we will conduct a brief educational program on this topic, and then we will consider specific options for the most popular and successful tools for a cook.

How many knives do you need at homekitchen?

While wondering which kitchen knives are best, you've probably looked at professional chefs and their tools. On popular thematic TV shows, professionals deftly manage a large number of knives of different brands, types and shapes.

But is such diversity really necessary in the home? Many experienced chefs believe that even a set of six knives for the kitchen (+ scissors), which can often be found in our stores, is too much for an ordinary housewife. Think about it, how many of these six items do you really use? Probably no more than three. Therefore, it is so important here to determine which kitchen knives are better than others, and not litter the space with an unnecessary tool.

The Chef's Three

Professionals advise to pay attention to the so-called chef's three, that is, three mandatory tools that every cook should have. As for related accessories like a kitchen knife holder or some kind of sharpening accessories, it already depends on your personal preference.

Chef Knife

Every chef must have a chef's knife. This is the main working tool designed for cutting meat, poultry and chopping vegetables. If you practice well, even with an inexpensive kitchen knife, but of high quality, then you will no longer need other similar items.

Choose a chef's knife solely on ergonomic indicators. Heavy and large tools that we oftenwatching in movies can be extremely uncomfortable for girls. In this case, it is better to pay attention to European rounded kitchen knives (Germany, France, Austria).

Serreytor

Serreytor is a type of sharpening where the edge is made in a sawtooth shape. This serrated knife is ideal for cutting bakery products, as well as vegetables and fruits. The optimal length of the blade of such a knife ranges from 20-26 centimeters.

The serrator looks like a saw, and many mistakenly believe that it can damage food. But a quality serrated knife works extremely delicately and does not crush bread or fruit.

Cleaning tool

This is a small knife with a blade length of about 8-10 centimeters. It is ideal for peeling vegetables and fruits. The ergonomic component of high-quality knives makes it easy to use such a tool for both men and women with any hand size.

Material of production

If you do not focus on the exotic glass and plastic options for seasoned professionals, then there are two main materials that are used in the manufacture of such cooking tools - steel and ceramics.

Functionality is practically unchanged, but this or that material makes very significant differences in the performance of knives.

Ceramics

Let's start with the positives. Ceramic tools are noticeably lighter than steel ones. That is, the hands get tired less during operation. For the female half, this is a very tangible moment. In addition, ceramic knivesdo not need sharpening. For example, quality German kitchen knives can last ten or twenty years without maintenance if properly handled.

It is also worth noting that ceramic products are more hygienic. There are no pores inherent in steel tools on the blade. Ceramic knives do not absorb molecules, and at the same time, odors with dirt. To clean the knife, just rinse it with hot water without tedious heat treatment.

Of the minuses, one can note the fragility of the material. Even the highest quality Japanese or German ceramic knives will not be able to cut frozen meat, because they will simply deteriorate and break on a hard surface.

Steel

Among the obvious advantages of quality steel knives is durability. Compared to ceramic tools, they can withstand anything you throw at them: cutting food of any hardness, drops, rough handling, etc.

In addition, the variety of steel tools on the market is amazing. Here you can find products of any kind and shape for a variety of applications. For example, in stores you can find Samura's thread-thin products or massive "shovel-shaped" Japanese kitchen knives from Kasumi. Ceramics, alas, cannot offer such a variety of forms.

But steel also has disadvantages. The main disadvantage of such products is the need for regular sharpening. Also, some premium knives have very strict maintenance requirements (correct angle, method, etc.). Damascus knivesfor the kitchen can effectively serve without sharpening for a good ten years, but still they will have to be sharpened sometime.

It is also worth noting that steel is less hygienic and requires careful thermal and physical treatment after active use (meat, fish). Due to the specifics of maintenance, products wear out faster than ceramic ones.

Next, we give a short review of kitchen knives, where we consider the main characteristics of the tools, as well as consumer opinions and reviews regarding each model. For a clearer picture, products will be presented in the form of a rating.

Kitchen knife rating:

1. YAXELL Ran.
2. Kappa Gold Gude.
3. Tamahagane SNM-1104.
4. Sabatier Lion Edonist.
5. Kanetsugu PRO-M 7005.
6. Samura Sultan SU-0085D/K.
7. Samura Mo-V SM-0094.

Let's consider each model in more detail.

YAXELL Ran (blade 25.5cm)

The first place in the ranking of kitchen knives is deservedly occupied by a real work of art from the Japanese brand YAXELL. The tool acts as the main chef's knife. One of the main differences between this model and analogues is its amazing resistance to bending.

Despite its high strength, the blade has good ductility and the ability to adapt to the product being processed. The knife is ideal for cutting any meat and poultry.

The characteristics of the instrument inspire respect. Damascus steel in 69 layers guarantees a very long service life andhigh product strength. Like other knives of the brand, this model does not need any specific sharpening.

The ergonomic part is also in order. The expressive design and perfect fit in the hand contribute to long-term use of the tool plus eliminate most injuries. Based on reviews of YAXELL's Ran Kitchen Knife, this is the perfect value for money for the discerning chef.

The cost of the model ranges from 12 thousand rubles.

Kappa Gold Gude (16cm)

Another great kitchen chef knife from the German brand Gude. The model will appeal to all those who appreciate minimalism, luxury and efficiency in tools. The knife is a one-piece copy: the blade and the handle are a single frame.

The model offers its owner excellent durability due to the use of forged molybdenum-vanadium steel. The knife does not have any specific requirements for sharpening or maintenance, it is enough to follow the simple rules for using the product.

Due to the high strength index, the model is suitable for working with any products and semi-finished products, from cleaning vegetables to chopping poultry and frozen meat. Despite a decent weight for its size, the knife fits perfectly in the hand, you can work with it for hours on end with proper comfort.

Owners speak very highly of this model. Despite the high cost, the tool fully justifies it. Even the most picky professional chefs are delighted withthis copy and strongly recommend it for purchase.

The cost of the model ranges from 12 thousand rubles.

Tamahagane SNM-1104 (24cm)

This is a chef knife from a famous Japanese brand. Judging by the detailed specification for the product, the same technology is used here that is used for the production of katana. According to the company's marketers, the presence of vanadium and nickel in the blade, as well as other elements classified by the brand, makes it possible to cut even iron.

Of course, such qualities are not needed in the kitchen, but the knife really copes with all products and semi-finished products without exception. In addition, the very thin edge makes it possible to cut not only frozen meat, but also delicate ingredients. Fortunately, the double-sided symmetrical sharpening allows you to decorate even the most complex dishes with pinpoint precision.

On the surface of a steel blade of 33 layers, you can see a barely visible company logo - a sign of product quality. It appears only while working with a knife and is a guarantee of quality. To design such a picture, special expensive technologies are required, which are simply unprofitable for scammers.

Judging by the reviews of the owners, the ergonomic part of the knife is also all right. The tool lies comfortably in the hand and requires minimal effort to work with it. The knife does not require any troublesome maintenance or specific sharpening.

The cost of the model ranges from 10 thousand rubles.

Sabatier Lion Edonist (20cm)

Thisthe model is one of the best representatives of the products of the German-French company Thyssen Krupp. An authoritative group of European technologists has managed to create an almost perfect tool for pretentious chefs.

The cutting edge and sharpening features of the blade, along with the optimal degree of hardness (48-52 HRC), allow you to cut a sheet of paper by weight. Of course, there is no need to do such tricks in the kitchen, but nevertheless, the knife perfectly cuts any food and frozen convenience foods.

Forged steel has received a special treatment, thanks to which you can use the tool without sharpening for up to 10 years. Owners in their reviews also note the perfect balance of the knife. Even the options described above could envy her.

It is also worth noting that the blade is mirror polished after forging. This treatment allows you to avoid serious damage - scratches and microcracks, allowing you to keep the appearance of the knife in its original state. The manufacturer keeps the entire production technology of its products in the strictest confidence.

The handle is coated with a special composition of polyoxymethylene, which does not allow the palm to slip off, and the handle itself fits nicely in the hand. Moisture and temperature changes are not terrible for the knife after such processing. So this model will be ideal for those who often forget the tool next to a hot stove or on a frosty street.

The cost of the model ranges from 10 thousand rubles.

Kanetsugu PRO-M 7005 (21cm)

This is a great timeIn many ways the knife is from a Japanese brand. The blade is made of high quality DSR1K6 steel. The instrument received technological cryoprocessing. Blade sharpness is 6000 grit when sharpened on both sides.

Like other products of the brand, the handle of this model is made of processed black wood. It is reliably protected by lamination, and the handle cannot be called slippery. The shape of the handle as a result turned out to be classic and suitable for a comfortable grip for both men and women.

Such especially sharp blades are used, as a rule, in restaurants by professional chefs, but, judging by the reviews, the model is a frequent guest in ordinary kitchens. The owners also note that the knife practically does not need sharpening, even with active use and factory processing it lasts for several years.

The cost of the model ranges from 8.5 thousand rubles.

Samura Sultan SU-0085D/K (16cm)

This is a fairly popular model from a world-renowned Japanese brand. The knife is made in the pchak form factor and has a blade made of laminated steel. In its appearance, the model resembles a Middle Eastern knife, with the only difference being that it is made using 21st century technology.

The VG-10 hard steel specific curved blade has been hardened to 61 HRC. To preserve the qualities and the core from possible stresses, each side is covered with 33 layers of mild steel. The result is a blade with a mosaic and unique design.

The handle is made ofcomposite materials G-10. Judging by the reviews of the owners, the knife itself is comfortably placed in the palm of your hand, and thanks to the well-molded "heel" it does not slip out of your hands during active use.

Despite the fact that this form factor is not common in Russia, many professional chefs consider pchak an ideal tool for the kitchen. It allows you to handle a lot of tasks where some classic blades fail.

The cost of the model ranges from 6.5 thousand rubles.

Samura Mo-V SM-0094 (18cm)

Another knife from the Samura brand, but already made in the santoku format. Along with traditional Japanese design and high quality steel, the model is complemented by modern European technologies. The result is an efficient, beautiful and practical blade.

The knife blade is made of AUS-8 grade stainless steel with a hardness of 57-59 HRC. Competent double-sided sharpening along with micro-grooves help to avoid sticking of products when cutting.

The handle of the knife is made of G10 polymers and is resistant to mechanical damage, as well as to medium temperature changes. Judging by the reviews of the owners, the model is perfectly balanced and fits comfortably in the hand. You can work with such a knife for a long time and without getting tired.

Users separately note the butt specific to santoku, which helps to pour prepared ingredients from vegetables and meat from the cutting board. This solution will come in handy if you often cut food into small pieces.pieces.

The cost of the model ranges from 3.5 thousand rubles.