What are the Different Types of Kitchen Knives
| Mini guides to kitchen knives: Kinds of kitchen knives | Materials and construction | Storing | Sharpening | Maintaining sharpness | Rust removal | Disposal | Knife skills | Western or Japanese knives | Main kitchen knife guide |
Choosing a kitchen knife is not always an easy task, but finding the right knife is important and there are many factors to keep in mind.
Material, balance, sharpness and weight need consideration and are worth thinking about before buying.
Your choice will depend on the available budget, the type of cuisine and the recipes you cook most, the size and style of knife preferred as well as the material the knife is made of.
Each knife has its own specific use or application, and because there is a lot of choice on the market, our guide makes it easier for you to choose by explaining the different types of knives.
What to look for in kitchen knives
Blade material
Stainless steel is the most common household material and you probably already have such a knife in your kitchen drawer. Stainless steel is fairly inexpensive, but more importantly it is rust-resistant. It is however important to mention that the blade dulls easily and it can be difficult to sharpen.
To read more about what kitchen knives are made of, we have done a full guide on that topic.
High-carbon steel is more expensive but blades made out of this material are robust and their edge and sheen are better to maintain.
Titanium is lighter in weight with very sharp blades, and knives made with this material are comfortable to use. Because these are fairly flexible we don’t recommend cutting through hard materials or products.
Ceramic blades maintain their sharpness the longest. However, knives made out of ceramic are easier to break and more fragile than knives made of other materials.
Stamped or forged blades
A knife with a forged blade is created through a process known as forging, a traditional method of knife-making that involves shaping metal through the application of force, typically with a hammer. Typically, a forged knife blade runs the entire length of the knife from the handle which makes it extra durable, but also more expensive than a stamped blade. Most professional chefs’ knives have forged blades.
A stamped knife blade is typically mass-produced using machinery, making them a cost-effective, cheaper alternative to forged blade knives. They are usually less sturdy and durable.
Weight and balance
Weight is a personal consideration when choosing a knife. Heavier knives will make tasks such as cutting through hard ingredients or cutting through bones easier where as light knives are good for chopping more fragile ingredients.
If you have the budget, it’s a good idea to have both, but most important factor is that you feel comfortable when holding the knife, and there is no extra strain on your hand and wrist.
What to do with new kitchen knives
It’s an obvious point but after unpacking a knife it should be washed! Only hand wash a knife and dry it well if not using it immediately.
The very first item we suggest slicing with a brand new kitchen knife is a lime, a lemon, or any other citrus fruit you have in your fruit basket.
Slicing through citrus will help you get used to the knife and understand the sharpness of the blade and how much or little pressure is needed when using.
In order to understand everything about your new knife, our guide to kitchen knives can be a really handy resource!
What are different kitchen knives used for
Each knife serves a distinct purpose and is designed for a specific task based on its shape, size, and blade characteristics. Here is an overview of the most common types of kitchen knives and their primary uses.
- Chef’s knife – this is your all-purpose knife for chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing. It is one of the most useful and versatile designs available. The 8″ chef’s knife is the most popular size for home cooks.
- Paring knife – this smaller knife is used for peeling, trimming, and cutting small and delicate ingredients.
- Bread knife – it’s in the name, this serrated knife is made to cut bread and other baked products without crushing them.
- Utility knife – this knife is of medium size and usually has a straight or slightly curved blade. It is versatile and suitable for various cutting tasks.
- Santoku knife – this kind of knife is usually shorter and perfect for slicing, dicing, and chopping.
- Boning knife – is specifically for removing bones from meat and poultry. The knife is sturdy and has a slightly thicker blade.
- Filleting knife – the flexible, bendable blade is very thin which is perfect for filleting fish.
- Steak Knife – is serrated and used at the dining table to cut steaks or other cooked meats.
Different cooking knives
With all the different kinds of knifes, it is interesting to note what exactly the general population wants when purchasing the right knives for their own kitchens and cooking styles. Luckily, all sorts of data exists and we have put together some quick facts for you. These are the actual plans for 2000 people that answered various surveys.
| Knife Type | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Chef’s knife | 49% |
| Steak knife set | 47% |
| Paring knife | 41% |
| Utility knife (sandwich knife) | 37% |
| Knife set with block holder | 37% |
| Carving knife | 35% |
| Bread knife | 34% |
| Santoku knife | 16% |
| Other | 6% |
Please note that the data has been extracted from information provided from Statista. It has been rounded up or down accordingly.
What 3 knives are essential to a kitchen?
There are so many knives on the market that it can be confusing when choosing which ones you actually need on a regular basis.
For most individuals, especially when space and money are tight, these are the 3 knives that are the most essential and handy to your kitchen tasks.
1. Chef’s knife
The most important knife is without doubt the chef’s knife as it is used for a wide range of tasks. From chopping, dicing and slicing vegetables, to more serious jobs such as light butchering tasks.
Whether you choose a Western chef’s knife or a Japanese knife is a personal preference and the most important factor is to have a knife with a sharp blade, a comfortable handle, and good balance.
2. Serrated knife
Serrated knives, also called bread knives can be used for more than just cutting baked goods. They’re also used for cutting or ‘sawing’ through foods that are hard on the outside and soft on the inside. It avoids food being crushed and allows it to retain its shape.
3. Paring knife
A paring knife is indispensable in every kitchen! It’s small but multi-functional for cutting delicate ingredients. Hulling strawberries or slicing a clove of garlic, the only knife that can do this job with precision is a paring knife. Best of all, this little treasure comes at a small price too.
How to choose kitchen knives
There are knife sets available or you can buy kitchen knives individually. When purchasing a knife you should consider a few important things.
- How much is your budget?
- What kind of cuisine do you cook most and what are the dishes you like to prepare?
- What is the best size to best adapt to your hands?
- What material do you like most and are you ready to learn how to sharpen a knife?
Final note on what are the different types of kitchen knives
Whilst there are many knives, each with its own specific purpose, there are more common knives that everyone can use daily in their cooking tasks.
- The versatile chef’s knife, is one example, as it is designed for many tasks.
- The paring knife, perfect for precision work and intricate detailing, is great for working on vegetables and fruits.
- The serrated knife with its distinctive edge is ideal for slicing through crusty bread or soft tomatoes without damaging the pieces.
Each of these knives, with their unique designs and purposes, will help you work in an effective and efficient manner, no matter the task or recipe.