The Right Knife for Every Purpose

Knives vary as much as the material they are required to cut. They differ from each other in terms of size, shape and cutting edge. These details determine the most suitable knife for each particular task.

Apart from the intended purpose, personal habits and preferences determine which is the right knife for each individual.  Click here for a list of the types of knives, with a brief description, and their uses.

Everything You Need to Know About Knives

There are considerable differences in the quality of knives, starting with the grade of steel. The method of processing raw material is also important since it determines the ultimate characteristics of a knife.  Most knives are made of stainless steel.  Stainless steel is rust resistant and will stand up to a humid atmosphere and various acids in daily use.   It is not absolutely rustproof. The coarser the surface finish, the more likely it is to corrode.  Conversely, the more finely ground or polished the surface of the blade, the more resistant to corrosion it is.

Victorinox and J.A. Henckels both make knives with highly polished stainless steel.  Both companies have devoted signifigant research to develope steel with an optimum ratio of carbon, chromium, nickel and other constituents.

Various knives are contructed in different ways and have various features.  In order to compare knives and their qualities it is important to understand the nomenclature associated with them.  Click here for a diagram showing the parts of a knife and their name.  Definitions of these parts and a brief description of the variations available can be found here.

What Constitutes a Good Knife?

It can be difficult to distinguish a high quality knife from an inferior one because the essential characteristics are revealed only in daily use.  However, the quality criteria found here can be helpful when making a purchasing decision.

Knife Use and Care Tips

Good knives are an investment. Given the right treatment, they will last a lifetime.  We have compiled some use and care guidlines that, if followed, will help you get years of productive use from your knives.

Always remember that even stainless steel knives are not 100% rustproof. Therefore rinse off acids, contained in fruit, vegetables, mustard, ketchup and so on, on the blade immediately after use. If any stains appear, they can easily be removed with a standard metal cleaner.  More use and care tips can be found here.

Practical Safety Precautions

Knives must necessarily be sharp.  So, certain safety precautions should be followed when they are used. You will avoid injury if you observe the practises detailed here.  First principle:  Handle knives with utmost care.