Different Types of Knives & Best Uses for Each One
It might be overwhelming to choose from a variety of knives, whether you are a seasoned collector or making your first knife purchase. Without fully understanding how to make the most of its characteristics, it is simple to get caught up in the blade or imaginative designs. A comprehensive knife guide might clear up a lot of uncertainty.
Choosing the proper knife for the task not only results in better cuts but also increases safety. You might be able to prevent accidents and save time and effort in the kitchen if you know which knives to use for certain jobs.
In this guide, you’ll learn more about the most popular types of knives people buy in kitchen knife stores, as well as how to use them. If you upgrade your cooking equipment, it could feel like anything is possible.
Utility knife
This knife serves several purposes, making it practical. The utility knife is the instrument to use if you want the accuracy of a paring knife with the weight of a chef’s knife. Compared to a paring knife, its blade is longer and thinner. A utility knife, which is typically six inches long, is great for slicing sandwiches, fruit and delicate meats. It’s a convenient tool for the regular cook.
Chef’s knife
One of the most commonly used instruments is the chef’s knife. Any skilled cook will tell you that this is a must. Your arm should feel like the knife is an extension of it. It is a preferred method for chopping and dicing herbs, fruit and vegetables. Along with chopping numerous additional foods, including fish, poultry and meat. It typically measures 8 to 10 inches in length, and the point of the blade is rounded. Avoid using it to carve cooked meat and refrain from using it to peel tiny vegetables.
With some practice, you will be able to slice, dice, and julienne vegetables the faster, the easier you feel the weight and balance. Finding a knife that allows you to cut with a swift and fluid rhythm is crucial.
Carving knife
We are now moving into a more specialized area. A carving knife is used after roasting a big chunk of meat, such as beef, hog, or roasted turkey. It can be longer for slicing through broader chunks and is thinner for accuracy. To make it simpler to release each slice, it could feature indentations on the side of the blade.
Bread knife
Long-bread knives with serrated blades are common. They effortlessly cut through crusty or soft bread without compromising the bread’s integrity. Move it more like a saw than a chef’s knife while using it. They may be used to slice a cake and other baked items in addition to bread. In addition to cutting bread, you may also use them to slice tomatoes, break chocolate bars into smaller pieces, and cut huge melons, where straight blades frequently get stuck.
Cleaver knife
Heavy, razor-sharp cleavers are used to hack through bones. Even though this knife isn’t extremely widespread in domestic kitchens, many chefs use them in restaurants because they have complete control over the cuts of meat they use.
In Western kitchens, the chef’s knife is king, but in China, everything from a paring knife to a chef’s knife may be replaced with a cleaver. Therefore, think about purchasing a Chinese-style multipurpose cleaver if you’re interested in investing. These knives are more versatile in the kitchen since they are lighter than their American equivalents.
Santoku knife
It features a blade that is more straight and has little indentations that help food slip off. Similar to a chef’s knife, it is incredibly versatile and excellent for dicing, chopping, and mincing food as well as slicing cheese. It can be used for almost anything a chef’s knife can be used for; they are both exceptional all-purpose knives.
Cheese Knife
Many cheese knives have holes in them because soft cheeses like brie and Roquefort frequently attach to solid blades. These perforations lessen the amount of cheese that comes into touch with the knife’s surface, which minimizes sticking. While these knives perform best when cutting soft cheeses, it might not be your best choice to cut hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano.
Boning Knife
The blade of a boning knife is exceedingly slender, flexible, and tapers to a point. It is used to debone meat cuts more effectively while minimizing waste. Other knives have trouble cutting through the strong connective tissues and joints that boning knives can. Just keep in mind to avoid cutting through bones. As it makes the meat of the fish easier to separate, I also use it to remove the skin from the fish.
Paring knife
Mincing knife
Decorating knife
Steak knife
Tomato knife
Tourné knife
What is better to use?
Which one suits you the best now that you are aware of the differences in the characteristics and usage of a few popular knives? Although pocket or utility knives are less specialized than hunting knives and diver’s knives, you don’t necessarily need all of the aforementioned items. Examine what you have now, what you might reasonably use, and the value it would bring to preparing your next meal!
About the Author
Twigs cafe staff is comprised of editors, writers, food & drink experts, nutritionists, and researchers to create informative and helpful content for health-conscious people.
