| You've been looking for a new set of kitchen | | | | until it is very hot, then placed into a die. It is |
| knives to buy but aren't sure which set is right | | | | pounded with a hammer to form. The blade is |
| for you. You are not alone. Most people are | | | | then sharpened, a finish is added and it is set into |
| confused when it comes to kitchen cutlery | | | | the handle. |
| because there are so many options, different | | | | Differences - Forged knives contain a bolster and |
| styles, and different price tags. How can you | | | | a tang. A bolster adds support, weight and |
| know that the set you purchase is going to give | | | | balance to a knife while a tang is the part of the |
| you the most bang for your buck? | | | | metal that the handle covers. (Full tangs are best) |
| To simplify the process for you, there are two | | | | Stamped knives are usually lighter and thinner. |
| kinds of knives available. Stamped kitchen knives | | | | The blades are not quite as sharp and it usually |
| and forged kitchen knives. Stamped knives are | | | | takes more pressure to do the cutting and |
| generally much less expensive than forged knives. | | | | chopping you are trying to do. The blades do not |
| Stamped kitchen knives - They are usually made | | | | hold their edge as long. |
| almost exclusively by machine as opposed to | | | | If you are looking for a spare set, a back up set |
| hand-crafted. The blades are "stamped" out of a | | | | to one you already have, stamped knives are |
| thin piece of steel, just like using a cookie cutter | | | | probably the way to go. They can be well made |
| to form cookies out of dough. The blades are | | | | and are significantly less than forged knives. |
| then sharpened and finished, then placed into the | | | | However, if you are looking to purchase a |
| handle. | | | | primary set, forged knives are quality. They are |
| Forged kitchen knives - They are made almost | | | | more expensive but you get what you pay for. |
| exclusively by hand. A piece of steel is heated up | | | | |