| What are the best knives to buy for the kitchen? | | | | for cutting through bones. The large surface of |
| What is a serrated edge knife and what is it good | | | | the blade makes them also great for crushing |
| for? And why it is actually safer to have a super | | | | garlic and for picking up chopped items. The |
| sharp knife? Read this key checklist of the | | | | cleaver has an extra tough and thicker edge so |
| essential knives that every kitchen needs. | | | | they can withstand the repeated force of |
| ESSENTIAL KNIVES FOR THE KITCHEN | | | | chopping bones and meat. |
| A knife is the primary tool for all chefs. A chef | | | | A KNIFE SHARPENER |
| without a knife is like a photographer without a | | | | Using a sharp knife in the kitchen is safer than |
| camera. The most common and essential kitchen | | | | using a blunt knife. If your knife is not sharp |
| knives are: | | | | enough, you might find it slipping away from your |
| A chef's knife. This is also called a French knife | | | | food or you might have to apply excessive force |
| and it is an all-purpose knife of around 8-14 inches | | | | which may cause muscle strain. |
| long (20 to 36cm). It is a large kitchen knife used | | | | Most chefs use the manual long sharpening steels. |
| for chopping, slicing, mincing and just about | | | | There are electric sharpeners available. Pick an |
| everything. | | | | electric knife sharpener with a good reputation |
| A paring knife. This is a small knife which is used | | | | and of higher quality as they have been known to |
| for peeling and more delicate work such as | | | | ruin a good knife. Sharpen your knife every time |
| chopping or carving small garnishes. It is similar to | | | | you are about to use it. |
| the chef's knife in that it has a plain edge blade, | | | | WHAT BRAND OF KITCHEN KNIFE SHOULD I |
| but it's simply smaller. | | | | BUY? |
| A serrated knife. A serrated knife has grooves | | | | It is worth investing in higher quality knives. |
| that form individual small cutting edges so you do | | | | "Global" knives form Japan are popular choices |
| not need to use as much force to cut. A serrated | | | | amongst professional chefs. They are made using |
| knife is useful for cutting food items such as soft | | | | the same technique as those used to make |
| bread as you can cut through it without crushing | | | | samurai swords. The metal is folded 100 times |
| it. | | | | and each knife blade is made from one entire |
| A cleaver. A cleaver has a large blade, almost | | | | sheet. A good knife can be with you for life, like a |
| rectangular blade. The Chinese call these choppers | | | | trusted friend so be sure to pick one that fits for |
| and use them for everything. Cleavers are great | | | | you, and look after it carefully. |