As a chef, you typically work in a high-stress environment. Orders are coming in left and right while the temperatures are rising (both literally and figuratively).

Do you need more information on kitchen knives? Or are you unsure of the best boning knife? Head over to Knives Advice. Their experience and expertise in the matter might prove to be the difference between making a good and poor purchase.

Type of design

Typically, there are two main types of knives: forged and stamped knives. Forged knives are considered the more superior of the two options.

During the design/manufacturing process, extreme heat is applied to steel and later on molded to form forged knives. The process of forging leads to a stronger blade. Expect to pay a higher price for a forged knife.

Stamped knives, on the other hand, are made from a punching machine. The blade is clipped from a piece of steel and late on sharpening. Though considered of less quality, stamped knives are known to perform ably as well.

Performance

The performance of a knife will determine how well and how long it will function for you. Many things determine the performance of a knife such as the material (carbon steel/stainless steel) and the angle of the blade edge.

The handle of the knife

In your selection of a chef knife, you should choose one that feels just right in your hand. Try and mimic a chopping motion and test if it feels comfortable. There should be no tension in your forearm or shoulder.

Some knives have indentations on the handle to help improve the grip. Additionally, the handle should not feel slippery. This might prove disastrous especially when your hand is wet.

Maintenance

Water is a natural enemy of metal and its alloys. But it cannot be avoided in the kitchen due to the washing of implements. A kitchen knife that is susceptible to rust and corrosion means greater maintenance costs to the owner.

Looking at the various materials in the industry, stainless steel is the best in terms of maintenance. Stainless steel has an element called chromium, making it rust-resistant.

Your budget

One of the biggest constraints is the depth of your wallet and how much you are willing to spend. The above factors will determine the price of a knife. A reliable chef knife can easily be priced over $200. But before you swipe your card, you should consider the type of knife, frequency of use, durability, and performance.

If you don’t know which type of knife to buy, do a little bit of research. The internet is a treasure trove of information. You can also read product review sites.

Our verdict

A chef’s knife is bound to be used daily. As the user, we suggest that you consider the durability and performance of the knife above other factors. This will reduce your maintenance cost but will come at a higher price. While there are many brands and options in the market, consider stainless steel or carbon steel knives. Those are bound to serve you well.