Kitchen knives are utensils that fulfill several functions, although the most common are cutting and chopping. It is a vital instrument in the kitchen, for which its use is almost indispensable. These damascus chef knife offer the possibility of being used both in meats of different origin, as well as in breads and vegetables.
At the moment, there are various quantities of knife models, with their particular materials, designs and colors. Its ergonomics and sharpness are the most common characteristics in this type of tool, in which the quality will be based, in large part, on these properties. Many can be purchased in collection sets, accompanied by other kitchen items.
How is a kitchen knife used?
While it won’t be necessary to be a great professional cook, using a knife in the kitchen could cause some physical damage if you don’t have some basic knowledge. To use it correctly, we must work on a suitable surface, either through a wooden or plastic board. In any case, it is best to avoid making it very hard, as it could dull the knife.
It is recommended to hold the knife by the handle and keep your index finger on the outside. Before learning to cut, you can try chopping some vegetables such as onions or tomatoes, slowly and deliberately. Once you’re done doing this, avoid picking up the cut food with the sharp part of the knife.
What types of kitchen knife are there?
Currently, there are many kitchen knives of various types, some of which have specific uses. The most useful and popular tools found on the market are the following:
Chefs’ knives: These are kitchen knives for multipurpose professionals, which allow you to cut all kinds of meat, vegetables and breads. Its leaf shape is very characteristic, since it has a flat base, a rounded tip and a length between 12 and 20 centimeters.
Paring knives: These types of knives usually have a blade of about 9 – 10 centimeters, with a very sharp point, which are used to cut and peel different varieties of vegetables and fruits.
Fillet knives: Fillet knives are usually instruments with long, thin and flexible blades, indicated for cutting fillets and fish cleanly. These utensils are found on the market as ham holders or steak holders.
How to clean a kitchen knife?
Cleaning a kitchen knife requires a lot of care and attention. It is recommended to clean the knife with short jets of water after each use. The best way to clean them is with warm water and a little soap. After rinsing the knife, it is important that we make sure that it air-dries. Knives cannot be left wet for a long time, as it would damage their properties, the edge being the most at risk.
Purchase Criteria
Many times we have doubts when making a purchase. That is why you should assess a series of aspects about kitchen knives in order to make a correct choice. Next, we will offer you some tips and recommendations that you will have to take into account in order to choose the instrument that best suits your needs.
- Ergonomics
- Weight
- handle type
- Use
- Ergonomics
As you use your knives when cooking, you may notice some fatigue. To prevent these problems from spreading and generating muscle trauma in your hands, you should take this criterion into account at the time of purchase.
If your hand feels comfortable after a while, it means that the knife meets this requirement. You will be able to check this if you hold your knife for a few minutes. When we talk about professional knives or the use that we will give them will be very prolonged or frequent, it is essential that the knife does not generate difficulty to take it.
Weight
Your knife will have to have an adequate weight so that its use is as comfortable as possible as example see japanese damascus chef knives. Being able to handle this tool will be key, so you should find a balance between the handle and the blade of the knife. Thanks to the appropriate weight that it has, you will be able to move it from one place to another without problems.
The ideal, in these cases, is for the knife to maintain its weight between 200 and 300 grams, since the less heavy it is, the easier it will be to move it. Therefore, the tasks you perform in the kitchen will have better results. At the beginning, it is advisable to use it gently.
