If you are like most people, then you probably think of knives as just another kitchen utensil and that they are all one in the same. They all do look sort of alike, after all. But they are completely different. Though they do look very similar, they are often nothing alike when it comes to their other features. Not only that but there are different styles of knives that come from all over the world, each and every one with their own roots and history. Kind of an eye opener Well, it is in a way. But then again, different things come from all over the world in different styles so it is not all that surprising.
One the best knives out there is the Japanese chef knife, also known as the gyuto, and it has many different edges in comparison to the knives made in the west. The Japanese also went a step further and made their knife out of a special and harder steel that will make them more durable and multifunctional than those made elsewhere.
There are some things to remember when looking at knives, whether you are looking at a Japanese chef knife or another kind of chef knife. The materials that make up knives fall into two main headings the sharp edge and the handle.
1. Sharp edge or Blades - these can be made out of carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, ceramic or laminated. this may not seem important at first, but they affect the way how food is prepared and ease of maintenance. For example if you need a knife for filleting then you want a titanium knife. Because it is lighter, can maintain its edge and more resistant to wear and tear.
2. The Handle -- you will also find handles that are made of a wide variety of materials. Common ones include wood, plastic, rubber, micarta, leather and stainless steel. We can all safely agree that the handle material will affect how easy/hard it is to hold the knife. Case in point; if you have a wooden knife handle you will find that it is easy to hold but not easily maintained, plus over time it may break. Compare that to a knife with a plastic handle, sure you can maintain it easily, however, they may prove a challenge to use especially if your hands are wet.
Well this lesson on knives has enlightened me to the fact that to a chef a knife isn't just a knife. That they are produced in different countries and that the West has now taken an interest in Japanese chef knives. So for that cooking guru in your family this could very be a perfect gift for them. - 32406
One the best knives out there is the Japanese chef knife, also known as the gyuto, and it has many different edges in comparison to the knives made in the west. The Japanese also went a step further and made their knife out of a special and harder steel that will make them more durable and multifunctional than those made elsewhere.
There are some things to remember when looking at knives, whether you are looking at a Japanese chef knife or another kind of chef knife. The materials that make up knives fall into two main headings the sharp edge and the handle.
1. Sharp edge or Blades - these can be made out of carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, ceramic or laminated. this may not seem important at first, but they affect the way how food is prepared and ease of maintenance. For example if you need a knife for filleting then you want a titanium knife. Because it is lighter, can maintain its edge and more resistant to wear and tear.
2. The Handle -- you will also find handles that are made of a wide variety of materials. Common ones include wood, plastic, rubber, micarta, leather and stainless steel. We can all safely agree that the handle material will affect how easy/hard it is to hold the knife. Case in point; if you have a wooden knife handle you will find that it is easy to hold but not easily maintained, plus over time it may break. Compare that to a knife with a plastic handle, sure you can maintain it easily, however, they may prove a challenge to use especially if your hands are wet.
Well this lesson on knives has enlightened me to the fact that to a chef a knife isn't just a knife. That they are produced in different countries and that the West has now taken an interest in Japanese chef knives. So for that cooking guru in your family this could very be a perfect gift for them. - 32406
About the Author:
You can't prepare food like a pro without a good set of knives. Learn more about Japanese chef knives and learn about the different types you could use in your kitchen.
