Ask a chef about the kitchen essentials, and you are sure to hear knives on the priority list. After all, what is cooking without slicing, chopping or carving your food?
A knife is nothing but an extension of the chef’s hand. Sharp, well-crafted knife block sets Australia can improve your cooking experience drastically. On the other hand, a blunt knife will hinder the process and make cooking seem like a chore.
The knife industry in Australia has grown steadily and being an essential item for every kitchen, it’s important to choose the knives correctly.
Here are a few factors to consider if you are planning to upgrade your kitchen and add new knives to your collection.
Size of Knives
Like any other tool or weapon, a knife’s size can also change the entire user experience. You can easily find kitchen knives of sizes 6 to 10 inches in Australia.
While shorter knives seem easy to handle for beginners, larger knives will cut through the food faster. Larger knives will also help you quickly slice through a watermelon or similar other foods. However, most people find that 8″ fits the task perfectly.
Composition of Blades
The composition of a blade can affect the knife’s durability, strength and sharpness. While you might find that most knives are made of steel, it is essential to note that the composition of steel might vary for different knives.
The most commonly found steel knife composition in Australia is a mixture of stainless and carbon steel in varying ratios. While stainless steel provides rust and corrosion free blades, carbon steel stays sharper for longer.
Additionally, you will also find Ceramic blade options. Made with hardened zirconium dioxide, ceramic blades are lighter and often printed with intricate detailing and colours.
Different Edge Types
An essential part of the knife, the edge, is available in several types. Based on your culinary preference, you can pick knives that best suit your case. Commonly found edge types are:
- Straight edge – Also known as flat ground edge, you will find it in chef’s, utility or paring knives.
- Scalloped edge – Has concave surfaces along the side to prevent the food from sticking to the knife’s edge. Also referred to as Granton edge and helpful in slicing through wet, sticky food items.
- Serrated edge – Eases the process of slicing through tougher foods with sharpened grooves present on the side.
- Hollow ground edge – Blade narrows halfway through the length to create a sharper edge. Such knives are incredibly sharp and more prone to breakage.
Grip of Handle
Remember, the final decision should always factor in the feel of the knife handle. Try and hold the knife to check how firm the grip is. Look for handles made of moulded rubbers or wood infused resins.
You will also find plastic or stainless steel handles. Such handles can turn out to be a little slippery, thus increasing the chance of any kitchen mishap. However, handles with unique textures can combat this problem.
The Bottom Line
Knives are an essential part of any chef’s arsenal. From carving a giant pumpkin to finely chopping green chillies, knives are used in most kitchen tasks.
Investing in knife block sets Australia is a wise option if you plan to try your hand out at cooking or upgrade your kitchenware.
However, purchasing knives can be a daunting task if you have no prior experience in the field. Watch out for blade composition, handle grip, different edge types and lastly, the size of the knife.
