The Best Single Knife

Buying Guide

If you have a knife set in your kitchen, you may not realize the many different purposes your knives serve. That knife set can be useful, likely holding all the cutlery you’ll need if you’re a casual chef. However, there’s a reason those who are seriously pursuing the culinary arts curate a set of knives that includes exactly the blades they’ll need.

The first knife you should buy for your kitchen is a chef’s knife, which is also known as a French knife. This versatile cutting tool features a curved, ridged blade that allows you to set the tip against the cutting board, then pivot to quickly mince items with the rest of the blade. The spine of the blade is used for scraping your ingredients from the board once they’re chopped, while the flat side is ideal for cutting garlic.

You’ll also need a paring knife for peeling and coring fruits and vegetables and a serrated knife for cutting through items like bread and tomatoes. A utility knife is another all-purpose knife that you’ll find yourself reaching for on a regular basis. It’s also handy to have a knife sharpener on hand, which you can purchase and have available for whenever your knives need a little extra life breathed back into them.

You don’t have to invest in a knife set to get storage for your knife set. Sure, you can keep them in a drawer, but that can be dangerous unless you have a shield for the blade. Instead, some prefer a magnetic knife bar, which mounts to the wall and holds your knives in place when you aren’t using them. If you prefer the knife block format, you can buy those that easily hold the knives in your collection, and you can even buy some that fit into your drawer.

• The most important feature on a knife is, of course, its blade. Stainless steel is the preferred material since it resists rust and stains after many uses. But some manufacturers use high-carbon stainless steel for a little extra durability.
• The piece connecting the blade to the handle is called a tang. If a knife is labeled “full tang,” that means the tang runs the length of the handle rather than stopping where the handle begins. A full tang knife will often provide more durability, as you won’t have to worry about the handle and blade breaking apart.
• If you’re concerned about durability, look at how the handle fastens to the blade and make sure it has the strength to last even when pressure is placed on the blade through repeated chopping sessions.
• Although you can sharpen a blade, some blades maintain their sharpness better than others. Even more are manufactured in a way that maximizes sharpness to ensure you get the most out of every cut.
• In most cases, you’ll need to hand wash your knives. As convenient as it can be to toss it in the dishwasher, you’ll find that the blade and, in some cases, the handle can become damaged due to the excessive moisture and heat.
• The build of the handle plays into how easily you’ll be able to control the knife while you’re using it. Look for one that either has a finger guard or a nonslip handle. An ergonomic handle can keep your hand comfortable while you chop.
• The weight of the knife comes into play when it comes to both comfort and safety. You’ll want a knife that’s lightweight, but if it’s too lightweight, it may not pack the punch you need when you’re cutting through tougher items.