Cuisinart Triple Stainless Steel Rivet 6-Piece Steak Knife Set

Every kitchen needs a good set of knives, and basic sets usually contain six of them. The most common kinds of knives included in a knife set are a standard chef’s knife, a utility knife, a carving knife and a paring knife. Prices vary widely on these knife sets. However, you needn’t spend a fortune on them.

Many purists prefer knives made from carbon steel, which makes for very strong blades and edges that stay sharper longer. However, these need to be seasoned to prevent rust and to make them more resistant to acidic compounds like those found in lemons.

Most household knives are made from stainless steel, which is rust-resistant and durable. Their edges are not as sharp as carbon steel, though, and they are harder to sharpen.

Damascus knives are made with pattern welded steel. They are beautiful and do their job well. Some also have other metals mixed in with the steel, like nickel and cobalt.

Many of the best knives aren’t even made of steel. Ceramic has become a popular choice for some home chefs. Ceramic blades tend to stay sharp longer — which is good because they’re difficult to sharpen.

Some knife sets come with blocks that have slots to store the knives in, while others come with individual covers. If you don’t have a spot on your countertop, the latter is a good choice. Look for ergonomic handles; these make the knives more comfortable to use and work with.

• You should have at least one large serrated knife to cut bread with.
• Serrated paring knives are great for cutting small things like grape tomatoes.
• Always wash and dry your knives right after using them. This is important, because they will break down after being exposed to moisture, salts and acids.
• Remember to sharpen your knives regularly for the best results.