The Best Kitchen Knives:
Kitchen Knife Review
Tips for Choosing the Right Knife

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What are the best kitchen knives for you?

When you buy your professional kitchen knives, you'll be investing in something that will see you through until you're old and gray.

That's right... I said old and gray. That's because if you buy quality, they should last you a lifetime.

I remember the very first Victorinox kitchen knives I bought as an apprentice. I was told by my Chef that they were the best kitchen knives, and like most young apprentices I took the word of the Chef who told me.

And boy oh boy was I glad I was informed by a chef and not some sales person, or who knows what I could have wasted my money on!

And guess what... I still have them.

Victorinox kitchen knives are the best kitchen knives and the most used and preferred by professional chefs the world over. They're my first choice.

Victorinox have been manufacturing household and professional kitchen knives for over 125 years. They were the first knife manufacturer to produce stainless steel knives.

Based on this and a number of other positives...
I highly recommend this brand... Victorinox!

Choosing the best kitchen knives for you will come down to a few main points. Ask yourself these questions...

1. Do you like a heavy knife?
2. Or... do you prefer a lighter knife?
3. What's your budget?

First things first.

If you like heavy professional kitchen knives, then you will have a preference for what is known as a 'forged' knife.

If you like a lighter knife then you will have a preference for what is known as a stamped or plate knife.

As an apprentice, (many moons ago) I started out with stamped professional kitchen knives.

Why?

They were more affordable than the 'forged' german kitchen knives. That's not to say that any one of them is better than the other; it was simply a matter of budget. I was only paid $120 a week as an apprentice back then.

It's important to understand that there is 'no' difference in the quality of these two knives. Both are as good as each other. Sure... there is a huge difference in the manufacturing process but basically, it all comes down to what your prefer. In my opinion they are both very good professional kitchen knives.

The best kitchen knives are made either in Switzerland or Germany. These two countries have set the bench mark for professional kitchen knives and it just so happens that Victorinox knives are made in both of these countries.

So... are the best kitchen knives for 'you' light or heavy?

Let me explain the difference

Why a Forged Knife?

The best kitchen knives have predominantly been forged German kitchen knives. The German made Victorinox fully forged cooks knives are a heavy full tanged knife made from one single piece of steel. The term 'Full Tang' means the steel goes all the way through the handle.

The blade and tang are one single piece which explains why the knives are heavier and more balanced than the traditional stamped knives. Having a full tang makes them...

Perfectly Balanced

The forged Victorinox kitchen knives are beautifully balanced and perfectly weighted helping reduce any strain or discomfort on your wrist. If you've got a lot of food to cut and prepare, this will make all the difference. To get the most out of the best kitchen knives, you'll need to know that...

They Stay Sharp

Professional kitchen knives are made of high carbon steel which is part of what helps them stay sharper for longer. The harder the steel the better the edge retention.

Professional kitchen knives go through a process called 'tempering'.

What Makes Them Sharp?

The best kitchen knives go through a process called tempering. The degree of tempering determines the level of hardness in the steel. This is what helps them stay sharp.

Without going into too much detail and boring you with more information than what is necessary, in simple terms it means the knife has been heated and cooled several times to get the desired degree of hardness.

Too much and the knife will be too hard and brittle and difficult to re-sharpen.

Victorinox kitchen knives are...

Easy to Sharpen

Victorinox are the best kitchen knives because of their reputation of not only staying sharp, but they're also easy to re-sharpen

If the steel of the knife is too hard, it will be difficult to put an edge back onto the knife when it eventually becomes blunt. Not only this point, but the harder the knife, the more brittle it will be.

If the knife is too brittle you run the risk of chipping or snapping the knife if you accidentally drop it. This could be a costly mistake. The next point to consider is comfort. Are they...

Comfortable in The Hand

This is an important part of buying a knife. after all, you'll be using it quite often.

During my career as a Chef one of the many reasons I used Victorinox kitchen knives was due to the comfort. In particular, the handle of these Victorinox kitchen knives have an ergonomically designed handle

When choosing the best kitchen knives for yourself, the handle should be an integral part of your decision. Look for an ergonomic handle like the one on these Victorinox kitchen knives.

Victorinox have spent a lot of time money on product development getting their product range 'just right'.

• The correct tempering of the steel so your knife stays sharper for longer.
• The right shaped handle to make your cooking experience more of a joy than a chore.

Remember... cooking is supposed to be fun and no fuss, so having a knife that is comfortable and stays sharp will not only save you time but make cooking a joy.

Why a Stamped Knife?

Stamped kitchen knives are far lighter to handle and a little easier on the budget too.

Although these knives weigh less, I'd like to emphasis that the quality of these models are no lesser quality. They are as good a quality as the forged.

Quite often people are told by sales people that a forged knife is more expensive because it is a better quality knife. True to a point. But mostly an untruth.

It also depends on the brand of course.

I can assure that with my years of experience, the professional Victorinox kitchen knives are of the highest quality.

Like I mentioned, it all comes down to preference and budget.

Two Main Types

• Rosewood handle
• Fibrox handle

In this range, most Chefs use the Fibrox. Why?

Again it all comes down to price. The Fibrox is about half the price of the Rosewood. That's because rosewood is so expensive and obviously costs Victorinox a premium to buy it from there suppliers.

Rosewood or Fibrox?

There are a few benefits for both. Personally; I prefer and use the rosewood. That's because I like the 'feel' in the hand.

Another great benefit of the rosewood is that it has it's own natural built-in antibacterial ability. To a point, the micro-organisms that are naturally found in the timber assist in reducing the growth of bacteria.

(I'd like to make a VERY important point here however... it does not replace proper food handling practices.)

What ever you do... keep the rosewood knives as far away from the dishwasher as possible. These are such beautiful knives. It's a sin to put them in a dishwasher!

If you do, you'll dry out the timber and after time the handle and rivets will separate due to the rosewood expanding and contracting from the excessive heat.

So do yourself a favor; wash them in warm soapy water and dry them before you store them.

This range was the first of the Victorinox Kitchen knives. They won their reputation based on the particular range because of the...

Perfect Edge and Stays Sharp

The steel in these knives have been laser cut from a sheet of steel then tempered. They are polished and honed to a perfect edge enabling you to cut effortlessly and with safety.

The edge retention on these knives are fantastic which explains why they are a Chefs first choice.

Like most things, over time they wear out. These knives are so easy to sharpen. They are a softer steel than the fully forged knives above, so putting an edge on the knife will be quick and easy.

Which ever you choose, I have no doubt you will be delighted with your Victorinox kitchen knives. They truly are the 'best kitchen knives'.

Have You Used Victorinox Knives?

Have you used - or do you own Victorinox knives?

Tell us what you think. Are they good knives? Are they value for money? Are you happy with them?

My visitors would love your honest opinion. Help others to make the right choice by using the form below.

These beautifully balanced knives are designed in Switzerland by Victorinox.

Adhering to their strict standards, Victorinox had them engineered and manufactured in Germany.

A full tanged knife with an intuitively designed handle.

This type of knife makes cooking an absolute joy.

These knives truly are Swiss Design & German Engineering at its Best

Victorinox Forged 8-Piece Knife Set with Block

The Rosewood handle was the original and still the best of the Victorinox range.

These have been my preference since day one. I like both a heavy and a light knife, however this one has been the most comfortable for me.

The handle is comfortable and durable and the blade keeps a good edge. A very easy knife to use and sharpen.

Be sure you don't put these knives in the dishwasher or you will be disappointed when the handle separates from the rivets.

Victorinox 11-Piece Knife Set with Block, Rosewood Handles

The Fibrox stamped are a very similar feel to the Rosewood. However there is one obvious difference; the handle.

This handle is made of a commercial grade plastic and has a non slip texture to the finish. They call this 'FIBROX'.

Sure... it's not the most attractive knife, but if your budget allows for only a minor purchase (with value for money of course) then this the perfect knife.

The Fibrox handle Victorinox knife is the biggest selling commercial Chefs knife in the world

Victorinox 8 Piece Block Set, Fibrox Handles

Just as the tyres on your car wear out, so does the edge of a knife.

If like many people who have not been properly shown how to use a steel, then you will at some stage need one of these.

A sharp knife will prevent you from having a nasty accident, and make cutting a lot easier. Keep your Victorinox kitchen knives sharp with this specially designed hand held sharpener.

This has to be one of the best knife sharpeners available.

It's light weight, durable and will last the distance. For household use, this sharpener should last at least ten years.

AccuSharp 001 Knife Sharpener

Click here to see my TOP PICKS for the best knife sharpeners and 'how to sharpen knives'.

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