The Blue Collar Kitchen

One of the most used and important items in the kitchen is a good set of knives.  If your kitchen is like mine, you probably have a dozen or more kinds of knives.  I have many different shapes, sizes, and qualities.  It wasn't until lately that I realized that the average kitchen chef only needs 6 kinds of knives in the kitchen to do all of the knife work in the kitchen.  I have grown up like many, with mostly cheap quality knives not really understanding what they are made to be used to.  Once you understand what each knife is used for and then understand how to correctly use that knife, it will save you time and frustration in the kitchen.

Here are the six must have knives that each kitchen needs:

1. Chef's Knife:
   - 8 to 10 inches long
   - usually the largest knife in the kitchen


2. Paring Knife:
  - 2 1/2 to 4 inches long
  - the most used knife in the kitchen
  - ideal for peeling and coring fruits and vegetables, cutting small objects, slicing, and other hand tasks


3. Utility Knife:
   - usually 5 to 8 inches long


4. Boning Knife: 
   - 4 to 6 inches long
   - more flexible blade to make it easier to cut around bones


5. Bread Knife: 
  - 10 inch serrated blade
  - serrated blades use a sawing motion to cut bread without tearing.


6. Santoku Knife: 
   - 5 to 7 inch blade
   - Japanese historical significance meaning 'three virtues', with its marvelous chopping, dicing and mincing abilities
 

 If you have these five knives in your kitchen, you will be ready and able to accomplish all of your cutting needs successfully.  If you are considering purchasing a new set of knives, there are a few things to consider.  First of all, you get what you pay for.  I used to buy five dollar knives at the local housewares department and get frustrated when the would not stay sharp.  Kitchen knives are an investment.  A good set will last forever and you will be much happier in the long run.  You can spend  over $1000.00 on a prefessional set of knives, however you can get a really nice set with a lifetime warranty for $100 to $200.  Second, go to a kitchen store and try out the knives before you purchase them.  Be sure to hold them.  They should feel comfortable in your hand.  Do they feel balanced?  Is the handle too large or too small for your hand?  This is very important when purchasing a set of knives.  I will be discussing knife skills in part 2, and having a comfortable, balanced knife makes all the difference.

Here is an example of a nice set of knives would make a great starter set.


Be sure to check back and/or sign up for our email post to get the part two of kitchen knife skills!