How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Knife

Like many products in the kitchen, there isn't a perfect generic kitchen knife. However, there are types that may suit you and types that won't, depending on their shape, weight, blade, price and a multitude of other factors. If you want to purchase your first proper kitchen knife there are a number of things to consider. Online cookware retailer Move Cookshop has a wealth of experience to help you with your choices.

Manchester, UK (PRWEB) November 4, 2008 -- Like many products in the kitchen, there isn't a perfect generic kitchen knife. However, there are types that may suit you and types that won't, depending on their shape, weight, blade, price and a multitude of other factors. If you want to purchase your first proper kitchen knife there are a number of things to consider. Online cookware retailer Move Cookshop has a wealth of experience to help you with your choices.

At first glance, many Kitchen knives (http://www.movecookshop.co.uk/categories/knives/10/) look the same except for obvious differences such as the size and shape. There are a number of different knife brands on the market - many of them recognisable by particular design features. For example, the German knife brand Henckels Twin Cuisine (http://www.movecookshop.co.uk/categories/knives_knife_sets/10_35/?filter_id=35) has a horizontal tang - where the blade extends fully into the handle and is visible from the side rather than the top of the handle. Choosing the right design is generally a matter of personal preference, although safety features such as a finger guard at the base of the blade can be beneficial to the beginner.

The handle is important because this is the part of the knife that you interact with the most. Some knife brands (http://www.movecookshop.co.uk/categories/knives_knife_sets/10_35/) have non-slip, synthetic handles which are comfortable to hold, whereas others have stainless steel handles which provide a contemporary, sleek look, but can be slippery to use. Brands such as Kai have handle designs that are slightly asymmetrical with a cross-section akin to the shape of a chestnut to ensure a really smooth fit. Many of the traditional wooden handles have an end stop to hold the knife in place during use.

A knife's blade is, of course, incredibly important in the kitchen. Most knife blades are made from high carbon stainless steel in varying strengths, denoted by their HRC value. A knife with an HRC value of around 60 (http://www.movecookshop.co.uk/products/kai_shun/kai_shun_bread_knife_9/470/) is extremely hard, but also extremely expensive. Knives with lower HRC values are still very durable but less likely to last as long. The more layers of steel a knife is made from, the harder and stronger they are.

Knives need to be chosen carefully to ensure the maximum usage. Factors that need to be considered are:

• Design of the knife

- Usually personal preference

• Style of the handle

- Again, usually personal preference, but for a decent knife make sure that the blade runs fully through the handle (known as full tang) for safety

• Type of blade

- The harder the steel (the higher its HRC value), the more durable and stronger the knife (http://www.movecookshop.co.uk/products/sabatier/sabatier_professional_all_purpose_knife/478/?cPath=10_72)

• Function of the knife

- Each knife is specially designed for particular functions in the kitchen and using the incorrect knife can make the job harder and also be unsafe

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