When equipping your kitchen with cutlery you want good quality knives that will hold an edge. A Wüsthof® knife set is a good example of a quality product – the family owned operation has been making knives since 1814. Most Wüsthof® knives are precision forged and quality is assured by a system of forty manufacturing processes per item. Many famous chefs use Wüsthof® knives and the brand has been given high ratings by several magazines.
Regardless of brand there are some key features to look for when selecting a good quality knife and construction is one of them. Many knives feature a riveted handle where two parts sandwich the tang or part of the blade that extends into the handle of the knife. Look for knives which feature a full tang and multiple rivets – a full tang makes for a well balanced and sturdy knife that will not wiggle; multiple rivets also ensure the blade will stay firmly in place. All workmanship should be precise as loose rivets or a gap between the blade and the handle are places which can harbor bacteria.
When you invest in a good knife it’s important to treat it with care. Knives should never be placed in the dishwasher regardless of how they may be labeled, nor should they be submerged in water for any length of time. Most professional chefs use a damp cloth to wipe their knives clean and then dry them carefully before storing. When storing any knife it’s important to protect the blade; knife blocks are one handy option or you may prefer a magnetic knife strip. Another option is a chef’s knife roll or individual knife protectors.
