About Kitchen Knives & Accessories
A sharp, well-balanced knife is the most important tool in any kitchen. It makes prep faster and more enjoyable, and it's actually safer than a dull knife, which slips and needs more force.
This category includes chef's knives, paring and utility knives, bread knives, knife sets with blocks, sharpeners and honing steels, magnetic knife strips and cutting boards.
You don't need a big set to cook well. Most home cooks get by with three knives: an 8-inch chef's knife for most chopping, a small paring knife for detail work and a serrated bread knife. Choose a chef's knife that feels balanced and comfortable in your hand.
Look after your knives and they'll last for years. Hand-wash and dry them straight away, since dishwashers dull and damage blades. Use a honing steel regularly to keep the edge aligned, and sharpen properly a few times a year. Store knives in a block, on a magnetic strip or with blade guards, not loose in a drawer.
Wood and soft plastic cutting boards are gentler on blades than glass or stone. Keep knives out of reach of children.