A delicious dish starts with the preparation of high-quality, fresh ingredients. But the unsung heroes of brilliant cooking are the tools that get the job done, namely, your knives. A quality chef knife is arguably the most essential tool in the kitchen as it’s constantly in use throughout the entire dish preparation process. The quality of your knife will affect not only your efficiency and safety, but also your precision and control when preparing your ingredients.

At Butchers Equipment Warehouse, we know how necessary quality equipment is for professional chefs as well as amateur and hobbyist cooks. That’s why we’re proud to be suppliers of some of the finest cooking tools from the world's best knife producers, such as Victorinox - which provides the option of either a fibrox or rosewood handle cook’s knife, or ICEL, which gives you their high-quality knives fit for a professional kitchen, to name a couple. If you’re new to the world of chef knives and you’re wondering how to pick the right one for you, or you’re just looking for a refresher course, here’s why a chef knife is the most important tool in the kitchen.

How does the knife you use affect your efficiency in the kitchen?

A high-quality knife looks and feels ten times better than a cheaper alternative, and t’s crafted with precision and accuracy in mind - enabling you to get your ingredient preparation done quickly yet safely, and with a degree of control that low-quality knives don’t offer.

A sharp blade is actually much safer than a dull blade, because a dull blade requires much more pressure to slice, and if you were to slip, the force behind it would cause significant damage if you got your hands in the way. On the other hand, a sharp blade cuts effortlessly and requires minimal pressure, making them much safer to use.

Plus, they'll speed up your work. Dull blades will also cause certain herbs and vegetables to oxidise more quickly because they'll rupture more cells than a sharp, clean cut, lowering the quality of your ingredients. Low-quality knives also have to be replaced often, so it's well worth investing in a high-quality blade and getting your money's worth.

How to choose the right knife for you

When choosing a chef's knife, always buy from a reputable seller, like us at Butcher's Equipment Warehouse, and opt for a quality brand, like ICEL or Victorinox. This way, you can know immediately that the knife you get will be premium. A great knife will be crafted from steel for optimum performance, sharpness, and durability.

Another thing to consider when choosing a knife is the handle. There are many different handle styles, ranging from plastic to metal and wood. A good handle will provide grip and balance when using the knife. We recommend a rosewood handle as not only are they smooth and beautiful, but they're also comfortable. 

Always store your knives properly

When storing your knives, it's crucial to do so correctly to keep them in great nick. There are a few options for storing your chef's knives. You can do so in a drawer (providing each blade has its place). It's important to remember not to pile your knives into a standard knife drawer. Not only is this dangerous, but it’ll dull the blades. Invest in a quality wooden drawer organiser for best results. You can also store your knives in a wood block on the counter or display them on a magnetic bar. Providing your knife edges are maintained, cleaned regularly and stored with care, they will stand the test of time!

Investing in high-quality knives is essential for anyone who loves to cook, professional or otherwise. With the perfect knife, you can confidently tackle any culinary task that comes your way. All the blades we stock are of premium quality, so you can rest assured you’re only getting the best. And, of course, they’re all available at the best prices at Butchers Equipment Warehouse. You can check out our extensive range of chef knives and chef's knife sets right here on our site. And if you need any advice, don’t hesitate to contact us on 01254 427721, and we'll be happy to answer any questions!