Notes On Materials And Construction
If youve spent more than a few minutes researching knives, youve likely run into a bewildering fog of jargon and technical specifications. Heres a quick guide, which applies to steak knives, chefs knives, and everything in between:
The phrase high-carbon steel is basically marketing hype: every steel alloy used to make knives is high-carbon. You can ignore the phrase it if its used, and you neednt worry if its not. Do note, however, that if a knife is listed only as high-carbon or carbon steel, it will easily rust. To be sure your knife is rust-resistant, make sure it is also listed as stainless.
Stainless steel is steel alloyed with at least 12 percent, and usually 14 to 18 percent, chromium. The chromium forms a dense layer on any exposed surface which rapidly oxidizes, preventing oxidation of the steel underneath. There are multiple types of stainless steel, some more corrosion-resistant than others all those used on our recommended knives are high-performing: extremely corrosion-resistant, capable of taking and holding a sharp edge and easy to re-sharpen.
There are thousands of different steel alloysmixtures of iron, carbon, and any of 20 or more other elementseach designed for a different purpose. Knife alloys alone run into the dozens, and the names are alphabet soup: AEB-L, VG-10, 19C27, ZDP-189. My advice is: ignore them all, at least for steak knives. Whatever alloy a good manufacturer chooses will perform perfectly well.
Q: Which Is Better Between Serrated And Non
A: When shopping for steak knives, you are likely to find serrated and non-serrated steak knives. The former have serrated blades on the cutting edge and are designed to cut through foods with a hard exterior. When used on meat, serrated steak knives tear the fibers and may not deliver a smoother and clean cut.
On the other hand, non-serrated steak knives have a razor-sharp edge cut through meats without tearing their fibers. Hence, the output is clean and smoother cut and keeps the meats juices intact, unlike the serrated blade. Therefore, non-serrated steak knives are a better option than serrated steak knives.
Are Knife Sets Worth It Or Should You Build A Collection By Buying Each Knife Separately
For most people, a reliable high-quality knife set is worth it. Like we mentioned above, its all about what you plan on using it for. Even a smaller set with three knives will give you a much wider range when preparing food. If youre enthusiastic about cooking but arent in a position to buy a dozen styles and sizes of high-end knives, a quality larger set will have you cooking up a broader range of culinary delights. Once youve become acquainted with the sizes and styles of knives that you use most often, you can start taking a look at individual knives that suit your tastes and customize your collection further.
The Spruce / Renu Dhar
Read Also: Steak And Shake Com Careers
Finding The Best Knives For Your Steak
Steak is one of Americas signature meals, pair it with the best steak knives and you have your perfect night! A thick slice of premium quality beef, grilled or fried, and seasoned. Steak lovers do not go for it in search of a healthy snack. It is the absolute delight of having that beautiful slice on your plate, and you know its yours alone. It is about the explosion of pleasure in your mouth when you take a bite of your perfectly cooked steak.
As a steak lover, you cannot talk about cooking or eating steak without mentioning your knives. You eat your steak using the best knives because, well, the meat is not small and cannot fit at once into your mouth. Also, you may easily make a mess trying to tear it with your teeth. For this reason, one of the things that you can be sure to find in any real American home is a set of the best steak knives.
There are a good number of knife manufacturers and brands to choose from, designs of handles and other fine details of class and style. But the most important feature is the knife blade. Among the best steak knives, there are two blade types the serrated and the non serrated steak knives. The non serrated are those that have a smooth, straight blade while the serrated knives are those that have ridged blades.
You must know the differences between these different steak knife blades to make a choice that suits you best. There is no perfect choice here. Each has its advantages and drawbacks.
Pros and cons of the Non Serrated knives
Best Without Block: Zwilling Ja Henckels 30720
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No serrated knife
If you already have a knife block or you prefer other storage, this knife set is the perfect option since it doesnt include a block you wont use. This three-piece set is a perfect upgrade or starter set, with three essential kitchen knives in popular sizes. It includes a 4-inch paring knife, a 7-inch utility knife, and an 8-inch chefs knife. The blades are precision-stamped for lighter weight and ice-hardened for strength and edge retention. The synthetic handles are triple-riveted for security and designed for a comfortable grip. These should be hand washed.
Blade Material: High carbon stainless steel | Number of Knives: 3 | Sharpening: None
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Not the most durable
Ceramic knives are extremely hard and can be extremely sharp while they resist staining and will never corrode. They also tend to protect foods like apples or lettuce from browning after cutting. This four-piece set included the knives youll use most often and comes with a knife block to keep them safe when not in use.
This set includes a 3-inch paring knife, a 4 1/2-inch utility knife, a 5 1/2-inch santoku knife, and a 6-inch chefs knife. The knives in this set have black handles and white blades, but two other color options are also available. The block is made from sturdy, attractive bamboo.
Blade Material: Ceramic | Number of Knives: 4 | Sharpening: None
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Expensive
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No serrated knife included
Blade Material: VG-MAX steel | Number of Knives: 3 + scissors | Sharpening: Sharpening Steel
Recommended Reading: How To Barbecue The Perfect Steak
Amazonbasics Premium Kitchen Knife Set
Lets kick off our best steak knife review with this beautiful 8-piece kitchen and steak knife set. These knives are very easy to hold and use. They all come with a full tang and full bolster. You get good clearance when youre cutting with extra force and your fingers are safe.
The build quality is very durable and the handle is triple-riveted for extra robustness. Hand washing isnt too difficult . Youre getting excellent value for your money considering there are 8 knives in this set. Theyll need a fair bit of care .
The micro-serrated edges wont ever need to be sharpened. I find the teeth to be a little thick and can end up tearing the meat, as opposed to cutting through it. This isnt always the case, but its worth pointing out.
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Best Steak Knive Buying Guide
Weve now looked at a great selection of our best steak knives, which we searched long hard to find for your convenience.
There are obviously numerous styles and designs that come in at various price ranges. However, we believe each one of these knife sets are capable of cutting your meat really well.
The wild card
with their S1 Series. We just loved how well made this carving set was for such an incredibly good price.
So lets now run through some of our favorite knives, categorizing them by some of the top features we came across
The best full-tang blade
We came across quite a few knives made with a full-tang, which is considered to be a high-quality feature in any type of forged blade.
Usually, a full-tang should give more strength, durability, and longevity to your knife, but its not always the case.
Anyhow, our favorite full-tang set of knives from the reviews list has to be the
These knives have amazingly well-made full-tang blades which are also rust-free. We also think the overall design of these blades aids your steak-eating experience perfectly.
Micro-serrated edges
If youre looking to tear through your steaks cleanly, and you dont want the hassle of having to sharpen your knives micro-serrated knives might be a good way to go. However, if you prefer more traditional edges and want to get them as sharp as possible, please check out our reviews of the best honing steels.
The look
Best value for money steak knives
Read Also: How To Cook Steak On Indoor Grill
How To Choose Between Wusthof And Henckels
The two brands are both famous for their good quality. However, you should take into account how much you are willing to pay and what kinds of knife sets you are interested in. Knife sets from Wusthof are generally costlier than other knife sets available on the market. Despite the high price, there is no doubt that you can have the optimal quality and high-grade knife. Otherwise, you can go for Henckels. The knife sets from the brand are well known and enduring.
What Is The Best Steak Knife
A steak knife is not just another regular kitchen knife that gets blunt over time, and it doesnt really bother you. Steak knives are supposed to stand out in your kitchenware and make your dinners more enjoyable.
Here are five features to look for in a steak knife.
Sharp Blade
A sharp blade is not the only feature to consider, but it is undoubtedly the most important one to check. If you want to cut precise and fine pieces of meat without losing all those precious juices, you can not use a blunt knife.
Sharp fine-edge blades ensure effortless cuts through the toughest of meats. It lets you enjoy your meals without breaking a sweat.
Blade Material
Traditionally, steak knives were made from carbon steel, which is a super durable material. The best steak knives have a high carbon stainless steel construction, which is sturdy and lightweight to handle.
A good-quality steel blade will ensure better cuts and high edge retention. If its stainless steel, the blade will also be resistant to rust and corrosion, which is very important if you plan on keeping the knives in decent condition for several years.
Full Tang
A full tang construction means that the knife is made out of a single metal piece, which adds to its durability and your safety. It prevents accidental slips and stays put inside the handle without any risks of breaking out unexpectedly.
Balanced Design
Ergonomic Handle
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Steak To Bbq
Which Knives Are Better Henckels Or Wusthof
The answer to this question actually depends on your taste. Wusthof is a straight type blade whereas Henckles is a serrated type. Both knives are made in Germany, and they possess the quality and craftsmanship that German cutlery is very famous for.
Any henckels steak knives review on the Internet would tell you that its Henckles. Although, these two products are almost the same in quality, wed have to agree with the reviews. Wusthof is longer than Henckels by about half an inch.
This might seem unimportant, but itll actually make all the difference. Shorter knives tend to feel more comfortable in the hand, and the shorter Henckels fit perfectly on ours when we tried it. Its also aesthetically more pleasing the Wusthof. So we do think that Henckel knives are better than Wusthofs .
Runner Up: Dalstrong Steak Knives Set Of 4 Gladiator Series Forged German Thyssenkrupp Hc Steel W/sheaths
DALSTRONG Steak Knives consists of four steak knives with a traditional look and high-quality straight blades. The brand, Dalstrong, is relatively new in the knife-making world, but it has proved its worth by offering excellent quality and good value for money.
Dalstrong Steak Knives have full tangs, and each comes with a separate protective sheath. The 5 Thyssenkrupp German steel blades are carefully hand-sharpened, making this set stand apart from others.
The hollow edges on the blades ensure that no food sticks to the knife. That allows you to make fine cuts, no matter how tough the meat.
Similar to the blades, the black pakkawood handles also add to the premium cutting experience. The lamination makes it easier to maintain and adds durability. Moreover, the ergonomic shape makes the handles well-balanced and comfortable in hand.
Pros
- Thyssenkrupp German steel straight-edge blades
- Well-balanced full tang construction
Read Also: Wusthof Classic Ikon 6 Piece Steak Knife Set
Best Budget: Oneida Flight Steak Knives
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Coordinates well with existing flatware
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Heavier weight
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Can easily be mistaken for dinner knives
Couples and small families dont need a wide array of steak knives taking space in storage, so this four-piece set makes sense for special family dinners, but they wont eat into the steak budget. Theyre made entirely from stainless steel with a high-luster finish and a swooping design on the handle that will look good with any flatware you already own.
The knives have a serrated edge for easy cutting and have weight to them that suggests quality construction. These are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. If the flight design doesnt fit your style perfectly, the company makes similar steak knives with different handle designs to better match your flatware.
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Hand-wash only
The contemporary look of these steak knives is modern enough to pair with sleek dinnerware and classic enough to pair with grandmas china. The attractive blades and handles are made from stainless steel for durability, and the serrated edges will slice easily through steaks and roasts and stay sharp for a long time.
As an eight-piece set, these knives are great for large family dinners and parties. They come in an olivewood presentation box that makes them perfect for gift-giving, and the box is also excellent for safe storage, meaning you don’t have to worry about the knives rattling around in the utensil drawer.
Why Would You Need A Dedicated Knife Set For Steak Meals
If you eat steak regularly such as on a weekly basis or after a fortnight, you need to have a set of steak knives.
This set boasts several sharp table knives of different sizes, types of blades, and handles for cutting steak.
With a set of blades, you do not need to constantly sharpen one knife every now and then.
This is because you can rotate the other blades in the set.
This allows your knives to remain reliably sharp without any need for serrations.
This high-quality cutlery makes it easy for you to cut your juicy steak with the best precision and in a tidy manner.
A set of steak knives comes with blades that are specially designed for use with different types of steak.
Some of the blades are slightly heftier and longer than the others.
These blades have a modern look and as such, they will enhance the quality and uniqueness of your cutlery.
Steak knife sets make it possible to cuts meats like steak, beef, chicken, and other soft & boneless meats into fine slices.
This comes in handy when you are hosting friends or family over for dinner.
The blades are designed to cut correctly in smooth and consistent cuts.
Related:
You May Like: Cook Medium Steak On Grill
Best Budget: Farberware Edgekeeper 21
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Nice weight for balanced cutting
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Wood block has built-in sharpener
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Prone to rust with time
This low-cost set saves you money in two ways. First, its inexpensive to purchase, and second, you wont need to buy a knife sharpener to maintain the knives. The knife block has Edgekeeper sharpeners in each slot, so your knives will get a sharpening swipe every time you insert and remove them. The blades are forged from high carbon stainless steel and the triple-riveted handles are comfortable to hold.
This set includes an 8-inch chefs knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, an 8-inch bread knife, an 8-inch slicing knife, a 6-inch boning knife, a 6-inch cleaver, a 5 1/2-inch serrated utility knife, a 3 1/2-inch paring knife, a carving fork, eight steak knives, and a pair of kitchen shears. The included knife block keeps all of them secure and accessible on your counter. These knives should be hand washed and dried immediately.
Blade Material: High carbon stainless steel | Number of Knives: 18 + scissors | Sharpening: Built-in
Most Comfortable: Cutco Steak 4
Cutco knives have a loyal following, and for good reason: The company offers a lifetime guarantee on its knives and offers free lifetime sharpening services . When it comes to serrated knives, which can’t be sharpened with most traditional sharpeners, this is a great amenity.
The Cutco steak knives have a high-quality construction, with the resin handles riveted seamlessly onto the full-tang blades, and special, serrated edges that are designed so there’s a cutting surface in every direction, whether the knife is moving forwards, backwards, or straight down.
While they do tear the meat a little more than some of the other blades on this list, they do work well even on gristly pieces of meat, with just a little pressure and effort. These are some of the most comfortable knives we’ve tried: The polished resin handles have a unique shape that fits perfectly in the hand, wider in the middle with indentations at the thumb and pinky. It almost feels like they’ve been molded to fit the grip, and seems like it would be comfortable for both small and large hands.
Buy It: $296 cutco.com
Also Check: The Number For Omaha Steaks
How Much Should You Pay
Steak knife sets are priced differently depending on their features and quality.
Avoid purchasing cheap ones as they are poor in quality and are therefore not as reliable.
Additionally, low-quality blades usually have weak handles and excessively flexible blades.
That may pose a potential injurious hazard to those using the blades.
Therefore, it is advisable that you search for high-quality models.
They might cost more, of course.
But they will give you the best value for your money in the long run.
And finally, if you have a limited budget, ensure that you undertake extensive research first before making your final decision.
I highly recommend you take a look at my comparison table above first.
Theyre enough for you to start with.
