The Best Modern Steak
If you’ve got a little extra coin burning a hole in your pocket, or are due to receive or dole out some fancy gifts in the near future and want to go with a Parisian bistronomy vibe when entertaining, then these Perceval 9.47 knives might be right up your alley. The 9.47 knife was designed by a former Michelin-starred chef, and, unsurprisingly, it’s a dream to cut with. While its modern, minimalist look isn’t for everyone, there’s no arguing with its performance. It’s worth noting that unlike other steak-knife sets, the 9.47 is not available in a set of four knives, just sets of two and six.
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Knives Knife Sets & Cutlery
Chefs know how crucial it is to have a great pair of knives andCutting Boardsalong with some handy kitchen tools & gadgets.At Bed Bath & Beyond, there are many knife options and sets to choose from for any task. You can get someparing knivesandslicing knivesfor better precision in the kitchen. Similarly,chef kniveswill give you more control and precision to work with bigger meat and vegetable pieces. Another great option isSantoku knivesthat are great for precision cutting. The blades have an ergonomic shape, and the handles have a textured surface for additional safety. Besides, the stainless-steel material ensures they last long years. Apart from this, you can getculinary knivesthat are elegantly designed. Their forged blades add strength and durability to the materials. Moreover, their one-piece construction makes them seamless and intricate at any table. Read on to learn more about our inventory.
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Also Great: Opinel No 125 Bon Appetit Set
Several testers diverged from the pack on steak knife aesthetics, preferring something with cleaner, modern lines instead of the traditional look. If that also describes you, the Opinel No. 125 Bon Appetit Set, which used to be called the South Spirit, is our recommendation. The Opinel blades are noticeably less sharp than the Messermeister and Wüsthof, but they still cut our tough test-steaks neatly and efficiently. The beautiful handles are made of olivewood, which, in addition to being pretty, is naturally water-resistant .
The Opinels underperform noticeably in one category: weight. At just 35 gramsbarely more than an ouncethey feel insubstantial in the hand. They also come in a simple cardboard case that wont last long in your silverware drawer youd want to store it somewhere less trafficked like a high shelf. But on looks and performance, theyre winners at the price. Lastly, if youre looking for something to brighten your table, Opinel makes a version of this knife set thats fitted with colored hornbeam-wood handles. You can also buy the knives open stock if you want to build your own set in different colors.
Who Needs A Steak Knife Set
Even if you havent seen the movie, you probably know the line: First prize is a Cadillac … Second prize is a set of steak knives. Third prize is youre fired. Alec Baldwins speech is cinema legend. Its also insightful. Glengarry Glen Ross premiered in 1984, when there was nothing more quintessentially American than big cars, lost jobsand steak for dinner. Of course second prize is a set of steak knives! Almost everyone would have appreciated themif not the circumstances they arrived under.
Today, second prize would be something else. Americans are eating less meat in general, and less beef in particular, so not everyone needs a set of steak knives these days. But if you eat meat regularly, you really should have one. Its amazing how much nicer it is to slice a tenderloin or chop with a well-made blade designed for that purpose. And that will hold true even if youre already using a cheapo set of serrated steak knives, let alone if youre hacking away with the dull table knives that came with your silverware.
A nice set of steak knives also dresses up a place-setting, so if you like to entertainor just like to make a fancy meal now and thenyou may appreciate owning a set, too. Finally, one thing that held true in 1984 still holds true in 2015: steak knives are a special gift for the right person. You can even spend Cadillac money, if youre feeling extra generous.
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Does The Handle Matter On Steak Knives
To a certain degree, yes. Although the handle may not be as immediately important as the blade, it will make or break your experience using the knife. Ideally, steak knives should have well-balanced handles that are easy to grip, and feel comfortable in your hand. The material used is largely up to personal preference, although price will vary depending on material .
Wsthof Classic Ikon 8
Effortlessly slice through crusty breads, juicy fruit, and soft cakes with this knife’s serrated edge. It is forged from a single piece of strong high-carbon steel and features Wüsthof’s unique Precision Edge Technology that promises a 20% sharper blade than similar knives.
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Bad Packaging Can Dull A Good Sharp Knife
The knives were first inspected for construction and packaging flaws, which can damage the knives en route. One of the most expensive steak-knife sets arrived in a fancy wooden box, but the notches that held the knives didn’t secure them tightly in place, so during transport the tips of the blades had been rubbing against the inside edge of the box, cutting grooves into the wood. That’s good for neither the box nor the knives.
Upgrade Pick: Wsthof Classic Ikon Set
*At the time of publishing, the price was $300.
Our testers all favored the Ikon’s classic understated elegance.
The Wüsthof Classic Ikon steak knives arent cheap, but they are the cheapest of the three high-end sets that we tested. With little to distinguish between the high-end sets on performancewhich was universally exceptionalaesthetics played the largest role in this pick, and our testers all favored the Ikon’s classic, understated elegance. Their razor-sharp blades have the ideal upswept shape. The unique double-concave curves of their satiny black POM handles fit the hand wonderfully both our smallest and our largest tester found them the most comfortable to hold of all the knives we tested. Their full-tang construction adds strength and, at 77 grams/2.6 ounces, pleasing heft. Lastly, their construction is flawlessas it should be for the price. Because in truth, its the flawless fit-and-finish, more than anything else, that separates an exceptional luxury steak knife from a really great mid-priced oneand that you pay for.
One criticism: the Ikons come in a simple, clear plastic box. Its sturdy enough to use for knife storage but left us wishing for something more distinguished-looking, particularly if the knives are intended to be a gift. For about $100 more, the blackwood-handled Ikon steak knives come in a walnut case its unfortunate that this is not an option for the standard model.
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Can You Sharpen Steak Knives
You sure can! Steak knives with smooth blades are easier to sharpen than serrated steak knives, but both can be whipped back into shape. You can use a whetstone, or follow the directions on an electric sharpener. Of course, you can always have your knives professionally sharpened. Do so when you notice more pressure or leverage is needed to achieve smooth cuts.
Does The Type Of Metal Matter For Steak Knives
Youll often see steak knives advertised as being made with different types of steel, such as German or Japanese. This is partially a personal preference, but it really all comes down to the edge. An ultra-thin edge will come out of the box razor sharp, but it will require more frequent sharpening. Conversely, a slightly chunkier edge may not slice through your shoe, but it wont need constant babysitting.
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How Do You Store Steak Knives
Steak knives, like all other sharp knives, should be kept safe from being jostled around or and knocked into by other utensils. You can use a sheath or knife roll if youve got room on your magnetic knife strip, thats an excellent idea, too. Some of the knives we tested came with permanent storage solutions, while other will require an additional purchase. The important thing is to avoid tossing them loose in a utensil drawer.
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.
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The Criteria: What To Look For In A Steak
Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik
Like a kitchen knife, a good steak knife needs to be sharp, comfortable in your hand, well-balanced, and sturdy. You don’t want to be sawing and tearing away at an expensive, perfectly cooked steak with a flimsy knife. But steak knives need to be pretty, as well. Like a set of power-player, giant red wine glasses, most of us aren’t busting out our steak knives every night at the dinner table steak dinners are special occasions, and the knives should fit the bill on an aesthetic level. This means that selecting a steak-knife set is even more subjective of a process than picking out a great chef’s knife.
What Makes A Good Steak Knife
A quality steak knifeâs only job is to glide through food effortlessly. Easier said than done, though. When looking for a steak knife set, narrow down your selection by material , and then think about howâand how oftenâ youâre going to use the set. Much of what makes a good steak knife set comes down to preference, so consider what makes a good steak knife set for you.
“What makes a good steak knife set: a sharp edge sturdy steel, with just a small amount of bend to ensure cutting the steak with as few passes with the knife as possible an ergonomic handle, so when you are cutting your steak your hand isn’t getting drenched in sauce,” says Portland-based professional chef, Sara Hauman, who appeared on Top Chef.
As youâre shopping, ask yourself a few questions: Do you want thin handles or do you prefer a heavy wooden handle that gives off steakhouse vibes? Do you prefer serrated knives or straight edge blades? Do you mind hand-washing, or are you a dishwasher-only household? Do you host friends and family for dinner often? What kind of storage does the set require, and does your kitchen have the counter or drawer space for it?
And one smart tip: Don’t ever use your steak knives to cut through citrus fruit. “Avoid cutting citrus with your steak knives to ensure the edge stays sharp,” says Hauman.
Once you sort through those decisions and tips, scroll on to find the best steak knife set that fits your needs. Bon appetit!
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Why You Should Trust Us
Ive been cooking for myself and for crowds since I left high school between that and various stints in construction and landscaping, Ive come to appreciate well-made, well-designed hand toolsincluding knives. And having wasted money on crummy, expensive knives more than once when I was younger, I have a particular regard for knives that truly justify their price .
For my own needs and as a journalist, Ive researched deeply into knife-making materials, knife design, and knife performance over the years Mark Richmond, owner of Chef Knives to Go, has been particularly helpful on several occasions. Our 2015 guide, researched and written by Wirecutter deputy editor Christine Cyr Clisset, produced a wealth of information also incorporated here. Christine gathered reviews from Americas Test Kitchen , Saveur, and Serious Eats she learned about knife styles and materials from Dexter Ewing of BLADE magazine and Howard Nourieli of Bowery Kitchen Supplies and she spoke to Rick Gresh, then the executive chef at David Burke’s Primehouse in Chicago for practical advice on steak knife performance and care.
Finally, weve now tested 15 different steak knives on 16 pounds of beef in two real-world test sessions, involving a dozen Wirecutter staffers and friends. If theres a question about steak knives, however obscure, weve asked it and found the answer.
Great Steak Knife Sets To Gift And To Get This Season
Hosting holiday gatherings and dinner parties requires plenty of moving parts. Once youve got all the serving platters, festive glassware, and great cutting boards in place, its key to make sure guests are taken care of. If youre serving a roast, steak, or any kind of bone-in main course, one essential element that cant be ignored is a great set of knives.
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A dull knife is a cooks worst enemy. Using brute force to cut meat means not only a raised risk of injury, but also losing those flavorful juices while you struggle to slice through. The same rule for chefs knives goes for dining utensils as well. The better the steak knife, the better the food will taste and the experience will be for your guests. Read on for some of our favorite steak knife sets to buy right now.
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Budget Pick: Chicago Cutlerys Walnut Tradition Set
*At the time of publishing, the price was $30.
Chicago Cutlerys Walnut Tradition steak knife set is the best low-cost set out there. The knives are not perfect by any metric: the blade-edges are coarse and uneven at 60 grams/2 ounces, theyre a bit lighter than wed like and the fit-and-finish is indifferent. In fact, they appear just to be industrial-grade boning knives with steak knife handles slapped on. Put it this way: if the Messermeisters give you more than you pay for aesthetically, these give you exactly what you pay for, and not a penny more.
They work far better than the serrated blades you usually have to settle for at this price.
But theyre built to last and they work perfectly welland, more importantly, they work far better than the serrated blades you usually have to settle for at this price. Theyre a great choice for outfitting a crowd, taking along on country picnics, or while car camping. Not fancy, perfectly functional, and if you lose one, youll shed no tears.
Our Pick: Messermeister Avanta Pakkawood Set
*At the time of publishing, the price was $60.
The Messermeister Avanta Pakkawood steak knife set was our clear winner. No other knives came close to matching their combination of performance, price, and quality of construction. Their blade-edges are well-formed, smooth, and extremely sharp they cut even the toughest steaks as well as knives we tested that cost five times as much, which cant be said for most others in their price range. Their handles are finished with pakkawood, a durable resin-impregnated natural wood usually only found on more expensive knives. And unlike any other knives we found at the price, they feature full-tang construction: A single piece of steel forms the blade, bolsters, and handle. This adds strength , balance, and heft. The latter is an aesthetic concern, but an important one: 2015’s test revealed that a knife weight of around 80 grams feels just right in the hand. The Messermeisters weigh 89 gramspleasantly robust, and significantly nicer to hold than the lightweight knives typical at this price.
No other knives came close to matching their combination of performance, price, and quality of construction.
The only flaw we found was the not-quite-perfect finishthere were slightly-raised rivets on some handlesbut still, the Messermeisters quality of construction is well above that of the other knives we tested in its price range. Simply put, with most knives you get what you pay for with the Messermeisters, you get more.
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To Our Valued Customers
We regret that due to technical challenges caused by new regulations in Europe, we can for the time being no longer accept orders from the European Union. If you reside in the UK you can continue to order from our UK websites or shop from our locations and partners. Visit West Elm at www.westelm.co.uk and Pottery Barn Kids at www.potterybarnkids.co.uk.
Matters of consumer privacy and rights are paramount to our brands and we will continue to work diligently to make our products available to you. The pace of global regulations is hard to predict, but we have the ultimate goal of being able to offer our products everywhere.
We share your disappointment and greatly appreciate your understanding. Thank you for your patronage.
