The Ultimate Knife Buying Guide
How to Choose the Right Kitchen Knife for Every Task
Whether you're a professional chef working through a busy service or a passionate home cook preparing family meals, the right knife can transform your cooking experience. A quality knife improves precision, comfort and safety while making food preparation quicker and more enjoyable.
At Russums, we've been supplying chefs and kitchens for generations, so we know choosing the right knife isn't always straightforward. This guide explains the different types of kitchen knives, what they're used for and how to select the perfect one for your needs.
Why Choosing the Right Knife Matters
Using the correct knife isn't just about making preparation easier—it can also improve:
- Speed and efficiency
- Precision and consistency
- Safety in the kitchen
- Comfort during long periods of use
- The quality of your finished dishes
A sharp, well-balanced knife requires less effort to use than a blunt or unsuitable one, helping to reduce fatigue and improve control.
Which Knife Do You Need?
Chef's Knife
The all-rounder.
Best for
- Chopping vegetables
- Slicing meat
- Herbs
- General food preparation
Most professional chefs reach for a chef's knife first because it can handle around 80% of everyday kitchen tasks.
Santoku Knife
Ideal for precision slicing.
Best for
- Vegetables
- Fish
- Boneless meats
- Fine slicing
The flatter blade and scalloped edge help reduce food sticking while cutting.
Paring Knife
Perfect for detailed work.
Best for
- Peeling fruit
- Garnishes
- Small vegetables
- Trimming
Every kitchen should have at least one paring knife.
Bread Knife
Designed to cut without crushing.
Best for
- Bread
- Cakes
- Tomatoes
- Delicate pastries
Its serrated blade cuts cleanly through crusts while protecting soft interiors.
Carving Knife
Long and narrow for clean slices.
Best for
- Roast beef
- Turkey
- Ham
- Large joints of meat
The long blade creates smooth, even slices with minimal tearing.
Boning Knife
Made for working around bones.
Best for
- Poultry
- Fish
- Butchery
- Trimming meat
Available with flexible or stiff blades depending on the application.
Filleting Knife
Designed for delicate precision.
Best for
- Fish preparation
- Skinning
- Removing bones
Flexible blades allow greater control around fine bones.
Utility Knife
A smaller alternative to a chef's knife.
Perfect for jobs too large for a paring knife but too small for a chef's knife.
Choosing the Right Handle
The handle can make just as much difference as the blade.
Fibrox Handles
Ideal for professional kitchens.
Benefits include:
- Slip-resistant grip
- Dishwasher safe
- Hygienic
- Comfortable during long shifts
Excellent for busy commercial environments.
Wooden Handles
Perfect for those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship.
Benefits include:
- Beautiful natural appearance
- Comfortable feel
- Excellent balance
Best suited to home kitchens or chefs who hand wash their knives.
Plastic Handles
Reliable and practical.
Benefits include:
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Comfortable
Excellent everyday choice.
Forged vs Stamped Knives
Forged Knives
Made from a single piece of steel.
Advantages:
- Better balance
- Heavier feel
- Greater durability
- Often preferred by professional chefs
Stamped Knives
Cut from sheets of steel.
Advantages:
- Lighter weight
- More affordable
- Easier for prolonged use
Modern stamped knives, such as many Victorinox models, deliver exceptional performance while remaining lightweight.
Which Blade Length Should You Choose?
| 8–10cm | Peeling and trimming |
| 12–15cm | Small everyday tasks |
| 18cm | Compact chef's knife |
| 20cm | Most home cooks |
| 25cm | Professional chefs and larger ingredients |
Which Knife Brand Is Right for You?
Victorinox
Perfect for:
- Professional chefs
- Catering
- Hospitality
- Great value
- Everyday reliability
Known worldwide for exceptional quality and outstanding value.
Wüsthof
Ideal for:
- Premium performance
- Forged German knives
- Excellent balance
- Long-term investment
A favourite among experienced chefs.
Japanese Knives
Best suited for:
- Precision cutting
- Fine slicing
- Exceptional sharpness
- Specialist preparation
Excellent for chefs looking for ultimate cutting performance.
Knife Safety Tips
Always:
- Use a chopping board
- Keep knives sharp
- Store knives correctly
- Cut away from yourself
- Never leave knives loose in drawers
Looking After Your Knife
To maximise performance:
- Hand wash whenever possible
- Dry immediately after washing
- Hone regularly
- Sharpen when needed
- Store safely in a block, roll or magnetic rack
Proper maintenance extends the life of your knife and ensures consistent performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best kitchen knife for beginners?
A 20cm chef's knife is the most versatile option and ideal for most cooking tasks.
Are expensive knives worth it?
A quality knife can offer better comfort, sharper performance and greater longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for many cooks.
How often should I sharpen my knife?
Professional chefs may sharpen every few months depending on use, while regular honing helps maintain the edge between sharpenings.
What's the difference between honing and sharpening?
Honing realigns the blade edge, while sharpening removes a small amount of metal to create a new cutting edge.
Are Victorinox knives good?
Yes. Victorinox knives are trusted by professional chefs around the world for their sharpness, durability and excellent value, making them one of the most popular choices in commercial kitchens.
Find Your Perfect Knife at Russums
Whether you're buying your first chef's knife or upgrading your professional knife kit, Russums offers a carefully selected range of kitchen knives from leading brands including Victorinox, Wüsthof and specialist Japanese makers.
Browse our collection to find knives designed for precision, durability and exceptional performance in every kitchen.
