Knives Out For Your Foodie

In the coming month, we’ll share some great gift ideas for the foodie in your life (or yourself, because you deserve a nice present, too). One of the best gifts you can give the home chef, foodie or keen beginner in your life is a good knife. 

A good knife makes a huge difference in the kitchen. It can improve preparation time, the presentation or look of the dish, flavour (because an onion cut up by a dull, useless knife will lose its onion-y-ness quite quickly) and make a chef feel capable and in control. A bad knife on the other hand can lead to injuries, food waste, the texture of the food going wrong and so much more. We really mean it when we say a knife makes a difference. 

The kind of knife you choose for your foodie depends on a few things. What will they be cooking? Do they need a paring knife for small, delicate cuts, a chef’s knife as the kitchen catch-all, a boning knife for getting into delicate places and severing tendons and muscle fibres in a pinch, or all three? Do they want ceramic for extra sharpness (but a harder time to upkeep) or stainless steel for a classic low(er) maintenance kitchen tool? Do they like the aesthetic of a metal handle, or a wooden one, or the familiar comfort of a black plastic handle? Do they want a German, Japanese or classic Western style knife? These are all things you should consider when finding your foodie their next best kitchen instrument. We have a few extra tips for maintenance, care and getting the most out of your pointy new friend!  

Know your Knives
 Get familiar with what different types of knives are out there and what they are designed for. Sure, all the different knives look good, but each is made specifically to do a certain job. When you find the ones that suit you and your cooking, it will make your cooking easier and dare we say, more enjoyable, when you don't have to karate chop at a vegetable with a fish knife.

Cleaning knives
 Knives should be washed by hand unless their packaging specifically states that they are dishwasher safe. Dishwashers do a great job of cleaning things by washing with very hot water, but this hot water and the long duration of the cycle can affect the strength of the blade. It can also lead to dulling, rusting and more. The heat is also not good for the handles of knives so opt to wash them by hand to preserve their lifespans. Washing knives by hand should be done with hot soapy water then they should be rinsed well and dried immediately. 

Designated knives
As we’ve mentioned, different knives serve different purposes. Once you find a knife that’s suited for you, the chef’s knife, boning knife, fish knife, don’t get tempted to start experimenting. These knives really are specifically designed for their purpose, so don’t risk breaking, dulling, or potentially causing an accident by using a knife not suited for the job. If your foodie loves a variety of different kinds of foods, they should invest in a variety of knives to suit. 

Protection is king
Knives should be handled with care and always stored in a knife block, on a magnetic knife strip or in the protective sleeves they came in. These measures will stop the knives from rubbing against one another damaging the blade in the process. 

Sharpen up
Keeping your blade sharp will keep it at optimum efficiency meaning less risk of injury, less risk of damage to the knife and less elbow grease in the kitchen. Get a good quality steel (a long stock of steel like a sword which you run the blade up and down to sharpen) and don't let it collect dust, pull it out regularly. And to make sure you get the slice you want, grab yourself a sharpening stone and put your knives to it every month or two. 

Chances are, your foodie needs a chef’s knife in their life. Here are some extremely popular chef’s knives that an food lover would appreciate: 

Kiwi Brand Stainless Steel 8 Inch Thai Knife
This knife is great for beginners and people on a budget at $20. With a hardened stainless steel blade and a wooden handle, it's an aesthetic and functional addition to a beginner kitchen.

Mercer Culinary Genesis 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
Made from German steel, this knife has a comfortable Santoprene handle for a secure grip and a well-balanced blade for better control. It’s a great choice for those looking for durability to continue honing their slicing, dicing and mincing skills. At $65, it is a great addition to an intermediate kitchen.

MAC MTH-80 Professional Series 8-Inch Chef’s Knife with Dimples
The MTH-80 is a popular knife for everyday use.  The 8" length is the most commonly used size in both the home and professional kitchen.  The thin 2.5mm blade and bolster allows this knife to easily cut, slice, and dice almost any food.  The added dimples help the knife to glide through sticky foods such as potatoes, apples, and summer squash. This is an amazing option for professionals and to help those put their best foot forward. At $190, it's a gift that really says "I love you.. and your cooking". 

Don't forget to get your Christmas orders in ASAP to avoid disappointment, online or in-store!