Foodie Secrets to the Perfect Kitchen Knife

MARCH 25, 2020  |  FRIEDR. DICK KNIVES
 

Culinary pros, such as those seen on Chef’s Table, can get a little particular with their tools. And who could blame them? A foodie's kitchen only has space for the best of the best. Knives are no exception. There’s a huge selection of knives on the market, with dozens of brands spanning a range of price points and quality levels. If you’re looking to invest in professional level knives, don’t settle for less. Take the time to find one that fits your needs.

Handling

How do you find the perfect knife? A good foodie knows to start with comfort. The handle should feel comfortable to hold and secure in your hand, without being too big or too small. If the knife has grips, your fingers should rest naturally against them. Balance and weight are other essential qualities to consider. Some chefs prefer a heavier knife for more cutting power, while others find lighter knives easier to manipulate. When dealing with something as sharp as a knife, finding a feel good fit is a must. Whatever you choose, you should feel confident holding and using it. On the market for a new knife? F.Dick makes a classic chef’s knife with all-purpose durability and usability. The standard 8-inch blade length is the perfect length for most users.

Hardness

The Rockwell C (HRC) scale is used to quantify the hardness of steels used in knives. An object is pressed against the metal being assessed, and the depth of the indent produced corresponds to a hardness rating. Softer steels are flexible and easier to sharpen but dull quickly. Harder steels have the upside of staying sharp for longer, but an overly hard steel has brittle qualities and is difficult to sharpen. Most F.Dick knives have an HRC rating of around 55, which finds a balance between durability and ease of upkeep. It’s still harder than most conventional knife blades, but generally easy to sharpen and maintain

Upkeep

Quality knives require proper care to maintain their performance and ensure they hold up for years to come. If you leave them in a sink of dirty dishes and toss them in the dishwasher, it won’t do your knives any favours. It’s best to handwash the blades after each use and dry before storing them. Unfortunately, steam and harsh dishwasher detergents can cause corrosion. With the proper care, F.Dick knives are stainless and rustproof, with superior edge retention properties. F.Dick also offers a range of sharpening steels to help you maintain your blade’s cutting edge. With a variety of shapes, lengths and finishes to match your preferences, these knife sharpeners are simple to use. Glide the blade to the left over the honing steel at an angle of 15°-20°, and then repeat on the right.

F.Dick products have history on their side. Used as chef's table tools all over the world, they’ve been around for over a century and are still winning awards for their performance. The product of German engineering, their blades made of a high-quality stainless-steel alloy that marries performance with easy maintenance. F.Dick has been a top choice of European chefs for years – you can be confident making it your go-to.