How Are Japanese Kitchen Chef Special?
Unless you are really into cooking as a profession or hobby, you probably think that all knives are the same. They have a handle and they cut things, nothing more nothing less. Though they do look very similar, they are completely different depending on shape, size, and serration. And knives can come from anywhere in the world, each and every one with their own roots and history. Kind of an eye opener Well, it is in a way. But then again, different things come from all over the world in different styles so it is not all that surprising.
One the best knives out there is the Japanese chef knife, otherwise known as the gyuto. These knives have far more variations and differences than those you would find elsewhere. The Japanese also went a step further and made their knife out of a special and harder steel that will make them more durable and multifunctional than those made elsewhere.
There are some things to remember when looking at knives, whether you are looking at a Japanese chef knife or another kind of chef knife. The handle and the blade make a big difference in knives in general, and these are no different.
1. Sharp edge or Blades - these can be made out of carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, ceramic or laminated. You may be wondering how and why this is important. Apparently they affect the way how food is prepared and ease of maintenance. For example titanium knives are great for filleting because they are light and will retain their edge for a longer period of time.
2. The Handle -- you will also find handles that are made of a wide variety of materials. Common ones include wood, plastic, rubber, micarta, leather and stainless steel. The handle material and shape will definitely affect how easy a knife is to use. Case in point; if you have a wooden knife handle you will find that it is easy to hold but not easily maintained, plus over time it may break. Compare that to a knife with a plastic handle, sure you can maintain it easily, however, they may prove a challenge to use especially if your hands are wet.
Well this lesson on knives has enlightened me to the fact that to a chef a knife isn't just a knife. That they are produced in different countries and that the West has now taken an interest in Japanese chef knives. If you love to cook, or someone you know is crazy about cooking, these are great to have or to give.
One the best knives out there is the Japanese chef knife, otherwise known as the gyuto. These knives have far more variations and differences than those you would find elsewhere. The Japanese also went a step further and made their knife out of a special and harder steel that will make them more durable and multifunctional than those made elsewhere.
There are some things to remember when looking at knives, whether you are looking at a Japanese chef knife or another kind of chef knife. The handle and the blade make a big difference in knives in general, and these are no different.
1. Sharp edge or Blades - these can be made out of carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, ceramic or laminated. You may be wondering how and why this is important. Apparently they affect the way how food is prepared and ease of maintenance. For example titanium knives are great for filleting because they are light and will retain their edge for a longer period of time.
2. The Handle -- you will also find handles that are made of a wide variety of materials. Common ones include wood, plastic, rubber, micarta, leather and stainless steel. The handle material and shape will definitely affect how easy a knife is to use. Case in point; if you have a wooden knife handle you will find that it is easy to hold but not easily maintained, plus over time it may break. Compare that to a knife with a plastic handle, sure you can maintain it easily, however, they may prove a challenge to use especially if your hands are wet.
Well this lesson on knives has enlightened me to the fact that to a chef a knife isn't just a knife. That they are produced in different countries and that the West has now taken an interest in Japanese chef knives. If you love to cook, or someone you know is crazy about cooking, these are great to have or to give.
About the Author:
A chef isn't a chef without a good set of knives. Learn more about Japanese chef knives and learn about the different types you could use in your kitchen.
