Chef Knives

Whether you have an extensive knife range or you only have a few of the essentials, a chef knife should always be part of your collection. It’s versatile, it’s effective, it’s just an overall winner. Want to slice potatoes? Use a chef knife! Want to dice onion? Better get your chef knife!

Made for versatility, durability, strength, chef knives are the ideal tool to have at your disposal for everyday use. And because they can be used for so many different things, they’re also a great choice to take along with you if you’re going away and have limited packing space!

But if you’re going to buy yourself a chef knife, you’re going to need to know a little bit more than the fact that you simply need to have one.

The Bamboo Guy believes in ensuring that our customers walk away with exactly what they need. So, we’re going to tell you about all the most important aspects of chef knives - and the variations available to you - so that you can make an informed shopping choice.

Characteristics of Chef Knives

Whether you’re looking for the best chef knives available, or you simply need a good quality tool to do the job, the Bamboo Guy’s got you covered.

Here are all the most important characteristics of chef knives, some of which you’ll need to consider before you buy one yourself.

• Purpose: A wide range of cutting tasks, including slicing, dicing, chopping, and mincing. One of the most versatile tools used in cooking, chef knives are commonly considered the workhorse of the kitchen.
• Blade Material: There are many different options available, and they influence the quality and durability of the knife. Common options include high-carbon stainless steel (due to its resistance to corrosion) as well as Damascus steel and ceramic.
• Blade Shape: Blades are wide and curved, tapering to a point. This helps the rocking motion used in slicing and chopping.
• Blade Length: Normally between six and 12 inches, depending on the intended use. About eight inches is pretty standard.
• Tang: Chef knives can be full tang or partial tang, but they’re normally full – this is for the purpose of balance and durability.
• Handle: Chef knife handles can be made from many materials, including wood, metal, or plastic. It’s more about personal preference, influenced by comfort and aesthetics.
• Style: Knives are often differentiated by whether they’re Japanese or Chinese, but this distinction is more about style these days than place of origin. In fact, some of the best Japanese chef knives are Japanese in style and aren’t even made in Japan! Have a look at the different designs and decide whether you would rather a Japanese chef knife, a Chinese knife, or something else.
• Edge: Chef knives can have straight or serrated edges, depending on your preference. The former is better for precise cutting and the latter is often used for tougher foods.
• Bolster: The piece of metal between the handle and the blade adds balance and protects your hand from slipping. The size of the bolster differs from one knife to the next.

Browse our extensive collection of chef knives below to find exactly what you’re looking for!