The Makeup of the Knife

Parts of the Knife A knife is constructed of several parts Each part determines how the knife feels in the chef’s hand and how to best use it. It also determines how long the knife will last

1. The Blade The blade is the cutting surface of the knife A high-quality blade is made of a single piece of metal The blade has been forged or stamped into its shape

Forged vs. Stamped A forged blade is made from a single piece of heated metal that is dropped into a mold and then pounded and cut into shape. A stamped blade is made by cutting blade-shaped pieces from sheets of steel

Materials Usually made of stainless steel Some modern knives are made of a ceramic material called titanium These materials do not rust or discolor, but are difficult to sharpen

2. The Tang The tang is the continuation of the blade into the knife’s handle Can either be full or partial A full tang is the length of the whole knife

The Handle Knife handles are made of various materials, such as hard woods, textured metal, or composite materials Some are cushioned Some handles are attached to the blades using rivets –should be flush with the surface of the handle

Trying On Because you will be holding your knife for extended periods, get a knife that: –Feels comfortable in your hand –Is the right size –Has a good material for the handle