If you're used to spending a lot of time in the kitchen - whether preparing vegetables for a soup or breaking down a chicken for frying - you understand the importance of having a high-quality Steak Knives.
They last longer, function more efficiently and are much safer to use because you're less likely to use them carelessly.
Sharp knives are better not only for the kitchen but for the dinner table as well. Imagine having a table full of guests over for a steak dinner only to watch as they each struggle and stab at a steak their knives can't handle.
That could be the beginning of a host's nightmare!
So if you're wondering what your set of steak knives should be capable of and where you can find a set to suit your needs, read on.
But before we get into our list of five of the best steak knives to buy right now, let's talk about what you should be looking for in a quality knife.
What To Look For in a Steak Knife
If you don't know what makes a steak knife "great," look for one with the following qualities:
Your knives should be sharp. There's no more obvious way to say it.
If you can't easily cut through a piece of meat with your steak knives, you should consider sharpening or replacing them.
Comfort is key when safely slicing.
You can have the sharpest blade in the world. But if it's not matched in comfort, it's not worthy of your dinner table. A good steak knife should feel balanced, comfortable, and fit naturally in the palm of your hand.
Unfortunately, this is one thing that makes buying knives online tricky, so make sure you're able to return them later if you're not satisfied!
We mentioned balance a moment ago.
To achieve that feeling of balance, cutlers use a full tang design, a single piece of metal that runs through the entire length of the knife.
A good indicator of a full tang is the presence of rivets on the handle.
The best steak knives will have a full tang, while some use a partial tang to ensure lighter weight. But a full tang makes the blade more durable, balanced, and often even easier to clean.
The last thing you should be looking for when selecting steak knives for your dinner table is the quality of materials. A high-quality knife will be either stainless steel or high-carbon stainless steel.
You can usually find the steel specifications on the blade itself near the handle. A top-notch steel blade will hold a sharp edge for much longer, and a quality handle will feel good, look good, and hold together.
Different Types of Steak Knives
There's also a steak knife for just every dish and occasion, including:
The most common types of steak knives have a serrated edge. These have teeth that make it easier to cut through crusts on roasted and grilled meats.
These jagged edges don't come in contact completely with your plate due to the teeth either, so they stay sharp for longer. Yet, they're more challenging to sharpen, usually requiring the help of a professional.
Straight edge steak knives require the most maintenance. But they create a precise and fine cut compared to the ripping and tearing of a serrated blade.
Just don't forget to sharpen the edge of any straight blade before and after each use.
Hollow edge steak knives elevate the straight edge design by using indentations along the blade to keep food from sticking to it as you slice. If you want the precision of a straight blade without the hassle of food sticking to it, you should consider purchasing a hollow-edge steak knife.
Now that you know what to look for, let's take a look at some of the best steak knives you can buy right now.
Best Steak Knives to Buy Right Now
Here's a closer look at our five favorite steak knives:
If you're looking for extremely sharp, high-carbon steel layered in keeping with traditional Damascus blades, look no further. The Shun Classic 4-Piece Steak Knife Set is definitely expensive but worth every penny to those who love a good steak.
This set of steak knives comes from France and brings an old European feeling to your steak dinner. These knives feature serrated blades, full tang, and beautiful olive wood handles.
You don't usually hear a conversation about cutlery without J.A. Henckels popping up. This 8-piece set of stainless steel steak knives is everything you need for your budget knife set - and it will even last you a long time!
The Dalstrong Omega Series Steak Knife Set looks bold enough to make anyone want to cut into a juicy slab of meat. They each feature Dalstrong's low-drag design, making it easier to cut through anything. They also include a woven fiberglass handle, so they're completely dishwasher safe!
This set of steak knives guarantees the quality and longevity of any piece of kitchen and tableware from Wusthof. They feature a straight blade, triple-riveted handle with a full tang, and dishwasher-safe handles, making cleanup as easy as it gets!
Why Great Steak Knives Are So Important
You might wonder what the big deal is when it comes to having high-quality steak knives. If that's the case, there are some legitimate reasons to make the investment.
High-quality steak knives will last you for years and years. So if you buy a cheap set to get by, you'll likely be replacing them in a year or two anyway. You might as well spend the extra cash now and get something that won't need a replacement.
A poorly made or dull blade will rip and tear through your meat, leaving all those delicious juices on your plate. A quality blade will slice through your steaks like a knife through butter, leaving the meat intact as well as those yummy juices.
Aside from functioning better and lasting longer, a high-quality set of steak knives will wow your guests!
When you have friends over for a steak dinner, give them something that looks luxurious, is safe to use, and makes them want to get a set for themselves!
Conclusion
Make sure you take the time to look for a set of steak knives that you'll love because it will last you a lifetime. And there's certainly no such thing as too much steak!
Author BioAdam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with The Hartley at Blue Hill Park to help them with their online marketing.
