Best Buying Guide And Tips For Steak Knives With Block

Sharp steak knives
Steak Knives

Having a good steak is one of the best pleasures in life, which is why a cook must have the best steak knives with block.When it’s time to cook and eat an exceptional piece of meat, having the best steak knives with a block at your disposal shows not only your passion but your readiness as well.

Owning a set of steak knives with a block means you care about your steak knives and how they perform. Steak knives are super sharp, the best way to keep them sharp for longer is to house them in a sturdy block for safe and easy organizing.

Whether it’s wooden, glass, or metal, a quality block is a safe place to store our steak knives, but it also makes a striking statement on the countertop. It’s the perfect item to impress other steak lovers.

From personal cooking style to blade materials and cost, there are many factors to consider when selecting the best steak knives with block. To help you make a better decision, we have a few tips for you.

What to Look for When Buying the Best Steak Knives with Block

First things first, consider your cooking style. Do you grill once, twice, or three times a week? Do you cook other meats than steak? Choosing the best steak knives with block will depend on your cooking style and the techniques you use.

Then you have to choose whether to buy stainless steel, carbon steel, or ceramic knives. Carbon steel can rust easily; the ceramic steak knives hold a sharp edge for longer but the stainless steel is the most durable. Be sure to keep an open mind.

With so many varieties of steak knives, here are a few things to consider when searching for the best steak knives with block.

Quantity

A set of knives with a block can include several different types of knives, including a chef’s knife, a utility knife, and a serrated bread knife among others. There are sets with too many knives that you will never use. Choose a set that will benefit your cooking style.

Materials

Most steak knives feature stainless steel blades, but there are different types of stainless steel, all with their pros and cons. The best option is knives with stainless steel that contains a high carbon content. These are the most durable, lighter, and resistant to corrosion and staining.

Tang

Look for steak knives with a tang. These types of knives are made from a single piece of high-quality steel. This piece runs the full length of the steak knife, from the tip to the hilt. Due to this, they are more balanced, and safer to use.

Handle

The handles may be made out of metal, plastic, or wood. The handle material often impacts the weight and the durability of your knives. Some handles are made for performance, and some for show. Whichever feels more comfortable in your hand, is the one you should always choose.

Grind

Some steak knives feature hollow grind and some a full flat grind. The hollow grind is extremely sharp and it’s ideal for cutting through meat, but on the downside, it gets dull pretty fast. The full flat grind is less sharp, but it provides additional strength when slicing, and it’s easier to sharpen.

Having a block is a useful tool for storing your knives. They are easy to access, the blades don’t get damaged, and it’s safer for everyone around.

Difference Between Kitchen Knives vs. Quality Steak Knives

A set of knives that come in a block, often include one or two steak knives. But just because a set of kitchen knives include a few steak knives with the set, that doesn’t mean they are true high-quality steak knives.

The difference between a set of kitchen knives in a block and the best steak knives with a block is actually huge, especially for someone that loves grilling and cooking steaks.

A set of kitchen knives in a block feature a variety of knives, each for a different purpose.

This collection of knives, whether expensive or not, usually is intended for everyday tasks, such as cutting bread, fruit, vegetables, and so on. For this reason, the steak knives featured in this set are not of great quality.

On the other hand, the best steak knives with a blockcan offer a set of knives that are high in quality. The manufacturer has made them with a single purpose, to cut steak.

Why you Need a Good Set of Steak Knives

Sharp steak knives

Steak Knives Have Sharper Blades

A blunt knife can ruin the dining experience, especially if you are trying to impress someone. A proper steak knife is made with high-quality steel that has sharp, carefully-crafted edges, and can cut through a piece of steak with ease. Both you and your guests can enjoy a proper meal.

Steak Knives Are Easier to Use

A quality steak knife feels natural in your arm, basically like an extension of your arm. Moreover, steak knives have good proportions and are well-balanced in comparison to regular kitchen knives. Thus, enabling you to look sophisticated when cutting effortlessly while having a conversation.

Steak Knives Are Perfect for Special Occasions

If you have invested in a premium steak, it’s a shame to serve that steak with regular kitchen knives. This is where the best steak knives with a block come in handy. Using a set of high-quality steak knives will add a special flavor to your dining experience, and make you look more impressive.

Conclusion

There are a large number of varieties on the market to choose from, the best one will depend on what suits you best. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, a set of high-quality steak knives is a must.

We hope this article will guide you to find the best steak knives with a blockSteak knives that are comfortable to use, and capable of slicing through delicious steaks with little to no effort.

Finding right quality steak knives

Sharp steak knife

Knives, especially good quality steak knives are an essential part of the kitchen equipment. Whether you are a high-class chef or a regular person who enjoys cooking, high-quality knives are a must.

Slicing fruits and vegetables for salads, main dishes, desserts, and meats are an integral part of the culinary process. In order to make this process not just as fast as possible, but comfortable and enjoyable too, you need high-quality sharp knives.

There are tons of steak knives presented on the market, from Chinese manufacturers to European or Japanese brands. Traditionally, Japan is the world leader when it comes to good quality steak knivesdue to its centuries-old samurai past and high-tech present. In Europe, Germany is known for its long history of weaponry and high-quality products. Now, the technologies used to produce high-quality steel are being used to create the best steak knives.

If you are interested in good quality steak knives, you’ve probably visited websites of shops for professional chefs. Chefs are predominantly using two types of steak knives.

Good Quality Steak Knives

best stainless steel steak knives

There is a reason why some of the knives in your drawer are labeled as steak knives. Whether it’s a serrated or non-serrated steak knife, good quality steak knives are designed to cut through steaks easily instead of using brute force.

Serrated Steak Knives

Similar to a saw, serrated steak knives have teeth or gullets. This type of blade stays sharp for a longer period of time, in comparison to the non-serrated blade. Depending on how often you use it, it can stay sharp for many years.

The reason for this is, the grooves between the teeth are not exposed and can survive the impact with plates. Therefore, the grooves remain sharp without the need of sharpening often.

Because of the serrations, cutting steak with this type of knife is extremely easy. Combined with the low maintenance, a serrated steak knife is often the most popular choice when selecting a steak knife.

Straight-edge Steak Knives

Non-serrated steak knives are a bit less traditional, but still very popular among chefs and regular folk. While the serrated knife can be compared to a saw, this type of knife can be compared to a razor.

With this type of blade, you can make a clean cut through the steak with one stroke. Although this type of blade is extremely sharp, it becomes very blunt, very fast. The need for maintenance is very high, but on the positive side, the process of sharpening is easy and straightforward.

Dishwasher-safe Steak Knives

Whether a serrated or non-serrated knife, putting you steak knives in your dishwasher can ruin them in an instant. Your knives can get dull quicker, the detergent can cause rusting, and wooden handles can get easily damaged.

If you don’t have time to wash your knives by hand, you should think about dishwasher safe knives. These types of knives are designed with corrosion-resistant stainless steel blades and handles, making them dishwasher safe.

What to Look for in a Steak Knife

Good quality steak knives come in many different forms, shapes, and sizes, but they all have a few things in common:

  • Sharp blade – this is essential for cutting through steaks and other types of meat with ease.
  • High-grade stainless steel – the quality of the steel will determine the longevity of the knife and how long the blade will stay sharp.
  • Full tang – for safety purposes, having a full tang is the best option you can choose.
  • Sturdy handle – wood, plastic, or steel, the handle should always feel smooth and comfortable in your hand.
  • Balance – often ignored, but a good steak knife should be well balanced in your hand when using it.

Conclusion

Whether you cook often or on occasion, your kitchen deserves a set of good quality steak knives. Knives that are well-balanced, comfortable to use, and capable of cutting steaks with little to no effort. If you want to get the most of your meals, a culinary tool like a steak knife is the first thing you should purchase.

For your convenience, we have recommended some of the best steak knives just for you, in three different categories, serrated steak knives, straight-edge steak knives, and dishwasher-safe steak knives!

We hope this article provided you with the information to help you find good quality steak knives and make a better-informed choice on what type of product is best for you and your kitchen.

What is the best style steak knife for you?

top rated steak knives

Grilled or fried, steak is one of America’s most popular meals, and as a steak lover, having the best steak knives are essential when it comes to eating steak. The experience is just not the same if you are using regular knives. Steak lovers are not just interested in a healthy snack or a quick bite before work. A perfectly cooked steak is something more, an absolute delight.

The word steak goes hand in hand with the word knives. You cannot talk about steak without talking about the best steak knives. Imagine sitting down for a lovely dining experience with your better half, ready to give your taste buds a unique flavor, but your knife just won’t give you that satisfaction. The best thing you can do in this situation is to invest in some quality steak knives.

The Best Steak Knives

There are tons of manufacturers and brands you can choose from. The best steak knives come in a variety of shapes and sizes, different handle designs, or blade materials. These kinds of details can make or break a steak knife. If you are in the market for a new set of steak knives, you will find that two types of steak knives are most popular, the serrated and non-serrated steak knives. Serrated knives have ridged blades, while the non-serrated or straight knives have smooth and straight blades.

Although there is no perfect choice here, knowing the differences is helpful when choosing the best steak knives.

Both serrated and non-serrated blades come with advantages and disadvantages.

It’s up to you to decide which one suits you the best. To see what we recommend, see the best serrated steak knives here and read more about the best straight edge steak knives here.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Serrated knives

Sharp steak knife

Advantages:

The biggest advantage of the serrated blade is the ability to cut the meat effortlessly. Because of the ridged edges, the serrated knives can cut through steak or any other meat pretty easily. Serrated knives can also be used for cutting bread, other kinds of meats as well as fruits and vegetables.

The serrated blade is also more durable. These blades do not go blunt as easily as the non-serrated blades. You can use it longer without the need of sharpening it. This makes the serrated knives one of the best steak knives you can have.

Disadvantages:

Although an advantage, the teeth-like blade of the serrated knives often tear and rip the meat you are cutting. This causes the juices to spill all over the plate and not in your mouth, which some people view it as a big disadvantage. 

The second disadvantage is that when the time comes to sharpen the serrated blade, it’s much more difficult than sharpening a straight blade. Sharpening a serrated knife often requires professional assistance.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Non-Serrated knives

Advantages:

One of the biggest advantages of the non-serrated blades is the ability to make a clean cut with one stroke. As we mentioned before, this will allow the juices to stay in the meat, leaving you with a proper taste in your mouth.

This will also allow you to cut faster. Because there are no ridges on the blade, you won’t need to cut the meat with a saw-like motion. With the smooth and straight edge, cutting the steak is also more elegant, and that comes handy when you are on a date.

A knife with a non-serrated blade definitely belongs to the group of the best steak knives. 

Disadvantages:

High end steak knives

A non-serrated knife usually requires a lot more physical effort when cutting. Although this blade can cut the meat with one sweeping down motion, if the steak is a little hard, you will have put a lot of effort into it.

Which brings me to the second disadvantage of the non-serrated blade, which is the sharpness. The non-serrated knives become blunt much easier than the serrated blades. Because of this, the need for maintenance is much bigger. Sharpening the knives every time you want a tasty piece of steak can get boring and time-consuming.

Conclusion

Cutting the steak is part of the full dining experience and no ordinary knife can do the job properly. If you cook steak on a regular basis, owning a quality set of steak knives is paramount. If you are a fan of the serrated blade, there’s no need to switch over, or vice versa. Both the serrated and non-serrated knives will get the job done, it comes down to personal preference.

Each type of steak knives has certain advantages and disadvantages. In the end, the best steak knives are the ones that you like using the most.


See what we recommend for the best steak knives of 2020: Serrated steak knives, straight edge steak knives, best dishwasher safe steak knives

Choosing the Best Everyday Steak Knives

Gold Steak Knives

The best everyday steak knives are an essential item to have in your kitchen. They make cutting steak easier, but also can be used for a variety of purposes. Cutting the steak is part of the enjoyment, and no ordinary knife can do the job properly, which is why you should always go for a steak knife. Whether you like your steak rare, medium or well-done, a dull and ordinary knife can ruin your dining experience, and using brute force to cut the steak can also result in an injury.

Steak knives are usually the sharpest knives you’ll find in the kitchen and they are primarily used for cutting steak, hence the name. But aside from cutting steak, the best everyday steak knives can also be used for cutting meats such as chicken and ribs, or various types of bread and fruit. But for the finer meats, you should use a quality steak knife.

In this article, we help you learn and understand everything there is to know about the best everyday steak knives.

The Best Everyday Steak Knives – Serrated Blade vs. Straight Blade

Gold Steak Knives

Who doesn’t love a good steak? For the true steak lovers, having the right kind of knife is super important. If you are in the market for a proper steak knife, you’ll likely find out that the serrated and non-serrated are the two major types of steak knives. While the serrated knives are more popular in the U.S., the non-serrated are most commonly used in Europe.

Understanding the difference between these two types will make a huge difference in the way you cut and consume your meat. Each type has various and unique benefits you can utilize.

Serrated blade 

Serrated blades are the most common choice for steak knives by the majority of people. The main feature on a serrated blade is the ‘teeth’ or ‘gullets’ along its cutting edge. Rather than cutting the meat in a single sweep, the serrated blade is used in a sawing motion to make your incision, allowing you to cut effortlessly through foods with a thick or tough exterior.

Serrated blades are some of the best everyday steak knives because of their versatility, given how you can use them on many occasions, such as cutting bread, fruits, meat, roasts, etc. On the positive side, a serrated blade is likely to stay sharper for a longer period and doesn’t need as much maintenance as a straight blade. On the negative side, when the time does come for sharpening, you may find it to be a troubling task. Although it’s possible to do at home, most people seek professional assistance. To find out what serrated edge steak knives we recommend, read here.

Non-serrated or straight edge blade

As its name suggests, a non-serrated blade is mainly characterized as a straight blade. There are no ‘teeth’ on a straight blade, just a sharp edge for cutting food.

When cutting with a serrated blade, the knife tears through the meat. With a straight blade, you will be able to create a cleaner cut through the meat with a single stroke, because of this you skip the sawing motion altogether. If you prefer a more basic knife, a steak knife with a straight blade is the right choice for you.

The biggest downside of a straight blade is the need for more maintenance. Since they’re generally used on hard cutting surfaces like ceramic plates, the non-serrated blades become very blunt and must be sharpened often. A straight blade should be sharpened once every two weeks, however, straight blades are much easier to sharpen, you won’t need professional assistance. To find out what straight edge steak knives we recommend, read here.

Things to Look for When Choosing a Steak Knife

When it comes to the best everyday steak knives, there are countless variations and specifications you can look for. But factors such as balance, material, blade size/handle can make or break a great steak knife.

good steak knives

Blade material – The quality of the blade material should never be overlooked. Most steak knives today have blades that are made from stainless steel, and there are a few types of stainless steel you can choose from, including cold steel, tempered, and hard carbon. Stainless steel knives with high carbon content are a very popular choice because of the durability of the material, that’s also easy to sharpen.

Handles – The most common materials for handles include wood, steel, and poly or plastic. If you choose a steak knife with a wooden handle, placing the knife in the dishwasher is a big NO. If not protected correctly, over time wood can rot, crack, and splinter. Try to keep the handle as dry as possible by hand washing the knife.

Balance – Not many people think of this when buying a steak knife, but the balance of the steak knife and how comfortable the knife is in your hand is just as important as the sharpness. The best everyday steak knives should be well balanced, easy to hold, and have good proportions, thus enabling you to cut through foods smoothly and effortlessly.

Safety – The best everyday steak knives need to be safe to use, especially around your loved ones. To ensure that the blade will not come out from the handle unexpectedly during dining, you should aim for a steak knife with a full tang.

Conclusion

The best everyday steak knives can come in many forms, shapes, and sizes, only you can know which one will work the best for you and whose features satisfy your needs.

The truth is, there’s no consensus on what makes a good steak knife. But if you love cooking and spend a lot of time in the kitchen, your steak knife is going to be the number one item you have.

On a professional level, you will find that chefs use a combination of the two, but for home use, the serrated knives have the edge over the non-serrated because they require hardly any maintenance and they don’t need sharpening that often.

Both serrated and straight-blade steak knives will get the job done. It comes down to personal preference, some people prefer cutting their steaks with the serrated blade, others prefer using the straight-blade. In the end, why not use both? With proper care and maintenance, the best everyday steak knives will serve you for a long time.

Best Stainless Steel Steak Knives

zwilling-j.a.-henckels-diswasher-safe

The perfect steak dinner should not be ruined by an uncooperative steak knife. Sure, slicing and dicing may be relaxing and it may add up to the excitement of putting that soft, juicy, reddish meat into your mouth. But when it takes you more than a few gentle strokes to create some meat separation, then your dining room is not steak dinner cutlery ready.

Best Stainless Steel Steak Knives

The ZWILLING J.A. Henckels 39130-850 Zwilling Accessories Steak Knife Set, 2.3, Stainless Steel is hands-down one of the best stainless steel steak knives available today.

Zwilling is one of the biggest producers of kitchen knives, scissors, cookware, and flatware in the world. Founded in the summer of 1731 by Peter Henckels in Solingen, Germany, they are also regarded as one of the knife manufacturing pioneers known to produce high-quality and sturdy kitchenware. Johann Abraham Henckels, noted as one of its brainchildren, renamed the brand after himself when he took over the company.

It was J. A. who started the company’s first trading outlet in Berlin around 1818. It was followed then by shops in New York City in the US and later on in Vienna, Italy. This award-hoarding knife has been recognized in multiple cities for creating a line of the best stainless steel steak knives at that time.

Why Use Stainless Steel Steak Knives?

The claim to fame of who discovered stainless steel is shared by Britain, Germany, France, Poland, the U.S.A., and Sweden. The most common though is the one from Harry Brearley of Sheffield, England, which was the center of cutlery since the 16th century. Studies show that when steel is fortified with enough chromium, it protects the steel from rust.

Chromium draws oxygen molecules to create a shield over the steel’s surface. This protective layer guards itself against scratches, cuts, or dents and can resist acids that cause stains and corrosion.

Characteristics Of Quality Stainless Steel Steak Knives

Bring home that steakhouse -feel to your home by adding premium steak knives to your silverware collection. Speed up that mouth-watering bite’s journey from the plate to your mouth as we tackle the essential attributes of stainless steel steak knives.

1. A Good Steak Knife Should Have Balance

Balance is not the typical criteria that people look for when choosing a steak knife; the sharpness of the blade is. Though the ease of cutting through meat is important, the knife’s balance should never be overlooked.

This makes purchasing your knives online a bit tricky since there is no way that you can test a knife’s evenness by just looking at them through a screen. Because knives come in different varieties, we leave it to the manufacturers to provide the proper balance depending on the knife’s design. Here are a few hints of a balanced knife when viewing it online:

– The handle must be proportional to the blade. One should not be looking heavier than the other.

– The blade must be perfectly aligned when viewed from the handle.

– The knife must be inviting to pick up and seem comfortable to hold.

2. It’s All About The Blade

Aside from a whiff of muscle strength when slicing, the blade does the most damage when cutting through a nice juicy steak. There is no right or wrong for which type of blade cuts better but is more of a preference. Here are a few suggestions:

Serrated Edge Steak Knives

– Commonly used for roasts and bread.

– Stays sharp longer than other blade types due to the exposed edges.

– Shows a tear instead of a straight cut on the meat.

Straight Edge Steak Knives

– Provides a smooth clean cut.

– Easier to sharpen than a serrated-edged knife.

Hollow Edge

– It has measured spaces along the blade which allow finer slices and prevent food from sticking to it.

3. Sharp and Fit

When choosing the best stainless steel steak knife, you must carefully examine if all its components are put together with tight tolerances, meaning there shouldn’t be any space between the handle and the blade.

This “fitness” helps keep the knife’s strength and rigor. A good fit also means that fluids, moisture, and contaminants are unable to penetrate through gaps that may shorten your dinnerware’s life cycle.

The ZWILLING J.A. Henckels 39130-850 Accessories Steak Knife Set, 2.3, Stainless Steel

From the moment you flip that protective wooden box, you know that you just got a hold of the best stainless steel steak knife set. Made from carbon stainless steel with a serrated edge, these knives can cut through any meat on your plate effortlessly. Its forged blades are a hint that these knives are both durable and strong.

Here are a few of its features:

Top chef steak knives

– High carbon stainless steel blades provide a clean specified cut.

– Its 4-inch serrated blade can slice through meat with razor-sharp precision.

– The tapered design running from the blade to the handle allows for a comfortable ergonomic grip.

– The box contains 8 stainless steel steak knives, which means there’s one for every member of the family or for a party of 8.

The gorgeous-looking box that it goes with makes it a perfect gift choice for young couples filling up with dinnerware or for the cutlery enthusiasts who still lack a set of high-quality stainless steel steak knives. Just strap a ribbon around it and you have the most exquisite kitchen utensil gift for any occasion.

The Zwilling J.A. Henckels Stainless Steel Steak Knife Set with Presentation Case is excellent for a chic steak dinner of tenderloins or pack it with you for a rugged and adventurous grilled lamb chops lunch in the great outdoors. Since the wooden case makes for optimum protection and transportability, these knives can be an essential part of any meal altogether.

Stainless steel has been proven to be more durable and long-lasting than any of its predecessors. We often use knives to cut our food into portions and any discoloration or blemish may affect the quality of the meat. This knife set from ZWILLING no question is one of the best stainless steel steak knives ever and J. A. Henckels puts his name and the value of steaks at stake.

What makes a good cook steak knife?

High end steak knives

Cooking is not a pleasant experience for everyone, but whether it is among your passions or not, you agree with us when we say that any kitchen must be equipped with at least one quality knife. This very versatile tool is perhaps the most used in the kitchen. This is also the reason why, when looking for a steak knife, people think of strength, comfort and durability. If you are looking for the most suitable one, find out in this article how you can choose good cook steak knives!

What kind of features should you look for?

Blade type

You will find several variants, but the most popular and the ones that are always compared are the German and the Japanese blade (Santoku). Here are the differences between them, but also the advantages and disadvantages:

Japanese Steak knives
  • Steak knife with German blade

German blade knives usually have a symmetrical profile, which makes them suitable for both right-handed and left-handed people. The angle of the edge is between 15o and 20o. The steel used to make them is softer and, in most cases, stainless. This requires less maintenance. This type of knife also has a lower risk of chipping. They have a western-style, wooden or wooden-looking handle.

  • Steak knife with Japanese blade

Such a knife is usually lighter and has a thinner blade than the German one. This makes it very easy to handle and suitable for fine slicing. Also, because it has a thinner blade, it tends to be even sharper. However, it is not ideal for some kitchen tasks, such as portioning a chicken, as it lacks a harder portion that is perfect for these operations. Also, the edge tends to have a straighter profile, less curved, which makes it not cut so clean sometimes. Steel is also harder and sharper. This is often carbon steel, which will require more maintenance. The material can also chip more easily. Many models are equipped with alveoli on the surface of the blade to keep the blade clean when working with sticky food.

Blade material

The most important part of the steak knife is the blade.

Therefore, the material from which it is made is very important. There are serrated steak knives and straight edge steak knives to choose from as well. Here are your options:

  • Stainless steel

Stainless steel steak knives are corrosion resistant. These knives are very good options for a conventional user. It is tough, durable and easy to sharpen. The disadvantage is that it does not have a phenomenal edge, which could be a big impediment for a professional. If you want such a knife though, you can look for Japanese models that are much sharper than the European ones. Most knives with this blade are good cook steak knives!

  • Carbon steel 

High-quality steak knives are made of carbon steel. This type of steel is harder and more durable, but less durable. With these, you are more likely to face rust and stains, especially if you are not prompt in cleaning and drying them after each use. The advantage of these knives is that they can be sharpened harder. However, if not used properly, it may chip. Therefore, it is recommended only for professional chefs. Appearance is another appreciated detail in this material. Over time, he develops a special patina that is very popular in the world of chefs. However, the material is harder to sharpen.

  • Laminated steel 

This is a combination of the two materials presented above. They are arranged in the shape of a sandwich. This results in a steak knife that has a very sharp edge, but is more durable than carbon steel knives and requires less rigorous maintenance.

  • Ceramics 

Although not as popular as steel ones, ceramic knives are increasingly present on the market. They are very sharp, being also lighter than the metal variants. They keep their sharpness for long periods, but when it is blunt, they are harder to sharpen, requiring a professional. They are even more brittle than the metal variants.

Gold Steak Knives

The handle of the steak knife

It is important both the material from which the handle is made and the comfort it offers you. These aspects are closely related anyway because the comfort of the handle largely depends on the material from which it is made. Of course, shape and weight also matter. However, the choice is subjective, because we do not all have hands of the same size, so a thicker handle could be uncomfortable for a person with a smaller palm and vice versa. Here are the materials you will find:

  • Wood

Wooden handles are very aesthetic, but they are not as practical as those made of composite material. Wood is a porous material and if exposed to water and not properly dried, it can peel or crack. The wood could also store bacteria that would then come in contact with the food. Some alternatives retain a similar aesthetic, but are more resistant to both wear and bacteria: plastic, silicone (very adherent), other synthetic materials.

  • Metal

Metal handles offer the same practical benefits as plastic or other composite materials. Although they look nice, they can become slippery when used with wet hands. Especially when working with meat, which is wet, you may find it uncomfortable to use this type of handle. However, models that are equipped with rubber or silicone areas, offer more grip and you could find them suitable for you.

Balance 

The balance goes hand in hand with the weight of the knife. And they play an important role in determining the level of comfort that the knife offers you. If the weight falls more on one side of the knife than on the other, then grinding the food will be more difficult for you.

Things to do while stuck at home!

Wooden Steak Knives

Self-quarantine is one of the best things you can do for yourself if you are an at-risk individual for being exposed to COVID-19, or even just to protech those who are vulnerable around you. However, you, along with the rest of the nation may be a bit tired of it right now. Maybe we need a perspective check on being at home and what we can do with our day. I mean, it wasn’t so long ago we just dreamed about being able to stay home from work to do things like sharpen our wooden steak knives, right?

Don’t let yourself be down

Don’t let the down mood set in on you at this time. It wouldn’t be unusual for it to creep in when being house-bound for so long. Watching too much television and spending too much time working on computers have both been associated feel lazy and down. 

Develop a Routine

Instead, develop a routine. Consider doing certain chores on specific days of the week. Fit time in your schedule two to three times a week to participate in some YouTube exercise or yoga classes. No internet? Walk around the block. Strive for 30 minutes of exercise a day. Keep the routine of the day intact; don’t sacrifice the day for any one part. Play your favorite music throughout the day if it helps keep your mood upbeat.

Clean

Take time out to clean up your work space, be it an office or a work shop. Use a simple 1% bleach solution to 99% water as a disinfectant. Also wipe down some great germ collecting sources such as: door knobs, toilet and sink handles, telephones and cell phones, car keys and the steering wheel in your car. The disinfectant is also great for clothes, linens, and washing down the kitchen cabinets, etc.

Kitchen

Wooden Steak Knives

Be sure to wash those vegetables before you chop them up with your knives. Try making your own vegetable wash with one cup vinegar, four cups water, and one tablespoon lemon juice. Mix ingredients together. Fill sprayer bottle with mix and use when needed. The vinegar in the mix kills bacteria and viruses as it is 5% acetic.

And don’t forget there’s the refrigerator that can be cleaned. A vinegar or bleach solution works fine to clean the refrigerator. While in the kitchen there’s also sharpening your steak knives! (and maybe make some steaks after for a job well done and to… test… the knives out!)

Closet

Save some time for special projects, like cleaning out those closets and donating those clothes to a worthy source if you haven’t worn it in over a year.

Outside

Best Steak Knives

If you have to get out, do it when contact with others will be at a minimum, early in the morning or late in the evening. When you are out, make your excursion count. Buy as much as you can to allow you to stay home longer. Remember to keep that car filled up with gas whenever you do go out. Have some handi-wipes on board to wipe down those gas handles or store buggies before you use them.

Personal Care

Try to get any medications you may be on on a three-month refill so you don’t have to leave the house regularly. Call your physician and explain the situation and they can re-write a prescription to accommodate this need. Consider wearing glasses instead of contacts. Keep those hands and fingers off your face if possible. If your eyes itch, put your finger inside a shirt and wipe your eye with the shirt, not your finger.

Pleasure

Make time to pursue something you enjoy, daily if possible, maybe drawing, painting, scrap booking, writing, reading, doing puzzles, or wood-working. Seriously, sharpen those wooden steak knives!
Spend some time in the garden, plant some herb plants or some flowers. Spending time in the garden is a great way to get some nice, much needed vitamin D while also doing something relaxing to the mind.

Book a time with friends to have a face call online to do something together, like a game online or just a chat while both eating dinner. You could even cook together over the phone! Just because you’re restricted to your home doesn’t mean you can’t socialize! You could enjoy some valuable family time too, by having a dress up night or a board games night.

Conclusion

The bottom line is, try and find some joy in the day. Keep routine if you’re struggling with keeping occupied at home. Learn something new, participate in hobbies, clean the house, sharpen your valued wooden steak knives! Allow yourself joy that you did something positive. Joy that you could be home, accomplish something, be with your family, and have laugh.

Kitchen Essentials 2020

Gold Steak Knives

There are many import kitchen essentials everyone must have! I know my kitchen would be missing a limb if I got rid of my favorite pan, or my gold steak knives. The truth is, every cook knows how important having the right tools for the trade really is. 

Japanese Steak knives

For me, being a steak lover means that you have to choose the best steak knives that you can afford. It’s the best way to serve your steak without butchering it all over again with a dull knife. You may want to consider finding just the right knife set to add up to your collection, this could be a serrated blade steak knife or a straight edge blade steak knife, or the colour of the blade. It will also make you ready for your fine dining experience if you have some guests for dinner. Most people who are into eating meat need their own set of steak knives. This way, it will be easier and less messy when you have to cut through your meat.

It’s not a bad idea to keep these sets around when you might have some house guests over. I know my gold steak knives are a crowd pleaser and I always get compliments on them when people come around. Normally, if you cook dinner for them and steak happens to be the main course, it is not going to be useful to use butter knives. Having the right cutlery set is important especially if you like to cook and eat with friends and family. Not only it will look good on your dining table set up but it can also ensure that you don’t need to battle with your meat at the same time! 

History Of The Steak Knife

Before the steak knife, the butter knife was first invented. However, since it is not sharp enough to use to cut through steak, it’s not an ideal knife to use. The steak knife was invented by Paul C. Culver in 1946, inspired by a letter opener that is sharp enough to cut through almost anything. The first steak knife was originally a gift.

Colored steak knives are becoming more popular, like black or gold, as more steak knives are being used as a cutlery set for fine dining. Aside from just being used for cutting steaks, it is also becoming the favorite display in the kitchen, and can be used in multi-purpose ways. Most cooks and food enthusiasts have a wide collection of knives including some different steak knife sets.

Important Things in Your Kitchen

Many things are important in your kitchen. You may not notice it since it’s all there when you need it. But the absence of it will be noticeable in case one of them is not around. Since you usually spend time in your kitchen to cook and eat at the same time, you should make note that you these below essentials if you’re wondering if you’re missing anything, or just getting your own kitchen for the first time!

Here are some kitchen essentials:
Kitchen Essentials

1. Cooking Utensils

Also known as pots and pans. These are important things to have if you want to cook. Of course, it should include the stove by default since you cannot cook without that. You also need other cooking tools to prepare food such as cutting boards, mixing bowls, spatulas, etc.

2. Cutlery Set

Another kitchen must-have if you want to become civilized when you eat after cooking. It is usually composed of spoons, forks, and butter knives. There are also the steak knives and soup spoon sets to consider as well. You may not notice since you have them how important these are. If you happen to lose your steak knives, you will definitely miss them when eating that juicy steak.

3. Plates and Saucers

Since it’s where you have to eat, this is another kitchen essential. It will mostly end up on your dining table so that you can enjoy your every meal. Different sizes of plates are also recommended for other types of dishes.

4. Cups and Glasses

Without a cup or mug, it’s hard to imagine how can you have your morning coffee. The glasses are also important for your water and other beverages. 

5. Knives

Sharp steak knives

Most households don’t just have one knife. A knife set for cooking is a must. They are different from your regular steak knives, as these are different sizes and blades for the chopping and cutting ingredients to create the perfect meal.

Summary

Having my gold steak knives is one of the best collections in my kitchen. You can have gold steak knives, black steak knives or dishwasher safe steak knives. It just depends what you want out of your knife set. Not only are steak knives useful when you are serving steak for dinner. It can also be nice on your cutlery drawer along with your china and other nice kitchen pieces. It will make you feel as if you are always in fine dining, even if you are just using them at home. Not only it is convenient to have a sharp knife, but also it will make you feel relieved if you suddenly have important guests. Steak knives and all other kitchen essentials will help you to always be ready as a host of a great dining experience, even from home.

Why a Good Cook Needs a Steak Knife Set with Block

Sharpest steak knives

There’s a significant difference between the average person with a kitchen who just wants to round out their silverware collection with an addition of some knives for various purposes, and the unique enthusiast who considers having steak one of the great pleasures in life. It’s a special kind of person, and if you are one of those people, then you probably want more than a run-of-the-mill, multipurpose set of knives at your disposal when it’s time to cook and eat an exceptional cut of meat. When you have a real steak knife set with block, that means you really care about your steak knives and how well they perform. Not only that, but you believe your set should be stored properly in a block and look beautiful, as well. It means you’re passionate about cooking and eating steak or any other meat, for that matter.

Kitchen Knives vs. Quality Steak Knives

good steak knives

Just because a set of knives come in a block, that doesn’t mean that they’re great knives. Furthermore, just because a set of kitchen knives include a few steak knives with the set doesn’t mean that it’s a true, high-quality steak knife set with block. It can be tough to tell at first what the difference is, but the difference is actually huge, especially for someone who cares a great deal about quality in the knives that they decide to buy. The primary point to remember about the distinction we’re making here is that the typical assortment of kitchen knives, whether they’re expensive or not, is just that–an assortment. Those collections of knives don’t specialize in making the best possible steak knife set with block, but instead, they focus on giving average consumers a basic variety of knives for a few different purposes. The idea here is a fairly universal one.

Whenever you buy an item that’s just one piece of a wide variety of products offered by a company, you’re not getting the best possible quality. When you buy a specific product into which a company is putting all of its focus, you’re getting a specialty product. Like a conglomerate that holds many businesses which make all kinds of products with the bare minimum standard of quality, an assorted package with a bunch of different types of knives is making a few mediocre products at the same time. On the other hand, you can buy a steak knife set with block from a company that offers sets that include only steak knives, which means that 100% of the energy used to manufacture them is concentrated on making steak knives, and not trying to make a bunch of different types of knives.

Don’t Be Fooled By Aesthetics

Are you looking for the perfect steak knife set with block? Well, it’s very easy to be seduced by the beauty of a steak knife and its well-designed packaging, not to mention the clever marketing tactics that cutlery companies utilize to inspire consumers to buy a product that could be inferior to the standard you really need.

Especially as a steak-lover and cooking enthusiast, it’s important that you don’t become so enamored with the presentation of the knives you’re considering buying that you overlook the more important aspects such as edge type, ergonomics, and quality of steel. One of the first and most common mistakes that people make when selecting their steak knife set with block is choosing a set of knives with serrated edges. The layperson will tend to pick a set of knives that have serrated edged steak knives because at first glance, it does seem like a good idea; however, they might not be the right fit for your wants in the kitchen.

Serrated blades don’t actually cut better than straight blades for steak, contrary to popular belief. They do rip into the steak, but don’t leave a nice smooth cut. Serrated blades don’t need to be sharpened often, but when they do, the right tools are required. A decent-quality knife with a straight edge steak knife, when it’s sharp, will cut smoother and cleaner than a serrated edge any day of the week. It’s also easy to forget about the block of your steak knife set with block, which is crucial.

There’s another tactic that companies use to convince you that you’re getting a superior product, and that’s when they design the steel of the knife to have the “raw swirl” appearance that only occurs naturally with painstakingly handmade blades. The real version of those blades are truly handmade with high-grade steel, but cheaper steak knives sometimes mimic the effect artificially to trick you into believing that they are of a higher quality than they actually are.

Expensive Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Good

Top chef steak knives

A steak knife set with a block is a harmony of design and utility. As with so many other products and services, you don’t always have to spend the most money to get the most quality. This is counterintuitive to most of us because we tend to automatically think that anything that costs a lot of money must be the best, and though that might be the case many times, there is also something to consider called, “perceived value”. Perceived value is something that sellers can attach to their product by assigning a high price to it.

The basic idea of this is that you can make people think something is worth more just by charging more money for it, the adverse affect being when you charge too little for something and make people think that it is worth less money because of the implication that the seller doesn’t believe it is worth that much. The point is, don’t assume the steak knives you’re thinking about buying are of a high quality just because they’re expensive. You can find a ton of options for a steak knife set with block that are very affordable and just as good, if not better than expensive sets.

Choose the Knives that Feel Best for You

As you might imagine, there is a massive number of varieties of the steak knife set with block on the market that you can choose from. It just depends what suits you best. This might be convenience, and having a dishwasher safe steak knife is the most important factor. If this isn’t, working out how often you can sharpen your knives will determine if you want a serrated or straight edge blade. We’ve done extensive research and reviews as experts for your comfort when buying steak knives and we hope can help your decision!

See below some options for a steak knife set with block.

Supper, Sustenance, and Steak Knives

Sharp steak knife

Imagine, you are comfortably seated in a plush, upholstered chair at your favorite local steakhouse. You took your time perusing the menu, lingering on sauce descriptions. You chatted up the server, Jack, about the specials and what’s particularly good tonight. You are celebrating, so you selected the 12oz cut of Filet Mignon and a slightly pricier bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. Jack promised it would be the perfect pairing with its creamy texture and hints of sandalwood and tobacco. 

The steak arrives and smells of warm grass and butter. You fluff the white linen napkin and float it down to your lap. Then, you pick up the knife to make your first glorious cut, but to your horror the blade is dull. You desperately search the table only to find that there are no sharp steak knives anywhere.

In reality, fine dining establishments are well aware of the drama and pleasure that a beautiful set of sharp steak knives bring to the culinary experience. Today, food is not just about sustenance, it’s about history, and identity, and the unique qualities that each plant, animal, and location contribute. So how does one select an appropriate set of knives for home use? 

History and Craft of Steak Knives

Japanese Steak knives

Let’s begin with the provenance of different knife designs. There are many countries in the world that are passionate about beef, but when it comes to knife fabrication, the leading products and designs hail from France, Germany, and Japan. 

France, in particular, is known for a style of sharp steak knives called the Laguiole. This is not a brand but speaks to a specific manufacturing region and design. While it began as a pocket knife, and modern folding models are available, the steak knife version is typified by the balanced feel, a blade that slightly curves to a point, and a handle that also gracefully comes to a blunt point.

However, the vast majority of home sets of sharp steak knives are purchased from Germany and Japan. Germany is known for the heft of its blades, while Japan’s blades tend toward the lighter-weight end of the spectrum and are crafted for precision.

Features to Consider

Like with anything, you should buy what you like, but here are some knife qualities to consider as you narrow down the possibilities.

Blade Material: The blade must be durable and not prone to staining; therefore, sharp steak knives are made from two kinds of steel or ceramic. While some people get excited about high carbon steel, versus stainless, because it’™s used for chef’™s knives, it also requires more upkeep, so that’s worth keeping in mind. 

Blade Style: Do you want a serrated blade steak knife or a clean, straight edge blade steak knive? This will depend on the decisions you make about knife maintenance and also how you like to carve meat.

Aesthetic: Here, think about how a knife feels in the hand, the shape of the handle, the shape of the blade, and the weight and balance between the two. For the handle, do you like a modern, brushed metal look, or do you prefer a more classic cherry wood vibe?

Budget, Upkeep, and Storage

Sharpest steak knives

Naturally, one critical element to consider when making any home purchase is the budget. How much are you willing to spend on a gorgeous set of sharp steak knives? Consider how often you prepare steak at home and for whom. Do you mostly entertain close friends and family in small numbers or large groups? Will you use your knives for formal events such as inviting the boss or colleagues over for an expertly crafted, yet strategic meal where the staging must be as magnificent as the substance? How you plan to use your knives will help you to assess how large a set you will need, and what the storage and upkeep will likely entail. 

For example, only you know whether you are likely to sharpen the knives yourself. Do you own a sharpener? Are you likely to research a local retailer who provides sharpening services? 

Most people will tell you not to put your beautiful, carefully crafted, super sharp steak knives in the dishwasher. But let’s be honest, if you are juggling a career and small children, and you are a culinary enthusiast who routinely prepares steak, game hens, pork roasts, or other types of meat that invite precision cutting, you won’t be able to resist the dishwasher safe steak knives. If this is the case, you may consider investing in two sets of steak knives, one for everyday use, and another for guests.