Steak is a staple in American meals and needs good quality steak knives to eat the, properly. Steak can be grilled, roasted, broiled, pan-fried, or sous-vide cooked. The absolute delight of having a slice on your plate brings joy. And the explosion of pleasure and bursting of flavors in your mouth all give complete gastronomic satisfaction.
The appropriate kind of knife is required to enjoy a juicy, perfectly cooked steak. A good steak knife should be able to slice through the steak effortlessly. Being able to make great cuts ensure you get all the flavorful juices of the steak and not just end up on the plate. Without the right knife, you may have a hard time slicing and even get an open cut. Also, having a set of steak knives at home can be one of the ways you can impress your family and friends. Needless to say, steak knives are an essential part of an American home.
Different Types of Steak Knives
There are a lot of brands and manufacturers to choose from when shopping for steak knives. They also come in various handle designs and other fine details. But one of the most important features to look for is the knife blade. There are two kinds of blades among the best steak knives: serrated and non-serrated.
Serrated Steak Knives
The most common choice among steak knives is the ones with serrated blades. This classic style of steak knife has gullets along the cutting edge. These tooth-like edges are specially designed to cut through foods that are soft on the inside but tough on the outside. Serrated knives are ideal for slicing types of bread like crusty loaves, boules, or baguettes as they will not crush the bread’s interior.
Most people consider the serrated blade type as the best steak knives as they do not require as much effort to cut the steak. They are believed to stay sharp longer since the blades never touch the plate. Sharpening often is not required, but it can be a bit challenging. One of its downsides is that its saw-like blades can rip and tear the steak. This means you lose access to enjoying the steak’s juices completely. Also, you may need to move your hand in a sawing motion when using serrated steak knives.
Non-Serrated Steak Knives
The ability of non-serrated steak knives to slice right through meats without tearing the fibers makes them one of the best steak knives in the market.
Their razor-sharp edges allow smoother and cleaner cuts. As a result, the steak’s juices remain intact with every slice. Moreover, there is no need for you to saw back and forth through the steak unlike with the serrated knife.
One disadvantage of having a straight-edge knife is that it requires constant sharpening. Non-serrated steak knives usually come in contact with the plates and surfaces underneath them that causes them to have more wear and tear. However, sharpening non-serrated steak knives is easier since they have straight edges compared to serrated ones with uneven edges.
How to Choose the Best Steak Knives
There are many factors to consider when shopping for steak knives. One thing to check is the blade sharpness. As discussed above, both serrated and non-serrated knives are worthwhile purchases but it still comes down to your preferences. Another component to check in buying a steak knife is the materials used. You can buy the cheapest set of steak knives but if they are not made of quality materials, then you may end up buying over and over again which is still costly. Knives made from high carbon stainless steel are a good purchase since they last longer.
You should also think about your safety and comfort when choosing steak knives. They should be easy to grip and manage to make your dining experience pleasurable. Knives with ergonomic handles are particularly made for the user’s comfort. The knife’s appearance is also another factor to consider, but this depends on your liking. Some kitchen knives have a rustic design, while others have a modern look.
Lastly, the best steak knives for your home will greatly depend on your budget. Note that the costly ones are not necessarily better than the cheaper options. You can always find affordable steak knives that similarly deliver exceptional performance like the more expensive ones.
Shop for Steak Knives Wisely
Serrated and non-serrated steak knives have their pros and cons. While both are good purchases, the decision of which one to get still depends on you. Buying steak knives is an investment, so make sure to rely on this article to help you with your selection.