Finding the Right Kitchen Knife

A good knife settles into the hand and stays there for years. Choosing one, or a whole set, means weighing a few things so that what you bring home is well made, suits the way you cook, and lasts. Here is what to look for when you go shopping for knives:

1. Blade material: What the blade is made of matters more than almost anything else. The common choices are stainless steel, carbon steel and ceramic. Stainless steel resists rust and is easy to look after, though it may not hold an edge as long as some others. Carbon steel is tough and takes a very sharp edge, but it rusts if neglected and asks for more care. Ceramic is very hard and holds a keen edge, but it is brittle and can chip.
2. Blade construction: How the blade is made also shapes how it cuts and how long it lasts. Forged blades are heated and hammered into shape, which gives a strong, durable blade. Stamped blades are cut out of a sheet of metal, which can leave them less durable and more likely to warp.
3. Handle material: The handle affects both comfort and how well the knife holds up. The usual choices are wood, plastic and metal. Wood is handsome and gives a good grip, but may not last as long as some others. Plastic is light and easy to clean, but may be less comfortable and less durable. Metal is durable and grips well, but can be heavier and less comfortable in the hand.
4. Blade edge: The edge decides what the knife is good at. A straight edge is right for slicing and chopping, but less suited to carving and other close work that needs a finer edge. A serrated edge saws through tough things like bread and meat, but is less useful for chopping and slicing.
5. Blade thickness: Thickness changes how the knife moves. A thin blade is nimble and precise, but may not stand up to as much. A thick blade is sturdier, but less nimble and less precise.

There is a lot to weigh. Look at the material, the construction, the handle, the edge and the thickness, and you will find knives that suit you and keep working long after the box is thrown away.

Many companies make fine knives, and it is hard to say for certain which is best. A few of the most respected makers in the world:

1. Wusthof: Wusthof is a German company that has made knives since 1814. It is known for forged knives made from a single piece of stainless steel, durable and sharp.
2. Global: Global is a Japanese company that has made knives since 1985. It is known for its unusual design, a thin, light blade and a handle dimpled with a “diamond” pattern. Global knives are made of good stainless steel and are known for staying sharp and lasting.
3. Shun: Shun is another Japanese company known for fine knives. It uses several blade materials, among them stainless steel and high-carbon steel, and its knives are known for sharpness and durability.
4. Henckels: Henckels is a German company that has made knives since 1731. It is known for forged knives made from a single piece of stainless steel, durable and sharp.
5. Zwilling J.A. Henckels: Zwilling J.A. Henckels is a German company that is a subsidiary of Henckels. It is known for forged knives made from a single piece of stainless steel, durable and sharp.
6. Kershaw: Kershaw is an American company that has made knives since 1974. It is known for folding knives and fixed blades in a range of steels, durable and sharp.
7. Spyderco: Spyderco is an American company that has made knives since 1976. It is known for distinctive designs and good materials, and above all for its folding knives.
8. Benchmade: Benchmade is an American company that has made knives since 1979. It is known for folding knives and fixed blades in a range of steels, durable and sharp.
9. Victorinox: Victorinox is a Swiss company, maker of the famous Swiss Army Knife. It is known for multi-tool knives in a range of steels, durable and useful for nearly everything.
10. Buck Knives: Buck Knives is an American company that has made knives since 1902. It is known for folding knives and fixed blades made from a variety of steels.