This review was written in partnership with Cudaway knives. The opinions are my own. Cudaway knives genuinely are my go-to knife for barbecueing.
There are a lot of different knives out there in the market, so it can be tough to figure out which is the right one for your needs.
A good chef knife is often considered the workhorse of the kitchen. They are used for chopping, slicing, dicing, and just about everything else. A good knife can make or break your kitchen.
I am someone who barbecues a lot, so it is really important that I have a knife that will hold up under regular, diverse use, across a range of proteins and ingredients.
That's why I like Cudaway knives. Cudaway knives are handmade in Montana, by truly skilled craftsmen. As soon as you pick a Cudaway blade, you are immediately aware of how much time and attention to detail has gone into perfecting the design and into every finished blade.
To help you make your next knife purchase, here are the key qualities of a good chef knife and why I choose Cudaway knives.
A good chef knife typically has a blade length ranging from 5 to 8 inches. This length provides a balance between maneuverability and cutting surface, allowing for versatility in various kitchen tasks.
Cudaway sells chef knives in three lengths: 7 inches, 5.5 inches and 4 inches. This is great because you can utilize the best blade for the job at hand.
When working with small, detailed work such as coring apples or deseeding peppers, I use the 4-inch knife. When cubing up beef or removing the fat cap from a pork butt, I use the 7-inch knife.
The 5.5-inch knife is what I use for everything in between. Chopping bunches of fresh herbs, slicing vegetables and trimming chicken thighs.
Ultimately, you want to use the knife that makes the most sense for the job.
A sharp blade is crucial for precise and efficient cutting. A good chef knife should have a keen edge that can easily slice through ingredients with minimal effort.
Cudaway knives are ultra sharp and hold their edge for a long time. I find that I sharpen my Cudaway knives about three times less often than my other knives.
When your Cudaway knife does finally need to be sharpened, they offer free sharpening, for the lifetime of the blade.
Look for a chef knife made from high-quality stainless steel or carbon steel. These materials offer durability, corrosion resistance, and the ability to maintain a sharp edge over time.
Cudaway knives are made of steel rated at 62 Rockwell Hardness (This is much stronger than the average knife steel. Additionally, they are ground to be much thinner than other knives.
The result is a knife that is thinner and harder than average. They hold an edge longer and because of their thinness, they cut as if they are much sharper.
A good chef knife will have a full tang, meaning the blade extends the entire length of the handle. This construction provides stability, strength, and better control during cutting motions.
All Cudaway Chef knives have a full tang, making them ultra-stable and long-lasting.
The knife should have a balanced weight distribution between the blade and handle. This balance ensures control and reduces fatigue during extended use.
The handle of a good chef knife should be ergonomic and comfortable to hold. It should provide a secure grip, even when wet, and minimize hand fatigue during prolonged use.
A good chef knife should be versatile enough to handle a wide range of kitchen tasks, including slicing, dicing, chopping, and mincing. It should be able to handle both delicate ingredients and tougher cuts of meat.
One of the ways that Cudaway helps with this (Aside from their very well-engineered design) is by offering three different knife sizes. 7 inches, 5.5 inches and 4 inches.
Look for a chef knife that is easy to clean and maintain. Choose knives that are stain-resistant, easy to wash, and can be easily sharpened when needed-just like Cudaway knives.
Cudaway offers free sharpening, for the full lifetime of the blade, meaning that it will always be as sharp as the day you start using it.
Chefs use their knives constantly, so you should choose one that suits you!
Cudaway offers handles in seven different colors, so you can make yours look just how you like them.
Go ahead and check them out yourself. Use code JARED10 to save 10% off the purchase price.