Why do we need so many types of knives? Because each product or cutting application requires a specific kind of blade.
The same principle applies to steak. If you’re serving a particular type of steak, you need to supply your diners with the appropriate steak knife. The right steak knife should cut through meat effortlessly without forcing you to hack it to shreds. Using the wrong knife with the wrong blade can ruin a great cut of meat and a good dining experience.
Whether you’re a restaurant owner or just a connoisseur of all things meat, you need to know your steak knives inside and out. So, let’s sharpen your knowledge on how to choose steak knives.
What makes a good steak knife?
In general, all knives should have certain safety, durability and usability qualities. A good knife should be easy to clean, rust-resistant, easy to sharpen and convenient to use — not too heavy and just the right size.
You want a premium, sturdy, smooth stainless-steel blade with a sharp edge that doesn’t dull quickly. The handle should have a comfortable tight grip and a polished finish with no gaps between the blade and its handle.
If you feel like you are paying a premium price for your steak knife, take a close look at the workmanship and you’ll probably see that it’s worth the money.
Different types of steak knives
Steak knives come in various shapes, sizes, designs and finishes. For instance, you can have a blade with a rounded or sharp tip, and the handle made from wood, plastic or metal. However, steak knives are classified according to the blade’s type and shape — serrated, straight or hollow.
Straight blade
This type of blade has a straight edge for making smooth, clean cuts. Straight blades are excellent at cutting raw meat and medium roasts. Unlike serrated blades, straight edges need regular sharpening and honing.
Serrated blade
A serrated blade has small, saw-like teeth along the cutting edge. The serrated edge tears the meat fibres instead of making a clean cut like a straight blade. It’s ideal for cutting crusty meats such as roasts.
Hollow blade
Also known as a Granton blade, a hollow blade has rounded, evenly spaced indentations running vertically from the knife’s edge along the blade’s length. These indentations prevent material from sticking to the sides of the blade, making it better at slicing.
Why invest in good quality steak knives?
Even if you’re not a chef or culinary artist, by now you’ll probably realise why it pays to research your steak knives before you buy. If you’ve ever suffered the misfortune and frustration of cutting with a blunt, poorly built knife, you’ll begin to appreciate using a good blade. A high-quality steak knife will serve you for longer and make seamless cuts every time.
How to keep your steak knife in premium condition
Despite their simple design, knives are very delicate tools. Even premium steak knives need some care and maintenance to lengthen their lifespans, such as:
- Clean, dry and store your knife in a safe place after use
- Sharpen and hone your knives regularly
- Use a proper chopping board when cutting
- Use a knife only for its intended purpose
- Avoid putting knives in the dishwasher
Every steak knife has a specific purpose – make sure to learn which steak knife goes with which style of meat. To find out more about steak knives, contact the team at Stanlee Hospitality Supplies. Stanlee is Perth’s supplier of premium steak knives and their knowledgeable staff can assist you with any enquiries.
