Kitchen Essentials: Chef’s Knife

If there is one item not to overlook when considering your kitchen essentials it has to be the chef’s knife.  Of course, you can buy those generic $30 assorted knife kits, but chances are those will go dull after a couple of months of normal wear and tear.

ESSENTIALS is a column for people who are new to the kitchen. Cooking can sometimes be a daunting task, where confusion on how and where to begin can get the best of the novice cook. In our book, before anything else, it all starts with finding the right essential kitchen tools. I’ll give you suggestions on what to buy, where to buy, and why you should buy them over others. Those who have the proper tools are the ones who separate themselves as the good cooks from the one’s who keep on guessing.

What: Global 7″ Hollow-Ground Santoku (Made in Japan)
How Much: $ 114.00 CAD (Lifetime Warranty)
Where: William Sonoma

Made in Japan, Global Knives come at a high cost, but rest assured you will be buying premium quality.  If you’re asking yourself, what does a $114 knife have that lower priced knives don’t? One of the main selling points for me is its Granton Edge.  If you notice, the flat of the blade has a series of shallow hollows which are designed to stop food from sticking to the blade, thus allowing you to cut thinner slices without damaging the food.

It is also made of Cromova 18 carbon stainless steel to ensure your sharp edge will last longer.  Not to mention, these brand of knives are steel tempered and hardened at a high temperature to help resist rusting and corroding.

Lastly, the textured handle grip allows for a more comfortable and light hold. Most importantly gentlemen, adding this knife to your kitchen ware collection will give your lady friends the impression that you know what you’re doing in the kitchen, even if you don’t know…yet.  Soon enough, I’ll have you working away in your kitchen like a bona fide pro.

Words & Photography by Chuck Ortiz.