Chefs Knives

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Any serious cook knows that a chef’s or cooks knife is the one indispensable knife for food preparation. Perfectly shaped and balanced for rapid cutting, chopping, mincing and dicing, these cooking knives can make short work of onions, peppers, garlic, and just about anything else that can be added to your meals. We stock the best chef knives in Australia, featuring trusted brands such as Global, Wusthof and Shun. 

Factors to consider when buying chefs knives

When it comes to purchasing chef knives, it’s important to consider the size and weight, length and shape, and material of your chef's knife. 

Size and weight: The size and weight of the knife should be suitable for your hand size and grip strength. A comfortable handle is also important because you'll be using this blade frequently.

Length and shape: The length and shape of the blade will also influence the usability of your chef knife for different tasks like chopping vegetables or carving meats. If you're looking for precision cutting tasks, then a shorter blade may work best, whereas longer blades suit larger slicing jobs. 

Material: Some knife manufacturers use harder metals (measured usually in Rockwell Hardness) that preserve the sharpness of knives but can also increase their fragility where they can chip easily if dropped or used inappropriately. A softer metal combination tends to provide greater durability however there's a downside that they can dull faster and require more frequently sharpening. 

Budget: As a rule of thumb we tend to stick by the saying "Buy nice or buy twice", meaning it's better to invest in a higher quality chefs knife to get greater performance, longevity and satisfaction that purchasing lower quality knives that dull or break over time. We thankfully have a broad selection of chef knives to meet various budgets and can also assist you with choosing the right chefs knife to match your budget. 

Chef knife size

The most popular chef knife or cooking knife measures between 15 - 25cm. The ideal knife size for you will depend on your hand size and your kitchen task: 

• 15 - 20cm chef knife: For those with smaller hands or who prefer lighter knives, a 15 - 20cm blade may be more suitable. These sizes are also great for precise slicing and dicing tasks since they provide better control. 

• 20 - 25cm chef knife: On the other hand, if you have larger hands or need to handle bigger food items such as roasts or large fruits and vegetables, a 20 - 25cm blade can get the job done efficiently. A longer blade also means fewer strokes when cutting through larger items.

Chefs knife material

When it comes to buying chef's knives, the material is a crucial factor to consider. The most common materials used in making chef's knives are stainless steel, carbon steel, and ceramic.

Stainless steel 

The most popular choice due to its durability and rust-resistant properties. A Stainless steel chef knife requires minimal maintenance and can easily be sharpened. However, some chefs find that stainless steel lacks the sharpness of other materials.

Carbon steel

Carbon steel is another popular option for chef's knives as it offers excellent edge retention and sharpness. These blades require more maintenance than stainless steel as they are more susceptible to rust.

Ceramic blades

Ceramic blades are known for their exceptional hardness, which makes them perfect for slicing through vegetables or fruits with ease. They're incredibly lightweight but prone to chipping if not handled carefully.

Damascus Steel 

Another type of material used in crafting high-end chef's knives is Damascus Steel. The Damascus chef knife is a blend of two or more metals that forge together into one blade with unique patterns on its surface.

European vs Japanese chef knives

European knives feature a curved blade, facilitating a rocking motion, while Japanese knives have a flatter blade for precise slicing. Japanese knives are renowned for their exceptional hardness, resulting in razor-sharp edges and superior edge retention. In contrast, European knives have a wider blade angle and are typically heavier with full tang handles. Japanese knives are lighter with a sharper angle usually around 14 degrees that providing a comfortable and agile grip with a much thinner blade for greater slicing precision. Both types offer specialized knife variations tailored to specific culinary techniques. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preferences and cooking styles.

We recommend European knives for those who want a harder-wearing knife that requires less maintenance, while if you have smaller hands and need a knife that's lighter and easier to handle, a Japanese chefs knife can provide greater precision and are generally lighter in weight but will require a bit more maintenance and care than the German or Swiss alternatives. 

Chef Knife Sets

Purchasing a high-quality chef knife set ensures you’re equipped with a comprehensive selection of knives for any kitchen task. A chef knives set is also often more cost-effective than buying knives individually, offering better value for money. 

Some of the most common knives in a kitchen knives set are chef knives, utility knives, serrated bread knives, and paring knives.

Utility knives

A precise utility knife excels at intricate cutting and detail work, making it an essential tool for precise culinary techniques.

Serrated bread knives

A serrated bread knife effortlessly slices through delicate pastries and thick crusty bread such as sourdough. A good bread knife will ensure clean cuts without crushing or tearing.

Paring knives

A paring knife is a nimble and versatile tool, perfect for peeling, trimming, and creating intricate garnishes or decorative cuts.

Chef knife brands we trust and love 

• Wusthof: A Wusthof chef knife is a classic and reliable choice, known for its sturdy construction, exceptional balance, and razor-sharp edge. These knives are also the knife of choice for celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. 
• Victorinox: Renowned for its exceptional quality and durability, a Victorinox knife is a favourite among professional chefs and home cooks alike. Experience exceptional quality, durability, and precision with the Victorinox chef knife.
• Global: The Global chef knife is recognized for its sleek design, lightweight construction, and impressive sharpness, providing precise and effortless cutting. 
• Shun: The Shun Classic chef knife combines exquisite craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, delivering outstanding performance and stunning aesthetics.
• Furi: Furi Knives are known for their innovative design and exceptional cutting performance, providing a seamless and efficient cutting experience. 
• Scanpan: Scanpan knives are renowned for their high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, delivering exceptional cutting performance and long-lasting durability.

Additional knives and accessories to complement your chef knives

• Steak knives 
• Butchers knives
• Carving knives
• Santoku knives 
• Knife sharpeners
• Chopping boards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chef's knife used for? 

A chef's knife is used for a wide range of culinary tasks, including chopping, slicing, and dicing various ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, and herbs. It is a versatile tool that serves as a go-to knife for professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts.

Do I need to sharpen my chef's knife regularly?

Yes! Sharpening your knives regularly helps maintain their sharpness and extends their lifespan. For day-to-day use we recommend a pull-through sharpener as they're quick and easy to use, while if you're more experienced and want to hone and return the edges of your knives back to their original sharpness, we recommend using a whetstone.