How to Choose a Chef's Knife as a Gift
A chef's knife is one of the best gifts for someone who loves to cook. They'll use it almost every day, for years. But knives are personal, and there are a lot of choices. Here's how to pick one without being a knife expert.
Why a chef's knife
Most cooks do most of their cutting with one knife: the chef's knife. It chops onions, slices meat, minces garlic and dices vegetables. Upgrade that one knife and you've upgraded nearly every meal they make.
A big knife block set sounds generous, but many of those knives never leave the block. One good chef's knife is a better gift.
Pick the right length
Chef's knives usually come in 6, 8 and 10 inches.
- 8 inches suits most home cooks. It's long enough for big jobs and easy to control.
- 6 inches is good for small hands or small kitchens.
- 10 inches is for experienced cooks who chop a lot at once.
When in doubt, choose 8 inches.
Look at the handle
The handle matters as much as the blade. A good handle:
- Feels comfortable in a pinch grip
- Doesn't slip when wet
- Is easy to clean
Textured plastic or rubber-like handles grip well and are easy to care for. Wood handles look beautiful but need more care.
Stamped vs forged
- Stamped blades are cut from a sheet of steel. They're lighter and usually cost less. Many professional kitchens use them every day.
- Forged blades are shaped from a heated bar of steel. They're heavier, often with a thick "bolster" where the blade meets the handle.
Neither is better for everyone. Lighter knives are easier on the wrist; heavier knives feel solid. A light stamped knife is a safe pick for most home cooks.
Think about care
Ask yourself how the person cleans up:
- If everything goes in the dishwasher, look for a knife the maker says is dishwasher safe.
- If they like to look after their tools, any good knife will do. Hand washing keeps an edge sharp longer.
Either way, a knife guard or a spot on a magnetic strip keeps the edge from getting banged up in a drawer.
Check the warranty
A lifetime warranty against defects is a good sign the maker expects the knife to last. Read the listing or the brand's warranty page so you know what's covered.
Add a sharpener
Every knife gets dull. A simple honing rod or a sharpener from the same brand makes a nice add-on. Many knives are sold without one.
What to skip
- Huge knife sets full of knives they won't use
- Novelty knives with odd shapes or colors that look fun but cut poorly
- Very hard, thin blades for beginners; they can chip if used roughly
The bottom line: an 8-inch knife with a non-slip handle
For most cooks, an 8-inch chef's knife with a non-slip handle, easy cleanup and a lifetime warranty is the safest gift. It's something they'll reach for every day.
To see how a chef's knife compares with a Dutch oven, a cutting board and a sous vide cooker, read our best Christmas gifts for home cooks.