Specialized knives are indispensable tools in every kitchen. Mandatory in professional restaurants, they will also find use in the homes of people who prepare various dishes as a hobby. Many types of specialized knives are available for sale. What are the individual models for, which ones are worth paying attention to, and how to use them correctly?
Specialized Knives – What Are They?
Specialized knives are tools dedicated to performing specific tasks. They are maximally refined, thanks to which they perfectly perform during selected activities. They will differ, among other things, in the type of handle, which can be made of various types of material and have a different shape. This allows the person operating them to gain a secure grip during work. Another aspect that distinguishes individual varieties of specialized knives is the blade. The blade can have a different profile and be made of one of many types of steel – each with different parameters. As a result, it works perfectly in the situation for which it was designed – enabling easy execution of precise cuts.
Types of Specialized Knives
Various types of specialized knives are available for sale. In terms of application, they can be divided into:
- Chef’s knives with a wide, slightly profiled blade and great sharpness,
- Multipurpose knives and universal ones – extremely handy, with a narrower blade,
- Bread knives – with a serrated blade,
- Vegetable knives – of various sizes and with a precise blade,
- Sushi knives with a long, narrow blade and a single-beveled edge,
- Fish filleting knives with an elongated, flexible blade,
- Boning knives with a narrow and flexible blade,
- Slicing/sashimi knives with exceptional sharpness and a bolster to facilitate pressure.
When to Use Specialized Knives?
Specialized knives will be useful during the daily preparation of meals for loved ones or guests at a restaurant. The most popular and most universal Chef’s Knife will be an ideal choice for the most demanding users, enabling the slicing, chopping, and mincing of various types of products. With its help, you can cut meat, vegetables, and fruits, chop herbs, slice cold cuts, or fillet fish.
Another noteworthy suggestion are multi-purpose and universal knives of various sizes, indispensable in every kitchen. They will be suitable for peeling and slicing vegetables and fruits, as well as portioning meat and cold cuts. An indispensable element of equipment are bread knives. Thanks to their refined construction, they precisely cut the crispy crust without tearing it and crushing the inside of the bread.
The kitchen should not be without vegetable knives, dedicated to peeling and slicing. The first of the mentioned types will allow you to peel hard and soft vegetables, allowing for the precise removal of a thin layer of skin. The second, on the other hand, will find use when cutting into cubes and strips and hollowing out various types of vegetables – proving useful when preparing vegetable dishes or soups.
If you happen to prepare Japanese dishes, a useful tool will be sushi knives. These are exceptionally precise tools, created with filleting fish, slicing, or preparing fish carpaccio in mind. During work, you can also use fish filleting knives, dedicated to cutting, filleting, or skinning them.
When preparing meat dishes, on the other hand, it’s worth reaching for boning knives. They are designed for precise cutting of the fibrous structure of meat, without tearing its edges. They enable easy separation of meat from bones and cleaning it of membranes.
When discussing specialized knives, one cannot fail to mention models designed for slicing and preparing sashimi. They are dedicated to cutting raw meat and fish, as well as roasts from poultry, pork, or beef. They allow you to cut off pieces with one fluid movement, enabling the preservation of their optimal consistency and aesthetic appearance.
How to Use Specialized Knives?
How to use specialized knives correctly? First of all, you should choose the right size of the tool. In the case of the popular Chef’s Knife, professional chefs usually prefer models with a blade length of over 20 cm, and amateurs cooking at home – from 16 to 20 cm. Depending on the type of specialized knife you plan to buy – adjust the length of its blade to the type of products you intend to cut or peel.
An important aspect is the correct technique for handling specialized knives. It should be adapted to the type of knife you are currently using. When using a Chef’s Knife, you should perform a rocking motion in a straight line, up and down along the fingers holding the vegetable or meat. When using a sashimi knife, on the other hand, perform a smooth cut with one long motion from the base to the tip. Remember that each type of dish requires a different cutting technique. However, knives should always be used according to their purpose – only for peeling, chopping, or portioning products for which they are dedicated.
In addition to the correct choice of model and technique for handling specialized knives, it is necessary to mention their proper maintenance. It is essential to hand wash the tool immediately after use and dry it carefully. It’s best to store them in a special block or on a magnetic strip. You also must not allow the blade to be severely damaged, starting to sharpen it already when it is slightly dull. By following the above rules, you will gain confidence that your favorite specialized knives will serve you for a long time.
Every kitchen should have at least a few specialized knives. By using models with a specific purpose, you will find it much easier to prepare selected dishes, cutting meat and vegetables or chopping herbs. Thanks to this, cooking your favorite dishes will be faster and less tiring, and the final effect will delight both you and the people sitting at the table.
