Commercial Kitchen Knives

One of the first questions to consider as a restaurant owner, caterer, or chef looking to buy commercial kitchen knives are what are the most important qualities and features of restaurant knives, and why these factors so important.

To begin with, it is important to consider the blade material when choosing a high-quality commercial kitchen knife. There are several options to choose from including high-carbon steel, stainless steel, and ceramic. High-carbon steel is resistant to rust, discoloration, and corrosion and can hold an edge for a long time. It is also the most popular with professional chefs.

Stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion, sturdy and long-lasting. Although they may not hold their sharp edge for as long as high-carbon steel, they are very easy to sharpen and the most affordable option. Ceramic is relatively new to the market. Super lightweight they hold their edge longer, are long-lasting and very durable. However, they are quite expensive and therefore less likely to be found in commercial kitchens.

Next, it is important to consider the tasks that your kitchen knives will be used for. Make sure that you have the right tool for the job. While every commercial kitchen will undoubtedly require a chef knife and a paring knife, consider the other cutting jobs that are commonly performed by your staff, and make sure that they have the proper knife for each particular task.

There are many different types of commercial knives on the market to choose from. Some are best suited for a particular task while others are considered multitasking tools.

Below is a list of the most essential knives you'll need:

• Chef knives
• Paring knives
• Boning knives
• Bread knives
• Butcher knives
• Carving knives
• Cheese knives
• Fillet knives
• Cleavers
• Steak knives

Just remember that when it comes to preparing food, the more choices your chefs have in their commercial knife case, the faster and better food preparation will be.

Maintaining the quality of your commercial kitchen knives requires the performance of regular maintenance activities. This requires setting aside time each week to hone and sharpen your restaurant knives. Remember, working with blunt or dull knives requires the use of more pressure which makes them more likely to slip, causing injury or damage to the user. Every kitchen should be equipped with professional knife sharpeners, sharpening steels and sharpening stones.

After use, knives should be stored properly to prevent damage and maintain safety. Proper storage also contributes to the longevity of your knives. The most popular forms of storage are knife blocks, magnetic knife racks, knife cases and knife rolls.

Invest in the right sharpening tools and ensure safe working conditions in your commercial kitchen, and the right knife storage solutions to prevent accidents and damage.

Another matter that you will need to consider when purchasing the right commercial kitchen knives is whether to purchase forged or stamped knives.

Forged knives are hand-forged from a single piece of steel making them heavier and thicker than stamped knives. They have a full tang design which ensures greater weight distribution and balance which many chefs prefer. Since they are heavier, they provide more weight and power with each cut, and their bolsters add an extra layer of protection for your chefs' fingers.

On the other hand, a stamped knife is "stamped" from a single piece of steel. After it is stamped or cut, it is honed and heat-treated which gives it greater durability. Thinner than forged knives, stamped knives are lighter, more flexible and easier to hone and sharpen along the entire blade, from heel to toe, than forged knives. On the down side, they are not as sturdy nor do they deliver as precise a cut as their forged counterparts.

Overall, while there is a difference between forged and stamped knives, when taking into consideration high-quality commercial knives, both are considered long-lasting and durable options. The choice often comes down to the comfort of the user and the budget of the commercial kitchen.

As you shop around for commercial kitchen knives, you’ll find that knife handles vary in materials, comfort and style. The knife handle is quite important as it contributes to the grip and level of control you will have over the knife. Here are some materials to consider.

Wood handles are strong, impact-resistant and attractive. Often found in carving knives and steak knives, many chefs prefer wood as they are comfortable to hold and add balance to the knife. However, wood is not considered as hygienic as its synthetic counterparts, and some health codes may not allow the use of wood knives, so check with your local health codes before investing in wood handles.

Plastic handles include a wide variety of options that have become the most popular choice for knives. Materials to choose from include polypropylene and ABS plastic, Santoprene, POM, and other polymers. Polypropylene and ABS plastic knives are the most economic option as the are easy to clean and lightweight. Santoprene features thermoplastic elastomers which are not slippery when wet, adding to their safety in commercial kitchens. POM handles are more durable than polypropylene and resist high heat and discoloration. What they all have in common is that they can be color-coded which is beneficial to preventing cross-contamination in commercial kitchens.

Other handle materials include metals such as stainless steel and titanium, which are less likely to be found in commercial kitchens.

At TigerChef, we are proud to offer a wide selection of commercial kitchen knives that will fit your needs and will help you do your job better.

We offer the best commercial kitchen knives in the market that will allow you to cut your food preparation time in half. It doesn’t matter if you’re slicing bread or dicing meat, we have the kitchen knives and cutlery you’ll require in your commercial kitchen and restaurant.

These knives will not only stand the test of time but they’re also affordable. Shop premium wholesale kitchen knives, cutlery, and accessories from top brands like Victorinox, FDick, Mundial, and TigerChef.