Do you like your steaks cooked rare or medium-well? Regardless of your cooking preferences, you’ll want to dig into your steak without a lot of effort. And that means finding the right steak knife set for the job.
If you’re a steak lover, stick around. Read on to learn about the seven must-have features you’ll want to find when buying a steak knife set!
1. Blade Material
One of your first decisions when buying a steak knife set is the blade material. Many people go with stainless steel because it’s a practical and affordable choice. They’re also easy to find in most stores that sell culinary products.
Carbon steel blades are a notch stronger than stainless steel, making them a more precise selection. That makes carbon steel an excellent choice for chewier cuts like flank steak, for example. Just be aware that this material can start rusting.
Ceramic blades maintain their sharp edge for a while, making them a good choice if precision is your priority. They also hold the advantage of being very lightweight. Ceramic blades are among the costlier options, though, and they are prone to chipping.
2. Handle Style
The best knife sets come in a variety of handle styles, and each one offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. For instance, wood handles are a popular and affordable choice. But they can wear down quickly when exposed to water and will need to be hand washed.
Epoxy resin handles, by contrast, stand up to moisture well. They’re also resistant to heat and easy on your budget. Many synthetic handles are known for their durability and strong looks.
Metal handles made from stainless steel are a clean, stylish choice. They’re dishwasher safe and stand up to wear and tear well. Their rigid exterior isn’t always the most comfortable experience, however.
Rubber handles are another option to consider. Rubber handles offer a little more elasticity than can feel nice to hold, and they’re a durable handle option. While rubber isn’t as sleek as other materials, these knives do stand up to water and frequent use.
3. How the Knife Was Produced
The way a steak knife blade is produced can impact its quality. Most sets will indicate that they are stamped or forged. For individuals on a budget, a stamped set is the likeliest choice.
Stamped blades are quick and relatively easy to produce. Their blades are light and bendable. But that also means they won’t last very long.
On the other hand, forged blades are the better way to go. These are blades that were created from a shaping process using metal.
With a forged knife, you can expect a tang, too. This means they’ll last longer. And that’s true for forged knives at a lower price point.
4. Tang
The tang on a steak knife refers to the part of a blade that fits within the handle. A partial tang steak knife might not have a blade that extends very far, if at all, into the handle. This leaves the blade at risk of snapping off.
Full-tang steak knives have blades that extend the length of the handle, or close to it. These knives are sturdier and feel weightier in your hand. Full-tang knives do cost more, but they should last for decades.
5. Blade Type
When it comes to the different types of knives, you can choose from serrated or nonserrated options. Every steak lover has their preferences, but either type works well.
Serrated knives can be better for steaks that have a crusty exterior but a tender interior. These blades have the appearance of teeth, with sawtooth ridges that cut into steaks effectively. To use a serrated knife, you’ll move back and forth to saw through the steak.
Nonserrated blades, or straight-edge knives, have smooth blades without ridges. The blades tend to be a little wider, and they don’t require a sawing motion to use. Their smooth, sharp blade does require sharpening more often, however.
Straight-edge knives are better for achieving a cleaner cut on a steak. If you’re preparing a plate of cut pieces for a dinner party, this knife would be the better choice.
6. Comfort Level
Especially if you love eating steak, you’ll be using your kitchen knives a lot. And that means you want to buy steak knives that feel comfortable to hold. A knife should have a handle that contours nicely to your hand without being too bulky.
A more comfortable knife lends itself to better cutting, too. You won’t need to struggle when slicing through a roast for plating or cutting a tenderloin on your plate.
Consider the aesthetics of quality knives, too. If you’re hosting dinner parties, you’ll want knives that look attractive with your dinnerware.
7. Budget
Finally, don’t forget about your budget. You can find a basic set of steak knives for around $50. But the sky’s the limit as far as costs.
Keep in mind that most steak knife sets consist of four knives. If you’re making a purchase for a larger family, you may need to buy more than one set. You’ll need to budget accordingly.
Some high-end steak knives can approach $1,000. Typically, the best knife sets use the finest metal to create strong, thin, and precise blades. They may also feature rare woods for handles, plus hand-crafted detailing that adds visual flair.
A less expensive set may use plastic handles, which won’t be as attractive. The blades may be stainless, and the knives may feature a partial tang.
A knife set made from cheaper materials may not hold up as long as a pricier choice. But if you’re not a frequent steak eater, that might be okay. For a little more longevity, it could be worth reaching for a set that’s over $100.
Choose the Best Steak Knife Set
A quality steak knife set will have a reliably sharp blade and comfortable handle. You’ll want to evaluate the tang, blade type, and knife production method. And, of course, you’ll want to factor in your budget and stylistic preferences.
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