As the new year dawns, the mantra is often “Out with the old and in with new!” Many of us are looking to declutter our homes after the busy holiday season and get a fresh, clean start in January. As you’re purging those kitchen cabinets, however, it may actually be the perfect time to add a new item: High-quality kitchen knives!
In addition to enhancing your overall cutting experience, a good knife can also cut down on culinary prep work, reduce the risk of injury, and be an investment that will last for years to come. A quality blade with a sharp edge makes precise cuts that help to ensure uniformity and even cooking. Let’s face it – the more you enjoy your culinary endeavors and the better the finished product, the more likely you are to relish your time in the kitchen and hone your cooking skills!
Many people are afraid of or intimidated by the large, shiny, sharp knives they see professional chefs using on cooking shows. However, a better blade is a far safer, faster, and easier option than its dull dollar store counterpart. A sharp knife requires much less force to be exerted during the cutting or carving process, therefore reducing the risk of cuts and injuries that happen due to having to exert too much force with an inferior tool. Well maintained, sharp knives also produce cleaner cuts which make for even cooking and a polished looking plate.
If you’re in the market to add this culinary staple to your home or professional kitchen, you’re in luck! Thyme in Your Kitchen has many durable, top-end products to choose from as well as a knowledgeable sales staff to assist you. We carry the Zwilling-Henkel line, which is one of the top carbon steel knives available on the market. Zwilling has been in business since 1731 and they have perfected the stainless blade! Their knives have a harder edge than most and can retain their edges for years with only frequent honing. They are truly an investment piece and an heirloom product that can be passed down through generations of family cooks and professional chefs alike!
In addition to steel, another material that has gained popularity in recent years is ceramic. While this initially may sound like a questionable choice for a knife, ceramic blades are manufactured from zirconium dioxide and pressed at high temperatures and pressures which results in an extremely hard end product that retains sharpness. Thyme in Your Kitchen carries a full complement of Kyocera knives for you to explore. Kyocera is a leading manufacturer of high quality ceramic knives; they are lightweight and easy to work with and are ideal for cutting fruits and vegetables. These blades never oxidize or rust and are naturally bacteria resistant.
While knives come in many lengths and widths and go by various confusing-sounding names, don’t be overwhelmed! The friendly staff at both the Grove City Outlets and downtown Sharon, PA locations can review the selection and help you pick out the perfect blade to meet your needs! But if you want to study up on your terminology in the meantime, here is a list of common knives:
Chef – the most common type of knife; used for almost all applications
Carving/Slicing – a long, narrow knife with a slightly curved blade for slicing meat
Boning – narrow knife used to butcher meats and cut at sharp angles around the bone
Serrated – a blade with “teeth” designed for cutting bread (not meat – this is a common misconception; the teeth of a serrated knife destroy the tissue and rip and tear at the meat, rather than cutting it cleanly)
Paring – small knife typically 3”-4” in length for little jobs like trimming fruits and veggies
Peeling – small, curved blade to help peel around circular surfaces.
In addition to stocking high quality knives, we also carry the accessories you need to showcase and care for these pieces such as: knife blocks, honing tools, magnetic knife strips, cutting gloves and boards, and finger guards.