What’s Included in a Professional Knife Set?

A professional knife set is an essential investment for any serious home cook or chef. It provides a range of knife types that are designed to handle various culinary tasks with precision and ease. Whether you’re chopping vegetables, slicing meats, or filleting fish, having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference. 

In this article, we’ll explore the key components typically included in a professional knife set and the unique features of each knife.

Professional Knife Sets – What’s in Them?

Chef Knife

The cornerstone of any professional knife set is the chef knife. Known for its versatility, the chef knife is used for a wide range of tasks, including chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing. 

Typically, the blade length ranges from:

• 20 to 25 centimetres (8 to 10 inches)

The broad blade and curved edge allow for a rocking motion, making it easier to chop and mince ingredients quickly and efficiently.

A good chef knife should be well-balanced and comfortable to hold, with a sharp edge that can be easily maintained. It’s the go-to knife for many chefs and home cooks, making it an indispensable tool in any kitchen.

Paring Knife

A paring knife is a small but mighty tool included in a professional knife set. With a blade length of around:

• 7 to 10 centimetres (3 to 4 inches)

The paring knife is ideal for delicate tasks that require precision, such as peeling, trimming, and slicing small fruits and vegetables. Its short blade allows for greater control, making it perfect for intricate work.

The paring knife is often used for tasks that are too small for a chef knife, such as deveining shrimp, coring tomatoes, or segmenting citrus fruits. Its versatility and precision make it an essential addition to any professional knife set.

Serrated Bread Knife

A serrated bread knife is another key component of a professional knife set. With a long, serrated blade, this knife is designed to cut through bread without crushing it. 

The serrated edge grips the crust of the bread, allowing for clean, even slices. This knife is not only useful for bread but also for slicing through delicate fruits like tomatoes and citrus without damaging them.

Typically, a serrated bread knife has a blade length of around: 

• 20 to 25 centimetres (8 to 10 inches)

It’s an essential tool for any kitchen that frequently prepares fresh bread or delicate fruits and vegetables.

Utility Knife

The utility knife is a versatile tool that bridges the gap between the chef knife and the paring knife. With a blade length of around:

• 12 to 15 centimetres (5 to 6 inches)

The utility knife is perfect for medium-sized tasks that are too large for a paring knife but too small for a chef knife. It’s commonly used for slicing sandwiches, cutting herbs, and trimming vegetables.

The utility knife is a multi-purpose tool that can handle a variety of tasks, making it a valuable addition to any professional knife set. Its size and versatility make it a go-to knife for many everyday tasks in the kitchen.

Boning Knife

A boning knife is an essential tool for anyone who frequently works with meat. With a narrow, flexible blade, the boning knife is designed to easily remove bones from poultry, meat, and fish. 

The blade length typically ranges from:

• 12 to 17 centimetres (5 to 7 inches) 

The flexibility of the blade allows for precise cuts, making it easier to navigate around bones and joints.

The boning knife is perfect for tasks such as filleting fish, deboning chicken, and trimming fat from meat. Its specialised design makes it an important tool in any professional knife set for those who work with meat regularly.

Carving Knife

A carving knife, also known as a slicing knife, is included in a professional knife set for cutting thin, even slices of meat, poultry, and fish. With a long, narrow blade that typically ranges from:

• 20 to 30 centimetres (8 to 12 inches)

The carving knife is designed for making smooth, precise cuts. The sharp edge and pointed tip make it easy to carve roasts, turkeys, and hams with ease.

The carving knife is often used in conjunction with a carving fork, which helps to hold the meat steady while slicing. It’s an essential tool for any kitchen that frequently prepares large cuts of meat and wants to achieve professional-looking slices.

Santoku Knife

A Santoku knife is a Japanese-style knife that has gained popularity in Western kitchens for its versatility and precision. The blade length typically ranges from:

• 12 to 20 centimetres (5 to 8 inches)

The Santoku knife is characterised by its flat edge, sheepsfoot blade, and Granton edge (dimples along the blade) that prevent food from sticking.

The Santoku knife is ideal for tasks such as slicing, dicing, and mincing vegetables, fruits, and proteins. Its design allows for quick and precise cuts, making it a valuable addition to any professional knife set.

Cleaver

A cleaver is a heavy-duty knife included in a professional knife set for tasks that require significant force. With a large, rectangular blade, the cleaver is designed for chopping through bones and tough cuts of meat. 

The blade length typically ranges from:

• 15 to 20 centimetres (6 to 8 inches)

The weight of the knife provides the necessary power to break down large cuts of meat.

The cleaver is also useful for crushing garlic, ginger, and other aromatics. Its sturdy design and versatility make it an essential tool for any kitchen that handles large cuts of meat regularly.

Fillet Knife

A fillet knife is a specialised knife designed for filleting fish and other delicate proteins. With a long, narrow, and flexible blade that typically ranges from:

• 15 to 25 centimetres (6 to 10 inches)

The fillet knife allows for precise, clean cuts close to the bone. The flexibility of the blade makes it easier to maneuver around the delicate bones and skin of fish, ensuring minimal waste and a high-quality fillet.

The fillet knife is an essential tool for any kitchen that frequently prepares fish or delicate proteins. Its design allows for precise and efficient filleting, making it a valuable addition to any professional knife set.

Kitchen Shears

Kitchen shears are a versatile and indispensable tool included in many professional knife sets. They are designed for a variety of tasks, such as:

• Snipping Herbs
• Trimming Vegetables
• Cutting Poultry
• And Opening Packaging. 

The sharp, robust blades of kitchen shears make them suitable for both delicate and heavy-duty tasks.

Many kitchen shears also come with additional features, such as bottle openers, nutcrackers, and jar openers, adding to their versatility. The ergonomic handles ensure a comfortable grip, making them easy to use for extended periods.

A professional knife set includes a variety of knife types designed to handle different culinary tasks with precision and ease. From the versatile chef knife to the specialised boning knife and cleaver, each knife has its unique features and uses. Investing in a high-quality professional knife set ensures that you have the right kitchen tools for any task, making food preparation more efficient and enjoyable. 

For those looking to purchase a professional knife set or find chef knives near me, visiting a reputable kitchen tools Australia shop online such as us here at Kentmaster will provide a wide range of options to suit your needs.