CHEF'S KNIFE
The 5 Best Forged Knives Reviews This Year
26.01.2022
The construction of the best forged knives enhances their functionality and reliability. They are comfortable to handle and feel like an extension of your hand. While the last part of that sentence is a cliché, home and professional cooks appreciate its importance.
Here’s a simple explanation: you’ll always pick up the knife that boosts your confidence when prepping food. The one that’s well balanced with a design that makes chopping, slicing, and dicing easy and fast.
Knives are made from either forging or stamping. The former is a history-rich technique that’s been improved over time, while the latter is more modern. This article focuses on forged chef’s knives.
How are Forged Knives Made?
Forging a chef’s knife starts with a single piece of steel. The steel is heated till red-hot before it’s stretched and hammered into a rough knife shape. The flattened steel then undergoes heating, cooling, and polishing for refinement.
Afterward, the knife undergoes various stages of sharpening. The handle is attached, and the branding is done. Forging knives is labor-intensive. This is why many forged knives are more expensive compared to stamped knives.
Reviews of the Best Forged Knives
Miyabi 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
Besides aesthetics, this knife is lightweight and well designed for performance with impressive edge retention. It is one of the best forged cook’s knives with a touch of both German and Japanese knife-making heritages.
The blade is made from hardened and forged powder steel to ensure corrosion resistance and long-lasting edge retention. The handle is shaped from the Karelian Birchwood for durability and a comfortable grip. Overall, it’s a functional knife you can use for virtually all cutting tasks in the kitchen.
Mercer Cutlery Renaissance 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
The Mercer Cutlery Renaissance Chef’s Knife is worth considering if you are looking for an alternative to the Miyabi cook knife with a smaller price tag. It is popular among professional cooks, not only because of its NSF certification but also its reliability.
The handle is designed to withstand corrosion, resist water, and high temperatures for durability. Also, the blade has a contouring shape to promote grip. The knife is well balanced to give you control over its maneuverability. The carbon steel blade may require often sharpening, though.
Wüsthof Classic IKON 6-Inch Chef’s Knife
For cooks who prefer a smaller chef’s knife, this 6-inch alternative is an excellent choice. Wusthof makes quality knives with a focus on reliability and durability, and this piece is no exception. Many users find the small size convenient and well-balanced.
The handle is ergonomically designed to ensure a comfortable grip. Besides, the handle is made from stain- and fading-resistant Polyoxymethylene. The curved belly of the blade also allows for the famous rocking motion.
Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
The beautiful design of the Shun Classic 8-inch Chef’s knife makes it one of the most reliable forged chef’s knives in the market. Users love the durability of this knife, a feature attributable to the manufacturer’s quality construction.
It has a D-shaped ebony pakkawood handle to enhance grip and control. It also has a waterproof finish for durability. Chromium and vanadium in the blade’s core improve its edge retention and corrosion resistance. The sharp blade, therefore, goes for long without needing sharpening. A common downside: it may not work well for you if you’re left-handed.
Dalstrong Chef Knife 8-Inch – Gladiator Series
Dalstrong’s affordable yet reliable forged knives have helped them grow over the years. Their 8-inch Gladiator Series chef’s knife is a good example. Its handle design is optimized for a comfortable grip and better control. It has a small extensive bolster that protects your fingers and a sheath for protection and safe storage.
The razor-sharp blade is made from high-carbon steel and is sharpened on both sides. You’ll, however, need to sharpen your knife often. Users with small hands find this knife too bulky for them.
What to Look for When Buying the Best Forged Chef’s Knife
Among the many benefits of forged knives is full tang construction. Their weight is distributed between the handle and the blade to enhance handling and control. They are also stronger and retain their edges better than most stamped knives.
Here are factors to consider when buying any of these artistic blades.
Blade Material
The different types of steel used to make forged knives have their upsides and downsides. The common types are stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and powdered super steel. Stainless steel has better rust resistance, but high-carbon steel offers superior hardness and edge retention.
Powdered steel, on the other hand, provides hardness and rust resistance. In addition, stainless steel requires less maintenance than carbon-rich steel.
Handle
Comfortable handles can go a long way in ensuring the kitchen knife feels right in hand. Most forged knives come with ergonomically designed, non-slip handles for grip and safety.
Weight
A forged chef’s knife doesn’t have to be heavy to be effective. Try holding a few to determine the perfect weight for you. You want to have total control for better maneuverability.
Size
Most cook knives measure 8 inches. This size offers versatility – the ability to cut large and small foods. However, some users may argue the smaller 6-inch home kitchen knife offers better dexterity. You can also find 10- or 12-inch alternatives.