Joybuy Insights

Buying kitchen knives: a guide to blades, sets and safe food preparation

A kitchen knife should suit your hand, your worktop and the tasks you plan to use it for. Many disappointing purchases are not down to the price being too low, but to unclear information about the blade shape, handle, cleaning and storage. If you focus only on an especially sharp blade or a large kitchen knife set, you may overlook details that matter in everyday use.

Common mistakes when buying kitchen knives

1. Expecting one blade to do every job

A large knife is no substitute for a vegetable knife, paring knife or bread knife. For tomatoes, soft fruit and bread, a serrated blade is often more suitable than a straight edge. A Santoku knife, on the other hand, is good for slicing, dicing and chopping a wide range of ingredients, while a small paring knife is useful for precise tasks such as peeling, trimming and garnishing.

2. Mistaking dishwasher suitability for maintenance-free care

The label ‘dishwasher-safe’ does not automatically mean that the blade will retain its original performance over time. Knocks in the cutlery basket, harsh detergents and high temperatures can put extra strain on the blade and handle. For many kitchen knives, hand-washing with a soft cloth and drying straight afterwards is gentler on the materials.

3. Only noticing the weight and handle when you start cutting

A knife can look the right size on paper and still feel uncomfortable in your hand. A slippery handle, uneven weight distribution or an overly heavy blade can make repeated cutting tasks more difficult. For families and home cooks, an easy-to-control, ergonomic handle is often more important than eye-catching looks.

What to look for before you buy

Blade shape and length

The blade length should suit the task and the way you like to handle a knife:

  • 8 to 10 cm: vegetable knives, paring knives and small utility knives for fruit, vegetables, garnishing and smaller ingredients.
  • Around 11 cm with a serrated edge: tomato knives, snack knives and small bread knives for soft foods with firm skins or crusts.
  • 18 cm Santoku knife: suitable for slicing, dicing and chopping vegetables, meat, poultry and fish.
  • Around 19 cm cleaver: useful for larger ingredients and heavier cutting tasks. Always check the product description to see whether the knife is suitable for cutting through bones.

A general-purpose knife can handle several tasks, but it will not necessarily replace a long carving knife or a dedicated bread knife.

Materials and construction

When choosing a blade, look for details on the rust-resistant stainless steel, the edge and the construction where the blade meets the handle. ‘Rust-resistant’ does not mean that no care is needed. Wash off acids, salt and moisture soon after use.

Names such as FRIODUR and SIGMAFORGE refer to specific technologies or construction methods used by the brand. When buying a Zwilling knife, you should also check the blade length, handle material and care instructions. For a Victorinox kitchen knife, details such as rust-resistant stainless steel, a polypropylene handle, country of origin and a serrated edge are more useful than general marketing claims. For a WMF knife, documented product features include hardened stainless steel, a double-serrated edge and dishwasher suitability.

Safety and storage

Sharp blades should never be left loose in a kitchen drawer. A knife block, blade guard or suitable magnetic strip is a good option, provided it is installed securely. Use knives on a stable wooden or plastic chopping board. Glass, stone and metal can damage the blade.

In Germany, specific legal requirements apply to carrying certain knives in public. Kitchen knives are intended for use at home; transport them safely and keep them out of children’s reach. A Japanese cleaver or large carving knife is not suitable for children.

Recommendations for different users

Ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners
Victorinox Swiss Classic Vegetable Knife, 8cm, Straight, Medium Point, Blue

Victorinox Swiss Classic Vegetable Knife, 8cm, Straight, Medium Point, Blue

Why this product suits this profile: This compact vegetable knife is designed for everyday slicing, peeling and precision tasks, and takes up little storage space.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 8 cm blade is clearly intended for smaller tasks, rather than being expected to replace an unsuitable all-purpose knife. The product details specify a straight blade and an ergonomic polypropylene handle.

Key benefits and strengths

Rust-resistant stainless steel blade, lightweight design and, according to the product details, dishwasher suitability. Hand-washing is recommended to protect the blade.

Ideal for: Buyers with high quality standards
Zwilling Gourmet 2-Piece Knife Set - Santoku Knife 18cm + Paring/Garnishing Knife 10cm

Zwilling Gourmet 2-Piece Knife Set – 18 cm Santoku Knife + 10 cm Paring Knife

Why this product suits this profile: This combination covers both heavier and finer tasks, and is designed for regular food preparation involving vegetables, meat, poultry and fish.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Instead of an overloaded kitchen knife set, this one contains two clearly different blades: an 18 cm Santoku knife and a 10 cm paring and garnishing knife.

Key benefits and strengths

According to the product description, the blades are made in Solingen, forged from special stainless steel and ice-hardened using FRIODUR. The plastic handles help ensure a secure grip.

Ideal for: Specific tasks and frequent use
WMF Snack Knife - 2pcs Set - 11cm Blue

WMF Snack Knife, 2-Piece Set, 11 cm, Blue

Why this product suits this profile: These two serrated knives are designed for everyday use with bread, cheese, cold meats, fruit, tomatoes and avocado.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The double-serrated edge is designed for soft foods with a firm outer surface. This makes its intended use clearer than that of a generic straight-edged all-purpose knife.

Key benefits and strengths

11 cm hardened stainless steel blades, ergonomic handles and, according to the product description, dishwasher suitability. Do not use on bones or frozen foods.

Ideal for: Families with specific food preparation needs
5-in-1 Baby Food Prep Set, Wheat Straw Cutting Board & Toddler Knives

5-in-1 Baby Food Prep Set with Chopping Board, Knives, Scissors and Peeler

Why this product suits this profile: This set is designed for preparing small portions, soft foods and bite-sized pieces for toddlers.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Blade covers and blunt safety scissors allow the items to be stored separately. However, the set is no substitute for supervision: sharp items must be kept out of children’s reach.

Key benefits and strengths

The set includes a chopping board, small knife, fruit knife, safety scissors and Y-peeler. According to the product description, the board and accessories are made from wheat straw fibre and food-grade PP.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.

Care, durability and safe use

The lifespan of a kitchen knife depends on its materials, how it is used and how it is cared for. Use a suitable chopping board, do not use blades on bones or frozen foods unless they are designed for the task, and never leave knives loose in the sink. After washing, dry the blade and handle thoroughly.

If the knife is no longer cutting as well, a suitable knife sharpener or professional sharpening service may help. Not every standard sharpener is suitable for serrated blades. Before buying, check whether replacement or care solutions are available for the particular blade shape.

Frequently asked questions about kitchen knives

How many kitchen knives does a household need?

For most households, a small vegetable or paring knife, a longer carving or Santoku knife, and a serrated knife for bread and tomatoes are enough to start with. A kitchen knife set is worth considering if the blades included are genuinely suited to the tasks you regularly do.

Are kitchen knives dishwasher-safe?

Some models are described as dishwasher-safe. Even so, hand-washing and drying straight away are often recommended to care for the materials as gently as possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid letting the blade knock against hard crockery.

Which kitchen knife is suitable for preparing baby food?

When adults are preparing food, small kitchen knives, a paring knife and a sturdy peeler can be useful. Safe storage, non-slip work surfaces and constant supervision are especially important when preparing baby food. Knives and scissors should always be kept out of children’s reach; products with ‘safety’ accessories are no substitute for supervision.