How to Compare Cutlery Sets

Cutlery sets can be used to cut all sorts of food.

Your cutlery set may be a very important aspect of your kitchen. Many people use their cutlery sets on a daily basis, particularly if you cook many of your own meals. Having a well-made, quality cutlery set will make your tasks in the kitchen much easier and more efficient, saving you both time and energy when you are preparing meals for yourself and your family. Before you choose a cutlery set, you should compare your options carefully.

Instructions

1. Identify a budget for your cutlery set. Knowing what you can spend makes comparing the pieces of each cutlery set easier. However, if you want quality, you should be prepared to spend at least $200.

2. Research the difference between the various materials the cutlery sets can be made from. Stainless steel knives, for example, are rust-resistant and strong. Ceramic knives do not need sharpening and are lightweight, while titanium knives are also lightweight and have longer edges.

3. Confirm that the cutlery sets you are examining have full tang on all of the knives. The tang is the part of the handle that stabilizes the knife while cutting. A full-tang knife offers increased stability and efficiency.

4. Note the types of edges offered on the knives in the cutlery sets you're comparing. Quality sets will include a variety of edges that can be used for different cutting tasks, including straight, serrated, granton and hollow ground edges.

5. Ask to see only cutlery sets with forged knives, rather than blocked or sintered. Forged knives are of a higher quality and will generally last longer because the handle and knife are one continuous unit. They also include a bolster, which is the thick area between the handle and the blade that adds stability and durability. Blocked knives have no bolster, and sintered knives are not one continuous unit.

6. Identify which added features you would like included in your cutlery set. Some sets will come with accessories or bonus knives, including extra serrated knives, a knife block and a sharpening steel.

References

• Farm Fresh Living: Choosing Quality Cutlery
• Builders Square: Cutlery Buying Guide