When it comes to selecting kitchen knives, one of the questions that often arises is whether or not an expensive knife is worth the additional expense. In this blog post, we will take a detailed look at Cheap Knives vs. Expensive Knives and discuss the key differences between them.
By the end of this post, you should have all the information you need to confidently make an informed decision when purchasing kitchen knives.
Cheap Kitchen Knives vs. Expensive Knives: An Overview
There are a few key differences you’ll want to keep in mind before you ultimately decide on which type of knife is best for you.
Blade
When buying a kitchen knife, one of the most important things to keep in mind is the blade. A quality blade is an essential part of any kitchen knife. An expensive knife blade is usually made from higher-quality materials, leading to a sharper edge that lasts longer. On the other hand, blades made with less expensive materials may not be as sharp, and they won’t hold up as well over the long term.
Something like Damascus Japanese Steel will typically run a higher price but the quality of the blade is will outshine a less expensive option.
You should also take into account the overall balance of the blade. Cheaper knives may not be well-balanced, making them harder to use for longer periods of time. A good balance not only feels better in your hand but also allows you to have better control over your cuts.
Handle
It’s also important to consider the handle; an expensive knife usually has a comfortable grip that will remain secure in your hand during use, while a more affordable option might have an uncomfortable handle that can slip out of your hands when wet.
The comfortable grip will help make long cooking sessions more enjoyable and the higher quality handle is usually more durable in the long run, allowing it to last for many years.
Durability
As discussed, the durability of the knife is an important factor you should consider. A higher quality knife will be made of both blade and handle materials that can last a lot longer. This means you’ll be purchasing new knives a lot less; ultimately leading to you saving money, so long as you store your knives properly.
Cutting Experience
The overall cutting experience may be the combination of every factor. With every slice of a higher-quality knife, you’ll feel considerably more confident leading to a more productive cooking experience.
Sometimes a cheaper option can lead to uneven cuts making the end product lesser quality. If you frequently have guests over this can may not be the best option for you.
Shopping on a budget? Check out the best kitchen knives for under $100.
Store Your Knives Properly
As any experienced home cook will tell you, storing your kitchen knives in an effective manner is essential; especially for higher quality (more expensive) knives.
Proper knife storage means you can increase the longevity of your knives. When you spend a lot of money on your kitchen equipment you’ll want to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Check out our article on proper knife storage.
Are Expensive Knives Worth It?
In our experience, an expensive kitchen knife is worth it. The higher quality materials mean you’ll save time in the kitchen, save money in the long run, produce better meals, and enjoy your cooking experience much more.
When A Cheap Knife Might Be Worth It
If you are someone who doesn’t cook very often and doesn’t mind having uneven and rough cuts of your ingredients then a cheap knife might be worth it for you.
There’s no harm in experimenting with a less expensive option and then upgrading if you don’t enjoy the knife. Conversely, you could start with a more expensive blade and then sell it if you find you are not using it that often.
Our Pick
You can’t go wrong with the F.N. Sharp Damascus Steel Chef’s Knife. You’ll absolutely love the construction of this knife. The blade not only cuts extremely well but is resistant to cracks and chips. I’ve had mine forever.
Ultimately, when you’re buying a kitchen knife, it’s best to consider both quality and price simultaneously to make sure you’re getting something both efficient and cost-effective.
