Kitchen knives may not be something you think about spending big money on. But if you like to cook, or if you just like to have quality cooking utensils, knives may be the place you need to spend a little more. If you spend a bit more now, you can be assured that those expensive knives will pay for themselves by lasting longer, providing better usage and keeping their edge.
I have had cheap knives and I have had good knives and let me tell you - as tempting as it may be to save money on knives, if you like to cook you should NOT scrimp when it comes to kitchen knives!
Now - when I say "expensive" when I talk about knives, I am not talking about the sets that cost $1,000. If you have the budget to buy them, then that is great (although unless you are a serious professional chef, I don't see why you would want them). I am generally talking about a Wusthof or Henckels set in the $250 - $400 range.
That may seem like a TON of money to some people, but if you like to cook, you want to make the investment.
Here's why:
Expensive Kitchen Knives Have Better Edges and Last Longer
Yes, you will pay more for a quality set of kitchen knives. There's a reason why good knives aren't cheap and cheap knives don't last. Better quality knives are usually made of materials that lend to the knives keeping their edge better.
You know how it is with those cheap knives: They dull quickly and after a little bit of use they just don't cut anything at all. Then you need new knives or need to have those dull ones sharpened (if they can be).
The quality knives are very sharp and that sharp edge is easily maintained because better knives are made from better materials like ceramic, carbon steel, stainless steel, or even both types of steels together. If you've ever had a ceramic knife, then you know how sharp it stays and how easily it cuts whatever you need cut.
These knives keep that sharp edge much better, for much longer. Even better, if you buy a good quality set that comes with a Steel, you can sharpen them yourself before each use!
Cheap Kitchen Knives are Disposable
Have you had a set of cheap kitchen knives? If so, then you know that they are basically disposable. They dull quickly, the handles may deteriorate or even break, and sharpening those cheap blades isn't exactly easy. Once those knives have outlived their usefulness, they aren't good for much except taking up space on your countertop or in your drawer. They are basically throwaway knives.
When those cheap knives reach this point, you have few options except to buy a new set of knives. If you choose to go with another set of cheap, low-quality kitchen knives then you are simply repeating the cycle over and over again.
Quality Kitchen Knives are an Investment
For high-quality kitchen knives, you can expect to lay down some big bucks. Consider those knives an investment because chances are, they will last and you won't be spending money on another set for quite some time. Do the math: If you buy a set of $50 knives that lose their edge and fall apart in a year, that means each year you will spend $50. Over the course of 10 years you will have spent $500 on kitchen knives.
If, on the other hand, you buy a set of quality knives that cost $400 and they last for at least 10 years, then you have actually saved money. You simply will have to be patient to see that investment pan out, but it will be worth it.
In short: When it comes to kitchen knives, spend money now so you can save money later.