Knives

To choose a good kitchen knife, you should pay attention to the following factors:

1. Blade material: The blade can be made of carbon steel, stainless steel, or a combination of both. Carbon steel knives are sharper and retain their edge longer but are more prone to corrosion. Stainless steel knives are easier to maintain and resist rust, though they can be slightly harder to sharpen.
2. Blade type: Kitchen knives come with different blade types such as straight, serrated, scalloped, or filleting blades. The right one depends on the type of food you cut most often.
3. Blade length: Kitchen knives range from about 10 cm to over 30 cm. The ideal length depends on your needs — shorter blades are easier to handle for detailed work, while longer ones are better for cutting large foods.
4. Handle: The handle should feel comfortable to hold and be made of a water-resistant, durable material. Common options include wood, plastic, or stainless steel.
5. Weight: Weight also matters. A knife that’s too light may feel hard to control, while one that’s too heavy can become uncomfortable with prolonged use.
6. Price: High-quality kitchen knives are an investment that can last for years. If possible, choose one that’s built to last a lifetime.

Remember that beyond choosing a good knife, it’s also essential to keep it clean and sharp to maintain its performance.

In general, the essential knives you need in your kitchen will depend on your personal preferences and the types of food you cook most often.

However, some knives are considered essential in any kitchen: a chef’s knife, a bread knife, a filleting knife, a paring knife, and a vegetable knife.

In addition to these, it’s also useful to have other specialized knives depending on your needs, such as a boning knife, a ham knife, or a Japanese-style knife like the Santoku.

There are knives with wide, sharp blades featuring non-stick hollows, ideal for cutting and preparing a variety of foods such as vegetables, fish, and meat. There are also smaller knives with strong, smooth-edged blades used for cutting, peeling, and slicing fruits and vegetables. In addition, knives with long, strong, serrated blades are useful for cutting foods with tougher or more resistant textures.

To cut meat, it’s recommended to use a knife with a long, thin blade and a sharp, straight edge. This type of knife—often referred to as a carving or meat knife—is specifically designed for cutting raw, roasted, or cooked meats. The length of the blade allows for precise, smooth cuts, while the straight edge makes it easy to slice through meat without tearing it. It’s also important to keep the knife well-sharpened to avoid applying excessive force and to achieve a clean, even cut.

Kitchen knives lose their sharpness or cutting ability due to the wear caused by daily use, which gradually reduces the original angle of the edge.

It’s not recommended to store knives together in a drawer, as contact between the blades can damage their edges. Therefore, it’s important to find a proper way to store them. A good option is to use wooden knife blocks, which are not only practical but also add an aesthetic touch to the kitchen.

The best option is to dispose of them in the yellow recycling container designated for plastic and metal packaging. However, if the waste doesn’t fall into that category, it’s advisable to take them to a local recycling center, just as you would with other metal objects.

At Arcos, we are also working to ensure that your trusted physical retailer provides a collection point where you can safely dispose of your old knives — feel free to ask for more information.

You’ve probably heard that a sharp knife is safer than a dull one — and that’s absolutely true. The reason is that a sharp knife is not only easier to handle but also requires less force to use, reducing the risk of slipping and accidental cuts.

The chef’s knife, also known as a cook’s knife, is an essential tool that every chef should have in their kitchen. It’s a highly versatile knife with a strong, wide blade typically measuring between 18 and 25 centimeters in length. Thanks to its design, this knife can be used to cut fruits, meats, fish, vegetables, and many other types of food.