As a team of foodies working at a Oishya, we often get asked about whether it’s better to invest in a kitchen knife set or individual knives when starting out. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we’re here to share some tips and insights to help you make an informed decision that works best for you and your cooking needs.
Benefits of a kitchen knife set
Having a kitchen knife set has become widely popular. A kitchen knife set can upgrade your kitchen making your countertop look more stylish and help home cooks feel more like a professional chef. Therefore, it has become a go-to purchase for individuals trying to up their kitchen game fast.
Furthermore, buying a kitchen knife set means that with one purchase you end up with a wide range of knives that will help you with almost every cutting task in the kitchen.
Knife sets that are affordable and widely available in the market have multiple purposes that cater to both household and professional kitchen needs. These sets typically include a variety of knives such as a chef’s knife, slicer, cleaver, utility knife, and paring knife, and occasionally, a bread knife. These are the types of knives that home users typically purchase for their kitchen needs.
Likewise, a kitchen knife set makes it easier when buying sharpening tools. After all, all the blades will be made of the same material, edge grind, angle and style. This wouldn’t be the case if you were to buy your knives individually, as each blade might need a different sharpening tool.
More isn’t always better
However, having a large range of knives is not necessarily a good thing. A kitchen knife set often comes with a large number of knives you never need nor use. For instance why should you have a meat carving knife if you are vegetarian? Or what is the purpose of having a 12 piece kitchen knife set if you only use 3 of them?
Long story short, you don’t really need a large range of knives. This is why before buying a knife set, think about what knives you are constantly using in the kitchen. These are the main (and maybe only) knives you may need in your kitchen.
Look for a kitchen knife set that has the knives you want. So instead of spending on a kitchen knife set packed with knives you won’t use, opt for a smaller one with just the knives you need. If you are unable to find a kitchen knife set with the knives you need then buy your knives separately. Use your money wisely and buy fewer but better quality knives that will last a lifetime.
What knife types should I have?
When buying individual knives, you should choose your knife types based on your cooking needs. Most cooks agree that three or four knives will enable most of your culinary projects, these are:
- Chef’s knife for chopping meat and veggies,
- Paring / utility knife for trimming small veggies and fruit,
- Veggie knife – for those bigger size fruit and veggies
- Serrated knife for bread and squishy things that have a tougher exterior
Therefore, If you’re looking for an ultimate experience, you should consider investing in a 3 or 4 piece kitchen knife set; including The Gyuto (The Chef’s Knife), The Petty (Paring/Utility Knife), The Nakiri (Veggie/Fruit Knife) and a Serrated knife.
To sum up, if you aren’t able to find a kitchen knife set that comes with the knives you want and will use most frequently, opt for buying knives individually. However, keep in mind that you only really need 3 knives to do almost every cutting job in the kitchen.
Quality over quantity, always
Now, let’s talk about why investing in good quality knives is so important. Firstly, a well-made knife will last you for years, if not decades, and can save you money in the long run by eliminating the need to constantly replace cheap, poorly made knives. Additionally, high-quality knives are designed to be ergonomic and comfortable to use, which can make a big difference in your cooking experience. A good knife should feel like an extension of your hand, allowing you to chop, slice, and dice with ease and precision.
Another reason to invest in good quality knives is that they can help you elevate your cooking. A sharp, well-balanced knife can make all the difference when it comes to preparing ingredients efficiently and accurately, and can help you achieve the perfect texture and presentation in your dishes. It’s no wonder that professional chefs rely on top-quality knives to create their culinary masterpieces!
Of course, high-quality knives do come with a higher price tag. But it’s important to remember that these knives are an investment, and can last you a lifetime if properly cared for. In addition, investing in good knives can actually save you money over time, as you won’t have to keep replacing cheaper knives that wear out quickly.
So, which option should you choose – a knife set or individual knives? Ultimately, it depends on your cooking style, budget, and preferences. If you’re just starting out and want a range of knives to work with, a set may be the way to go. But if you’re looking to invest in high-quality knives that will last you for years, individual knives may be a better option.
At Oishya, we believe in helping our customers find the perfect tools to suit their needs. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, we can guide you through the process of choosing the right knives to elevate your cooking. Our collection includes some of the finest Japanese knives on the market, crafted by skilled artisans who use traditional techniques to create blades that are sharp, durable, and beautiful.
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between a kitchen knife set or individual knives, there’s no one right answer – it all depends on your personal preferences and needs.
