A great set of knives is a major timesaver when it comes to food prep and a major must when it comes to enjoying steak dinners. Nail your Christmas shopping for the sushi chef, the gracious host, and the all-around food enthusiast with knife sets that are sure to please the sharpest chef.
Steak Knives
Not only are steak knives essential to enjoying your favorite cut of meat with ease; they also serve as an accent piece for the well-set table. Quality steak knives are also essential for protecting plates from the cutting damage caused by bearing down with a dull knife. Steak knives come in sets of 4, 6, 8, and 12, so consider family size and lifestyle before making your purchase. For a sleek set of steak knives, look to brands like Wusthof and Oneida.
Kitchen Knives
A kitchen knife set is the beginning of great things to come for the home chef. If a cook on your list doesn't own a basic knife set that covers everything from slicing bread to mincing garlic, a set like this is foundational. Make sure the set includes a chef's knife, a bread knife, a fish knife, and a paring knife. Start him or her out with a colorful set of four knives by Chicago Cutlery, or go the whole nine yards with a full cutlery set that includes both kitchen knives and steak knives.
Paring Knives
For mincing, slicing, and peeling, a paring knife is essential for the delicate matters while cooking. These small slicers are ideal when you're navigating tasks too small for a chef's knife. Paring knives come in bright, fun colors that will complement even the boldest chef on your list. Since paring knives are some of the handiest tools in the kitchen and see a lot of use, a knife sharpener pairs well with the set.
Carving Knives
A carving knife set is a great gift around the holidays since it's helpful for large holiday family dinners. If your giftee enjoys the art of roasting, preparing, and serving various types of meat, they should own a carving set that makes it easy to serve the ones they love. A traditional set includes a carving knife and a carving fork. Look for various handle styles that might match your giftee's personal taste, and consider giving a carving board along with the set.
Cheese Knives
We all know someone who always finds the richest Gouda, the creamiest brie, and the tastiest pairings for a cheeseboard. Give the tools any cheese-lover needs to present their favorite hors d'oeuvres in style. Cheese knife sets are made for easy use and simple serving without getting in the way. Make sure the set you purchase includes a knife for soft cheese, a cheese plane, and a serving fork.