Chef’s knives come in different sizes but the actual question is how big should a chef’s knife be? Typically, a chef’s knife is known to be one of the most versatile knives for handling different tasks, including slicing, chopping, and dicing.
But before using it or buying a new one you should know what size chef knife is best for you. Because you should use the right one for the best performance and your comfortability. Check out this detailed guide to find out more.
This Is How Big Should a Chef’s Knife Be
A chef’s knife should ideally measure about 8-inches long. This blade length is perfectly tuned for standard home kitchen equipment, such as countertops and cutting boards. The size is also easier for a non-professional cook to handle.
Generally, chef’s knives are fitted with blades that measure between 6 and 14 inches. However, anything above 8-inches may be difficult to handle in a residential kitchen and is more suitable for the setup and skill of chefs in a professional or commercial kitchen.
How Is a Knife Length Measured?
A knife is typically measured according to the length of its blade, from the heel to the tip or vice versa. For example, a 12-inch knife refers to the 12-inch blade attached to the knife and does not include the length of its handle.
However, in very rare cases, you may find manufacturers who base their knife length by including the length of the blade and handle.
How Big Is the Average Chef’s Knife?
The average chef’s knife will measure about 8-inches long. This size is quite popular amongst western cooks and is considered the standard utility knife size.
The 8-inch chef’s knife pairs well with the infrastructure of a standard kitchen. Additionally, the 8-inch size is easy for cooks of all levels to handle, whether a beginner, amateur cook, or seasoned chef.
What Is the Standard Size Chef Knife?
The standard-size chef knife ranges between 6 inches and 14 inches. Choosing the actual size is dependent on the user and skill level.
For example, regular home cooks are advised to use the average 8-inch size while professional chefs tend to go for anything ranging from 8-inch and higher.
What Is the Best Size Kitchen Knife for Beginner Chef?
The best size kitchen knife for a beginner chef is the 6-inch to 8-inch size. This site is built to enhance the knife’s versatility, allowing for better handling.
The 8-inch size also allows a beginner chef to handle more food volume without being intimidated by a large blade size.
Is a 6-inch Chef Knife Too Small?
A 6-inch chef knife may be small for large food items. However, it is still quite functional in a kitchen. You can use a 6-inch chef knife for smaller ingredients, including small vegetables like onions and tomatoes or small to medium-sized fish.
This size knife is smaller, making it easy to handle and faster to maneuver, especially when dicing or chopping small ingredients. It is also a reasonable size for beginners.
Is an 8-inch Chef Knife Too Big?
An 8-inch chef knife isn’t too big. In fact, this size is considered to be a standard chef knife size amongst cooks of different levels.
It is the perfect size for a home kitchen as it pairs well with the size and design of most home kitchen counters and cutting boards.
Does Knife Length Include the Handle?
Typically, most manufacturers don’t include the handle length when determining the knife length. The knife size is usually represented by the blade length.
But, in rare cases, you may find manufacturers that label their knife length by including both knife blade and handle lengths.
Who Makes the Best Chef’s Knife?
You can find a wide range of the best chef’s knife brands on the market. Our personal top picks are the Wusthof, Shun, Global, and Zwilling brands.
Here are the top 4 best chef’s knives from our favorite brands you should own this year;
Wusthof Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife
Made from precision forged high carbon stainless steel, the Wusthof Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife performs its versatile functions with more articulation. You can use the knife for chopping, dicing, slicing, or mincing.
The knife is made from a single block of 100% high carbon stainless steel to give it a robust, ultra-sharp, and edge-retaining profile. The high carbon stainless steel fabrication gives the knife a Rockwell hardness level of up to 58.
Nonetheless, you will be more impressed with its patented Precision Edge technology, making its blade 20% sharper and giving it twice the edge retention than previous models.
On the other hand, the 8-inch knife boasts an ultralight profile, weighing only 8.5 ounces to make it easy, even for beginners, to handle. To complement its light design and ease of use are the full bolster and finger guard features.
Shun Cutlery Premier 8-inch Chef’s Knife
If the design is your priority, you can’t go wrong with the Shun Cutlery Premier 8-inch Chef’s Knife. The knife’s unique blade patterns and wooden walnut handle boost its appearance.
Whether you want to adorn your kitchen or give it out as a gift, the chef’s knife never disappoints. The knife is fitted with a razor-sharp blade, making it easy to slice, dice, and chop different food items.
Its lightweight and thinner blade allows it to retain the edge for longer while making handling easier. On the exterior, its hammered tsuchime blade pattern finish allows for smoother cuts with effortless food release. The knife’s contoured walnut color Pakkawood handle also delivers an ergonomically comfortable grip.
Global 8-inch Chef’s Knife
The Global 8-inch Chef’s Knife features all-metal stainless steel construction for added functionality and durability. The use of stainless steel throughout the knife’s body, from blade to handle, gives the knife its rust, corrosion, and stain resistance.
The blade is made of a combination of high-tech molybdenum and vanadium stainless steel to give it incredible sharpness. It also retains its razor sharpness exceptionally well.
On the other end of the knife is the stainless steel handle molded with dimples for improved grip. To give you great value for your investment, the chef’s knife comes with a lifetime warranty.
Zwilling Twin Signature 8-inch Chef’s Knife
Fitted with a precision-honed blade and laser-controlled edge, the Zwilling Twin Signature 8-inch Chef’s Knife is worth the investment.
Its lightweight blade and ultra-sharp edge retention give the knife its precision cutting abilities while prolonging its durability. You can use the knife for pretty much most food items, whether beef, fish, poultry, vegetables, or fruits.
The single-piece stamped blade offers a Rockwell hardness level of about 57 and is sharpened to a 15-degree angle on each size. But, for an even stronger performing and resilient blade, the knife goes through a blade ice-hardening process, allowing it to be ultra-resilient and to stay sharp for longer.
Final Word
The size of a chef’s knife directly corresponds to its functionality and capability. As a versatile tool, a chef’s knife works best when big, allowing you to handle different cutting tasks.
But, it is also important to note the different available sizes on the market. Each size is catered to different cutting needs, skills, and comfort. The key is to know how big a chef’s knife should be to cater to your needs.
I have built kniveswow.com because as a home chef I know how important kitchen knives are. I use different kitchen knives every day and they always save my time. Here I share my thoughts, experience and knife maintenance tips with you. You can find more info about me.