Article by helen daniels
Buying a set of quality kitchen knives is similar to most other things in that you get what you pay for. With that said, and with so many different knives available, you don't need to purchase them all.
You can usually do everything you need with just a basic set and you can then add to them as your budget allows. If you are looking for a basic set of quality kitchen knives then you should aim to buy the following;
A Paring knife These knives are quite small which make them ideal for smaller vegetables and fruit. The blade measures around 7-10cm so it isnt that big but it does have a pointed end that can be used to pick out pips. Having a good paring knife is just as important as having a good cooks knife since they will improve the presentation of your food.
A Large and Small cooks knife These knives are the jack-of-all-trades. They come in several sizes, but you only really need to get a small and large once since they will overlap where you use them. They will help you tackle chopping jobs on a larger scale than a paring knife will be suitable for so they are probably one of the most essential knives you will need.
A Bread knife Cutting warm, freshly baked bread is one of the most satisfying jobs in the kitchen, but to do it properly you are going to need a good bread knife. The serrated edges are usually rigid although they are sometimes scalloped edges and both do fine jobs. The edges allow the knife to cut through the tougher outer crust wile making sure the middle does not tear.
A Carving knife If you often prepare and cook your own meats then you are going to need a carving knife. The blade is large and flexible to help you cut and the tip is usually pointed to allow you to free the meat that is on the bone. Once you have a basic knife set, you can add to them as you need or as your budget suits.
The above knife types will ensure that you have a quality knife set that you can get full use of.