A Guide to Essential Knives for Traveling Chefs

Did you know that almost 150,000 chefs are working in America alone?

Yes, you read that right. But with so many different travel knives on the market, you might be wondering: what’s the best chef knife in the world?

We’re glad that you asked. Most traveling chefs require all kinds of tools to move with them. Whether you are camping or visiting a new place, this roundup will help you think about how to find the essential knife for you!

Why Chefs Prefer Their Own Knives

Have you ever wondered why traveling chefs prefer to bring their own knives? Here’s the breakdown. First of all, there’s no such thing as a kitchen without a quality knife. You already know that one set of knives in the kitchen is never enough for those of you who have attended culinary school. Believe it or not, most kitchens you choose to cook in don’t have everything you need to get the job done. Sometimes, using your favorite knife of choice is non-negotiable, even if you are a traveling chef.

That being said, it’s obvious that using a knife made for small hands isn’t going to work for a chef who has large hands. Not only will it be imprecise, but it may also be uncomfortable for you to use. On top of that, picking up a knife that isn’t as well cared for or as sharp as your own might not create the same amazing results. Plus, you may spend more time in the kitchen getting used to it than you would if you brought your own set of knives, right? And nobody wants that!

Knives

Besides this, we all know that different knives are crafted from different types of materials. For example, while some traveling chefs may prefer to use a more durable alloy knife, others may prefer knives made from carbon steel. Although there are many ideas on which knife is the best for you, it typically narrows down to your personal preference for the kind of food you are making. So, what’s the best set of essential knives for chefs, you ask? Allow us to enlighten you!

Best Knives for Traveling Chefs

Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s talk about the best knives for traveling chefs to bring along with them, shall we?

First, there are several different kinds of knives that you may come across while studying the culinary arts. Even though our list of essential knives is pretty comprehensive, these are only the most popular options. For specific tasks, there are many more knives that you can use anytime you need.

Keeping this in mind, the essential knives that every traveling chef should have in their work bag include the following:

  • A chef’s knife
  • A santoku knife
  • A utility knife
  • A paring knife
  • A boning knife
  • A meat cleaver

Clearly, a chef’s knife is the handiest knife that a traveling chef will ever use. It’s perfect for making a wide range of cuts with it, including chopping and slicing. A santoku knife is very similar to a chef’s knife. However, a santoku knife has an exceptional drop point. This is great for letting you get some more precise cutting work done.

Also, a utility knife can be used to prep everything from vegetables to fruits. Plus, you can also use a utility knife to trim the fat from meat dishes. Besides a utility knife, a paring knife is useful because it comes in many different sizes and styles. Also, a paring knife is wonderful for prepping small amounts of fruits and vegetables as well.

If you’re working with a whole animal for your culinary recipe, we suggest that you try a boning knife. This is excellent for the entire meat fabrication process. Last but not least, there is a meat cleaver. If you’re planning on handling a large cut of meat, grab a meat cleaver to save both time and energy!

Why Chefs Need Different Knives

At this point, you might be thinking, why do traveling chefs need so many different knives in the first place?

Here’s what you need to know. This may seem obvious, but traveling chefs need to be prepared to tackle anything from the smallest herb garnish to the largest beef cut. To do so, you’re going to need both a meat cleaver and a paring knife at the ready. Moving on, taking care of your traveling set of knives should be simple and easy to do. For starters, clean up after every use according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Also, keep in mind your local health department standards too.

Be sure to keep your knives separate from another classmate’s or coworker’s knives as well. And remember — you don’t have to buy the fanciest set of knives to have the right ones for the job. Try out several different sets to see what works best for you. Still unsure how to find a good set of knives for chefs, especially if you do a lot of traveling or camping? We highly recommend that you check out TacKnives today!

Explore Cuisine With an Essential Knife

Ready to explore the world of cuisine with the best essential knife for you?

If that’s the case, then we’ve got you covered. When it comes to the best knives for home chef cuisine, we have all the essential information you need to reach top chef status in the kitchen. Are you looking for more food and culinary tips? If you are, don’t hesitate to check out the rest of our blog right now!

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I love cooking and eating food. I always look for new recipes, new foods, and new restaurants. I just love food! My goal is to post interesting and delicious food and share recipes with the world. I have a passion for all types of food; especially Asian cuisine.