Choosing the right table knives for every meal

Table knives are central to the Table art. They do more than just cut; they play an active part in setting the scene for a refined meal. When choosing your knives, don’t overlook their visual impact on the table.

The importance of design
when choosing table knives

A mismatched knife can disrupt the harmony of a perfectly laid crokery, while a beautiful stainless steel model can enhance the elegance of a simple dinner party.

Today, it is becoming increasingly common to choose table knives that deliberately contrast with the cutlery to create an aesthetic break. This adds a personal touch to any table, whether classic, modern or country-style.

Knives with wooden, steel or composite handles offer an infinite range of combinations. Choosing the right model of knife for each setting means you can enhance the presentation of your dishes and offer your guests a complete sensory experience.

Smooth or serrated blades:
what’s best for your needs?

It is important to choose the right type of blade for the use you intend to make of your table knives. Smooth blades are ideal for tender meats, fish, cooked vegetables and certain delicatessen meats. Their clean cut enhances the presentation on the plate. However, to maintain their effectiveness, they must be honed (sharpened) regularly.

Serrated blades, are appreciated for slicing a good steak, a crust of bread or thicker meats with ease. If you often entertain and serve steaks, it’s best to choose a set of steak knives with serrated blades. Their cutting edge resists wear and requires little maintenance.
Some people like to alternate between smooth and serrated blades, depending on the menu and cutting preferences.

Fans of fine cutlery also appreciate steak knives with micro-serrated or semi-smooth blades, which offer a good compromise. These knives need to be carefully sharpened or replaced as necessary to ensure optimum cutting quality.

Handle materials:
wood, stainless steel or resin?

The choice of handle for a table knife affects the aesthetics, grip and durability of the product. Wooden handles are prized for their warmth and naturalness. They go well with forged steel blades and add a rustic touch to the table. On the other hand, they require careful maintenance to preserve their shine.

Stainless steel handles offer a modern, hard-wearing alternative. Their polished or brushed finish complements any table style, and they are particularly suited to everyday use. They are also easy to clean, especially for those who put their knives in the dishwasher.

Resin, acrylic or high-resistance plastic (such as ABS) mean you can choose knives that are colourful, practical and suitable for children and large parties alike. These materials tolerate intensive use and are resistant to humidity. For visual consistency, it’s a good idea to coordinate the handles of your knives with those of your other cutlery, or with the colours of your crockery.

Knife care :
tips to preserve your blades

Taking care of your knives will extend their life, prevent blades corrosion and guarantee their performance over the years. The first thing to do is to follow the washing recommendations. Knives made of stainless steel or resin are more resistant to damage in the dishwasher. It is recommended to handwash other knives.

Blades of steak knives should be cleaned immediately after use. It’s essential to run them under warm water, dry them quickly and store them away from moisture. They should never be left to soak, especially if they have a wooden or horn handle. Stainless steel, although resistant, can stain if left in prolonged contact with acidic products.

Also remember to sharpen your smooth blades with a steel or stone at least once a month if you use your knives regularly. It is also advisable to store your knives in a block, a suitable drawer or a box to avoid bumps between blades. These simple tips will ensure your knives perform well for every meal, from everyday use to gourmet dining.

The art of setting a table with knives of character

There’s more to a beautiful table than well-placed plates and glasses. Knives, like cutlery, are at the heart of the table setting. Choosing the right knives means creating a visual and functional balance. For an elegant table, combine stainless steel knives with fine glasses and a sober tablecloth. For a family lunch, opt for sturdy steak knives with natural or stained wooden handles.

Steak knives can even become the centrepiece of a convivial table, especially if they feature original patterns or handcrafted finishes. By combining blades, materials and colours, you can create a unique table that reflects your personality.

You can also choose personalised or engraved knives for special occasions, or coordinate a whole range of cutlery around a theme of colour or material. The possibilities are endless, as long as you keep in mind the balance between aesthetics, cutting comfort and ease of maintenance.

Choosing the right steak knives
for perfect slicing

Steak knives are distinguished by their solidity and their ability to easily slice the tenderest and toughest meats. To choose a good steak knife, you need to look closely at the blade, the type of steel used, the handle and how comfortable it is to use.

The best steak knives are generally made from stainless steel, with a satin or shiny finish. They can be serrated, semi-serrated or smooth, depending on your preference. In all cases, a good blade should offer a long-lasting cutting edge and a precise cut. It’s also important to choose a handle that’s ergonomic, doesn’t slip and feels good in the hand even after repeated use.

Goyon Chazeau brand steak knives are designed to combine robustness, aesthetics and cutting performance. Each steak knife is carefully forged from quality stainless steel to ensure a clean cut in every bite. Steak lovers can’t fail to appreciate these top-of-the-range models, with their finely-worked blades and neat handles.

Additional tips for sharpening and maintaining your knives

Sharpening is an essential step in maintaining the efficiency of your knives. A badly sharpened knife requires more effort and can damage your food. For smooth blades, use a sharpening steel or a fine-grain stone, and use a regular angle when sharpening. For serrated steak knives, replacement is often the ideal solution once the blade shows signs of fatigue.

Don’t neglect storage either. Avoid loose drawers, preferring a knife block, a wooden case or a magnetic holder. Moisture is the enemy of steel, even stainless steel.

These tips will ensure that your knives last a long time and remain effective, whatever their use: cutting steak, setting the table, or everyday service.