The vegetable knife is mainly used to cut vegetables while the chef knife is considered a jack of all trades.
In this blog post, we will talk about the differences between these blades and then decide whether which one is a must-have in every kitchen.
Contents
Vegetable Knife
General Description
Size and Shape
The size of the handle helps us with precision cutting, so there is no need for chopping or dicing. This small blade makes it difficult to cut meat and poultry. That’s why this blade is made to cut smaller fruits and vegetables.
As for the shape, vegetable knives usually have a curved blade (slicing or serrated) that makes it easier to cut soft produce.
Function
The vegetable knife’s function is to dice fruits or vegetables that are hard to cut with other knives. Its small blade allows the cook to make precise cuts, while its curved shape makes it easier for the chef to slice soft produce. Vegetable knives can also be used for cutting garnishes and not just produce.
Features
Blade
The blade is wide and curved for easier peeling of vegetables. The tip of the blade is pointed to allow piercing through the vegetable while cutting it. The thick blade will make sure that your chopping will be done easily without any struggle.
Bevel
Knives can either be ground on one side only to be called a single-beveled knife or both sides (double-beveled). Vegetable knives come in both variants depending on the manufacturer.
Handle
The handle on a vegetable knife is very short, allowing you to chop and slice with ease. Many users find it easy to use because of the shortness of the handle.
Tang
The blade on this knife runs through the handle, which is not necessarily a must. However, it gives extra stability and strength to the blade, making it an ideal option for home use.
Chef Knife
General Description
Size and Shape
As for the shape of the blade, it is thick at its base and tapers into a long point, and has curved edges. It is longer than the average vegetable knife.
Function
This blade is used for cutting large pieces of meat, poultry, and fish. It can also be used as a multipurpose tool for slicing up vegetables, herbs, chopping nuts and fruits.
It is not just for simple cutting, but it also works as a general kitchen knife. It can be used to peeling fruits or vegetables while the small blade can be used in chopping and slicing soft produce.
Features
Blade
The blade is longer and has a thicker body, with distinct curves near the top. The pointed tip makes it easier to pierce fruits or vegetables before cutting them.
Bevel
This blade can either be single-beveled (ground only on one side) or double-beveled depending on preference. However, double-beveled blades are more popular because they have a better cutting edge.
Handle
The handle is curved to give you a better grip and support while you cut. It also gives additional stability to the blade while using it.
Tang
This blade has a long tang running through the handle. This makes it more durable than other types of knives.
The Better Choice
Both knives are great kitchen tools. However, in terms of versatility, the chef knife will most likely give you more worth for your money.
It is an all-around knife that can be handled by both professional and home cooks. Indeed, it is the king of kitchen knives.
Final Verdict
In summary, investing in a chef knife is the best decision you can ever make for your kitchen. It is a must-have.
