Cutlery

Discover Premium Cutlery for Every Kitchen

Slice, dice, cut and mince ingredients with the right cutlery from Crate & Barrel. We understand that a good knife completely changes the way you cook at home and that the best cutlery is not just a tool—it's an extension of your cooking style and a reflection of your culinary journey. Whether you're slicing through a robust steak or preparing ingredients for your favorite salad, our range of high-quality kitchen knives and cutlery sets ensures precision and elegance in every bite.

The Art of Choosing Cutlery

Selecting the right cutlery involves more than just aesthetics; it's about functionality, durability and the materials from which these essential dining tools are crafted. Crate & Barrel offers a variety of cutlery materials, including premium stainless steel that promises longevity and wooden handles that provide a rustic touch to your table setting. Our designs are not only functional but are crafted to complement any kitchen décor, ensuring that your cutlery is as much a piece of art as it is a dining necessity. Curious about the different types of kitchen knives? Explore our expert guide on kitchen knives to create a knife collection tailored to your culinary needs.

Chef's Knife: An all-purpose piece of cutlery, a chef's knife is an essential style. With a longer blade and sharp, narrow point, it's excellent for both rough, high-volume cutting and chopping as well as more delicate tasks like thin slicing and mincing. One of the most versatile styles, it can be used on meat, vegetables, fruit, herbs and more. A utility knife is almost a smaller version of this type but doesn't have the same curve in the blade, as it isn't meant to be used with the same rocking motion, but can be used on similar foods.

Boning Knife and Cleaver: A boning knife and cleaver are must-haves for preparing and cleaning meats. Intended for butchering meats, the heavy blade of a cleaver can also be used to crush garlic, separate bones and slice through harder foods, such as winter squash. A slim blade and sharp edge on boning knives allow for easy trimming and removal of bones in meat and fish.

Santoku Knife: A cross between a chef's knife and a cleaver, a Japanese classic Santoku has a specialized blade that lets food fall away when cutting, allowing for easier slicing and dicing. Explore popular options from brands like Shun, including Shun Classic and Shun Premier lines.

Paring Knife: The smaller form of a paring knife is easy to handle during precision cutting and the shorter blade is perfect for slicing, dicing, peeling and trimming produce.

Bread Knife: The serrated blade of a bread knife allows for easy slicing through bread as well as other foods with soft centers without crushing the firm exterior, like tomatoes and citrus.

Slicing Knife and Carving Knife: Designed to easily cut through fish, chicken and dense cuts of meat, the long, thin blade of a carving knife makes for thin, precise slices.

Vegetable Knife: A fruit and vegetable knife, often designed with a straight edge and narrower blade, is tailored for precision cutting and slicing of produce. Its sharp, thin blade allows for precise cuts through soft and hard fruits and vegetables alike, minimizing damage to the delicate tissues, which helps preserve freshness and appearance. Opt for a straight-edge for clean cuts through fruits and vegetables, or a serrated version that excels at slicing through skins and rinds without crushing the interior of the produce.

Steak Knife: Designed with a sharp, serrated blade that excels at cutting through tough meats like steak and pork chops without tearing the fibers, the serrations of a steak knife help it glide through the meat with less effort and maintain sharpness longer than straight-edged blades.

Contemplating how to buy kitchen knives? If you're just getting started in the kitchen and aren't ready to commit to a full set, consider 2-piece sets with just the bare basics—a chef's and a paring knife. If you're ready for a full range, it's worth investing in a complete knife collection. Though sets give your cutlery assortment a cohesive look and feel, you can also build up a custom cache with individual pieces. Plus, knife sets make the ultimate gift for loved ones who enjoy cooking.

Caring for Your Cutlery with Knife Sharpeners and Knife Storage

To maintain the beauty and functionality of your cutlery, proper care is essential. We recommend hand washing your cutlery with mild soap and drying it immediately to prevent water spots. Regular sharpening using a knife sharpener is also crucial to keep your kitchen knives in prime condition. This allows the blade to do more work with less force, bringing optimum precision and results. Honing steels are a hands-on option, while electric styles offer a less involved, more mechanized grind. For those looking for ease, our stainless steel options are dishwasher safe, offering convenience without compromising on quality. Preserve the quality of your cutlery with knife storage like knife blocks and knife holders. Wood blocks keep blades dry, as the wood absorbs moisture, while magnetic blocks with wood backing allow the cutlery to be displayed in your kitchen.

Top Cutlery Brands: European Cutlery, Japanese Knives & More

When it comes to premium cutlery, a few brands stand out for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. KitchenAid, known for its reliable kitchen tools, offers cutlery that is both durable and stylish, perfect for everyday cooking. German brands Wusthof and Zwilling, both with long-standing reputations, provide precision-forged knives that are favored for their sharpness and balance. Shun, from Japan, is celebrated for its layered Damascus steel knives that offer unparalleled sharpness and a distinctive aesthetic. Schmidt Brothers cutlery is known for its modern designs that blend high-quality materials with ergonomic handles, making them a favorite in contemporary kitchens. Browse these brands among several others like GreenPan knives for your culinary needs.

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