Knife Types

Knife Types 

At Samuel Staniforth, we offer a range of knife types suitable for a variety of tasks in the kitchen. Whether you’re carving, chopping or slicing, you’ll find the right knife here. From our comprehensive range of catering and cooks’ knives to our specialist butcher items, there really is something for everyone! Available in a variet...

Knife Types 

At Samuel Staniforth, we offer a range of knife types suitable for a variety of tasks in the kitchen. Whether you’re carving, chopping or slicing, you’ll find the right knife here. From our comprehensive range of catering and cooks’ knives to our specialist butcher items, there really is something for everyone! Available in a variety of different shapes, styles and handle materials, our kitchen knife types can make every single job in the kitchen easier, more comfortable and fun.

You’ll be pleased to hear that all of our knives feature tactile, user-friendly handles, so you’ll enjoy each use. We are committed to crafting the finest cooking knives to make sure the cooking experience is as pleasant as possible. This is because we believe that when cooking is enjoyable, it makes every meal that much more delicious. 

No matter what you are looking for, we are here to help you find the perfect knife type for the task. Take a look at our range of different knife types below to find the right one for you! 

Why Choose Our Knife Types

Quality - At Samuel Staniforth, every knife is manufactured using care and precision. We are committed to ensuring that all of our customers are satisfied with their handcrafted knives.  

Tradition/Family Owned - Our close-knit team of experts are dedicated to creating a range of exquisite knife types steeped in the heritage of utmost quality. 

Experience - With over 150 years of experience in the production of quality forged Sheffield made knives, we are able to produce quality products with speed and efficiency. 

Value for money - Combining our years of experience with our outstanding manufacturing skills, you can rest assured that you’ll receive your handcrafted knife at an excellent value. 

Customisable - This is what sets us apart from other knife makers. If you are looking for something more unique, you’ve come to the right place. At Samuel Staniforth, we are completely flexible when it comes to customising our products. We’ll collaborate with you directly to craft the perfect knife type to meet your requirements, giving you complete freedom to choose.  

Knife Types FAQs

What Is Each Type of Knife Used For?

Using the correct knife for the right job is so important whilst cooking. Not only can this improve the quality of your cuts but it also acts as a safety measure. Here is everything you need to know:

  • Chef’s Knife - A chef’s knife is one of the most versatile tools in a knife block. It is the go-to for chopping herbs, and dicing vegetables, fruits, poultry and fish. 

  • Santoku Knife - This Japanese-style knife features small indentations that make it easier for food to slide off. Just like a chef’s knife, it is also very versatile and is great for chopping, dicing and mincing ingredients or slicing cheese. 

  • Carving Knife - A carving knife is perfect for cutting large pieces of meat like roasted turkey. 

  • Bread Knife - Bread knives are long and have serrated edges. This allows them to carve through soft or crusty bread without sacrificing its integrity. 

  • Utility Knife - Utility knives are smaller than chef’s knives but not quite as petite as paring knives. They are ideal for slicing and chopping small to midsize vegetables and cuts of meat. 

  • Boning Knife - Boning knives have an extremely narrow blade that tapers to a pointed tip. This long thin knife has a flexible blade that is used to debone cuts of meat or remove salmon skin more efficiently. 

  • Paring Knife - Paring knives are proof that you should never judge a knife by its size. This small piece of cutlery has a very thin blade that is extremely sharp. It expertly peels, chops, slices, minces and removes seeds. It is perfect for slicing fruit or cutting up hot peppers. 

  • Steak Knife - Steak knives are less for cooking and more for eating. They should be set at the table with any good steak dinner. 

  • Sharpening Steel - Sharpening steels are like long metal rods used to correct a blade’s edge before and after each use. 

  • Meat Cleaver - This large knife with a rectangular-shaped blade has many functions. It is most commonly used to chop vegetables and slice meat for stir-fries. 

What Is The Most Important Type of Knife For Your Kitchen?

In our opinion, the most important type of knife for your kitchen is a classic chef’s knife. A chef’s knife is the go-to tool for more than 90% of daily kitchen tasks, including most slicing and dicing of fruits, vegetables, meats and fish. 

What Size Knife Do Most Chefs Use? 

Generally, most chefs use knives that are around 8 to 10 inches however, it does depend on personal preference, the restaurant and the type of food you are using it for. It’s also worth noting that people with smaller hands might prefer a 6 inch cook's knife for better control. 

Why Are Butcher Knives Curved?

Butcher knives are curved because they provide excellent meat-cutting results. This is because the wider blade increases the weight, so it is easier to slice evenly, whilst also preventing the meat from tearing. 


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Knife Types  There are 132 products.

Subcategories

  • Catering & Cooks Knives

    Catering & Cooks Knives 

    A comprehensive range of Catering and Food service knives from all of our ranges. Find the knife that suits you!

  • Boning Knives

    Boning Knives 

    Our boning knives at Samuel Staniforth are ideal for deboning, trimming and slicing all kinds of meats and fish. The narrow blades range from rigid to flexible. The rigid boning knives are great for cutting through thick cartilage, whereas the flexible boning knives are perfect for bending between bones and the surrounding meat. You also may be interested to learn that the boning knife is our most popular knife, which we supply to abattoirs around the world, including the USA and New Zealand. 


    One of the most defining features of a boning knife is its small, sharp tip, which is designed to be inserted down into joints to sever the connective tissues within. As part of our range, we offer boning knives with our ‘Black Samprene Handle’ or a wide selection of coloured handles if you are looking for something slightly different. Take a look at our range of styles below to find out why our boning knives are so popular.

    Choosing The Right Boning Knife 

    The type of boning knife you use will depend on two main factors; the job it is needed for and the type of meat you will be handling. When choosing a boning knife, here are the top factors to consider:

    • Curved - The curve of a boning knife is excellent at removing fish skin in one swipe, as well as making long, clean strokes through the meat. 

    • Straight - Straight boning knives are perfect for removing large chunks of meat. The straight blade helps with finer slicing and sculpting. In the hands of a professional, these knives are ideal for high-speed cuts. 

    • Flexible - Flexible boning knives are handy because they have the ability to cut around lighter corners and difficult shapes.

    • Stiff - Stiff boning knives are used to cut through wider cuts (thicker, tougher meat) 

    • Thin - Sometimes, thinner blades are needed for cutting around smaller angles. They also travel through meat with less resistance, which means that the delicate meat can stay intact. 

    • Broad - Wider boning knives are crucial for portioning thick sections of meat. 

    Boning Knives FAQs

    What Is The Best Size For a Boning Knife? 

    Generally, boning knives tend to be between 5 to 7 inches long. The best size depends on user preference and task. Longer boning knives can have a greater range of flexibility, whereas shorter boning knives are great at breaking down more difficult foods such as small fish and chicken legs. 

    How Do You Clean a Boning Knife? 

    At Samuel Staniforth, we recommend hand washing your knives using mild dish soap, a non-scratch sponge and warm water. Once the knife is clean, remember to dry it immediately to prevent rusting. It’s best to store all of your knives in a protected place, such as a magnetic wooden block or wrap them in a knife roll or wrap. 

    How Do You Sharpen a Boning Knife? 

    Because boning knives are primarily used on hard surfaces like bones, it is crucial that you keep your boning knife sharp to keep it working efficiently. To find out more, take a look at our range of sharpening products

    Are Boning Knives and Fillet Knives The Same? 

    Whilst boning and filleting knives look very similar, they do have slight differences.  Generally, boning knives are thicker and sturdier so they can stand up to hard bones and denser cuts of meat. In comparison, filleting knives are usually longer and are primarily used for removing the skin and bones from delicate pieces of fish. 

    Is a Flexible or Semi-Flexible Boning Knife Better? 

    A semi-flexible blade is great for deboning because the knife can follow along heavier bones without cutting into them. In contrast, a flexible boning knife is ideal for thinner meats and proteins with smaller bones where you need more dexterity. 



  • Butchers Knives

    Butchers Knives 

    Butchers knives with our "Black Samprene Handle" or a wide selection of coloured handles.

  • Specialist Butchers Items

    Specialist Butcher Tools

    Our range of butchers items and accessories make the prefect ally for you when you're trying to tackle your way through those tough to cut bones that you encounter time and time again or when you have difficulty hanging your meat. These accessories are designed with the professional butcher in mind. Made from high quality materials, products are extremely durable and are highly resistant to wear. Ensured to last you a lifetime.

  • Specialist Fish Items

    Fish Cleaning Tools

    Need something to crack open those delicious oysters? Struggling to pick out those teeny-tiny, hard to grab bones from your fresh salmon? Look no further, we have an extensive range of fish tools/accessories that are suitable for the professional fisherman, restaurants and home use that make preparing fish related foods a whole lot easier.

  • Steak Knives

    Steak Knives 

    Please allow 7-14 days before dispatch as all knives are made to order.

    At Samuel Staniforth, we believe that nice food deserves to be eaten using nice knives! When you sit down at the dinner table you want your meal to be an enjoyable, stress-free experience. The last thing you want to do is have to rip and tear through your meat. 

    Our quality steak knives come with an ultra-sharp blade that can handle even the toughest of steaks on your plate. On top of this, the ergonomic design of the handle provides a comfortable yet secure grip that feels at home in your hand so that every cooking experience is an enjoyable one. 

    Our collection of steak knives is made up of a mixture of serrated and non-serrated blades, so you can choose which type you require. We also supply steak knives in a range of handle materials and colours, each as dazzling as the last. From our elegant ‘artisan’ style steak knives to our ocean blue artisan steak knives, we have something for everyone! Make a statement on your table by selecting a set of steak knives that contrast with your cutlery or, if you prefer, you can choose a matching design. 


    [Steak Knife Catalogue]

    Choosing The Right Steak Knife

    When choosing the right steak knife for your needs, several factors come into play. At Samuel Staniforth, we recommend that you consider the following tips before making an informed decision:

    Material - When it comes to selecting your steak knife,  remember to select high-quality stainless steel blades. These are durable, resistant to corrosion and maintain a sharper edge over time. 

    Type -  You’ll need to decide between a serrated or straight-edge knife based on your preference. Serrated knives are ideal for tough cuts whereas straight-edge knives offer clean and precise cuts. Most people choose a steak knife with a so-called ‘full tang’ construction. All this means is that the knife extends all the way into the handle. Such a construction makes the knife very solid and durable. 

    Handle Design - Always opt for a comfortable and ergonomic handle that provides a secure grip and allows for precise cutting motions. 

    Length - Consider the length of the knife based on the thickness of the steaks you typically enjoy. Generally, a longer blade suits larger cuts, while a shorter blade works well for smaller steaks. 

    Aesthetics - Remember to choose a steak knife that aligns with your style and compliments your dining table. Consider factors such as handle material, design and overall aesthetics. 

    Round or Pointed Tip - In our range of steak knives you’ll find blades with a pointed tip and blades with a rounded tip. More often than not, steak knives have a pointed tip (this is the blade shape of a ‘real’ steak knife). A pointed tip can make it easier to cut through meat and can also be used to cut more precisely and pick up pieces of meat. 

    How To Maintain Your Steak Knife 

    Maintenance is crucial for steak knives as it can make them last longer. When cleaning, try to avoid using aggressive detergents and abrasive sponges, as these can cause damage to the blade and handle. Simply wash the knives by hand after each use. In addition, make sure to dry them well and store them in a dry place to avoid rust. 

    To prevent damage, storage is equally important for your knives. Use a knife block, magnetic strip or knife guard to protect the blade from bumps and scratches. Generally, you won’t have to sharpen your steak knives very often. If you ever do want to sharpen them, the easiest way to do so is with a sharpening steel or sharpening system suitable for a serrated blade.

    Steak Knife FAQs 

    What Are The Benefits of a Steak Knife? 

    Steak knives have many benefits which make them one of the most versatile additions to your kitchen. These include:  

    • Enhanced dining experience - Whether used for serving or eating meat, steak knives certainly provide a more enjoyable dining experience. 

    • Maintain meat integrity - Steak knives allow you to slice cleanly through all kinds of meat without tearing delicate protein fibres, which preserves flavour and keeps the steak from losing flavourful juices. 

    • Versatility - Whilst steak knives are primarily used for cutting through meat, they can be used to easily slice through a variety of other foods, including fruit, vegetables and bread. 

    • Aesthetics - Steak knife sets have an elegant and stylish design, which adds a touch of sophistication to your dining table. 

    • Precision cutting - Whether serrated or non-serrated, steak knives allow for precise and effortless cutting. Compared to other knives, steak knives require far less effort to cut through meat. 

    • Longevity - Quality steak knives that are cared for properly provide long-term value for your investment, lasting for many years. 

    Are You Supposed To Sharpen Steak Knives? 

    If your steak knives are not performing, chances are, they’ll need sharpening. A sharper knife is actually safer than a dull knife. At Samuel Staniforth, we recommend that you sharpen your steak knives professionally once a year. Take a look at our knife sharpening products to find out more.  

    How Long Should a Steak Knife Be? 

    Generally, a steak knife measures about four to six inches long. The thickness will vary depending on the manufacturer. Whilst many restaurants opt for the longer blades, you may find that a shorter blade is the way to go. This is because short steak knife blades are easier to control, producing better quality cuts of your meat. On top of this, there is also an added flexibility to using a shorter blade. At Samuel Staniforth, our “Ecclesall” is perfect for someone looking for a shorter steak knife whereas the “Classic” or “Artisan” are ideal for those looking for a longer steak knife. 

    Are Good Steak Knives Worth It? 

    Yes.. Yes… and yes again! Whilst buying steak knives may feel like an unnecessary luxury, they are well worth the investment. Steak knives are sturdy, easy on the hands and sharp enough to easily cut through meat without destroying the fibres. Therefore, on top of comfort and convenience, they also help preserve the dish’s quality. Instead of spending time struggling to cut your steak, you can savour the delicious taste whilst the knife does the hard work for you. 

    What Is The Difference Between a Steak Knife and Dinner Knife? 

    The main difference between a steak knife and a dinner knife is its function and sharpness. Dinner knives are used for portioning every other dish except for meat whereas steak knives are specifically designed for cutting meat dishes. A steak knife is sharper than a dinner knife and is also more versatile. 

  • Forks & Steels

    Forks & Steels 

    Keep your food secure and your blades sharp with our range of forks and steels. All made with high quality stainless steel and highly durable handles, available in a range of shapes and sizes to suit you.

  • Accessories and Gadgets

    Knife Accessories & Gadgets 

    We understand that proper maintenance of your knives is essential to extending the life of them. That's why we provide a range of accessories to help you do so. Easy to use knife sharpeners and modern, attractive knife blocks offer you an easy solution. We also stock a range of preparation and serving accessories, impress your friends preparing food, serving up appetisers or just simply looking good in your kitchen.

  • Sharpening

    Knife Sharpening 

    Sharpening products

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