Professional chefs know that a substandard knife can destroy a meal. That`s why if you have ever watched Top Chef, everyone brings their own set of knives . . . they want to be sure that they have the best quality possible and they know that their own knives are properly cared for.

It`s worth making an investment in some good knives. You`ll notice the difference immediately and everything in your kitchen will go smoother. Trust me on this. Cheap knives lose their edge quickly, the handles come apart and they warp . . . all things that will mess you up as you try to cook.

What to Look for in a Quality Knife

Knowing what makes a good knife will serve you well in your quest for better kitchen equipment. Here`s what you want in a good kitchen knife.

Handle: Look for a handle that is solid and check that the blade runs right through to the end of the handle. This means it will stay together and last practically forever.

Forged: You want stainless steel, of course, but the majority of knives are simply stamped out of a sheet of metal, making them weak and prone to dullness. Find a forged knife and you`ll have a quality piece of metal.

Balance: A well-balanced knife will be easy to use, a simple rocking motion and it will slice cleanly through just about anything. You can test the balance by holding the knife with two fingers at the point where the blade meets the handle. If it isn`t balanced, look for another knife.

High Carbon Stainless Steel: High carbon steel is perfect for knives because it holds an edge far longer than any other type. However, it does tend to rust, so if you want an easy maintenance knife, look for high carbon stainless steel.

Which Knife?

There are endless types of knives on the market. However, if you`re following the guidelines above, chances are you won’t be able to afford too many!

If you can only invest in one knife, choose a Chef’s Knife
. This is an all-purpose blade that is 6-10″ long and can be used for just about anything.

Once you have the basic knife, you might also want to invest in a knife sharpener to keep your blades nice and sharp.

Other knives to add to your collection over time include a paring/utility knife and a bread knife.