Cutlery, Knives and Knife Blocks

Looking to sharpen your culinary skills? A good set of kitchen knives can make food preparation quicker, easier, and safer. Shop knives, knife sets, knife blocks, and cutlery sets from top brands at Harvey Norman.

Which are the different types of knives?

Whether you're firing up the BBQ for a classic Aussie feast or arranging a bougie charcuterie board, a trusty kitchen knife is a crucial tool of the trade. Different types of knives cater to different meal prep methods, so it's useful to know the differences between them. The most popular knives and their uses are:

• Paring knife - Features a small, sharp blade for precision tasks like peeling, trimming, and cutting.
• Boning knife - Has a narrow, flexible blade specifically designed for deboning meat.
• Chef knife - A multi-purpose knife that's perfect for slicing, dicing, scoring, and chopping.
• Carving knife - Long, slender blade used for slicing thin, uniform cuts of poultry, roasts, and other meats.
• Santoku knife - An all-purpose Japanese knife with a short, wide blade, ideal for chopping, dicing, and mincing.
• Bread knife - Has a serrated edge that can easily slice through bread and other baked goods.
• Electric knife - These require minimal effort to expertly slice through meat and bread.
• Cheese knife - Available in a variety of styles, designed for hard and soft cheeses.
• Steak knife - This BBQ essential features a sharp, serrated blade and pointed tip.

Which knife brand is best?

At Harvey Norman, we offer a wide selection of kitchen knives from brands that are trusted by chefs and home cooks alike. Tramontina's cutting-edge stainless-steel knives, sharpeners, and magnetic bars equip every kitchen with high-quality culinary utensils. Scanpan's colourful collection is made with easy-grip handles and FDA-approved non-stick coating for safe and seamless slicing. Global knives are handcrafted in Japan and made from quality materials with Samurai-sharp edges and expertly weighted handles for a perfectly balanced grip.

Are blocks good for knives?

Knife blocks are advantageous for kitchen convenience. When positioned strategically, they ensure knives are easily accessible for meal prep while being kept safely out of reach from little ones. Protecting the knives themselves depends on the following:

• Choosing easy-to-clean, hygienic materials for longevity.
• Ensuring knives are thoroughly washed and dried before reinserting into the block.
• Carefully removing knives from slots to avoid contact and prevent the blade from dulling.
• Regularly using a knife sharpener to maintain the sharpness of your knives, as dulling may occur over time.