Chef Knives & Sets
A chef’s knife is the broad, curved-blade all-purpose knife used for the majority of chopping, slicing and dicing in a commercial kitchen, making it the first knife any pub, cafe or hotel chef reaches for. Standard blade lengths run 15-25cm, most commonly 20cm, in high-carbon stainless steel for a balance of edge retention and corrosion resistance, with sets typically bundling a chef’s knife alongside paring and utility blades. The key buying consideration is blade length against hand size and task, since an oversized knife slows down fine prep work.
Key specifications
The chef’s knife is chosen by blade length against task and hand size. Lengths run 15-25cm, with 20cm the most common all-round size; 15-18cm suits finer control on delicate prep. High-carbon stainless steel balances edge retention with corrosion resistance, and polypropylene or POM handles are dishwasher-safe and resist cracking better than wood under continuous use. Sets bundle a chef’s knife with paring and utility blades, which works out better value for a full fit-out than buying singly. Used across pubs, cafés, hotels, restaurants and care home catering.
Chef Knives & Sets — FAQs
What size chef’s knife should a commercial kitchen buy?
A 20cm blade suits most general prep work and is the most common size stocked in UK commercial kitchens, though smaller cooks or delicate prep sections sometimes prefer 15-18cm for better control.
Is it cheaper to buy a chef knife set or single knives?
A set is usually better value for a new kitchen or care home catering fit-out since it covers multiple prep tasks in one purchase, while single knives suit kitchens replacing one worn blade at a time.
What handle material holds up best in a busy kitchen?
Polypropylene and POM (polyoxymethylene) handles are dishwasher-safe and resist cracking better than wood in continuous commercial use, which is why most professional-grade chef’s knives use them.