One of the most common phrases we hear near cooking is art. While it does sound like a cliché phrase people use for whatever they work on, it is indeed the case with cooking.
But when you take a closer look at it, you will see that cooking is also a craft, and, unsurprisingly, a trade. Just think about how many restaurants operate and how dependent they are on their cooks’ skills.
On the other hand, it is important to know that the tools of the trade are almost equally as important as skills are. Knives are irreplaceable in every kitchen, and the need to invest in these is imminent.
To help you choose the best ones, I would like to provide you with my two cents on Dexter knives.
In my experience, the standout features of Dexter knives lie in their high-quality stainless steel blades.
I have a long-standing relationship with Dexter Knives. It all started with an 11″ knife, a gift from a professional chef, accompanied by a Sani-Safe bread knife. The quality and performance of these knives were so impressive that I soon found myself purchasing an 8″ version to complement my collection.
One of the aspects I appreciate most about Dexter knives is their durability and sharpness. A quick steel before each use ensures they remain razor-sharp, ready to tackle any ingredient with precision. The weight and balance of these knives are just right, offering a comfortable grip and a sense of control that I’ve come to rely on.
The blade design is crucial, and the 10″ size of this Dexter knife, with a bit of a curve to the edge, is perfect for my needs. The Dexter Russell 10″ Cooks Knife meets all my requirements and more.
The white plastic handles are not only aesthetically pleasing but they’re also practical. Their design resists bacterial growth, and while they’re dishwasher safe, I prefer the traditional cleaning method of soap and hot water to preserve their integrity.
My collection has grown to include several knives from Dexter’s line, including another 10″ cook’s knife I picked up from a kitchen supply store.
My old 10″ Dexter knife with its white plastic handle remains my first choice even after all additions. Its reliability and performance have stood the test of time, making it a cherished tool in my kitchen.
It’s worth noting that not all Dexter knives are created equal. When I ordered a new 10″ knife as a gift, I noticed that the spine’s thickness was significantly thinner than my older model. It seems that Dexter has altered their design over the years, perhaps in an effort to cut costs or innovate.
Despite the change, the knife still holds its own in terms of quality and performance. I ended up keeping the new knife for myself and chose a different gift, adding yet another Dexter knife to my collection.
The general pros and cons of the brand’s products are:
- Excellent blend of performance, durability, and affordability
- High-carbon stainless steel blades for excellent cutting prowess
- Ergonomic handles for comfortable use
- Good value for money
- Reliable edge retention
- Suitable for performance-oriented users
- Aesthetics may be perceived as utilitarian
- Requires careful maintenance to avoid rusting
Both 10″ models now sit side by side in my knife block. I can instantly tell the old from the new simply by how they feel in my hand.
While I would still recommend Dexter knives for their overall quality and performance, longtime fans of the brand, like myself, should be aware of these changes.
The newer versions may not exactly match those purchased a decade ago, but they continue to offer good value and reliability for culinary enthusiasts.
Maintenance
Sharpening this knife is quite simple with a conventional ceramic sharpener. Its blade is thin, allowing it to slice effortlessly through everything from tomatoes to cruciferous vegetables. The handle is non-porous, making cleanup easy, a feature I greatly appreciate.
This knife has outperformed my more fancy and costly knives, which require more pampering than my teenage daughter!
For me, a knife must tick several boxes to earn its place in my kitchen. It must be quick and easy to sharpen—many expensive knives are a nightmare in this regard. It should have just a bit of flex to the blade, aiding in tasks like crushing garlic or cutting around bones.
Dishwasher safety is a must for me, and the white plastic handle of this Dexter knife is not only ergonomic but also visibly clean.
Taking care of these is key. I use a sharpener correctly and get it professionally sharpened occasionally to maintain its edge. I never compromise the blade by poor storage methods. It’s either in a block or on a knife magnet, never thrown in a drawer with other metal tools.
I don’t mess around when I cook and have no patience for any knife that is less than excellent. Speaking of which, you should also check ours Damascus steel knife review.
The Verdict
I would definitely recommend Dexter’s products since their quality is proven. Think about it, the company wouldn’t be here for more than 200 years if this wasn’t the case.
Hello guys, I’m a 36-year-old mother who runs a small business selling healthy snacks. I love to cook, and because I was a stay-at-home mom for a long time, I tried a lot of different things around the house. I’m glad that I can spend my free time writing on this blog with my two best friends.
