If you have big hands, finding the right chef knife can be a challenge. Many standard-sized knives can feel awkward and uncomfortable to hold, leading to a less enjoyable cooking experience and potentially even kitchen accidents. That’s why it’s important to find a chef knife that is specifically designed for those with larger hands. In this article, we will review some of the best chef knives on the market for individuals with big hands and discuss the features that make them a good fit.
How to choose the length of a chef’s knife
The length of the blade and handle are important factors to consider when choosing a chef’s knife. It’s important to find a knife that feels comfortable and natural in your hand, as this will allow you to work more efficiently and effectively in the kitchen. Additionally, the size of the knife should be based on the tasks you will be using it for. For example, a shorter knife may be more suitable for tasks that require precision, such as peeling or slicing, while a longer knife may be better for chopping larger items. Chef’s knives are typically available in lengths ranging from 6 to 14 inches, and the ideal size for you will depend on your personal preferences and the specific tasks you will be using it for.
How to test knife length
Looking to buy a knife online, but not sure what size is best for you? One way to gauge the size is to check the product specs and see the blade and handle length. Alternatively, you can find a similar knife and use that as a reference.
If you’re shopping in person, you can use the “forearm test” to find the right size. To do this, bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle with your forearm perpendicular to your body and parallel to the ground. Then, hold the heel of the knife with your non-dominant hand, positioning it so the tip of the blade extends to your elbow joint. If the length of your forearm is equal to the length of the blade, the knife is the ideal size for you. It should feel comfortable and well-balanced.
If the blade is too long, it will extend beyond your elbow and may be difficult to control and maneuver. On the other hand, if the blade is too short, it will not reach your elbow joint and you’ll need to grip the knife closer to the blade, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort.
Keep in mind that the forearm test is just a rough guide and you should try out different-length knives before making your final decision. Don’t forget to also consider the handle length when testing the knife. A knife with a long blade but a short handle can be just as challenging to use as one with a short blade and a long handle.
What knives are good for big hands?
Here are a few options for chef’s knives that might be a good fit for someone with big hands:
- Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife: This knife is made by a well-respected German company and features a comfortable handle that is designed to fit larger hands. The blade is made of high-carbon stainless steel and is 8 inches long, which is a good size for most tasks in the kitchen.
- Mercer Culinary Genesis 7-Inch Forged Santoku Knife: This knife is made from high-carbon stainless steel and has a full tang, meaning that the blade extends all the way into the handle for added balance and strength. It also has a comfortable grip that is well-suited for larger hands.
- Zwilling J.A. Henckels Pro 8-Inch Chef’s Knife: This knife is made by a well-known German company and features a comfortable handle that is designed to fit larger hands. The blade is made of high-carbon stainless steel and is 8 inches long, making it a versatile choice for a variety of kitchen tasks.
- Global G-2 8-Inch Chef’s Knife: This knife is made by a Japanese company and is known for its sharp, thin blade. It has a comfortable handle that is designed to fit larger hands and is made from a single piece of stainless steel, making it very durable.
- Shun Premier 8-Inch Chef’s Knife: This knife is made by a Japanese company and is known for its sharp, high-quality blade. It has a comfortable handle that is designed to fit larger hands and is made from a combination of traditional Japanese materials and modern technology.
Chef’s knives bigger than 10 inches
Chef’s knives that are bigger than 10 inches are typically used for larger tasks such as slicing through large cuts of meat, chopping through dense vegetables like squash and pumpkins, and splitting whole chickens. These larger knives can be more challenging to handle due to their size and weight, so they are not recommended for everyone. If you are a beginner cook or have smaller hands, you may find a shorter, lighter knife easier to use. Some examples of chef’s knives that are bigger than 10 inches include the 12-inch chef’s knife and the 14-inch slicer. These knives are typically used by professional chefs or serious home cooks who have experience handling larger knives.
Here are a few examples of chef’s knives that are bigger than 10 inches:
- Wusthof Classic 12-Inch Chef’s Knife: This knife is made with high-carbon stainless steel and has a full tang, meaning the blade extends all the way to the end of the handle for added balance and weight. The handle is made of a durable synthetic material and is shaped to fit comfortably in the hand. The knife has a wide, curved blade that is ideal for chopping, dicing, and mincing a variety of ingredients.
- Shun Classic 14-Inch Slicer: This knife is made with VG-MAX steel, which is a high-performance alloy that is known for its sharpness and durability. It has a thin, flexible blade that is ideal for slicing through meats and other delicate foods. The handle is made of a lightweight PakkaWood material and is shaped to fit comfortably in the hand.
- Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Signature 12-Inch Chef’s Knife: This knife is made with high-carbon stainless steel and has a full tang for added balance and weight. The handle is made of durable polypropylene material and is triple-riveted for added strength. The knife has a wide, curved blade that is ideal for chopping, dicing, and mincing a variety of ingredients. It also has a bolster, which is a thick band of metal at the base of the blade that helps to balance the knife and protect the hand from accidental slippage.
Chinese cleaver
A Chinese chef’s knife is a type of knife used in Chinese cuisine and other Asian countries for preparing a variety of foods, including meats, fish, and vegetables. It is similar in appearance to a Western cleaver, but is thinner and designed for slicing, finely chopping, and mincing. Heavier Chinese knives, known as “bone knives,” are used like Western meat cleavers for preparing large cuts of meat with bones.
The confusion between Chinese chef’s knives and cleavers arises from the fact that the former are rectangular and some have somewhat heavy blades. However, actual Chinese cleavers have much thicker and heavier blades with a sharp bevel and are used for chopping bones.
Chinese chefs’ knives are classified as slicers, choppers, or cleavers based on the thickness of the blade. Slicers have the thinnest and sharpest blades, while choppers have thicker blades than slicers but are not as thick or heavy as cleavers. Cleavers, also known as “bone choppers,” have thick and heavy blades and are used for chopping bones and hard-shelled seafood. Traditional Chinese chef’s knives have a simple, forged carbon steel blade with a long, ground bevel, and a full-length tang handle. However, modern versions may have stamped blades and full-width tang handles.
To brands of Chinese cleavers
Shun is a well-respected Japanese knife company known for their quality and craftsmanship. Their Chinese cleavers, with their high-carbon VG-10 steel blades and Rockwell hardness of 56-60 HRC, have a modern and sleek design that is also exceptionally sharp and able to retain its edge.
On the other hand, Winco offers budget-friendly prices on their Chinese cleavers made of highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel. While not as well-established as Shun, TUO is a newer brand that has quickly gained a reputation for their attractive and functional Chinese cleavers. Zhen, with over 30 years of knife-making experience, is a reliable choice for a durable Chinese cleaver with full-tang construction and high-carbon stainless steel blades that can withstand daily use.
Buyers Guide
First and foremost, consider the size of the handle. A handle that is too small will feel cramped and awkward to grip, while a handle that is too large may be cumbersome and difficult to control. Look for a knife with a handle that is proportionate to your hand size, with enough room for your fingers to comfortably wrap around it.
Another important factor to consider is the weight and balance of the knife. A heavy knife may be more comfortable to hold for some people with big hands, as it will feel more substantial and stable in the grip. On the other hand, a lightweight knife may be more nimble and easier to wield, especially for tasks that require a lot of precision.
The shape of the handle can also make a difference in terms of comfort and usability. A handle with a round or oval shape may feel more natural in the hand, while a flat or rectangular handle may be more comfortable for people with longer fingers.
When it comes to blade size, a larger blade may be more suitable for people with big hands, as it will provide more surface area for slicing and chopping. However, be aware that a larger blade may also be more difficult to control, especially for fine tasks such as peeling or carving.
Why do you need a big chef’s knife?
There are a few reasons why a chef’s knife might have a longer blade:
- A longer blade can be useful for slicing through larger items, such as melons or roasts.
- A longer blade can also be helpful for chopping larger quantities of ingredients at once.
- Some people find it easier to control a longer blade because it provides more leverage.
- A bigger blade provides more heft and A heavier blade can provide more leverage and make it easier to cut through tough ingredients. However, it’s important to find a balance between heft and maneuverability. If the blade is too heavy, it may be difficult to handle and control. Ultimately, the best chef’s knife for you will depend on your personal preferences and the tasks you plan to use it for.
However, it’s important to note that the length of the blade is just one factor to consider when choosing a chef’s knife. Other factors, such as the thickness and shape of the blade, the material it’s made from, and the handle design, can also be important considerations.
Closing thoughts
In conclusion, having big hands does not necessarily mean you have to struggle with finding the perfect chef knife. By considering the factors mentioned in this article, such as blade length, handle size and shape, and overall balance, you can easily find a chef knife that feels comfortable and easy to use in your big hands. Don’t be afraid to try out a few different options before making your final decision, and remember to prioritize quality and durability in your purchase. With the right chef knife, even the most daunting cooking tasks can be a breeze.
