The correct way to hold most knives pinch-gripping the base of the blade, making the main purpose of the handle aesthetic. Material weight has a minor effect on balance, but if you prefer the look of an antler handle over exotic wood, then that’s the one for you!

Carbon steel stays sharper for longer and sharpens more easily but requires care to avoid rust.
Stainless steel resists rust and is easier to care for but dulls faster and is harder to sharpen.
Do you prefer regular maintenance or more frequent sharpening? Either way, both
steels are shaving-sharp out of the box.

Curved blades rock-chop and flat blades are straight cutters, a narrow blade carves
meat like it’s butter and a tall blade will slide straight through a large potato. If you’re not sure what profile is right for your style and needs, read on below.