Popular Steak Knives

The utensil

Steak knives are used at the dinner table to cut through tough foods, generally, cooked meats. As a result, they are considered to be tableware or flatware, and not to be grouped with kitchen knives. Most steak knives are decorative. A steak knife, to the casual observer, tends to resemble a serrated utility knife, though its purpose is different. It usually is about four to six inches long and usually serrated, but some are not. To the steak connoisseur, a serrated blade is a faux pas, as the meat should not be sawed, but sliced.

Knives of legend

Laguiole (pronounced LAY-ol) is a village in the Aveyron region of France. Laguiole actually refers to a style of knife, and not a specific manufacturer (a common misconception). This style is certainly the most popular style of steak knife and can be found in expensive steak houses around the country. Many companies manufacture this style knife. Originally, Laguiole knives were pocketknives (in the 1800s), but soon found their way to dinner tables. The shape of the knife holds its allure, as it makes the knife seem to be a natural extension of the hand. Laguiole knives have an ornate, pistol style handle with a bee (or goad fly) decoration at the end and a slightly curved blade.

A lack of legal protection (the name has never been patented) assures that Laguiole will refer to a style of knife, and not the manufacturer. Many companies make this style of knife. Sabatier produces Laguiole steak knives. These knives are regular steak knives that resemble the Laguiole style. They have a pistol style handle and a slightly curved blade, which is serrated (no sharpening). The knives are stainless steel, small, and lightweight. Some Laguiole steak knives are very expensive. Sabatier's style is an inexpensive, economical choice for an elegant looking steak knife (certain to impress).

A good fit for the job

Not all steak knife manufactures attach the Laguiole name to their knives. Plenty of other companies produce popular steak knives that find their way to dinner tables all over the globe. Some of the following companies also produce a popular line of steak knives such as, Chicago Cutlery, Furi, Calphalon, Henckles, and Wusthof. The choice is a relatively subjective one with price and quality being main factors. Hopefully, the above information has cleared any misconceptions about steak knives and directed you to some popular manufactures.

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