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Sue T Randy H Hong

How to buying a Deboning knife & steel

Tim C

How to buying a Deboning knife & steel

Hi there,

I've got two questions and seek your advice.

HONING STEEL
I've got a set of knives which came with a diamond sharpening steel, rather than your conventional steel. Is this ok for honing or am I better off with a ordinary steel or even a ceramic one?

BONING KNIFE
I'm looking at purchasing a boning knife and have notice that they come in two types, a flexible type and a non flexible type. Which is the best one to buy for boning poultry and meat and filleting fish.

It also seems that they come in different handle types too. Manufacturers like wusthof for example, make boning knifes with either a "premium" handle to match a knife set (eg culinar, ikon) or they come with a non slip plastic handle with a quality blade. I would have thought that the plastic nonstick handles are the best option and they're cheaper too, but perhaps this is not necessarily the case so I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

Thanks Tim

Dawn T
Rouxbe Staff

RE: How to Buy Deboning Knives/Steels

Here is a drill-down that contains a bit more information on Types of Steels. The diamond steel you have is fine.

Regarding a boning knife, the non-flexible types are generally best for sturdier jobs (such as chicken, duck, beef, etc). Flexible boning knives work well for fileting delicate items such as fish.

Finally, regarding the handle, it really comes down to personal preference. Yes, plastic could potentially chip but what is more important is a sharp blade and how the knife feels in your hand. Here's the best advice we have: make sure to purchase knives from a reputable company with a good return policy and great customer service. Cheers!

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