This Budget-Friendly Knife Is a Meal-Prep MVP — and It’s on Major Sale!
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When you’re thinking about outfitting a new kitchen space, you’re going to want to start with the basics. And, one non-negotiable tool that everyone needs in their culinary arsenal is a solid chef’s knife. A good blade is called for in pretty much every recipe, and while there are a ton of different styles, shapes, lengths, and widths out there, a standard 8-inch chef’s knife is your best bet for most kitchen tasks. Honestly, save for a paring knife and a bread knife (that is, if you eat a lot of bread), it’s all the home chef really needs on a day-to-day basis.
However, it’s crucial that you invest in a high-quality knife, especially if it’s going to be your go-to piece. We’re not saying you need to shell out a paycheck or two on a super fancy blade (though, if you can, that’s awesome); we just suggest picking one that you know will perform well over time and hold its edge longer than whatever you can pick up at the dollar store. One of our favorite picks fits that bill perfectly — and won’t break the bank, either. Allow us to introduce you to the Five Two Essential 8-Inch Chef’s Knife, which happens to be on sale right now for $39.99 (normally $49)!
What Is the Five Two Essential 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
The Five Two Essential 8-Inch Chef’s Knife is about as straightforward as it gets: a standard, 8-inch blade with a riveted handle and a matte finish. However, it’s also a super-high-quality piece of kitchen equipment. The brass rivets develop a natural patina over time, and the blade is fully forged — that is, not “stamped,” which means it’s made to last — and crafted from super-sharp Japanese steel. It’s also full-tang, meaning the blade extends all the way to the end of the handle for added strength, and it features a gently sloped bolster to protect your knuckles while you prep. Plus, the soft-touch handle provides an extra-comfy grip, and it comes in four shades to match any and every kitchen aesthetic: Nordic Sea, Smoked Salt, Rhubarb, and Maple. While the reviews speak for themselves, our commerce managing editor, Tamara, also owns this chef’s knife — and she loves it. “Ever since I was sent this sleek knife a few years ago, I’ve used it almost every day,” she explains. “It’s the perfect size for just about anything you need to meal prep: avocados, onions, peppers — you name it!”
What Food52 Reviewers are Saying
Whether you’re in the market for a high-quality chef’s knife to add to your collection, looking for a gift to give someone moving into their first apartment, or just hunting for an affordable everyday blade, you can’t go wrong with the Five Two Essential 8-Inch Chef’s Knife. Just make sure to get it while it’s still on sale!
