Misono Knife Assessment

At any ceremonial dinner I host, there comes a degree when my visitors ask me what kitchen gear I’m testing and what they need to purchase. Whereas the previous varies, for the latter, I’ll inevitably begin speaking blades. This normally finally ends up with me operating into the kitchen and popping a number of knives off my magnetic knife rack—and thus begins present and inform. 

Whereas I’ve sung the praises of santoku knives, suggested a good friend on which meat cleaver she should purchase for her mother, and instructed almost everybody to get a petty knife, it’s the Misono UX-10 chef’s knife that I push hardest. This eight-inch Japanese-style blade is the one I attain for on a regular basis—and that claims loads, since I’ve collected fairly an array of incredible knives over time. 

Why the Misono Knife Is Price Shopping for

Sure, it’s a dear knife, however after far too a few years of hewing veggies with some previous IKEA blades, I can let you know that generally you get what you pay for. And on this case, it’s a high-carbon steel blade that’s tremendous sharp proper out of the field. The blade’s pointed tip will get exact cuts on alliums and greens and deftly slips between rooster joints when breaking down a fowl. The Misono can be nice as a result of it sports activities a lean, comfy deal with, and the eight-inch blade is an effective measurement for many house cooks, providing a clean slicing expertise and flexibility. 

It’s additionally a knife that, although I exploit it every day, stays extremely sharp—an enormous boon, since sharpening appears to present plenty of people (myself included) the willies. This longevity is probably going attributable to its asymmetrical, high-carbon metal blade. You see, the asymmetrical bevel—the place one facet is extra angled than the opposite—leads to a thinner, extra exact innovative. Paired with high-carbon metal, this leads to a knife that may deal with a great deal of meals prep with out quickly dulling. The one draw back to an asymmetrical knife is that when it is time to sharpen it, you would possibly wish to have knowledgeable do it (or have some good hands-on expertise utilizing a whetstone). The asymmetry additionally means you’ll wish to make sure that the knife matches your handedness—should you’re right-handed the usual choice bought will work (it’s the one I’ve). 

However I’m splitting hairs right here. This is a superb knife that does its job with out resistance and is sharp as a tack, actually. 

Why We’re the Specialists

• Grace Kelly is an editor at Critical Eats, the place she makes a speciality of testing and reviewing all issues kitchen gear.
• She’s examined knives of every kind, together with santoku, nakiri, and deba. 
• She’s had the Misono UX10 chef’s knife for months and makes use of it every day.