Steak Knives
July 2022
How to select steak knives that are a cut above
Just as an elegantly curved wine glass brings the best out of a bold bottle of red, a well-crafted steak knife elevates an expertly grilled, mouthwatering cut of meat.
There’s a reason that many restaurants allow guests to select their own steak knives: They are a key player in the dining experience, making a statement about your food as well as your brand. If you’re already investing in high-quality meat, investing in high-quality cutlery is a no-brainer.
As with most tableware, choosing the right steak knives for your business comes down to personal preference, but there are a number of features – both aesthetic and performance-based – that may influence your decision. How do you know if a steak knife makes the cut? Here’s what to look for:
Blade: Unlike chef’s knives, steak knives are primarily used on hard, inflexible surfaces, so a sharp, durable blade is its most important feature. For the cleanest, smoothest cut that slides through the meat “like butter”, a sharp, non-serrated blade is always preferable. Serrated blades can often tear or pull at the meat, releasing those valuable juices.
However, a non-serrated blade only works well if it is sharp – and regularly sharpened. A serrated blade stays sharper longer and can slice through tougher cuts, which is why some restaurants choose this option.
Construction: A good knife is a sturdy knife. Always look for steak knives that are made from stainless steel, with a full tang – a single piece of metal that runs from the tip to the handle to evenly distribute weight. Rivets pass through the handle to further secure it to the blade, so your guests can be confident with every cut.
Handle: The next time you pick up a steak knife – before digging into that ribeye or filet mignon – notice how it feels in your hand. Is the weight balanced from handle to tip? Is it heavy or light? Does your hand rest comfortably in its grooves? Ergonomically designed knives make slicing more enjoyable.
Wood, metal and plastic handles are all available; one may suit your budget better than another. Note that the handle’s material may also determine if your knives are dishwasher safe or must be hand-washed.
Aesthetics: Look at steak knives long enough and you’ll see that no two are alike, with an endless array of tips, handles, materials and more. This is where personal taste most comes into play.
Slim, European-style knives add sleek elegance to your tabletop, while thick, round-tipped options offer bold masculinity and classic steakhouse style. Crosshatch patterns and other details bring unique visual interest – because when guests are paying for a premium dining experience, every detail matters.
Libbey gets all the details right, with steak knives that exude quality from handle to tip. To learn more about our selection of beautiful, evenly balanced steak knives, explore our site or connect with your Libbey sales rep.
