I’ve Been Testing Hedley & Bennett's Chef’s Knife for Nearly a Year, and I Haven’t Sharpened it Once
It's sharp, nimble and affordably priced.
Photo c/o Hedley & Bennett
Whenever someone tries to convince me to buy a new chef’s knife, I’m always hesitant. A good knife is the most important tool in any chef’s kitchen, and once you’ve found one you like, it can be hard to switch. After years of trial and error I have a few brands that I trust with all my chopping, dicing and slicing needs, and I don’t branch out too often. That is until I found out last year that one of my favorite kitchenware brands, Hedley & Bennett, was launching a chef’s knife.
The brand is known for making industry-approved cookware that’s perfectly utilitarian while being delightfully chic. They make the kind of functional aprons that make you want to put them on, and each piece I’ve tried reminds me of my days cooking in a professional kitchen, even if I’m just microwaving a batch of frozen waffles for my two-year-old. It’s cookware made for chefs by chefs, which is why I was more than just a little intrigued to test the Hedley & Bennett chef’s knife. From the time it launched in October of last year, I’ve incorporated it into my rotation of all-purpose chef’s knives that I use for every task in the kitchen. After a year of consistent use, this knife has earned a permanent spot in my knife block (and a spot in Food Network Kitchen's top-tested chef's knives), and it’s become the blade I find myself reaching for every time. Read on for why I love it.
It's Well-Balanced
When shopping for a knife, it’s essential to consider how that knife will feel in your hand. Western-style knives are typically heavy duty and durable, while Japanese-style knives are traditionally lightweight and super sharp. Generally, American-made knives are often modeled after Western-style, German knives, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when testing the Hedley & Bennett knife. Historically, I prefer Japanese knives.
I suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome thanks to years of chopping and dicing with heavier, german-style knives, so I’ve learned the hard way that having a light, balanced knife can be just as important as having a sharp blade. I knew immediately upon taking the H&B knife out of the box that we would get along. The handle is lightweight and nimble, and it feels completely balanced from heel to tip. The blade itself is full-tang — one solid piece of metal runs the entire length of the knife — so you can chop, slice, or rock without putting undue strain on your palm or wrist. I put it to the test doing repetitive cutting tasks like dicing thick sweet potatoes and mincing chives, and I was thrilled to see how surprisingly easy this knife is to hold and use. The lightweight and nimble maneuverability is on par with some of my favorite Japanese knives. After a year of testing, this knife still feels so comfortable in my hand and I never tire of using it — literally or figuratively.
The Blade Stays Sharp
Perhaps the most important feature of any knife is its blade, and this one is sharp and durable. The knife performed exceptionally well out of the box, and I was surprised to see that it maintained sharpness long after repeated use and washing. In fact, I’ve been using it for about a year, and I’ve never even sharpened it. Made from three layers of Japanese steel, the knife is ergonomically-designed with a steeply sloped tip that aids in making precise cuts. That means you can slice garlic cloves or shallots using just the tip of the knife. The blade is so sharp, I can easily slice through tomato skins and bread without pushing or crushing. Even after a year of use, the knife slices through cleanly without snagging or catching. Keep in mind that this knife should be honed before and after each use to keep the super-thin blade straight. I noticed some slight folding and burring when I didn’t hone it regularly. Also, be sure to wash and dry this knife thoroughly by hand after each use. Putting it in the dishwasher can cause staining and rusting.
It's Affordable
Aside from its sharp blade, balanced handle, and comfortable hold, this knife is also exceptionally well-priced. Most high-quality chef’s knives come with a high price tag, but this option is affordable and approachable. It’s the perfect option for any enthusiastic home cook looking to gain more skill and experience by using an exceptional knife.
Who Should Buy a Hedley & Bennett Chef's Knife?
Anyone looking for a durable chef's knife that's a hybrid of Western design and Japanese steel will appreciate the Hedley & Bennett chef's knife. It's also a more affordable option, making it ideal for anyone on a budget. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors, so those looking for something beyond a classic black handle have some options.
All the Colors
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