Quality tools are essential for cooking success. A John Boos cutting board is the foundation of kitchen prep work. These cutting boards are premium wood products. Boos cutting boards were built to last, and when properly cared for, will be one of the most useful items in your kitchen.

Think of all the applications of a kitchen cutting board. Of course, a good cutting board is indispensable for such tasks as chopping onions or mincing herbs. But, a larger solid wood surface is ideal for kneading dough, breaking down a roast chicken, or slicing a loaf of bread. The perfect cutting board is appropriate for a variety of applications. It will also be easy to maintain and look great in your kitchen.

The John Boos company has made cutting boards since 1887. Its first innovation in the cutting board industry occurred during this first year of operations when founder Conrad Boos built one of the first butcher blocks. He constructed this large board as a base for a blacksmith's anvil.

According to company lore, a butcher saw the blacksmith's anvil table and asked for one for his shop. This new product became a standard tool for meat choppers all over the United States, as the national rail system was also growing at the time. Thus, the John Boos company created the modern butcher block, and some aspects of this original design have inspired many of today's home-use Boos cutting boards.

Boos cutting board styles

Those unfamiliar with kitchen prep tools may think that all cutting boards are mostly the same. There are, however, a wide variety of cutting board styles. Prices vary greatly, too. You can buy a thin plastic surface that is dishwasher-safe or invest in a board constructed of fine wood that requires gentle hand washing.

Aspiring and skilled home cooks know of the benefits of a quality wood board. Hardwood stands up to repeated knife blows and provides the ideal surface for many professional-level knife skills.

Different woods

All Boos cutting board models comprise of hardwood, either maple, cherry, or walnut. Hard rock maple is very popular for a few reasons. First, it is a sturdy cutting board material. Although not impervious to knife damage, maple is not a softwood, such as pine, that would turn to a pile of woodchips and sawdust after a short amount of usage. Another benefit is maple's self-healing qualities. Cuts into the wood blend back into the surface over time. Maple is also sustainable, renewable, and plentiful in the United States.

Cherry and walnut cutting boards are very similar to maple, but may also have tighter surface pores and deeper natural oils. Wood pores come into play in determining the appropriateness for a cutting board for certain jobs, such as cutting raw meat. You'd think that a large wooden cutting board would become a germ magnet since it is difficult or impossible to sanitize. Hardwoods do a superior job.

Cutting board care

Some people prefer to use a plastic or acrylic board for raw meat or fish. However, with proper preparation, a wooden cutting board is easier to care for and sanitize than a plastic one. Here's how to keep any hardwood cutting board in top shape:

After use, wipe away any large crumbs or food scraps. If there are stains, you can use a lightly dampened kitchen sponge with a drop or two of mild dish detergent. Gently scrub away stains, then rinse with a small amount of water and wipe dry with a kitchen towel. Do not submerge your wooden cutting board, as prolonged soaking can loosen the wood glues used in joining the boards.

Alternatively, you can use a popular restaurant method that involves lemon juice and kosher salt. Scatter a layer of kosher salt on the board. Squeeze a lemon over the salt and scrub the lemon-salt paste all over the wood surface. Wipe clean and enjoy an odor-free, naturally clean cutting surface. Once a month, apply a light coating of food-grade mineral oil.

Proper cleaning will help keep your cutting board in great shape for many years. This method applies to all Boos cutting board models, including those listed below.

We determined the best by examining features and benefits, different wood species, design, portability, ease of cleaning, and numerous customer reviews. We aimed to find the best overall cutting board for most home cooks.

Price range

Boos cutting boards range widely in price depending on size, thickness, wood construction, and other factors. The cheapest Boos cutting board starts around $, but you can spend several thousand dollars for end-grain full countertop-sized models. We focused our reviews on smaller cutting boards that you would use for kitchen prep jobs, then stow away until next use.

A Boos cutting board is an investment. While you may want to eventually bless your home kitchen with a collection of fine cutting boards, we decided to review 10 Boos cutting board models to identify the best overall. If you could only buy one board, which one is the best multitasker of the bunch?

With the wide array of choices, those shopping for a professional-quality Boos cutting board might not know which is the best. While the entire Boos line is high quality, even with scattered rumblings about splitting and cracking, the best cutting board is the one that is the most versatile. Accordingly, we think the maple reversible with groove and grips is the best cutting board for most consumers. It is large, easy to maneuver, and has a juice channel for carving meat.

Make a Boos cutting board part of your kitchen arsenal, but remember to take proper care of the wood and you'll enjoy a lifetime of use.

Do you frown at the sight of deformed slices of toast? Then you probably need the best bread knife you can find. It's surprising how people think that ending up with weird, crumbly pieces of cake on a birthday is remotely okay when they have the option to accomplish pristine cuts. Crooked pieces of baked goods are unsightly, especially when you're sharing with visitors.

So you want to grab the best bread knife before you embarrass yourself at the breakfast table. Don't make the mistake of thinking that a bread knife is limited to baked goods only. The little saw works just fine on vegetables, especially tomatoes. Ripe fruits fall in the same basket, as do pastries.

If you’re still skeptical about owning or buying a bread knife, you need to reassess your position. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by finding yourself the best bread knife you can.

It's true you can cut loaves of bread and cakes using other knives. But the outcome will often be far from perfect. And that’s enough to destroy a good mood. A good bread knife digs into the hard crust without interfering with the soft inner part of the bread or cake. The result? A uniform slice from top to bottom.

The serrated tool is excellent at slicing tomatoes, too. It doesn't slide on the skin like other knives do, before ultimately poking into the tomato flesh. That's right; with the best bread knife, you're sure to get flawless bits of tomatoes. And your kitchen experience will never be the same again.

A great bread knife even rips through steak like butter. You no longer need to worry about crooked carves. Simply grab this tool and slice your steak like a pro into various regular shapes.

The best bread knives will also do a good job at slicing ripe fruits. The likes of melons, pineapples, and other fruits are nothing to a good bread knife. So save yourself the trouble and invest in the best bread knife you can get ahold of.

A bread knife is no complex knife. It's an ordinary tool that just enhances your cutting experience. However, you want to be extra careful when shopping for one. A single mistake could result in the wrong product, costing you both time and money. Here’s what to consider before buying the best bread knife.

Length

Like other knives, a bread knife's blade can be different lengths. The standard length is usually 7 to 11 inches. Sometimes the blade can be longer than that. Note that a shorter blade will limit your usage: you can only use it effectively when cutting smaller foods. A longer blade, on the other hand, serves a variety of needs. Whether you want to slice a smaller loaf of bread or cut larger melons, it should do the trick.

Shape

Do you want a handle that’s aligned straight with the blade? Or would you rather go for an offset handle -- one that sits a tad above the blade? But bread knives have their handles positioned differently, unlike other cutlery. Again, depending on your needs and preferences, you want to choose wisely. Just note that an offset handle does offer some protection for your knuckles. You are less likely to knock your finger joints on a cutting board or table. You hardly get this kind of protection when the handle is aligned straight with the blade.

Serration

A bread knife has a serrated edge, but there are different types of serrations. Some are wavy, and some are zigzag with pointed teeth. The space between the teeth counts, too. It can be wide or narrow. It’s important that you consider this during your purchase decision. According to some users, wider teeth give a quicker, more flawless cut than the narrow teeth.

Unlike with knives that have smooth edges, sharpening bread knives can be tricky. You need to hone each tooth separately, and you can only do that with a special tool. The entire sharpening process is time-consuming.

Some folks choose to evade the honing nightmare and replace these tools as soon as they get dull. However, this might make you go for cheap, poor-quality knives. After all, you'll have to dispose of them sooner or later and replace them, continuing a never-ending cycle of mediocrity.

Instead of throwing away dull bread knives, you can make use of a special sharpener for this purpose. It's true the entire process won't be a piece of cake, but at least it'll save you the dollars you'd spend on a replacement.

If you can afford expensive knives occasionally, that's all well and good. But don't go for poor quality cutlery just because you may get rid of it eventually.

The bread knives on our list cost between $5 to $320. Most of them are available on Amazon and from other leading online stores, including Wayfair and Walmart. Be sure to shop around for the best deal, nevertheless.

In our review process, we considered some of the best brands out there, including Victorinox and Wusthof. We also looked at some standard features such as different blade lengths and serration types. Durability played a role as well, as did user experiences.

Here’s our list of the best bread knives of 2019. One of these could be the best bread knife for you.

The Victorinox Swiss Army takes the crown home. This bread knife boasts a decent length and is pretty sharp. It also has a good rating from real-life users. Given its quality, the price is fair. This knife is also light enough for you to use for hours if needed without your arm getting tired.

If, on the other hand, you don't mind shedding extra dollars, the Miyabi Birchwood SG2 could be a good fit. It comes with all the qualities of the best bread knife: sharpness, durability, strength, rust-free, etc. The only caveat, as it goes, is that you'll spend more on the purchase.

You've fired up the grill and your steaks have been perfectly kissed by the flames. They're perfectly seared, at the perfect temperature, ready, plated with a baked potato and crunchy cool coleslaw. You reach for your steak knife. And then -- nothing. The knife just keeps messily tearing at the meat but not really cutting it. You need a higher quality steak knife. J.A. Henckels steak knives have a long and impressive reputation for quality at a great price. But there are a lot of steak knives out there. How do you know which one to pick?

Zwilling J.A Henckels is a German brand with centuries-old innovation, expertise, and technology in creating exceptional knives. Their steak knives are sharp, beautifully designed and crafted to stay with you for the long haul. The beauty behind a J.A. Henckels steak knife lies in the fact that they have remained true to the basic construction and intended use of a steak knife. In addition, their products are reliable and affordable. But do you sacrifice anything for that affordability? And how do they stack up to the competition?

Characteristics of a Good Quality Steak Knife

Steak knives come with two edges: serrated and straight. This is always a matter of debate. Serrated knives require little maintenance and stay sharper for longer. Straight blades, on the other hand, have a clean cut and require less effort during the cutting motion, though they do dull faster. The choice is really up to you. However, there are certain common characteristics for all knives that you need to consider.

Is it fickle to want beautiful steak knives? Not really. Steak knives grace your table just the same way fine china and crystal glasses do. Well designed steak knives add a great dimension to the table whether you are entertaining or eating as a family. Look for knives that are pleasing to look at and use to enhance your dining experience.

A good steak knife should stay with you for a long time, generations even, despite constant use. It should be made from a highly durable material that can withstand sharpening, cutting through different types of foods and being handled regularly. Make sure the construction is solid by checking the weight of the knife. Do not settle for a flimsy knife but don't go for an overly heavy one either.

It's easy for steak knives to easily become general utility knives in the home. They not only cut the steak, but they also cut through bread, vegetables, pizzas and perform other menial tasks like buttering toast. Invest in a steak knife that can not only take continual use but also does not retain the scent of the foods on the blade because of cheap material. It is always best to have two sets of steak knives: the everyday utility steak knives and the high-quality steak knives for special occasions.

Consider a steak knife that can easily be cleaned and maintained at home using a knife sharpener. This way they'll be sharp every time you need them. Hand washing is better than machine washing because the latter tends to destroy the blade’s edge and cause corrosion as well.

The best steak knives come with a lifetime warranty. Most brands are happy to offer this because their knives come with strict instructions about care and handling that will help to prolong the knives' lives. Not following the instructions, which are as basic as keeping them out of the dishwasher, nullifies the warranty.

Why People Love Henckels Steak Knives

Zwilling J.A. Henckels steak knives are much loved because they're well constructed using high-quality materials. They also feature aesthetically pleasing designs that make them statement pieces when laid out on the table.

With J.A. Henckels steak knives you can expect sharpness and Rockwell hardness of between 55 and 58. These two qualities ensure the blade is durable and sturdy and that it holds its edge well making it efficient for cutting. In the cases where the knife isn't forged from a single piece of steel, most handles have triple-riveting. The triple riveted handle is durable and offers great balance when slicing through even the toughest steak. Their handles also allow your hand to follow its natural grip during use.

All J.A. Henckels steak knives come with a lifetime warranty. This ensures that you can replace them if defective and you are guaranteed a high-quality product.

What Is the Expected Price Range

Zwilling J.A. Henckel International is a brand associated with excellent quality knives that remain affordable. Their steak knives are priced at between $30 to $200 depending on the construction, materials, and number of knives in the set. J.A. Henckels steak knives offer quality cutlery on the table at all times.

How We Reviewed

Because of the great response to J.A. Henckels steak knives in general, we looked at what customers were saying about the steak knives we chose. You can rely on customer reviews to give you an honest opinion of the product away from the company line. We looked at the material used on the blade and handle to see how durable it was. The design and general aesthetics of the knives also came into play during our review because these are visible pieces on the table. Finally, we looked at the edge to predict how they would perform.

J.A Henckels steak knives are lifetime investments that will benefit generations to come in your family. That is why it is important to buy the very best of their knives. Here are three top options for you that, with care, will last a long time.

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How Do Other Brands Compare?

When it comes to choosing a great steak knife, just like any other product, you need to compare it to others so that you can really get a picture of it's usefulness to you.

Messermeister Avanta 4-Piece Fine Edge Steak Knife Set with Pakkawood Handle

The construction of these steak knives is excellent. They have bolsters to give them balance and to keep them safe during use. The high carbon stainless steel blades are full tang and are embedded into the resin handle (Pakkawood is a wood and plastic composite). The combination of the stainless steel and the Pakkawood handle is extremely appealing. The edge is fine as opposed to serrated so the knives can get dull quite quickly. They are, however, super sharp when honed and the balance between the blade and the handle makes them easy to use. The handle has the traditional triple-riveting to keep it secure during use.

The blade is five inches in length with an upward tilted curved tip. The blades are high quality German high carbon stainless steel that is rust resistant and holds the edge very well. Compared to the J.A Henckels steak knives their edge dulls quicker putting you at a disadvantage when using them. They are. however, aesthetically at par with the Zwilling J.A. Henckels 4-Piece Stainless Steel Serrated Steak Knife Set because of the curved tip and beautiful handles although one is wood and the other resin. They have one over the J.A. Henckel options we reviewed because of the bolster that gives them perfect balance and keeps the fingers safe. This set has a customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

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Wusthof Classic Ikon 4-Piece Steak Knife Set

This four-piece set of steak knives is not only high quality but has marvelous aesthetics. The handles are triple riveted with a super comfortable grip. The knives are dishwasher safe with a lifetime guarantee. Their blades are high carbon stainless steel that has been honed by hand for extra sharpness.

The knives feature a bolster which gives them excellent balance and durability. Their edges are straight so they need sharpening frequently to hold the edge. They're forged from one piece of steel and the blades are full tang. Their performance is only slightly superior compared to the J.A. Henckels International 8-Pieces Steak Knife Set featured above. They have an average customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

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Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 4-Piece Steak Knife Set

This steak knife set is Amazon’s choice for Chicago Cutlery steak knives. When it comes to the construction, the unique upward tilt of the front tip sets them apart. The full tang blades end in a triple riveted wooden handle with an excellent grip. Aesthetically, they're not the most appealing because of their somewhat bland design. The blades are high carbon stainless steel with straight edges so to keep sharp they need to be sharpened more frequently than any of our J.A. Henckels steak knives. Even with the Taper Grind Edge technology which keeps the edge sharper for longer, the J.A Henckels knives have an edge (pun intended) over them.

The handles are beautiful walnut wood infusing some character into an otherwise plain design. The dishwasher spoils the walnut handles so be sure to hand wash. They come with a lifetime warranty and have an average customer rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

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Which One Makes the Cut?

Cutting a mouthful of your steak should be as pleasurable as preparing it. The J.A Henckels 8-Piece Stainless Steel Steak Knife Set in Wood Gift Box is guaranteed to give you that feeling every time. All our offerings are exceptional but this set has the aesthetics to grace a dinner table, the versatility to cut through anything and everything, and it treats your steak like a block of softened butter. With that said, these J.A. Henckels steak knives are smooth in performance, require little to no maintenance and absolutely no effort to cut your meat and they are dishwasher friendly.

Do you have a favorite set of steak knives that didn't make our cut? Tell us about it in the comments!