Hollow Edge vs. Plain Edge Knives: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Blade
When shopping for a new knife, you'll quickly discover there's more to consider than just the blade shape and handle style. One of the most common questions we hear from customers is about edge types: should I choose a hollow edge or plain edge knife? Let's break down the differences and help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Plain Edge Knives
Plain edge knives are the workhorses of most kitchens. These knives feature smooth, uninterrupted cutting edges that slice cleanly through ingredients without any special design features. Think of them as the reliable, straightforward option that gets the job done.
The beauty of plain edge knives lies in their simplicity and versatility. They're excellent for most everyday cutting tasks, from dicing onions to slicing meat, and they're typically easier to sharpen and maintain than their hollow edge counterparts.
What Makes Hollow Edge Knives Different
Hollow edge knives, also known as Granton edge knives, feature small oval indentations or "scallops" along the blade near the cutting edge. These aren't just for show – they serve a practical purpose.
When you cut with a hollow edge knife, these indentations create tiny air pockets between the food and the blade. This design helps prevent food from sticking to the knife, making it particularly useful when working with sticky ingredients like cheese, or when you need clean, precise slices of delicate items like tomatoes or fresh herbs.
The Santoku Question: Plain or Hollow?
Many home cooks wonder whether Santoku knives always come with hollow edges. The answer is no – Santoku knives are available in both styles.
What defines a Santoku knife isn't the edge type, but rather its distinctive features: the sheepsfoot blade shape, straight cutting edge, and design optimized for chopping rather than the rocking motion used with Western chef's knives. Whether you choose a plain or hollow edge Santoku depends on your cooking preferences and the tasks you'll be performing most often.
A Santoku knife makes an excellent addition to any kitchen setup and pairs beautifully with a classic chef's knife, giving you more options for different cutting techniques.
Which Should You Choose?
Here's the good news: whether you choose a plain edge or hollow edge knife, you really can't go wrong. Both styles deliver excellent cutting performance, so the choice comes down to personal preference.
Consider a hollow edge if you frequently work with sticky ingredients or want those clean, precise cuts that impress at dinner parties. Go with a plain edge if you prefer the traditional feel and easier maintenance that comes with a smooth blade.
The most important factors are choosing a quality knife that feels comfortable in your hand and fits your cooking style. At Global Cutlery, we offer both plain and hollow edge options across our knife collections, so you can find the perfect blade for your kitchen needs. After all, the best knife is the one you'll actually enjoy using every day.
Ready to find your perfect knife? Browse our complete collection of plain edge and hollow edge knives, or explore our popular Santoku knife selection to discover which style speaks to you.
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