A chefs knife is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from slicing and chopping vegetables to cutting through large slabs of meat and disjointing bones. Here are some common uses for a chefs knife:

• Cutting meat
• Dicing vegetables
• Slicing herbs
• Chopping nuts
• Mincing garlic, ginger, shallots, onions, and fresh herbs

A chefs knife is designed to rock on a cutting board as it cuts food, and its blade ranges in length from 6 to 12 inches and measures at least 1-1/2 inches at the widest point. It is a multi-purpose knife that can be used for almost anything, but there are a few instances when you might opt to use a different knife, such as slicing bread, peeling fruits or vegetables, and cutting onions. While a chefs knife will work perfectly well for onions, a Santoku knife is preferred for vegetables with a high water content (like cucumbers or peppers), since the fluted blade keeps them from getting stuck.

To care for a chefs knife, it is recommended to avoid washing it in the dishwasher, as this may damage the blade and wooden handles may not hold up well when washed in a dishwasher. Always dry the knife before storage, and follow the manufacturers directions for sharpening the knife.