Buesto 3 Piece Knife Set (Black, Model 002)

What steel type is used in these knives and how does it compare to standard kitchen knives?

These knives are forged from 7Cr18MoV high carbon stainless steel with a hardness rating of 58±HRC. This premium steel composition offers superior edge retention compared to standard 5Cr15MoV steel found in most kitchen knives. The higher carbon content means the blades stay sharper for longer periods, requiring less frequent sharpening whilst maintaining consistent cutting performance through daily use.

Are these knives dishwasher safe or should they be hand washed?

Whilst the stainless steel construction makes these knives technically dishwasher safe, hand washing is strongly recommended to maintain optimal blade sharpness and handle condition. Dishwasher detergents and high heat can dull the blade edge over time and the knives may knock against other items causing damage. Hand washing with warm soapy water and immediate drying will preserve their performance and appearance.

What specific tasks is each knife in the set designed for?

The 8-inch chef's knife handles primary cutting tasks including chopping vegetables, slicing meat and general food preparation. The 5-inch utility knife is perfect for medium-sized tasks like cutting sandwiches, slicing tomatoes, or trimming meat. The 3.5-inch paring knife excels at detailed work such as peeling fruits, deveining prawns, or creating garnishes. Together, they cover virtually all kitchen cutting requirements.

How should I properly maintain and sharpen these knives?

Regular maintenance involves hand washing immediately after use, thorough drying and proper storage in a knife block or magnetic strip. For sharpening, use a whetstone starting with 1000 grit for regular maintenance, progressing to 3000-6000 grit for polishing. Maintain the original blade angle (typically 15-20 degrees per side) and sharpen when the knife struggles to slice paper cleanly or requires more pressure during cutting.

What is full-tang construction and why is it important?

Full-tang construction means the blade steel extends through the entire length of the handle, creating a single piece of metal from tip to end. This design provides superior balance, durability and control compared to partial-tang knives where the blade is attached to the handle. Full-tang knives are less likely to break at the handle junction and offer better weight distribution for comfortable, controlled cutting.

Is the finger guard suitable for all hand sizes and cutting techniques?

The stainless steel finger guard is designed to accommodate most adult hand sizes and works with standard cutting techniques. It protects your knuckles during the rocking motion used with chef's knives and provides a barrier during rapid chopping. However, some users with very large or small hands may find it less comfortable and it's primarily designed for straight cutting rather than specialised techniques like julienne or chiffonade.

Can these knives handle heavy-duty tasks like cutting through bones?

These knives are designed for standard food preparation tasks and should not be used for cutting through bones, frozen foods, or other hard materials. The high carbon steel, whilst excellent for edge retention, can chip or damage if used inappropriately. For bone cutting, use a dedicated cleaver or bone saw. These knives excel at slicing meat, chopping vegetables and general kitchen tasks where precision and sharpness are required.

What makes the 7Cr18MoV steel superior to other knife steels?

7Cr18MoV steel contains higher carbon content than standard stainless steels, providing better edge retention and sharpness whilst maintaining corrosion resistance. The 58±HRC hardness rating indicates optimal balance between sharpness and durability - hard enough to maintain a keen edge but not so hard as to become brittle. This steel composition is commonly used in premium kitchen knives and offers professional-level performance at an accessible price point.