The Ultimate Guide to Picking The Perfect Kitchen Knife

Whether you're a beginner or advanced you'll have a good idea of what kitchen knife you need after watching this. A lot of people don't know what to look for when picking a kitchen knife or chef knife. People ask me "what chef knife should I get?" or "what kind of kitchen knife should I get?" and the answer is simple but requires some elaboration. That's why I met up with Josh Donald at Bernal Cutlery to get you all the answers.
Bernal Cutlery: bernalcutlery.com/
Bernal Cutlery Insta: / bernalcutlery
The New B-roll Music Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/4AcAwH...
FOLLOW ME:
Instagram: / joshuaweissman
Twitter: / therealweissman
Facebook: / thejoshuaweissman
Subreddit: / joshuaweissman
---------------------------------------------------------------
Ingredients you'll need:
The yearning to be a better cook, or to just start cooking. Or just somebody who wants to be entertained with some dope chef knife b-roll

[@jeffreyim]

Owner of the knife shop is a champ. Love the image of him going around picking up knives for sharpening while strolling around his baby

[@Maegrauko]

Right! Just walking around with a strollen and 20ish knifes in the bottombasket

[@GradyBroyles]

Bernal Heights (my 'hood) is like that. It's an everybody-knows-everybody little village hidden up on the top of a hill. It's one of the last places that still feels like old SF.

[@danehrencrona4847]

@@Maegrauko How do you know the kid didn't hold the knives for him?

[@danilashaternik675]

Looking for ways to cut the knife bought from: yamasuri.com/pages/hand-forged-cleaver-knife-pro. That’s fine, just need to sharpen from time to time.

[@GradyBroyles]

​@Wes Steve I wouldn't know. Frisco is in Texas. Maybe instead of coming on to random strangers by pretending to be a straight dude-bro who hates teh gay, you should try Grindr. Because it's usually the case that the more homophobic a guy is, the more they secretly like it and I'm not into close cases.

[@poopoopeepee_3153]

If your gonna make this a series call it... *OUT OF THE CABINET*

[@abouttime837]

what if the meme dies tho

[@poopoopeepee_3153]

@@abouttime837 lmao true then idk

[@patrickhammond7776]

DO IT

[@picklelol1746]

YESSSS

[@ZenBlaster]

Just do it

[@frenchiegirlintheusa]

I swear it feels like a scene out of Harry Potter choosing your knife instead of the wand 😂

[@finalfreak17]

The knife chooses the chef

[@yeek4772]

Harry potter but it's jack the ripper

[@Tealkun]

i went to bernal cutlery and i can vouch for this!! it totally feels like harry potter? the people who work there are super knowledgeable and helpful.

[@bl6973]

frenchie girl in the usa Then there would just be groups that stan different kinds of knives

[@timg531]

Wtf are you talking about???

[@typhlosionbr1493]

5:38 "...and I had to cut a lot of stuff" Best unintentional pun ever

[@JoshuaWeissman]

Typhlosion Br omg how did I not notice that

[@icebiirb9440]

oh come on dude, cut it out.

[@mushrifsaidin]

@@icebiirb9440 May I cut in this conversation?

[@shotbyeevee]

Cut it out with these cringy puns

[@funnyvalentine6807]

@@shotbyeevee dude cmon you aren't cut for these jokes not funny

[@abouttime837]

grew up with a kitchen drawer filled with chipped warped dollar store knives and getting a simple victorinox that fit me was _life changing_

[@diannevita4574]

A T love my Victorinix too! Just bought a honing steel for it too!

[@heinoobermeyer7566]

Are you me lol

[@EGOCOGITOSUM]

Japanese blades have always been overrated a good cook can do everything perfectly with a cheap Victorinox

[@Karma-qt4ji]

Razor sharp Victorinox utlity knife for me (I sharpen it myself). A few years ago, I bought a new chef's knife and went for the Wusthof Classic. Will probably never need to replace either of them in my lifetime.

[@Otoskire]

88 88 Japan makes amazing knives but people ignore all other knives even though almost every country produced amazing knives if you just know what you’re working with and how to use it

[@dreaded6623]

Thank you so much for including the bio straight from the owner. He seems like a great dude.

[@JoshuaWeissman]

dreaded he is amazing, honestly everyone who works there is fantastic

[@GradyBroyles]

@@JoshuaWeissman my face when I realized the shop you were going to is like 3.5 blocks from where I'm sitting. :-O. Also how have I lived in thes hood for 16 years and not gone in there before. Geez. I really need to get out more.

[@SuperShania81]

Anyone who grew up in an Asian household (South, South East and East) will have fond memories of everyone using ONE tiny little knife to absolutely cut everything, even if your family owned several knives. I grew up to become a knife hoarder and love collecting them and I think it stems a little from being fascinated by how versatile a few good knives can be.

[@miraeja]

This made me laugh so hard and recall past family memories. It’s so true. Have many high end knives but still use tiny cheap daiso knife for everything 😂😂😂😂

[@Drew_Reviews]

Watching this three and a half years later, in the market for a proper chef's knife, and I'm very proud to say that my first Japanese chef knife will be from Bernal Cutlery. Love to see that kind of passion in a product, service, or shop, and I'm happy to support it!

[@Bluebelle51]

when I lived in San Francisco, my Philipino neighbor had an amazing garden, one day I stopped to ask if I could take some seeds from a pod on one of his plants, he dug it up and gave it to me. I asked if he was sure he wanted to do that, and he said, "my wife grow the flower, I grow vegebuls!" So in my house, we've called them "vegebuls" for 30 years LOL

[@DJB1017]

My son calls spaghetti busketti. Feel free to use that one too. And chocolate is chopkit.

[@Bluebelle51]

@@DJB1017 my son called it "pstghetti" until the end of kindergarten, another kid made fun of him for it so we just call it "pasta" now LOL

[@TheSonicfan91]

He too must ship Vegeta and Bulma

[@griffcoleman]

@@DJB1017 Ha! I called it busketti when I was little too!

[@SiklistangBano]

not sure why he said vegebuls, but a more accurate pinoy accent for vegetables would be "Beds-ta-balls"

[@katorade_the_first]

Next episode: how to ferment your Japanese knife

[@jackbishop9582]

Forcing a patina is kind of the same thing

[@aeons6969]

@FREEDOM🇺🇲 Who says it’s not your Japanese wife as well? 😏

[@allygirl641]

Not gonna lie, when Josh was giving us the origin story of Bernal Knives, I got misty-eyed. Watching someone talking about their passion is engaging as hell, and so moving. As a former metalsmith, I could relate so well when he talks about sharpening. Thanks for giving him some real airtime, Joshua, you’re a generous dude. ❤️

[@PLANDerLinde99]

You mean I'm not supposed to use a hacksaw to cut my bread?

[@altkasb3918]

Nice likes there

[@paolaochoa1853]

No, that's actually ok

[@baringozi2214]

You mean you're not buying sliced bread?

[@hiddens2346]

*I thought a spoon would do....*

[@vigneshviki5771]

Wtf u guys slice breads?

[@claycoley1313]

I love seeing people who are doing what they love for a living. The pocket knife story was gold. That’s a real life, destiny defining moment. Awesome knife shop too! Love this channel

[@raphaelsamaroo6788]

Josh: "I wanted to make this a basic video on..." Also Josh: *TRAVELS TO F***ING SAN FRAN TO MAKE THE VIDEO*

[@GradyBroyles]

true, but then that shop is 3 blocks up the road from me so I was glad he did it :)

[@swankychey]

No but why is this the litest knife choosing video ever made?

[@SugeryGold]

Cuz he flew out to make it, he could have just made a mediocre one at any old knife shop near where he lives

[@stevewebber707]

Maybe keeping it simple to avoid overwhelming with so many details and choices. As a bit of a knife geek, I prefer more details but some people just want the bare minimum. Things like how people use knives should be a major factor in making the choices. Professionally trained chefs frequently recommend the chef's knife, partly because they were trained in methods relying on that knife a lot. Appropriate naming eh? For less trained folks like me, a santoku is sometimes a more comfortable alternative. Santoku's have become popular enough that they're almost a fad. That said, if was was planning on shelling out $300 or so on one of those sweet looking Japanese knives, I'd be researching for every last detail. Though if you were buying in a shop like that the salesman should be able to help with a lot of questions. Ah who am I kidding. I make do with much less expensive knives. It makes more sense for professionals that use them for hours a day to invest like that.

[@heilung438]

1. Ideal Starter Knife: 8-10 inch 210-240mm chef knife Tip: No need to start with a set 2. What other knives should you get? Petty knife: 3-6 inches 100-180mm 3. Carbon Steel vs stainless steel Don't get carbon one unless you are gonna take care of your knife. 4. Handle choice matters: western vs Japanese vs ... Pick whatever feels the most comfortable but thier favorite is octagonal

[@fsra16]

Champ

[@thejakesterer]

Thanks. You saved me time!

[@grayssoncarl5020]

I would (and did...after having bought most of the Wüsthof knives) settle for a 20cm chefs knife, a bread knife and a small 7-10 cm knife (in that order if i couldnt afford them at once). Even after having tested the more expensive lines from Wüsthof i went for the classic line. These are the last kitchen knives i bought (unless it breaks which i highly doubt). But if i would start fresh i would get these 3 knifes from the Victorinox Fibrox line for around 70-80€ and be done with it. After a certain quality there is not much improvement except steeply increasing prices which can be said about almost anything. Its just that people think different (for objective and subjective reasons) about what certain quality means. After that its usually just about showing off.

[@joshuaberry9639]

So no ones going to talk about the fact that b roll beats haven’t made 1 god damn track since this upload

[@RealBonk]

I've given up on B Roll Beats :(

[@Chris-Kurisu]

Thank you for this video! I've had a really hard time finding reliable information about different knives... this is extremely helpful. Papa bless!

[@blorp7948]

Omg i am about to buy a new knife and this is just what i needed

[@PLANDerLinde99]

Blyat you need a strong Stalinium knife

[@jillmalecki2090]

And yet he's back with another amazing video. Thanks for blessing us with this knife advice Jezus Of The Kitchen 🙏

[@queenhylia2360]

This, this is what I'm talking about. Turn white wall into knife wall.

[@queenhylia2360]

I understand you don't need thousands of knives, but collections b o I. Get them Damascus blade, bone handle, special sharp Bois. Make a wall.

[@JoshuaWeissman]

Queen Hylia omg this is a great idea

[@bassam2375]

2 minutes in and i already love this video keep it up man ur doing great

[@ragamuffin09]

This was great! I have a cousin that is a professional chef, and when my brother, dad and I were looking for knives, he gave a lot of tips. I think we all have pretty much the same set of knives now, which line up with what you mentioned (8-10in chef, and a 6in utility). I think the ones we have came from Japan though, when we've traveled there. Knives can make great gifts too! It's hard to beat having a chefs knife that you put some good money into, rather than some cheap-o one. I know the feels with the weather too. :/ I live in Houston, and it's always nice to get out of Texas for a bit, especially during summer.

[@juice0666]

Josh, I have been a fan of yours for a year or two. I visited my cousin in the Bay Area in 2018 and accidentally stumbled across Bernal. I have since gotten all of my knives from them. To come across this video where you call them out as the best knife shop is incredibly validating. They rock. Knowledgable staff and a focus not on name brands, but quality products.

[@allyrt5981]

This episode is underrated. Good guide about buying a "perfect" all purpose knife for home cooking. The store owner Josh is down to earth and humble. I like the knife that you bought Joshua. Good choice!

[@zeek4605]

Now show us how to pickle the knife

[@Rramirez246]

We can pickle that!

[@DJB1017]

Or ferment it.

[@ChristopherTradeshow]

I love how all these cooking channels are putting out videos about knives. Looking to get my parents a nice kitchen knife set for Christmas

[@cher128bx]

San Francisco/Bay Area being my most favorite place in the world, I LOVED this video! Didn't know about Bernal Cutlery, what a lovely place! It will definitely be one of the first places I visit on my next visit to SF. Thank you so much Josh for making this fine video. Made my eyes a bit misty.

[@ashtondejong6264]

I've been waiting so long for this! Thank you so much

[@MamaTitas]

Joshua Weissman inspired us to create our filipino cooking channel. Learning to get the cooking knife...

[@lemaun7860]

the cinematic bit started and i had to hold back tears man knives are [chefs kiss] PERFECT

[@kaykaykaliseo2702]

Ommmmggg finally 😍 Thank for satisfying our request. I’ve been waiting forever for this video

[@TheBeemanblake]

More more my KZbin time is shifting to watching your videos. Thanks bud

[@possiblyme14]

The video I’ve been waiting for!!!!! Edit: josh is such a cutie

[@MOMOHEARTS]

So glad I see your videos and this one especially, my younger brother and I love to cook and we always go back and forth about recipes and how we cook certain things I want to buy him a new set of knives or at least a new one to play with while he's at work or home. Lol

[@mitaleebag1064]

The b-roll music is soooooo goood. Thank you for putting it on spotify. I hope you add more to the playlist in the future😊😊 Also i love your channel.❤️

[@mooncloud2914]

7:10 The way he says "Bernal Cutlery" dam, dude could read a wildlife documentary at me and I wouldn't flinch, not one bit.

[@sampaaath]

I have no talent to do what Joshua does in his videos, but I watch just for the fun and for the support!

[@JoshuaWeissman]

[@allygirl641]

Aw, man! Got me JAMMIN’ with that song! So so good! Thank you! Oh, and awesome video btw! I’m a 10” Global knife girl myself. ❤️

[@shugkane4663]

I love your videos Joshua! Got the opportunity to visit this knife shop and its because of you. Got two new knives and I'm excited to use them

[@blorp7948]

You should do a vid of how to sharpen and generally care for your knives

[@christydoquang9435]

He already has one on the sharpening though! :)

[@JoshuaWeissman]

Blorp gonna have another one coming up as well :)

[@bozo5982]

5:42 “I really wanted this to be a basic guide” Title: ULTIMATE GUIDE

[@user-xb7tb9rz4j]

This didn't even begin to scratch the surface of what you'd expect from the most basic guide.

[@dudefromlaveenaz]

I picked up a 240mm Japanese VG10 steel knife with a western handle. I absolutely love it. Best birthday present I've ever bought myself.

[@dmuse869]

YES!! LONG AWAITED VID FINALLY HERE!! WHAT AN AMAZING SHOP!! I LOVE YOU MAN, I LOVE YOU!

[@nikolasvassilicopoulos8266]

I’m listening to the b roll sing and god it makes me want to snowboard!! This would be perfect for a nice floaty powder day. Anybody with me?

[@ricardoescobar4917]

What’s the songs name?

[@dmurphy915]

Flying back with that knife must have been fun!!

[@DJB1017]

Lot easier than flying back with an open shampoo bottle in your carry-on lol.

[@NotKimiRaikkonen]

Even flying with guns isn't that bad.

[@WildMotherCountry]

im so glad i found this video, im starting to get into learning more of homesteading and i want to start making more homemade meals and teach my son as he grows (not with these knives just yet lol) but i want to learn to skill of how to use knives better and watching some videos has sparked my interest, so thank you for this video Joshua!

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

Excellent video! I started browsing through their website, and they have a wonderful selection! Thank you very much!

[@jonpon0182]

I use a Chinese medium size clever and a European influenced Japanese Chefs knife. They are both amazing even though having both is just overkill. The clever is amazing and amazingly cheap compared to the chef's knife, but shape of the handle and blade on chef's knife are more comfortable. It's just a matter of choosing your poison.

[@JcSaulog]

-gasp- I actually watched a video when it is at "No Views". I'm impressed with myself. Oh and the knives are cool too.

[@JoshuaWeissman]

Thank u

[@phillipfiorentino]

Thanks for this. Buying a knife from them as a new home gift for 2 of my favorite KZbinrs who have helped me out immensely with my depression. Thanks for this!

[@greenflare3125]

This video has made knives so cool to me. I watch this video every once in a while just because it's so good

[@fritzmeier606]

I did your buns today! ;) *Brioche Burger Buns

[@JoshuaWeissman]

Fritz Meier 👀

[@fritzmeier606]

@@JoshuaWeissman They were good! :D

[@mariaduong5508]

All my knives are from them! (Mostly the Oakland shop) they're so sweet and very helpful. 10/10 would recommend

[@ob1quixote]

Sincere thanks for releasing the B-roll music. That's a great track.

[@pierrerossouw6083]

Josh seems like such a down-to-earth guy; a simple family man. We need more of that! My dad bought me my first pocket knife when I was 5. Forty years later and I feel naked if I don't have a blade with me. Was kinda interesting when I first moved to Europe . . . .

[@Thebular.]

This makes me really uncomfortable, put me back in the cabinet please

[@IHCOYT]

I can’t seem to find any music on the Spotify playlist.

[@JoshuaWeissman]

Moses Aubrey i put a link in the description :)

[@bobbyspity]

Thanks for listening , love the format of you videos and the B Roll music is the muts nuts

[@joeydelacruz536]

Thank you so much josh! Learning so much with your videos!

[@SilverKatt1]

My daughter's quote: he is the Ollivander of knives - he is Olliknives!

[@adrianagrace8979]

Clicked for the knives and stayed for THESE GUNS. Dude looking so good in that blue shirt

[@matttommurphy]

Dude the production quality in this was on point, you got some killer shots. Fantastic.

[@currentholmes7047]

Great vid man. Loving the new Spotify action. Cheers! 🤙🏽

[@cam_axx6538]

He did just get a $660 knife tho

[@xXOoberNinjaXx]

Lol, there’s like 125719 comments saying “first.”

[@JoshuaWeissman]

I mean that'd be great if that was the case ahhaha

[@BangTheRocksTogether]

Thank you, Joshua! I just bought three new carbon steel knives from Bernal. I've been searching for carbon steel for years and you guided me to the motherlode.

[@Ebtoulson]

A solid bolster that transitions into the blade is something I look for in a knife. It's easier to clean and more comfortable to grip, if you use a pinch grip imo.

[@shinkumedia6210]

The Ultimate Guide "I really want this to just be a basic guide..."

[@davidsais13]

That knife he got was aroun $500 if anyone was curious

[@nyx0s389]

Bassplayer95 🤣 our extra hipster boi ❤️

[@tormentedsoul7852]

Joshua: Thank You Thank You for making this video. I don't know why I didn't see it sooner. I am a home cook, but take it seriously. I love to make yummy creations for my family. I have a lot of Cutco and I love it, but I am ready to get a great Chefs knife and a Utility knife. I live in SJ, CA so I am going to drive to Bernal Cutlery and visit his shoppe. I am so excited. I can't wait to see all the knives and pick a 2 pc. set that works for my needs. I love your videos and your demonstration style.

[@nimocolombia]

Bbbbbbrrrrrrroooooooo! Love this video, you and the other Josh at Bernal Cutlery! So much so that I JUST purchased a Konosuke Sankai 240mm!! And am STOOOOKED

[@maximeregamey4458]

Oh yes the "ultimate guide" with something about 3 minutes of actual info. Like 2 shapes, the 2 types of steels, and 3 handle shapes. WAW no cutting angle, no geometry? Dude I like your videos but this is pure clickbait.. if you just wanted to share your trip, why haven't you just written: my amazing trip+ kitchen knife basics? I don't understand, your usual quality standard is way higher than that..

[@thatprettymuthafucka7267]

I like it. Short sweet to the point. Not a 30 minute pretentious knife video

[@maximeregamey4458]

@@thatprettymuthafucka7267 at least what you call a "pretentious" knife video would provide you with actual, precise and professional information, there is just so many things to consider, integral or hidden tang construction, handle material, san mai, Damascus, hand made, sharpening, and so on! If you claim to provide a complete guide, you have to. If you just want to know what a kitchen knife is though, this video is perfect for you, I have no problem with that...

[@thatprettymuthafucka7267]

@@maximeregamey4458 I suppose you're right. I mean we know what kind of channel this is though I came to this vid expected very little as it is. It's not what he normally does so I expected the low production value and info. I get he stepped outside of his comfort zone you know

[@patricks.hafersr.8723]

Dude love the “B-Roll” music!!! Great idea Bro!!

[@rcbustanut2057]

Awesome vid bro! My 1st "Real" knives were a few J.A. Henckels TWIN Cuisine series. Got an 8" chef, a 6" & 8" slicer. That was over 13yrs ago, still have them. Sharpen them once a year on my Japanese whetstones, they're still razor sharp. Then, about 6yrs ago, on the quest to get a decent handmade Japanese santaku knife, that won't break the bank, I bought a Shun Premier 7" santaku knife. "This knife literally cut my hand before I took out of the box!!"... The plastic tip protector had come off, when i slightly tilted the box to read it, the knife slid & poked through the box slicing my palm lol. The knife & I have become one ever since & it my one go to knife 90% of the time. For ~$140, it's one pretty awesome knife, beautiful real damascus pattern & can literally shave hair off your arm..... Yes, I tried it, & once a year when I sharpen it lol!!! 😆

[@CoachFats]

Wow! I picked up an order the other day in front this store and was planning on going there tomorrow!!! And of course researching knives I stumbled across this vid.

[@phillipspencer1321]

Yo Josh, love your videos man. Thanks for the track, I feel like I've been given a gift!

[@henerynyein1062]

Went there yesterday to take home the long boi! Thanks for the recommendations

[@violinplayer101]

Definitely agree that having a really good chef's knife is important. All of my kitchen knives were always the cheaper ones, which are ok. Howevever once I got a really nice chef's knife, there was immediately a huge difference. It makes it so much easier to get a nice cut on whatever it is I am chopping.

[@ein1483]

Fantastic video. More of a story than normal and I really like it

[@ima2812]

So nice! Now I wanna go to San Fran! And I love the music sharing idea!!!

[@oscargomez8096]

Thank you for the playlist, needed some chill music. Being getting into cooking more lately. Just try out your chicken katsu and it turned out great.

[@cowboyyoga]

Hey, I used to live in Austin! ))) Great video, just little details that you covered, which came from a great cook! And that's important! Thanks Josh )))

[@afraidcone]

Finally went!! Didn't realize it was right down the street from one of my campuses 😂 absolutely amazing shop, great staff, great budget options too!

[@luisenriquemunoz8793]

Omg I follow Bernal Cutlery on Instagram for almost a year now and it's so nice to to watch crossovers like this! Congrats :)

[@billybareblu]

Wow Josh...those biceps were putting the strain on your shirt sleeves

[@FounderCEOPresident]

My sister introduced us via Tik-Tok. The B-Roll Playlist is a genius idea, I have one myself but I'm looking forward to the new tracks I'll discover. In the couple of minutes of watching your clips, I now follow you. Keep it up! I'm excited to see what'll come next :D

[@antimaterial.7629]

I was at this shop a few weeks ago and bought a tadafusa and I love it.

[@blayne2029]

Great video, Josh. I can't live without my serrated bread knife. I love to make bread, so gotta have that. If I could only have two it would be a chef's knife, then serrated, then the utility :)

[@skatemouse18]

Bro.... b roll beats👌. Very nice Thanks for including in your description

[@vinz_body_optimization]

Literally in the right time, I'm looking for my first gyuto right now

[@MiguelEsguerra]

Josh! This is an amazing content. Keep doing it! Solid fan here. You contents fermented really well! Lol Choosing to do this full time is the best decision you made. 🔪🙋‍♂️⚡🌶👍🔥❤

[@albina7217]

How do you make your videos so entertaining? Like, its funny, educating, interesting and has nice visuals

[@uweschroeder]

Thanks for the info on that knife shop! I didn't even know it existed and I lived near SF for the last 20 years. Now I seriously got to go check that out... damn, there go the savings

[@FilmaticProductions]

Walked into that knife shop randomly while hanging out with a friend. Truly a hidden gem in SF!

[@Ferryberg1]

Josh, you are an absolute legend. I asked for the song for like, 10 times. And you anounced it during my favorite part of cooking, chef knives. Awesome vid, keep it up man!! Love from the Netherlands

[@JoshuaWeissman]

ferry bergman happy to get it released for you guys! Big help from Prince Fox there too :)

[@Ferryberg1]

You actually took the time to write a reaction, you just absolutely made my day man!!!

[@NaturalDarkChocolate]

Definitely take more trips like this and make it a series. 👍🏿

[@jakebecker1689]

Love Bernal when I lived and worked in San Francisco I was in there quite a bit. Only place I buy kitchen utensils and knives. Great spot for the professional cook.

[@MikesDearheart]

Such a good video! Love the music thing too!

[@savagecabbage553]

I live like an hour away from San Francisco and have been here. Bernal Cutlery is legit.