There are many differences between typical production chefs knives and a Ken Avery custom handmade chefs knife, a short summary is provided below.
Most production knives are made from lower quality, lower carbon, stainless steel. This is done for many reasons. First is cost, lower quality steels means higher profits for the big knife companies. When you are selling cheap knives, saving a few bucks on the steel adds up to much larger profits.
The second is lower carbon steel can mean better stain resistance and less chance of the tip snapping off when used to pry open a can. Lower carbon also makes the knife easier to sharpen. Plastic handles and cheap hardware are used to make knives “Dishwasher Safe” While some of this actually sounds good, it really isn’t.
Most production knives today are made as cheap as possible to drive profits for the large knife companies. Most are made overseas using cheap, sometimes unskilled, labor. Cheap, thin, stamped steel blades are used and heat treated to lower hardness values to keep the knives from breaking. Cheap plastic handles and hardware in place of good stainless and quality handle material. This is how you make a chefs knife for $65. Most people think of these as decent knives because the market is flooded with this stuff. Which means that most people really haven’t had the pleasure of using a truly great knife!
Ken Avery Knives offers exceptional knives starting at around $275. This is not much more than most mainstream “high-end” knives offered by the big knife companies. Although the cost isn’t much more, the differences are huge. Ken Avery Knives are made in the USA using the best material I can source. Each knife is handmade, hand fitted, and heat treated in house to make sure you get the best quality available. While I do offer carbon steel for those who appreciate them and know how to care for them, most of the knives I make can be made 100% “food safe” for kitchens adhering to NSF and other regulations. Using high carbon stainless steel blades, stainless steel hardware, handles made of carbon fiber or Micarta, and food safe adhesives my knives are more than adequate for the professional kitchen.
Dozens of options are available that the big knife companies just can’t deliver. Your choice of a ton of different handle options, choices of quality hardware, choices of the weight and feel of the knife, choices on handle size, blade steel choices and so much more. Not only do you get a better knife here, you get one that fits who you are! Use the DESIGN menu to create the knife that works best for you or use the SHOP menu to select from one of my ready made knives.
9″ AEB-L Chef With Thuya Burl Handles
Excellent - Love My Knife - Would Recommend To Others
4″ Bull Moose In 1095
Love my knife. Sharp and stays that way! Looks great and feels great to use.
9 inch “Texas” Chef In AEB-L
We absolutely love our knife. Hands down the best knife we have ever owned. Loved the idea that we can design a knife based on our own likes and needs. We can’t wait to order another knife soon.