A knife with an edge

For 90 percent of my chopping, slicing and dicing, I reach for my santoku knife. A knife like the 7-Inch Santoku Knife from Victorinox Cutlery can simplify food preparation, from vegetables to meat. It has hollow spaces on both sides of the blade, which prevents food from sticking to the knife as you cut, making slicing vegetables and similar tasks go much faster. The santoku knife is also lightweight; combined with its ergonomic design, it can be much more comfortable to handle when you're putting together a big meal. The santoku knife design is generally easier to use than European-style knives, at least for slicing and chopping, although it has less rocking than a European cook's knife.

The 7-Inch Santoku Knife is stamped from stain-resistant, high-carbon steel--this knife will be in your kitchen forever. You can resharpen it over and over without any worry about the blade. It should be hand-washed, like most cutlery. The handle is black fibrox, which provides a nonslip hold. Overall, the knife has an excellent balance, which minimizes slips and other problems. The 7-Inch Santoku Knife is priced at $30.24 individually, although it is also available in cutlery sets from Victorinox Cutlery. The knife comes with a limited lifetime warranty.