Choosing the right kind of kitchen knife set, primarily legal in Italy, can be pretty tricky. Because Italy is a country with a rich but varied culinary tradition, there are many different types of knives from across the country that are widely available for purchase. However, there are some crucial differences between legal and illegal Italian blades.
Cleavers ToDaggers
Italy is a leading industrial nation, producing everything from automobiles to electronics. In cooking, it is not uncommon to find Italian chefs using various knives, from cleavers to daggers. For this reason, Italy’s weapon manufacturers must adhere to strict laws regarding food production. These laws are primarily based on animal rights, but they also go a step further in establishing chef-client relationships by setting down guidelines for service. Italian Knife set, for example, do not include blades that can be used to cut food, although specific specialty knives may be allowed if prepared with the proper equipment.
Created Equally
The first thing that someone should know is Italian Knife sets are not all created equally. Most traditional Italian chef knives come from the Valpolicella region of Italy. This is because the knives were made in this area when it was still possible to work without modern technology. The blades in these knives are among the oldest globally, which explains why Italian cooks love them so much. Valpolicella knives are solid and large, able to be used for cutting and slicing with great ease and accuracy.
Specific Italian Knife Sets
Unfortunately, all of the quality Italian knives are not created equal. As mentioned above, specific Italian knife sets may be legal in Italian law, but they are not necessarily made like other chef knives. There are several different styles of Italian knife sets that are banned in Italy. Among them are swords, scimitars, lances, guavas, and vise versa.
Italian Chefs
Italian chefs also prefer chef knives made from carbon steel. This is because carbon steel is hard enough to be strong yet soft enough to be easy to cut through things with. If a knife has a metal blade that can only be removed by surgically removing part of the handle, it is considered an illegal knife in Italy. However, because this type of knife is difficult to obtain and relatively expensive, chefs often prefer them.
Shape of Blade
An excellent Italian chef’s knife, regardless of whether or not it is Italian legal, will have high-quality steel. The steel’s grain will be pronounced and will most likely be visible even upon close inspection. The shape of the blade will be smooth, even and will not be easily damaged if it is accidentally dropped on a concrete bench or a sharp object. These characteristics make Italian chef knives one of the most popular and durable knives in the world.
Knives Collection
Another question about Italian knives is what the laws regarding possession of Italian knives within the country are? Two rules apply to blades that are considered to be legal in one country but illegal in another. For example, if an Italian chef owns a kitchen knives collection, they are assumed to be legal in their home country but illegal in another. Knives must be registered annually in Italy. They are also banned under any other law from being transferred or possessed by non-residents, except to authorized vendors.
Last Word:
The next question that people often ask about Italian knives is what they are suitable for? Many Italian chef knives are made for the cutting edge, but many are made for use in the food preparation process. Italian knives are traditionally made from high-quality, rugged steel. If you want an Italian knife or any other type of knife, you must buy one made by a professional knifemaker who follows all Italy’s highest standards.
