Where to buy kitchen knives

• How to choose the right kitchen knives
• Where to buy kitchen knives
• Choosing your knives
• Sharpening knives

* Although it's tempting to rush out and arm yourself with a full set, the majority of work you do in the kitchen will be with one or two knives. Begin by buying one or two essential knives, then build your ideal set over a period of time as you find you need other blades for more specific tasks.

* Buy the best knife you can afford. You get what you pay for and a high-quality knife will last for years. Better to invest in a good knife and sharpener, than a whole block you don't necessarily need.

* Hold a knife before buying it, to make sure the handle sits comfortably in your palm and that you're comfortable with the weight. You don't have to buy the same brand for every knife – many chefs use a whole variety of different manufacturers.

* A well-balanced knife means the handle and blade are almost the same weight, therefore the knife will rock easily. To test, hold it as you would on a board and rock it back and forth to see whether it feels comfortable.

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