Cheese set in walnut handle Line 1896 d Due Cigni Cutlery

The most common length for a chef's knife is 20 cm (8 inches), which is perfect for most kitchen tasks. However, the ideal choice depends on several factors: Hand size: Smaller hands handle 16–18 cm blades more comfortably, while larger hands may prefer a 21–25 cm blade. Personal habits: Those who favor broad movements and long cuts might lean toward longer knives; those who prioritize precision or work in tight spaces might prefer a shorter blade. Experience level: Beginners tend to choose shorter, more manageable blades, while professionals often prefer 21 or 24 cm knives for greater efficiency. In short, there is no “perfect” size for everyone — the right length should be chosen based on comfort, control, and intended use.

Avoid keeping them loose in drawers, where they can get damaged or become a safety hazard. It’s better to use a wooden block, magnetic strip, or blade guard. You can find the right solution in our catalog.

Yes, in our ecommerce store you will find only professional and high-quality chef knives. Each model is selected to meet the needs of chefs, cooks, and cooking enthusiasts who seek reliable, sharp, and durable tools. We offer a complete range of professional kitchen knives, ideal for precision cutting, meat, fish, vegetables, and much more. You will find slicing knives, santoku, paring knives, and other models commonly used in professional kitchens. We collaborate only with brands recognized at the professional level, such as [e.g., Victorinox, Global, Kai, F. Dick, Ambrogio Sanelli, Wüsthof, etc.], to offer you the best in performance and safety in the kitchen

It’s highly discouraged. High heat and aggressive detergents can damage both blade and handle. Knives can also knock against other items, dulling the edge.

Hardness refers to how resistant the steel is, measured on the Rockwell scale (HRC). The harder the steel, the better it retains its edge—but it’s also more brittle and prone to chipping.

Blades can be made of stainless steel (rust-resistant), carbon steel (very sharp but delicate), or ceramic (lightweight and razor-sharp but fragile). Premium knives often use Damascus steel or advanced alloys. Not sure which to choose? Contact us—AFcoltellerie has them all.

Handles can be made of wood (classic but delicate), plastic (durable and hygienic), or technical materials like micarta or G-10, which are extremely tough and non-slip even when wet.

A 20 cm chef’s knife is the most versatile option to start with. Paired with a paring knife, it covers most everyday kitchen needs.

The grooves or “granton edge” reduce friction and prevent food from sticking to the blade. They’re especially useful with wet or soft foods like fish, cheese, or vegetables.

Yes. Some single-bevel Japanese knives are made specifically for right- or left-handed use. Many universal knives, with a double bevel, work well for both.

European knives are sturdier, with thick, curved blades for rocking cuts and tough ingredients. Japanese knives have thinner, harder blades for clean, precise slicing—but they’re also more fragile. In short: Europeans are durable and versatile, Japanese are sharp and surgical.

Essential tools include good quality knives, cutting boards, pots and pans of various sizes, ladles, spatulas, whisks, and bowls. These tools allow you to easily handle most everyday cooking tasks.

It depends on the use: stainless steel is versatile and durable, cast iron retains heat well, aluminum is lightweight and has excellent heat conductivity, while ceramic offers a non-stick surface without chemicals.

Consider the material (stainless steel, aluminum, copper), compatibility with your stovetop, the number of pieces included, and ease of cleaning. A good set should be versatile and long-lasting.

Avoid using metal utensils on non-stick coatings, do not heat pots empty, and clean them with soft sponges. When storing, protect surfaces by stacking pots with cloths or separators to prevent scratches.

It’s important to wash them immediately after use, avoiding harsh detergents especially on delicate materials like wood or ceramic. Some tools are dishwasher safe, while others, like knives and special pots, should be hand washed. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace utensils when they show significant wear, such as deep scratches on non-stick surfaces, broken or deformed parts, or when the material emits unusual odors or substances.

Contact us! We can help you find the right utensil or suggest suitable alternatives for your needs.

Due Cigni accessories are designed to complement knife use before and after cutting: organisation, storage, transport and maintenance. The choice should therefore reflect the user's existing knives and working context. Owners of several knives may prioritise systems that keep blades separated and protected, while professionals using their tools every day should also pay particular attention to edge maintenance. A suitable accessory is not merely practical. Correct storage reduces accidental impacts, protects the cutting edge and makes the workstation safer and more organised. When choosing Due Cigni accessories, consider compatibility with knife size and type, frequency of use and available space.

The Due Cigni 1896, Classica and Florence ranges represent three different interpretations of Due Cigni kitchen cutlery, united by attention to functionality, ergonomics and material quality. The 1896 range recalls the brand's history and offers models with different blade and handle configurations for everyday kitchen use. Classica interprets the kitchen knife in a more traditional way, while Florence offers knives with a more refined construction and overall concept. Features vary by model. When choosing a knife, it is therefore important to consider blade shape and length, steel type, handle material, weight and balance together.

The choice depends first on the condition of the edge. A knife that has only lost a little efficiency may need routine edge maintenance, whereas a genuinely dull blade requires sharpening. Using the same system indiscriminately may remove unnecessary material or fail to solve the problem. Steel hardness, blade geometry and sharpening angle must also be considered. Due Cigni collections are not all identical: a thin, refined blade requires different care from a professional knife intended for heavier use. Sharpening accessories should therefore be selected for the specific knife, not only according to frequency of use.

Many models in the Due Cigni 1896, Classica and Florence ranges use 4116 stainless steel, also known as X50CrMoV15, with hardness generally between 55 and 57 HRC. This steel offers a good balance of cutting performance, corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance. Handle material varies according to the model. Classica and Florence include several models with black POM handles, a durable material suitable for everyday and professional use. The 1896 range is available in different configurations, including polypropylene handles and walnut handles. For precise information on steel type, hardness and handle material, always refer to the technical specifications of the individual knife.

Leaving quality knives loose in a drawer can cause repeated contact with other blades and utensils, progressively damaging the edge and increasing the risk of cuts when reaching for them. A dedicated storage system keeps each knife stable, protected and easy to identify. Knife blocks, guards and other Due Cigni storage accessories therefore contribute both to knife longevity and kitchen safety. In a professional environment they also improve workstation organisation and make it quicker to select the required tool during service.

The Due Cigni 1896, Classica and Florence ranges are suitable both for cooking enthusiasts and, depending on the selected model, for professional use. The different configurations provide a choice of blade shapes and sizes, handle materials and construction features. Selection should be based mainly on the task, frequency of use and personal cutting technique. An ergonomic handle and correct balance between blade and handle help make the knife more comfortable and precise in use.

Maintenance varies according to the material. Accessories that come into contact with knives should be kept clean and completely dry, preventing moisture and residue from accumulating. Wooden components require particular care around water, while sharpening surfaces should be cleaned according to their specific technology. The condition of each accessory should also be checked periodically. A worn abrasive surface, damaged support or slot that no longer holds a knife correctly can reduce effectiveness or safety. Simple, regular maintenance allows Due Cigni accessories to perform correctly over time.

The availability of different blade shapes and sizes makes Due Cigni 1896, Classica and Florence knives suitable for many kitchen tasks, including meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, bread, slicing and precision work. The intended use nevertheless depends on the individual model. A chef's knife is suitable for general preparation, while specialist blades such as bread, ham and steak knives or paring knives are designed for different requirements. For a balanced set, it is therefore preferable to start with the most versatile knives and then add specialist blades according to individual needs.

Due Cigni knives and accessories represent one of the most established expressions of Italian cutlery. Founded in Maniago, internationally recognised as Italy's cutlery capital, the company has been developing tools for professionals and enthusiasts for more than a century, with a focus on build quality, cutting precision and long-term reliability. Due Cigni's manufacturing philosophy balances traditional craftsmanship with technological innovation. Each knife is designed around its intended use, blade geometry, steel, handle ergonomics and overall balance. The aim is not simply to create a sharp blade, but a tool that feels natural, precise and comfortable even during extended use. One of Due Cigni's key strengths is the breadth of its range without losing a clear brand identity. The catalogue includes professional and domestic kitchen knives, table knives, specialist tools and accessories designed to complete the user experience. Across the range, Italian design, attention to finishing and practical functionality remain central. Choosing Due Cigni means choosing a brand that interprets the Italian cutlery tradition through a contemporary approach, creating tools designed to support everyday work with precision, reliability and elegance.

One of the main strengths of the Due Cigni range is its ability to meet very different needs while maintaining a consistent stylistic and quality identity. The catalogue includes chef's knives, Santoku knives, paring knives, bread and meat knives, table knives, specialist tools and a broad selection of accessories for a complete workstation. Each product family is developed around specific operating requirements. Steel selection, blade hardness, cutting geometry and handle materials are defined according to the intended use, seeking the best balance between precision, edge retention, ease of maintenance and comfort. Italian design is another distinctive feature. A Due Cigni knife is not conceived only as a technical tool, but as an object intended to be used and appreciated every day. Attention to finishes, proportions and construction details helps combine function with elegance. This approach allows Due Cigni to serve catering professionals, cooking enthusiasts and users who want knives capable of maintaining high performance over time while also offering strong aesthetic value.

Due Cigni knives are intended for a broad range of users because the different collections address significantly different needs. Chefs, restaurateurs and professional operators can choose models designed for frequent, prolonged use, while cooking enthusiasts can select series with more refined materials, finishes and design. They are also well suited to anyone wishing to build a complete knife set progressively. Rather than using one knife for every task, a chef's knife can be complemented by specific blades for bread, meat, vegetables or precision work, improving control and reducing effort. The breadth of the range also makes Due Cigni suitable for users who want to explore quality cutlery without adopting a single cutting tradition: the catalogue combines interpretations of Italian tradition, professional tools and solutions influenced by Japanese knife culture.

The Due Cigni range can cover virtually all major kitchen preparations when the blade geometry is matched to the ingredient and technique. Chef's knives suit general work with boneless meat, vegetables and herbs; smaller blades provide greater precision for peeling and finishing; serrated knives are suited to bread and foods with a firm crust or surface. Collections with thinner, more agile geometries are particularly effective when clean cuts are required on vegetables, fish and delicate ingredients. More substantial models favour stability and control in everyday preparation. Choosing the right knife improves more than precision: it reduces the force required, helps preserve the structure of the ingredient and makes cutting more fluid. The individual Due Cigni series should therefore be assessed in relation to personal cooking techniques rather than selected only by shape or appearance.