Rust eraser by Naniwa

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.

A sharp knife is safer and more efficient: it requires less force and delivers precise cuts. A dull blade can slip and increase the risk of accidents.

It depends on how often you use them and the type of blade. Generally, regular honing with a honing steel is recommended, along with deeper sharpening every few months or when the knife loses effectiveness.

A honing steel maintains the edge and prolongs the life of the knife, but it doesn’t actually sharpen. To restore the edge, you need a sharpener (manual, electric, or whetstone). The ideal routine is to use both: the honing steel for daily care, the sharpener for periodic maintenance.

A smooth steel realigns the edge without removing metal. A grooved one has a slightly abrasive action, taking off a small amount of material. A ceramic steel is gentler and suitable even for hard blades like Japanese knives.

Hold the steel vertically and draw the blade across both sides at a 15–20° angle using light, steady strokes. Just a few passes are enough to maintain the edge.

Almost all types, but be careful with serrated or ceramic blades: they require specific tools or techniques. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines or ask us for advice.

Ambrogio Sanelli accessories should not be seen as simple add-ons, but as essential tools for keeping professional knives efficient, safe and properly organised. They may include solutions for sharpening, protection, transport, storage and workstation management. In a professional environment, the right accessory directly affects blade life, operator safety and service continuity.

They are recommended for chefs, butchers, food-industry operators, culinary schools, laboratories and advanced users who want to manage knives in an orderly and professional way. They become especially important when blades are used every day, frequently transported or shared by several operators. In these cases, the accessory is not secondary, but part of the working system.

Accessories are ideal for preserving the edge, protecting blades during transport, organising the workstation and improving overall safety. A blade guard, case, support or sharpening tool may serve different purposes, but all share the same objective: keeping the knife in proper condition for longer while reducing mistakes, damage and risks during daily use.

Accessories also require care: they should be kept clean, dry and used according to their specific purpose. A dirty, worn or unsuitable accessory can compromise hygiene, damage the blade or reduce operator safety. Correct accessory management therefore contributes to knife durability and overall work quality.

Ambrogio Sanelli is one of the most recognisable historic Italian brands in the professional cutlery sector. Unlike many manufacturers focused primarily on extreme hardness or ultra-refined cutting precision, the Sanelli philosophy prioritises reliability, ergonomics, operational continuity and durability in everyday professional use. These knives are developed for long working sessions in professional kitchens, food laboratories, butcher shops and gastronomy environments, maintaining a practical balance between performance, comfort and ease of management.

The Ambrogio Sanelli philosophy is deeply connected to real professional knife use. The goal is not to create extremely delicate or highly specialised blades, but reliable and ergonomic tools capable of supporting intensive daily workflows. Each line is developed with a specific operational logic: some focus on robustness and productivity, while others prioritise ergonomics, comfort or a more refined cutting feel.

Ambrogio Sanelli knives are particularly suited to professional chefs, butchers, food industry operators, culinary schools and advanced users looking for reliable and practical cutting tools. Depending on the selected line, the brand can satisfy users seeking robustness and productivity as well as those preferring greater ergonomics, precision or cutting sensitivity.

Ambrogio Sanelli knives perform best in environments where operational continuity, reliability and comfort directly affect work quality. They are especially effective for intensive preparation tasks, repetitive cutting work and professional environments where knives are used continuously for many hours.

Maintenance follows a simple but professional approach: regular sharpening, hand washing and immediate drying help preserve cutting continuity, ergonomics and long-term durability. Compared to many very hard Japanese blades, several Ambrogio Sanelli lines are more forgiving and easier to manage during intensive professional use.

Thinner geometries, sharper edge angles and an approach focused on precision and clean cutting.

The santoku is compact and versatile for everyday use; the gyuto is closer to a classic chef’s knife and is ideal for long cuts and sustained work.

Yes, they often require more care: they are not suitable for bones, frozen foods or twisting, but offer superior cutting performance when used correctly.

Whetstone sharpening is ideal: a medium grit for maintenance and a finer grit for finishing, adapting the choice to the steel and usage.