abCEForging The process of creating a blade from an individual steel brick that is heated and pounded or pressed into a blade form by hand or machine. Full tang The strip of metal that protrudes from the heel end of blade and continues to the end of the handle, contributing to the heft and balance of the knife. granton Edge A blade with a series of oval divots that thin the cutting edge and create air pockets that prevent food from sticking to the knife. honing Honing keeps a sharp blade edge in good working condition for a longer period. Regular honing can reduce the need for major sharpening, extending the life of the knife. a stRong histoRyGreat knives of all types are produced throughout the world but Germany and Japan are especially well known for their world-class kitchen cutlery-whichever style you choose, you can't go wrong.germany The traditional German knife has a hefty blade and a large bolster. Inspired by the region's medieval swords, German knives are beautifully made and razor sharp. Japan Precision-crafted Japanese knives are infl uenced by the celebrated tradition and exacting detail of legendary samurai swords. The blades are often thinner and lighter than with German knives, and the unique shapes from santoku to nakiri are wonderful additions to any knife block. Explore the world's fi nest cutlery collections at surlatable.comPhoto from our book Knives Cooks Love

26 Chefs' knife secrets. If you're not completely comfortable with handling a knife or would love to learn how to slice and dice like a pro, sign up for our knife skills class-it's a great way to improve your technique. Register any time at surlatable.com.