Gordon Ramsay says holding a knife 'is like driving in a car' – his expert picks leave you feeling comfortable and confident in the kitchen

The Michelin-star chef and restaurateur could have his pick of any knife – these are the ones he calls the 'best in the business’

US chef Gordon Ramsay poses during the MIPCOM trade show(standing for International Market of Communications Programmes) in Cannes, southern France, on October 16, 2017
(Image credit: Getty Images / AFP Contributor / Contributor)

If you can trust any kitchen recommendation, it's that from Gordon Ramsay – the celebrity chef renowned for his Michelin-star cooking. It's no surprise, then, that we love to spend time tracking down the cutlery and utensils he uses in his restaurants and his own home.

Famously, Ramsay is known to endorse HexClad pans (available on Amazon), which he says cooks to 'utter perfection' – but before using a pan, there's often the need for kitchenware. Reportedly, Ramsay relies on both Hexclad and the German brand Henckels for his food preparation needs. Specifically, he's labeled HexClad's Damascus Steel Knife Set as one of the best chef's knives in the business.

'These knives slice so smoothly, it's unbelievable. Whether prepping vegetables, slicing bread, or deveining shrimp, it's a perfect cut every time. From the professional industry to at home, I've always said good cooking starts with knives. And these are the best in the business,' he comments.

Alongside Hexclad, Ramsay has been known to use Henckels brand knives, according to a list of his essential tools by Masterclass. 'Remember, Gordon says a small collection of high-quality, sharp knives is better than drawers full of dull, second-rate ones,' the report says.

The Henckles boning knife, as featured on the list, is currently discounted on Amazon. It's one of the best kitchen knives you can choose, with roots dating back to the eighteenthhteenth century.

'Holding a knife is like driving in a car; you’ve got to feel so comfortable behind that wheel, but, more importantly, you’ve got to relax your hands,' Ramsay says while sharing his basic knife skills with Masterclass.

To master his technique, it's important to, firstly, pay attention to correct finger placement, making sure your thumb is behind the guard when you're sharpening the steel. Always remember to pay attention to the knife blade and where the edge of the blade is at all times. If you're building your confidence with knives, it's a good idea to start with softer vegetables (like zucchini) before tackling harder carrots.


Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.