What Degree is The Average Kitchen Knife?

What degree is the average kitchen knife? The average kitchen knife is between 15 and 20 degrees. A knife’s durability and precision are inversely proportional. As we get a sharper edge, durability is sacrificed at the altar of sharpness. Similarly, more challenging and tougher steel will be less sharp.  

What is the degree of a kitchen knife?

A degree for a Kitchen knives set is the angle at which the edge of a kitchen knife is sharpened. Following the same thumb rule that describes the sharpness and precision in relation to durability. Precision comes with a decrease in angle, while durability comes with an increase in angle. So for delicate slicing, an angle of 15 degrees is an ideal choice, while for tough and rigid cutting, chopping and slicing angle at 20 degrees is best suited.

What degree of kitchen knife is used in different countries?

1. German knives are sharpened to 20 to 22 degrees, following the thumb rule. Thus, they are less precise but more durable.
2. European knives are sharpened to around 20 degrees, which means they are thicker and more durable relative to precision.
3. Japanese manufacture their blade with sharpness at  15 degrees. It shows greater precision and lesser durability.

We can easily conclude that precision and durability are in inverse relation.

How is this degree or angle measured in kitchen knives?

Two broad terms are used to measure the angle or number of degrees: Inclusive angle and Exclusive angle. Let's examine both angles and find the difference between them.

Inclusive Angle or Number of degrees?

An inclusive angle is the measurement of the angle, including both outer sides of the blade of a given knife.

Exclusive angle or number of degrees?

An exclusive angle measures the angle between one of the outer sides of a knife's blade and an image center line drawn in mid-bavel. 

Sharpening Angles with recommended tasks

Generally, knives have a range of 17 to 30 degrees. Here are some divisions of degrees and the best-suited delivery of work in the given knife range.

• 17 degrees
  The 17-degree angle is recommended for fillet knives and razor blades. These tools are used for precise cuts, and tasks involve a high degree of precision.
  
• 20 degrees
  The 20-degree angle is perfect for kitchen knives. This angle gives the knife an excellent edge that performs efficiently in all kitchen tasks.
• 25 degrees
  The 25-degree angle is the best sharpening angle for outdoor activities. Since durability is the main ingredient of the tool, 25 degrees makes it ideal for hunting in the jungle. 
• 30 degrees
  The 30-degree angle ensures perfection in challenging and uphill tasks, especially in outdoor activities.

Final Words

What degree is the average kitchen knife? The answer to this question is very simple: It is between 15 and 20 degrees. A degree is an angle that is formed between the side of the blade with the imagery center line. Less is the angle, and more is the sharpness. Similarly, durability is more critical with a large angle.