Kitchen knives: Material upgrades boost performance

China makers of kitchen knives continue to focus product development on the key characteristics to strengthen their presence in the US and the EU.

Last year, some companies reported a decline of as much as 30 percent in orders from these areas. Suppliers are also aiming to attract UAE, Japan and South Africa buyers to balance out losses.

To this end, makers are adopting better-quality materials. Ceramic, for instance, is becoming a popular option for blades because it stays sharp longer and is resistant to heat. It also boasts a hardness level of 70 to 90HRC, while metal blades are only 52 to 62HRC.

In addition, ceramic does not react with acid or alkali present in some food. Further, the zirconia contained in most ceramic blades makes models 20 percent lighter than traditional stainless steel versions. Cleverest Son’s Wife Kitchenware Mfg Co. Ltd sources ceramic from Australia to ensure quality.

Stainless steel is still widely used, often coated with multiple layers of different metal types for better flexibility and durability. Variations of the material procured in Japan, Germany and other EU countries cost 30 to 50 percent more than the domestic type.

Carbon and anti-bacterial brass alloy are employed in combination as a type of coating.

Damascus steel, procured typically in Japan and Germany, is increasingly being used. Such models have superior edge retention and sharpness. They are treated with acid that creates etched patterns on the surface.

Handles of recent releases come in functional materials as well. Options include 18/0 stainless steel and Micarta, which are durable and have high resistance to abrasion, chemicals, liquids and extreme temperature. The latter type can withstand up to 280 C, is odorless and has nonslip properties.

Some upscale models employ pakka wood, which is preferred for its hardness, moisture resistance and decorative function.

Most kitchen knives from China meet LFGB requirements and are FDA-approved. Designs are usually available in sets consisting of chef’s, bread, utility and paring models, a sharpening tool and a pair of scissors. Four- to eight-piece kits are popular.

Large collections with up to 28 items may also have boning, steak, slicing, cheese and fruit knives.

The blades feature a polished, sanded or mirror finish. The handles are commonly made of ABS, PP and Bakelite, although some use POM, ASA, TPR or TPE. In addition to stainless steel, which is easier to weld and integrate with the blade, brass is adopted in a number of upscale releases.

Blocks that keep knives organized have become a standard inclusion in sets. These can be in wood, stainless steel or acrylic. Some designs use the first two in combination.

Knives from China start at $8 and can exceed $20 per set. Generally, higher-priced models adopt nontraditional and imported materials.

Ceramic versions containing zirconia, for example, are five times more expensive than standard stainless steel types. Damascus designs, meanwhile, are up to six times the price of ceramic models. Pakka handles bring up quotes by 10 to 15 percent.

The packaging, which is usually buyer-specified, likewise affects quotes. Options at Yangjiang Nanfang Brothers Industrial & Trading Co. Ltd include a blister card, plastic case, or gift or leather box.

It is estimated that 20 percent of kitchen knife makers in China reduced or stopped production last year, while others strengthened domestic presence amid the global financial crunch.

There are currently 3,000 suppliers of the line in the country. Privately owned companies dominate, with foreign-invested enterprises and joint ventures accounting for 20 percent.

Most are small and midsize makers. The former has a workforce below 300 and annual export sales of not more than $3 million.

Midsize suppliers have up to 500 employees. Revenue for overseas shipments reaches $5 million. Large companies export $10 million worth or more each year.

To ensure quality, suppliers adopt the AQL system. They also perform visual and performance checks on samples of finished products. Cleverest Son’s Wife conducts 1m drop tests and offers a one-year warranty.

A number of companies employ 3D coordinate-measuring machines, which use precise geometric parameters to determine if models are ergonomic and of the right proportions.

Samples are sent to independent organizations such as SGS, BV and Intertek for nontoxicity tests.

Regardless of size, many suppliers ship via trading companies.

Production is concentrated in Guangdong province, accounting for 75 percent of China’s kitchen knife exports.

This article "Kitchen knives: Material upgrades boost performance" is originally posted in Global Sources.

Cleverest Son's Wife Kitchenware Mfg Co.Ltd
J&J Household Articles Co.,Ltd
Yangjiang Keli-No.2 Light Industry Co., Ltd
Yangjiang Yangdong longfeng Ind. Co. Ltd
Yangjiang Nanfang Brothers Industrial & Trading Company Ltd.