The right tools make cooking so much easier and much more effective, and a good set of knives is absolutely essential. High-quality knives will last a lifetime, so be sure to invest in the best set of knives that you can afford.

The best knives are made from high-carbon stainless-steel blades that are riveted in the handle. High-carbon stainless steel resists corrosion and discoloration, and the blades sharpen easily. Before you make a purchase, pick up the knives to make sure that they feel balanced and comfortable in your hands.  Naturally we all have different hand shapes and sizes so be sure to fit the knife to your hand structure. I liken this example to purchasing a baseball glove. There are many sizes and brands on the market today, but you will have to find that perfect fit. 

Keep the knives sharpened for the best performance and safety. Always wash knives by hand because dishwasher detergents are very harsh and may damage the knives over time. I will list the five (5) basic types and their characteristics.    

1. Bread Knife (8-inch blade): A serrated blade used for slicing breads, bagels and tomatoes.
2. Carving Knife (10-inch blade): A long, thin blade used for carving meats and assorted poultry.
3. Chef's Knife (8 - or 10-inch blade): An elongated, wedge-shaped blade used for chopping, dicing and mincing foods. This blade will be used quite often. 
4. Paring Knife (3 - to 4-inch blade): A short blade used for peeling vegetables and fruits and cutting small amounts of foods.  
5. Utility Knife (6-inch blade): A thin blade used for slicing foods such as sandwiches, fruits, cheeses, cakes, bars and other soft foods. 

A well researched and carefully selected knife set will go a long way in making you into a quality home cook. Spend a little time at the outset and shoot for quality. Once you have this exercise accomplished, you will be ready to venture into other areas of home cooking.