Knives at Joseph Decuis — Photo courtesy of Kyle Miron, Frontiersman Media
When you order a steak at any restaurant, you get to choose which cut you want and how you’d like the meat cooked.
But, now, some of the top steakhouses around the world are also letting you choose which knife you'd like to use to cut it.
Special knives have become a way for restaurants to stand out, and here are a handful who have turned cutlery into an art form.
Samurai swords and Porsche design at Argyle Steakhouse
Knives at Argyle Steakhouse at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort — Photo courtesy of Argyle Steakhouse
The quintet of knives in the Argyle Steakhouse Concierge Program at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort each have a rich pedigree.
One of the most popular – the Tamahagane – is handmade in Japan, where this style has been used since the 1600s. Combining modern blade hardening technology with traditional Samurai swordsmith forging, its name means “jewel steel.” This precious metal is the perfect accompaniment to the Wagyu, the finest beef on the menu.
On a literally lighter note, the stunning Chroma Type 301 is designed by F.A. Porsche – yes, that Porsche – and it’s a marvel of form and function.
“The best steak knives feature not just a sharp blade, but a perfect balance created by the weight of the blade and handle,” says Brian Loughnane, director of food and beverage. “They also provide a special connection between the fibers of the meat and the blade of the knife. And when guests run out of things to talk about, the knives are great conversation pieces!”
Personally engraved knives at Level 2 Steakhouse
Private engraved steak knife collection at Level 2 — Photo courtesy of Level 2 Steakhouse
Guests at Level 2 Steakhouse in Branson, Mo. get to choose from a handful of knives which change frequently. But after five visits, they get their name engraved on one of the restaurant’s Signature Knives for their own personal use on future visits.
“The response to our frequent guest recognition program, the Kut Klub, has been overwhelming,” says Bill Tirone, general manager, Hiltons of Branson. “We now have over 1500 engraved knives, with another 200 people in the processing of earning theirs.”
According to Tirone, the most popular knives are the Rogue – by far the heaviest, with a wood handle that ensures an easy, clean cut for tender steaks – and the Red Pearl, which is a delicate, lightweight French knife.
Deer antler handles at Joseph Decuis
Knives at Joseph Decuis — Photo courtesy of Kyle Miron, Frontiersman Media
Considering Joseph Decuis in Roanoke, Ind. is the only restaurant in the country raising its own Wagyu with traditional Japanese husbandry practices, it’s no wonder it also has its own knives crafted by Master Blacksmith Curt Lyles.
The knives are presented in a handmade wooden box, and proprietor Alice Eshelman loves watching guests’ reactions when the server approaches them with it.
“It’s so much fun because the process makes them feel special,” she says. “They spend time 'ooh'-ing and 'ah'-ing over the knives and asking whether they should choose a long or short one, one with handles made of curly maple or one made from deer antlers.”
Knives from around the world at New York Steakhouse and Ocean Prime
The Knife Box at New York Steakhouse — Photo courtesy of Steakhouse.Asia
New York Steakhouse in Saigon, Vietnam has been featuring its now-iconic Knife Box since the restaurant opened in 2009.
“I knew guests would have different preferences; some like big American knives while others prefer traditional French Laguiole,” explains CEO Herve Beal.
He curated a small box of six knives which, he says, “instantly made the buzz!” Within two days, all customers were requesting it and he started production on boxes that were double the size.
Today, New York Steakhouse features a dozen different knives from around the world, all presented in the signature red box.
When Beal opened his second New York Steakhouse in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, he kept the Knife Box ritual. And at his newest restaurant, Ocean Prime Steakhouse in Phnom Penh, the tradition continues – this time with blue boxes.
The Knife Box at Ocean Prime Steakhouse — Photo courtesy of Steakhouse.Asia
As the only 100% American steakhouses in Southeast Asia, it seems appropriate that the most popular knife in all of them is the ceramic knife with an American flag handle.
