A Hollow-Ground Slicer is the Most Versatile Knife in Your Kitchen

When it comes to essential kitchen tools, most professional chefs and skilled home cooks will tell you that high-quality knives are among the most important. At a minimum, every well-equipped kitchen should have a chef's knife, a paring knife, a serrated knife and a hollow-ground slicer. Of these, the slicing knife is the most versatile and likely to get daily use, so you'll want to make sure to invest in one that is well made and feels great in your hand.

The Details

A hollow-ground slicer is defined by the slight indentions or hollows that run the length of the blade. These indentions are designed to reduce friction and prevent sticking, ensuring a smooth, even slice of everything from fruits and vegetables to meat and fish. Hollow-ground slicers are also perfect for slicing cheese and even sandwiches, making them the knife you want on hand when lunchtime rolls around. Read on for more about two of the hollow-ground slicers available at Williams Sonoma.

• Shun Classic Hollow-Ground Slicer - Expertly crafted to create thin, uniform slices of everything from roasted chicken to fresh peppers, this precision knife is the one you you'll find yourself reaching for again and again. The VG-MAX "super steel" blade is clad with 34 microthin layers of stainless steel, creating a variegated look. The nine-inch blade features an exceedingly sharp cutting edge, and the durable PakkaWood handle is formed in a D-shape that is designed to sit comfortably in the hand.
• Shun Kaji 9" Hollow-Ground Slicer - A Williams Sonoma exclusive, this exceptional knife is handcrafted in Japan and inspired by centuries-old samurai sword-making techniques. The long, slender blade is constructed with a core of SG-2 powdered steel clad in a true Damascus layer of forged nickel and stainless steel, and the handle is made of moisture-resistant PakkaWood that has been shaped for comfort and control. NSF-certified, the Shun Kaji slicer meets the high-level safety standards set for professional kitchens and is sure to become your go-to knife.

Wrap it Up

If you've chosen a hollow-ground slicer from a newlywed's registry and are looking for something to pair with it to make the gift feel a bit more personal, Williams Sonoma has a variety of great options. You might, for example, go the practical route by pairing the slicer with a knife sharpener or honing steel. Alternatively, you could pick out a solid wood cutting board to go with the knife. Williams Sonoma carries a variety of beautifully grained wooden cutting boards, several of which can be monogrammed for a truly special gift.