Cutco straight-edge knives feature a precise cutting edge. The blade has an angle of 15 degrees on each side. This creates a 30 degrees inclusive angle. This specific design defines what angle are Cutco blades. The unique double-d recessed edge offers a different cutting geometry. These precise angles are crucial for Cutco’s reputation for superior performance and lasting durability.
Key Takeaways
Cutco straight-edge knives have a 15-degree angle on each side. This makes them very sharp for cutting food.
The Cutco Double-D® edge is a special serrated design. It helps the knife cut tough things and stay sharp longer.
Cutco knives cut well and stay sharp for a long time. This is because of their special angles and strong steel.
You can sharpen straight-edge Cutco knives at home with a 15-degree sharpener. Cutco offers a special service to sharpen Double-D® edges.
Cutco’s blade angles help the knives cut easily and last many years. This makes them good for everyday kitchen use.
What Angle Are Cutco Straight Edge Blades?
Primary Bevel Angle
Cutco straight-edge knives feature a precise 15-degree angle on each side. This creates a 30-degree inclusive angle. This specific design is a key specification for Cutco. The company sharpens all its straight-edge blades to this 15-degree angle per side. This is a common choice for many knife manufacturers.
Brand | Blade Angle (per side) |
|---|---|
Cutco | 15-degree |
Dalstrong (Japanese-style) | 8-12 degree |
Dalstrong (German-style) | 16-18 degree |
This table shows how Cutco’s angle compares to others. It highlights what angle are Cutco blades.
Angle Rationale
The choice of a 15-degree per-side angle for Cutco knives is not random. It reflects a careful balance of cutting performance and durability. This specific knife edge angle allows for excellent sharpness. It also ensures the blade remains robust enough for everyday kitchen tasks.
For high-performance kitchen knives, the primary bevel angle depends on the steel’s hardness and the knife’s purpose. Harder steels can support thinner angles. For example, powder metallurgy “super” steels (60-64 HRC) can handle 12-17 degrees per side. Stainless kitchen steels (56-60 HRC), like those often used by Cutco, typically fall into the 15-20 degree range.
Western kitchen knives often have angles from 17-25 degrees per side. This provides a good balance of durability and cutting power. Japanese double-bevel knives, designed for precision, often use 15-17 degrees per side. Cutco’s 15-degree angle aligns with this more acute, performance-oriented range.
The scientific principles behind this choice are clear. Harder steels allow for a thinner, more acute edge without bending or chipping. This hardness helps maintain superior sharpness and edge retention. A 15-degree angle, supported by quality steel, helps the blade pass through food with less resistance. This leads to cleaner cuts.
Consider the tradeoffs of different angles:
Sharpening Angle | Characteristics | Tradeoff (Edge Retention) |
|---|---|---|
Lower Angles (10°-17° per side) | Extremely sharp edges for precision tasks. | Prone to chipping, requires frequent maintenance (lower edge retention) |
Moderate Angles (17°-22° per side) | Balance between sharpness and durability. | Suitable for general cooking tasks (balanced edge retention) |
Higher Angles (22°-30° per side) | Strong, durable edges for heavy-duty tasks. | Less sharp compared to lower angles (higher edge retention) |
A 15-degree edge is very sharp and good for precise cuts. However, it may need more maintenance than a 20-degree edge. A 20-degree edge is more durable and needs less care. It is good for all-purpose cutting. Cutco’s 15-degree angle offers a balance. It provides excellent sharpness while still being practical for a wide range of kitchen uses.
Cutco Double-D® Edge Angle
Unique Design & Function
The Cutco Double-D® edge features a unique design. It is a serrated edge with alternating cutting edges and points. This creates a different kind of cutting geometry. It does not have a single bevel angle like straight-edge knives. The Double-D® edge has a series of three recessed cutting edges. Points are incorporated to protect these cutting edges. This helps the blade retain its sharpness over time. This pattern looks like ‘^^^^^^’. It shows multiple cutting points along the blade. This unique design allows the double-d recessed edge to saw through tough materials. It also slices through softer foods with ease.
Performance Advantages
The unique design of the Double-D® edge offers several performance advantages. This edge allows the knife to cut through items that might be difficult for a straight edge. For example, it can easily slice through tomatoes, bread, or roasts. The serrations act like small saws. They grip the food and cut it without tearing. This design also helps the knife stay sharp longer. The protected cutting edges resist dulling. Users often praise the Double-D® edge for its durability. One user prefers the Cutco Double-D for cutting motions over other brands. This user notes it does not require home sharpening. It is also dishwasher safe. Another user highlights the Double-D edge’s performance for most everyday kitchen tasks. This user notes its durability and ability to go into a dishwasher without fear, even after 20 years of use. This shows the long-lasting quality of the blade.
Benefits of Cutco Blade Angles
Cutting Performance
Cutco’s specific blade angles offer significant advantages in cutting performance. The 15-degree per-side angle on straight-edge knives creates a very sharp edge. This allows the knife to slice through many foods with minimal effort. The unique Double-D® edge also excels in various cutting tasks. This serrated design is superior for most general cutting needs. It easily cuts things into pieces.
The Double-D® edge is especially effective for penetration cuts. Its many points can be used at the same time to start a cut. This design also handles abusive hard cutting well. For example, it can cut through tough materials like animal hide. The points take the stress, protecting the main cutting arcs. This ensures the blade performs reliably even under demanding conditions.
Edge Retention & Durability
Cutco knives maintain their sharpness and last a long time due to careful design and materials. Manufacturers craft the blades from high-carbon, stainless steel. This material holds a sharp edge well and resists rust. A three-step heat-treating process further enhances the steel. This process makes the blade hard, flexible, and resistant to stains. It ensures superior edge retention.
The hollow grind process also contributes to durability. It creates a thin, sharp edge while minimizing drag. The specially engineered Double-D® edge features recessed cutting edges. Points separate these edges. These points protect the cutting edges from dulling surfaces like plates or bones. This design increases the effective cutting edge per inch by 15-20%. It helps the blade stay sharp for many years of normal kitchen use. Some users report using their Cutco knives for about 20 years before needing resharpening. Cutco also offers a “Forever Guarantee.” This includes free resharpening when knives are no longer sharp enough. This service extends the functional sharpness of the knives indefinitely.
Sharpening Cutco Blades
Straight Edge Sharpening
You can sharpen your knives with a straight edge at home. For Cutco straight-edge knives, a sharpening angle of 15 degrees per side is recommended. This creates a 30-degree inclusive angle. Cutco offers a sharpener designed for this purpose. It has carbide inserts set at the precise 15-degree angle. This tool helps you maintain the factory edge. After using the carbide sharpener, you can refine the edge. Finish with a 1K grit stone for a very keen edge. This process helps you sharpen kitchen knives effectively. Regular sharpening ensures your straight-edge knives perform their best. Many people choose professional sharpening for the best results.
Double-D® Edge Maintenance
The unique Double-D® edge requires a different approach. You cannot sharpen this type of blade with standard sharpeners. Its serrated design needs specialized tools. Cutco offers sharpening services for the Double-D® edge. This sharpening is provided as part of their Forever Guarantee. You send your knives to Cutco. They will restore the edge to its original sharpness. This service helps keep knives sharp for a long time. It ensures the unique geometry of the blade remains intact. This professional sharpening maintains the integrity of the blade. It is a convenient way to ensure your Double-D® knives always have a sharp knife edge. This knife sharpening service is a key benefit of owning Cutco. It provides a reliable blade sharpening service. This professional sharpening option saves you time and effort.
Cutco’s straight-edge knives feature a 15-degree angle per side, making a 30-degree inclusive angle. The Double-D® edge has a unique serrated geometry. These precise designs define what angle are Cutco blades. They ensure superior cutting ability, excellent edge retention, and overall quality. Understanding what angle are Cutco blades helps users appreciate the engineering behind each knife for optimal use and care of their blade.
FAQ
What is the precise angle of Cutco straight-edge knives?
Cutco straight-edge knives feature a 15-degree angle on each side. This creates a 30-degree inclusive angle. This specific design provides excellent sharpness for various cutting tasks.
What is the Cutco Double-D® edge?
The Double-D® edge is a unique serrated design. It has alternating cutting edges and protective points. This geometry allows the knife to saw through tough materials and slice soft foods easily.
What are the main benefits of Cutco’s blade angles?
Cutco’s blade angles offer superior cutting performance and durability. The sharp 15-degree edge cuts cleanly. The Double-D® edge excels in diverse tasks and maintains sharpness longer due to its protected design.
What is the recommended sharpening angle for Cutco straight-edge knives?
Users should sharpen Cutco straight-edge knives at a 15-degree angle per side. This matches the factory edge. Cutco offers a sharpener with carbide inserts set at this precise angle for home maintenance.
What makes the Double-D® edge unique for maintenance?
The Double-D® edge cannot be sharpened with standard tools. Its unique serrated pattern requires specialized equipment. Cutco provides professional sharpening services for this edge as part of their Forever Guarantee.
