Q. My son is moving into his first house, and I would like to gift him some kitchen knives. Can you provide guidance on how many he will need and the appropriate spending range? MC, Brighton

A. Let’s address the budget first. The cost largely depends on how well he will maintain the knives. If he tends to misuse them—such as using the dishwasher (which is a major don’t), allowing them to become dull, or soaking them in water—then a budget of around £50 would be sensible. For a price range of £100 to £150, you can find high-quality knives that deserve proper care. If you go above this range, you are mostly paying for brand prestige. Japanese knives are often more desirable as they are made with finer, softer steel, which can be sharper, but they require more maintenance. Therefore, more durable western-style knives are recommended for a first purchase. I recommend the Wüsthof brand.

It’s better to avoid purchasing a complete knife set since he will likely only use one or two knives regularly. Focus on acquiring a versatile chef’s knife with a blade length between 15-23cm. I personally have a German-made knife with a Japanese design that works well for chopping and slicing. Additionally, a small paring knife of about 9cm is essential for more delicate cutting tasks. These two knives will form a solid starter kit, and a serrated bread knife would serve as a useful third option. It’s also important to get a quality honing steel to help maintain the knife edges. Lastly, consider gifting him a magnetic knife rack, which is more protective than a wooden block that can dull the blades.

If you have more food-related queries, feel free to post them below.