Andre de Villiers has been making blades since he was just 17 years old. He started his own company, Blade HQ, in 2008, and today, he makes some of the finest kitchen knives available. We have selected our favorite five knives from his collection, and they are sure to become favorites among chefs around the globe.
Andre de Villiers is an award winning knife maker who has been making knives for over 30 years. He was born in South Africa but now lives in France where he makes his knives. His knives are known for their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. They are made using only high grade materials and are hand forged and heat treated. The blades are made from carbon steel and stainless steel. All of his knives come with a lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and material.
You will find all of his products there including his signature line of knives.
Andre de Villiers has been one of South Africa’s most successful sportsmen over the last decade. He was part of the Springbok rugby team that won three consecutive Rugby World Cups during the 1990s. After retiring from playing he became a coach and now works as a commentator. His career highlights include being named captain of the Boks in 1996 and winning the Super 12 title in 1997.
De Villiers started his knife collection after buying his first set of kitchen knives while working as a chef in France. He says that he bought these knives because they were “the best quality I could afford”. Since then he has acquired several other sets of knives including a Japanese style set which he uses for cutting food.
He currently owns around 30 knives but only keeps five of them in use. These are his favorite knives; a paring knife, a bread knife, a carving knife, a serrated bread knife and a utility knife. He says that he prefers using his bread knife for slicing bread rather than using a knife board.
His advice for anyone thinking of starting a knife collection is to start off with a basic set of knives. Then add additional sets as you progress through life. He suggests that beginners should avoid purchasing expensive knives because they are difficult to sharpen and take longer to clean. Instead, he recommends getting a cheap set of knives and learning how to sharpen them properly.
Once you know how to sharpen your knives correctly, you can purchase better quality knives. De Villiers says that he would recommend buying a set of stainless steel knives because they hold their edge longer than carbon steel blades. However, he adds that this does mean that they require regular maintenance. Stainless steel knives must be kept dry and oiled every time they are used. Carbon steel knives do not need oiling but they do need to be cleaned regularly.
The final piece of advice that De Villiers gives is to never throw away old knives. He says that they can still be useful and that they can be re-sharpened. When you do decide to discard them, he advises that you put them in a plastic bag and store them somewhere cool and dark.
This article originally appeared in the December 2015 issue of Blade Magazine. To read the original article click here.
If you want to buy a knife set, then you should start by looking at the blades. When buying a knife, you have two main choices - stainless steel or carbon steel. Stainless steel is considered the best material because it doesn't rust, however, it is very heavy. Carbon steel is lighter and easier to sharpen. Both materials are great, so it really depends on how often you use your knives. For example, if you like to cook a lot, then stainless steel might be better for you. On the other hand, if you just want to chop vegetables, then carbon steel may be better for you. You'll find that most people prefer carbon steel because they tend to hold their edge longer. This means that they won't dull as quickly. So, if you're looking for something that will last, then carbon steel is the way to go.
Next, you'll want to think about the handle. There are many different types of handles available. One type of handle is wood. Wood is a traditional option, but it isn't necessarily the best. Instead, try titanium or aluminum. Titanium is lightweight and strong, while aluminum is durable and easy to clean. A third option would be plastic. Plastic is light, yet sturdy. Another advantage of plastic is that it is dishwasher safe.
After deciding on the handle, you'll want to decide whether you want a fixed or folding knife. Fixed knifes stay closed until opened, while folding knives open up automatically. Folding knives are usually smaller and less expensive than fixed ones. They are perfect for camping trips or travel. However, fixed knives are ideal for everyday use.
Finally, you'll want to think about the sheath. Sheaths come in various sizes and styles. Leather is one popular option, but you can also opt for nylon or canvas. Nylon is soft, while canvas is tough. Leather tends to wear down faster than nylon, so it's best used for short trips. Canvas is a versatile option that works well for any occasion.
Blade length. The longer the knife's blade, the more effective it will be at cutting through food. But if the blade is too short, then it may slip off food items while chopping them. This could result in accidents.
Handle material. Handle materials range from wood to plastic. Wood handles tend to hold their shape well over time, whereas plastic handles tend to break down quickly. Plastic handles are easier to clean than wooden ones, but they can scratch easily.
Edge design. Some edge designs are sharpened along the entire length of the blade, while others only sharpen the tip of the blade. Sharpening the entire length of the blade makes it easier to cut through tough foods such as carrots, potatoes, and onions.
Stainless steel blades. Stainless steel blades are durable and rust resistant. They're also dishwasher safe.
Comfort grip. Comfort grips are soft and comfortable to hold. They're often made of rubberized synthetic leather, which provides a secure grip even during vigorous chopping.
Knife storage. Knife storage options range from simple sheaths to knife cases. Sheaths protect the handle of the knife from damage and keep the blade protected until needed.
Knife case. Knife cases are available in many styles, including hard plastic, leather, and metal. Metal cases are usually heavier and pricier, but they're also sturdier and less prone to scratching.
Cleaning. Cleaning your knife properly ensures its longevity. Use warm water and soap to remove dirt and grime. Rinse thoroughly under running water to ensure no soap residue remains.
Wipe dry immediately. Wiping your knife dry removes moisture, which causes corrosion. Dry knives prevent rust.
Store safely. Store your knife in a cool place away from heat sources. Heat speeds up the aging process, causing the blade to become dull faster.
Andre De Villiers is known for his innovative designs. He has created some of the most iconic blades in the industry including the famous “Blade” series. His latest creation is the “Villa” line of knives. Here we will look at what makes each knife special and how they differ from each other.
The Blade Series. The Blade series was originally released in 2009. Each model features a distinctive design and handle shape. They were intended to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike.