What is a Sausage Knife Used For? The Complete Guide to This Handy Kitchen Tool

A sausage knife may seem like a niche kitchen tool, but it’s actually quite versatile and useful to have on hand. As the name suggests, a sausage knife is great for slicing sausages, but its unique serrated blade makes it handy for much more.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about sausage knives including

• What is a sausage knife?
• The benefits of using a sausage knife
• How to use a sausage knife properly
• Foods you can cut with a sausage knife
• Sausage knife maintenance and care
• Why a sausage knife is a valuable addition to your kitchen

What Exactly is a Sausage Knife?

A sausage knife is a specialty kitchen knife designed specifically for cutting sausages and other tough-skinned foods. It features a long, narrow blade with fine, sharp serrations along the cutting edge.

The serrated edge allows the knife to easily slice through sausages, salami, and other cured meats without tearing the casing or squishing the insides. It also makes quick work of slicing tomatoes, fruits, bread, and cheese.

Sausage knives typically have blades between 4-7 inches long. The handle is often ergonomically designed for comfort and control. Many sausage knives have a forked tip which helps lift sliced foods off the cutting board.

The Benefits of Using a Sausage Knife

There are several advantages to using a dedicated sausage knife rather than an ordinary knife when preparing sausages and other foods

• Cleaner cuts The fine serrations slice cleanly through sausage casings without tearing,

• Thinner slices: The long, narrow blade makes it easier to cut paper-thin slices.

• Less squishing: The thinner blade presses down less on soft interiors.

• Versatility: The serrated edge can slice through a variety of foods with tough exteriors.

• Safety: The specialized handle provides more control when slicing.

• Forked tip: Allows easy lifting of sliced foods from the cutting board.

How to Use a Sausage Knife Properly

Using proper technique is important when handling any sharp knife in the kitchen. Here are some tips for safely and effectively using a sausage knife:

• Set up your workstation – Clear some counter space and place a large cutting board to allow plenty of room for slicing. Position food firmly on the board so it doesn’t wobble.

• Hold the knife correctly – Grip the handle firmly, but not too tight. Keep your fingers curled under to avoid injury if the knife slips.

• Cut at an angle – Hold the knife at a slight diagonal angle to the food to allow the serrations to grab and slice smoothly.

• Use a sawing motion – Gently draw the serrated blade back and forth in a slow sawing motion rather than trying to simply press straight down.

• Apply light pressure – Let the serrated edge do the work. Too much pressure causes tearing.

• Watch your fingertips – Keep fingertips clear of the blade’s path and curled under your knuckles.

Foods You Can Cut with a Sausage Knife

A sausage knife’s serrated edge makes it adept at slicing many foods besides sausages, such as:

• Cured meats – Salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, bresaola

• Fresh sausages – Breakfast links, bratwurst, Italian sausage

• Delicate baked goods – Cakes, pies, fruit tarts

• Hard cheeses – Cheddar, gouda, parmesan

• Crusty bread – Baguettes, ciabatta, sourdough

• Firm fruits and veggies – Pineapple, tomatoes, squash

• Smoked fish – Salmon, sturgeon, trout

• Ham and other roasts

• Bacon

Proper Care and Maintenance

Like all fine kitchen knives, sausage knives require some basic care to maintain optimal performance:

• Hand wash gently after each use in warm, soapy water. Avoid the dishwasher.

• Dry thoroughly with a soft towel to prevent corrosion.

• Hone regularly with a sharpening steel to keep the edge aligned and sharp.

• Sharpen occasionally with a quality whetstone or electric sharpener when honing no longer works.

• Avoid cutting bones or frozen foods which can chip the fine serrations.

• Store properly in a knife block, sheath, or drawer organizer. Never loose in a drawer.

With proper use and care, a good sausage knife will retain its sharp edge and provide clean cuts for many years. Honing with a sharpening steel before each use helps keep the edge finely serrated.

Why a Sausage Knife is a Worthwhile Investment

A sausage knife is a versatile, useful tool that can make many cutting tasks easier and more efficient in the kitchen. Here are some top reasons why it’s worth the investment:

• The thin, serrated blade slices sausages and other foods with tough exteriors much more cleanly than a plain or chef’s knife.

• It allows you to cut uniform, thin slices of food quickly and safely.

• The specialized handle provides excellent control and stability compared to an ordinary knife.

• High quality sausage knives stay sharp for a very long time with proper maintenance.

• A sausage knife can be used to cut a wide variety of foods beyond just sausages.

• It takes up minimal space and is inexpensive compared to most other kitchen knives.

For such an affordable price, a sausage knife delivers outstanding performance and makes food prep much easier. It’s one of the most useful, yet underrated kitchen tools you can own.

While often overshadowed by more common knives, the humble sausage knife is a true multitasker in the kitchen. Its characteristic long, thin, serrated blade allows you to cleanly and precisely slice through sausages, cured meats, breads, tomatoes, and more.

With proper slicing technique and regular care, a quality sausage knife will provide you with many years of safer, easier food prep. It’s one of the handiest speciality kitchen knives you can add to your collection.