What type of knife is best for chopping nuts?

[kitchengoddess8]

I've been using my 8" chef's knife to chop nuts such as walnuts and brazil nuts but was wondering if there's a better knife for this purpose - something a little less cumbersome.

Any suggestions?

[HistoricFoodie]

"Best" is kind of a nebulous concept, KG, because there are so many variables, including type of nut, quantity, and how fine you want them---not to mention your comfort level using any particular tool.

For small quantities I put the nuts in a plastic bag and use my meat mallet to break them up. If I need them chopped really fine, I use a rolling pin.

Otherwise I just use my chef's knife. Don't find it awkward at all.

For really large quantities I use the food processor.

If you chop nuts often, you might want to check one of those choppers with the hand-driven, rotating blades. They're cheap enough (about 20 bucks, as I recall), quick to clean, and work well for many chopping tasks.

[justplainbill]

mezzaluna

[Steve Kroll]

If you don't want to use a knife, you might consider one of these for under $10.

Shop Progressive Nut Chopper at CHEFS.

I just saw it on America's Test Kitchen this morning, where it was recommended.

[PrincessFiona60]

I like this one:
Amazon.com: OXO Good Grips Chopper: Kitchen & Dining

[HistoricFoodie]

Those are what I was talking about, Steve & PF.

I don't care for them much myself, cuz there's not much I can't do with my knives. On the other hand, Friend Wife loves them, and uses them for, among other things, nuts, onions, garlic, and even some fresh herbs.

[PrincessFiona60]

Originally Posted by HistoricFoodie

Those are what I was talking about, Steve & PF.

I don't care for them much myself, cuz there's not much I can't do with my knives. On the other hand, Friend Wife loves them, and uses them for, among other things, nuts, onions, garlic, and even some fresh herbs.

I just cannot handle a knife for chopping finely any more. My arthritis is worse by the month. If I could still chop, I would be using a 6 inch chef's, the longest blade I could ever wield safely.

[HistoricFoodie]

Which is why we have different ways of accomplishing the same task, PF. Everybody has their own needs and comfort level.

I even know people who whip out the food processer to chop a small onion. To me that makes no sense. But it works for them, and that's what counts.

[jennyema]

Food processor o

[kitchengoddess8]

Originally Posted by justplainbill

mezzaluna

What do you think of this one?

http://www.target.com/p/Giada-De-Lau...e/-/A-11992443