Hollow Ground Knives

Q: What is a hollow-ground knife?

A hollow-ground knife traditionally has a blade bevel with a concave, inward-curving profile. In kitchen cutlery, the term is also sometimes used for knives with shallow indentations along the blade’s sides, more precisely called hollow-edge knives.

Q: What are the indentations on hollow-edge knives called?

The shallow indentations are commonly called scallops or dimples. They appear on the sides of the blade rather than forming notches along the cutting edge.

Q: How does a hollow grind differ from a flat grind?

A hollow grind curves inward as the blade tapers toward the cutting edge. A flat grind tapers along a straight surface. These terms describe the blade’s cross-sectional shape.

Q: Are hollow-ground knives the same as serrated knives?

No. Hollow grinding describes the shape of a blade’s bevel, while serration describes the toothlike pattern along its cutting edge. A hollow grind and a serrated edge are separate features.

Q: Which kitchen knife styles can have a hollow edge?

Hollow edges appear on several kitchen knife styles, including chef’s knives, santoku knives and slicing knives. The term describes the indentations on the blade, not a particular knife shape.

Find hollow ground knives for everyday food prep, from chopping vegetables to making precise slices. Compare blade length and shape to match the foods you cut most, and review each knife’s edge design and handle details to choose one that suits your cutting tasks and grip.

Hollow ground knives are worth considering for everyday prep that involves repeated slicing, dicing and chopping. In kitchen cutlery, “hollow ground” often describes hollow-edge blades with shallow indentations along their sides. These recesses reduce the surface area in contact with food and can help slices release more easily, particularly when working with ingredients such as potatoes, cucumbers and squash. For cooks preparing vegetables for a weeknight dinner or cutting ingredients for a larger meal, that detail can make a useful difference in how smoothly prep progresses. The hollows work alongside the knife’s overall shape and cutting edge, rather than replacing the need for a sharp blade. Choosing among hollow ground knives means considering both food release and the qualities that make a knife comfortable and effective for the way you cook.

Blade length, profile and balance are helpful starting points when comparing options. A longer blade provides more cutting length for larger ingredients, while a shorter blade may feel easier to control for smaller tasks. A curved cutting edge accommodates a rocking motion, while a flatter profile is better suited to straight downward cuts and forward slicing. Blade height also matters: a taller blade can provide knuckle clearance at the cutting board and room to guide the knife with your other hand. Handle shape, grip and the distribution of weight between handle and blade all contribute to comfort, especially during longer prep sessions. The most useful choice is not necessarily the largest or heaviest knife, but one that matches your usual ingredients, cutting motion and available workspace. The hollow-edge feature is one consideration within that larger fit.

For a first kitchen setup, a versatile knife that handles frequent prep tasks can be more useful than a specialized shape. Cooks adding to an established collection may prefer a blade that fills a particular need, such as working through larger vegetables or making longer, even slices. Construction, edge design and care requirements also deserve attention, since they influence how a knife fits into your routine over time. A cutting board that is gentle on the edge, secure storage that keeps blades from contacting other utensils and sharpening suited to the knife all help protect its usefulness. When choosing a hollow ground knife as a gift, consider the recipient’s cooking habits and comfort with knife maintenance rather than the blade detail alone. Whether you cook occasionally or prepare meals every day, a well-chosen knife should feel like a practical extension of the tasks you already enjoy.