Fini Cutlery Knives Review: Revolutionizing Kitchen Ergonomics and Performance

Upon first glance, the Fini Cutlery Knives might strike you as unconventional, perhaps even amusing, with their distinctive stubby blades and uniquely shortened handles. However, don’t let their unorthodox appearance deceive you. We’ve put these innovative knives to the test for over 45 days of rigorous daily use in a bustling kitchen environment, and the results are truly remarkable. Our comprehensive Fini Cutlery Knives review delves deep into both the groundbreaking PROs and the minor CONs of this intriguing set, exploring how they challenge traditional knife design to offer superior control and comfort.

The Vision Behind Fini Cutlery: Chef-Invented Innovation

The story of Fini Cutlery begins on Kickstarter, founded by Peter Rigas, a seasoned 20-year restaurant veteran hailing from New York. Rigas embarked on a mission to reimagine the fundamental design of kitchen knives, focusing not just on blade quality but, more importantly, on the user’s grip and overall ergonomic experience. His vision was to create a knife that felt like a natural extension of the hand, enhancing precision and reducing strain for every culinary task. The following video offers an excellent visual explanation of the Fini Knives’ unique features and the philosophy behind their design, providing insights that words alone might struggle to convey:

Fini Cutlery Knives: Key Specifications and Craftsmanship

Understanding the core specifications of the Fini Cutlery Knives helps appreciate their construction and performance profile:

• Rockwell Hardness: 58 HRC – A balance chosen for durability and ease of sharpening, typical of high-quality European knives.
• Steel Type: German Steel 1.4116 – Known for its excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and edge retention.
• Manufacturing Location: Made in China – Combining German steel quality with efficient manufacturing.
• Edge Angle: Double ground edge of 20° angle, with the Santoku knife featuring a hollow ground edge for reduced friction.
• Warranty: 30-day satisfaction guarantee, underscoring confidence in their unique design and quality.

Revolutionary Design: The Inevitable Pinch Grip – A Game-Changing PRO!

Traditional kitchen knife innovation often centers on metallurgical advancements – the perfect balance of blade hardness (Rockwell Hardness), optimal edge angles (European vs. Asian styles), and the specific type of steel used (Japanese or German). While these aspects are undeniably important, Fini Cutlery takes a refreshing and fundamentally different approach. Instead of merely refining existing designs, Fini started with the user. They designed their knives from the ground up to *mandate* and *optimize* proper knife handling techniques, particularly the ergonomic “pinch grip.”

For those unfamiliar, the pinch grip involves holding the knife with your thumb and forefinger pinching the blade directly at the bolster, while your remaining fingers wrap around the handle. This technique is universally endorsed by professional chefs for its superior control, stability, and safety. Fini knives are ingeniously designed so that there is virtually no other comfortable or effective way to hold them. Your thumb and forefinger naturally fall into position, gripping the blade securely, while the abbreviated handle tucks neatly into your palm. This design significantly minimizes blade wobble and provides an unparalleled sense of control, making precise cuts feel effortless and natural. This inherent design feature transforms what might initially seem like an oddity into one of the Fini Cutlery Knives’ most significant advantages, especially for those learning proper knife skills or seeking to enhance their existing ones.

The short, stubby handle is not a flaw but a deliberate design choice that further enhances stability and control. It allows your last two fingers to comfortably curl around the butt of the knife, providing a snug fit that anchors the blade firmly in your hand. This seemingly minor detail has profound implications for delicate tasks. Imagine mincing fresh herbs or precisely chopping celery using only a couple of fingertips for guidance – a feat that often seems reserved for seasoned professionals. With Fini knives, this level of control becomes surprisingly attainable, astonishing even experienced cooks with its ease and effectiveness.

Premium Materials: German Steel 1.4116 – A Durable PRO

The selection of materials is another strong point for Fini Cutlery. The blades are forged from German Steel 1.4116, a choice that reflects a commitment to quality and performance. While not as commonly discussed as some other steel types, 1.4116 is highly regarded for its balanced composition of carbon and chromium. This specific alloy provides an excellent combination of corrosion resistance, crucial for kitchen environments, along with impressive strength and superior edge retention. This means your Fini knives will not only stay sharp longer but will also resist rust and maintain their integrity even with frequent use and washing.

Coupled with a Rockwell Hardness of 58 HRC and a 20° edge angle, the Fini knives exemplify the characteristics of classic European-style cutlery. This combination strikes an optimal balance between sharpness and durability. For context, as explained by reputable electric knife sharpening companies like Chef’s Choice, European knives typically feature a wider 20° angle and a slightly softer Rockwell hardness compared to their Asian counterparts. Asian knives, with their finer 15° angles and harder blades (often 60-61 HRC), offer incredibly precise, thin slices but are also more prone to chipping or breaking if mishandled. They also require more specialized techniques for honing and sharpening.

European blades, like those from Fini, are designed for robustness. Their thicker, sturdier construction makes them ideal for tasks requiring more brute force, such as cutting through dense root vegetables like squash and potatoes, handling large cuts of meat, or butchering poultry. Their slightly softer hardness also means they are generally easier to hone and sharpen at home, making them a practical choice for everyday cooks. The Fini Santoku knife, while typically associated with Asian designs, cleverly incorporates a hollow-ground blade (Granton edge), which creates air pockets to prevent food from sticking, allowing vegetables to effortlessly slide off the blade – a thoughtful feature that marries the best of both worlds.

German Steel, Made in China: A Balanced Approach

The fact that Fini knives utilize German steel but are manufactured in China is often a point of discussion. From a pragmatic standpoint, this combination is neither inherently a PRO nor a CON. Many high-quality brands leverage global manufacturing capabilities to deliver premium products at competitive prices. The critical factor is the strict quality control and adherence to design specifications, which Fini appears to maintain. Ultimately, the origin of manufacturing becomes less significant when the final product consistently delivers on its promises of performance and durability. Given the impressive results of our extensive testing, the manufacturing location does not detract from the overall quality or innovative design of the Fini Cutlery knives.

The Ergonomic Masterpiece: Fini’s Tailored Handles

One cannot discuss Fini Cutlery without dedicating significant attention to its handles. Unlike most knife sets where a single handle design is merely scaled up or down to fit different blade sizes, Fini’s approach is revolutionary. Peter Rigas, the founder, emphasizes that each knife’s handle is meticulously designed around its specific purpose and the unique ways it will be held and used. This bespoke design philosophy ensures optimal comfort and control for every task.

This commitment to personalized ergonomics becomes particularly evident when observing the nuanced differences in each Fini knife handle. This innovative thinking makes Fini Cutlery stand out in a crowded market, providing an intuitive and comfortable experience that truly elevates daily cooking.

Unforeseen Benefits: Relief for Aching Hands

Perhaps one of the most compelling testimonials for Fini Cutlery comes from an unexpected source: my mother. Having recently undergone hand surgery for arthritis, her greatest concern was the potential loss of her ability to comfortably use kitchen knives. Out of all the knives she’s tried, only two sets provided her with pain-free usability: the Anolon SureGrip set, thanks to its cushioned handles, and surprisingly, the Fini set.

The day I unboxed the Fini knives, she was visiting. We quickly put them to the test with a few quick cuts before dinner. The true revelation, however, came after. My mother enthusiastically cornered me, asking for the Fini knives! She reported experiencing absolutely ZERO pain while using them. This profound relief stems directly from Fini’s innovative design. Instead of relying on all fingers and the entire palm to grip and stabilize the knife – a motion often agonizing for arthritic hands – she was able to use just two fingers to control the blade via the pinch grip. The rest of the shortened handle nestled effortlessly in her palm, requiring minimal effort and alleviating strain on her joints. These knives have become indispensable to her, proving to be a genuine game-changer for anyone experiencing hand, wrist, or arm pain, or those seeking to prevent such discomfort during extensive kitchen work. She hasn’t given them back, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Detailed Examination: Each Fini Knife – PROs and CONs

Fini 8″ Chef’s Knife
PRO: This 8-inch chef’s knife is a standout. Its substantial size and balanced heft make it exceptionally well-suited for a wide range of tasks, from precise mincing of garlic and herbs to robust chopping of vegetables. Of all the knives in the set, the chef’s knife truly shines, feeling like a natural extension of your hand and offering remarkable control and comfort during prolonged use. Its innovative design truly comes to life in this versatile kitchen workhorse.

CON: While nearly perfect, a minor refinement could enhance its comfort further. The bolster (the thick piece connecting the blade and handle) is quite angular. A more gently curved, sloped bolster, akin to the design seen on knives like the Misen Knife, could provide an even smoother transition and more comfortable grip point, particularly for those with larger hands or different grip styles.

Fini Santoku Knife
PRO: The Fini Santoku knife has become my mother’s preferred tool for all vegetable preparations. Its distinct dimples, or Granton edge, along the side of the blade are incredibly effective at creating air pockets, which significantly reduce friction and prevent ingredients from sticking. This feature makes quick work of slicing cucumbers, carrots, and other produce, ensuring a smooth and efficient cutting experience.

CON: Despite its advantages, the Santoku has a notable drawback. For a knife designed for fine vegetable work, its blade feels somewhat thicker than ideal. I personally find it a bit clumsy when attempting the super-thin matchsticks of carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini, or the paper-thin slices of onions and garlic cloves that a true, thinner-bladed Japanese-style Santoku excels at. The thicker profile, while adding durability, slightly compromises its finesse for delicate tasks.

Another specific concern with this knife is the exceptionally sharp, pointy corner at the heel of the blade, where it meets the bolster. Both my mother and I have inadvertently pricked or cut ourselves on this exposed edge. While a half-bolster design is generally advantageous as it provides the full length of the blade for cutting and sharpening, on this particular knife, that corner poses a safety risk. This is a simple fix; a few gentle passes with a metal file could easily dull this sharp point without affecting the knife’s performance, significantly improving user safety.

Fini Bread Knife
PRO: The Fini Bread Knife is a truly excellent specimen, performing flawlessly across various bread types. Its serrated edge glides effortlessly through crusty loaves without tearing, delivering clean, precise slices every time. I find very little to criticize about its design and functionality. The corner blade edge, while still present, feels slightly softer than that of the Santoku, making it less of a concern. A minimal amount of filing could still refine it further, but it’s not a significant issue.

Fini Paring Knife
PRO: The Fini Paring Knife is expertly crafted for intricate, in-hand tasks. Its design is perfect for peeling apples with the knife cradled in your palm, meticulously peeling skins from onions or garlic cloves, or hulling strawberries. Its compact size and pear-shaped handle offer exceptional maneuverability and control for delicate work where precision is paramount.

CON: Similar to the Santoku, this paring knife also features a surprisingly sharp corner on its blade. From a personal perspective, the overall shape of the blade feels a bit unconventional. The slight indentation on the blade, located right where my forefinger naturally rests, occasionally gets in the way. When performing tasks like paring an apple, this sharp corner can dig uncomfortably into my finger. Again, this is an easily remedied design oversight. A quick application of a metal file would dull this corner, significantly improving comfort and safety during use.

Fini Utility Knife
PRO: This utility knife stands out with its more conventional, full-sized handle, which is a deliberate design choice that enhances its versatility. When questioned about this, founder Peter Rigas offered a profound insight into Fini’s design philosophy:

“The Utility Knife is used and held in many different ways for various tasks. It is why the industry calls it “Utility.” Sometimes you are low with it, cutting sideways butterflying a chicken breast or a filet (which can be done with our chef’s knife as well)…sometimes you may be holding it high in the palm of your hand pointing down to cut around a ham bone or a roast. (the way Norman Bates held his knife):)

If you need a longer handle, it’s because you need a different blade, a different knife…for a specific task. That is why knife sets come with many knives. Unfortunately, few know how to use them so they end up struggling through work, using the one knife in the set that they are comfortable with.

If you look at our paring knife, for example…that handle is also different from the rest of them. It is a pear-shaped handle designed to fit comfortably in your hand for any task the knife is used for…paring, deflowering strawberries, small cutting board tasks, etc…That knife alone took hundreds of hours to perfect and is only used on our paring knife.

FINI are the only knives where each handle is specifically designed for the tasks they are built for. Usually, knives are designed with one handle design and then ONLY the handle size increases or decreases based on the size of the blade. The shape stays the same. This made no sense to us. It’s the actual shape of the handle that matters. We designed our knives in reverse. We first listed the work each particular knife would need to do and then designed handles around the work list, and lastly fitted them with blades.

However, at first glance, some experienced Chefs thought they would lose the leverage needed for carving a chicken or smashing garlic and other similar tasks using our 8″ Chef’s knife. Honestly, it does appear that way. But after using it, they realize that the handle totally locks into their hand, delivering more power and more control…not less. We even incorporated design features that make it comfortable to hold it upside down to scrape food off the cutting board. Try doing this to see.” – Chef Peter Rigas, Founder, Fini Cutlery

This quote perfectly encapsulates Fini’s innovative and purpose-driven design philosophy, explaining why the utility knife’s handle diverges from the others to maximize its versatility.

CON: Personally, I would prefer the utility knife’s blade to be just a tiny bit longer, and conversely, the handle a tad shorter. The current blade length feels slightly insufficient for some “all-purpose” utility tasks, while the handle feels disproportionately large after using the uniquely tailored, shorter handles of the other Fini knives. This is ultimately a matter of personal adaptation and understanding each knife’s specific intended use within the set.

Fini Kitchen Shears
PRO: The compact size of the Fini kitchen shears makes them a great fit for individuals with smaller hands, offering a nimble tool for various kitchen cutting tasks.

CON: Given the meticulous design philosophy applied to the Fini knives, the kitchen shears feel somewhat neglected. The handles are notably thin, and the finger holes are quite small. Even with my small hands, I find myself having to crowd my fingers into the handles, which can become uncomfortable during extended use or when cutting tougher items. There’s certainly room for improvement in their ergonomic design to match the high standards set by the knives.

Price and Value Proposition

Fini Cutlery knives are available for purchase directly from their official website, ensuring you receive authentic products and direct support. As of the time of this review’s initial publication (shortly after Thanksgiving 2016), the complete set was priced at $300. This price point represents exceptional value, especially considering the innovative design, the use of high-quality German steel, and the comprehensive nature of the set, which includes every essential knife for a functional kitchen. More than just a collection of cutting tools, Fini provides a system that genuinely encourages and facilitates correct knife handling, making it a worthy investment for both novice and experienced cooks. It’s important to note that we are not affiliate partners with Fini Cutlery, nor have we received any compensation for the extensive time and effort—easily over 12 hours—invested in testing, writing, photographing, editing, and publishing this independent review.

Final Thoughts: Why Fini Cutlery Knives Are a Must-Have

The Fini Cutlery Knives set has undeniably made a significant impact, particularly for those seeking enhanced comfort and control in the kitchen. My mother’s experience, in particular, speaks volumes; her complete freedom from pain while preparing food has made these knives an indispensable part of her daily life. This underscores a key benefit: Fini knives are not just for professional chefs or culinary enthusiasts, but for anyone looking to improve their kitchen experience.

For beginners, this set provides a foundational advantage by subtly yet effectively guiding them into adopting proper and safer knife handling techniques from the outset. For seasoned cooks who spend countless hours in the kitchen, Fini knives offer welcome relief, reducing hand fatigue and making extensive prep work noticeably easier. And, as my mother’s story highlights, for individuals contending with hand, wrist, or arm pain, Fini Cutlery presents a compelling, pain-free solution. Even with my personal struggles with tendonitis, carpal tunnel, and tennis elbow, which often result in chronic arm pain and compromised grip strength in my last three fingers, the Fini knives proved invaluable. Their design allowed me to maintain stability and control without relying on the weaker parts of my hand, a significant relief that enables me to continue enjoying both cooking and my other passions.

The Fini Cutlery Knives set is a testament to smart design, where functionality and user experience were prioritized from the initial concept. We commend the designers for daring to disrupt the industry by building a product line based on genuine ergonomic innovation rather than simply aesthetic appeal. Despite the minor cons identified – primarily easily addressable sharp corners on some blades and the shears’ less refined ergonomics – the overall performance and benefits are profound. These minor points are largely the result of an ultra-detailed review and should not overshadow the set’s exceptional value.

If you’re considering trying Fini Cutlery but wish to start with a single knife, the 8-inch Chef’s Knife is our top recommendation. It perfectly embodies the set’s innovative design and ergonomic advantages. Fini Cutlery offers a confident 30-day guarantee (you only cover return shipping), allowing you to experience the difference firsthand. We encourage you to visit their website to explore their collection and read additional testimonials from chefs who have embraced the Fini difference. Remember, our review is entirely independent; we are not affiliate partners and do not receive commissions from Fini.