With so many cutlery brands to choose from deciding which ones to consider can seem daunting. To make it easier, take a look below at three tips to get you heading off in the right direction.

1. For Precision Cutting Consider Japanese Knives

Japanese knives are all the rage right now! If you're interested in chopping and slicing with a lightweight (compared to traditional Western knives) knife containing an ultra sharp blade, Japanese knives are for you. Take a look at brands: Global, Kershaw, Misono, Hattori and MAC. These manufacturers offer a complete selection of cutlery including Santoku knives, paring, cleavers, fillet, boning and more.

2. For Traditional Heft Consider Western Knives

If you like cutting with a substantial kitchen knife offering balance as well as heft consider German knives such as Wusthof and Henckels. For the best quality choose from collections that feature fully forged knives. Two other Western cutlery makers include: Sabatier (France) and Victorinox (Switzerland). And, as with Wusthof and Henckels, stick with the forged lines for premium quality. If you are looking for more affordable cutlery, take a look at the stamped lines to each of these manufacturers. Typically, these lines are made elsewhere, (China or Spain) not in the respective manufacturers' country.

3. To Get a Bang for your Buck: Buy Knife Sets and Shop for Sales

If you're looking to stretch your dollar further without skimping on quality, look for knife sets (such as 3 piece sets) or buy a knife block with versatile cutlery types: chef's knife, bread knife, utility knife, paring knife, sharpening steel and such included. Buying sets as opposed to individual cutlery can definitely save you money. However, make sure that the sizes and cutlery types included are ones that you will use.

Additionally, if you are looking for a particular cutlery brand: Forschner, Furi, Kershaw, for example, save yourself some money by comparison shopping several kitchenware shops online. There is always the retail price, now look for the sale price. In addition, by spending over a certain amount, shipping will likely be included.