Wife's tools? Need some kitchen knives. Good value?
- Thread starter Jacobson
- Start date
KSJeff
Well-known member
Victorinox Fibrox handle are nice and available on Amazon. Global makes a nice knife too. I would consider both good value kitchen knives.
malykaii
Well-known member
It's been a while, but I used to shop for Japanese kitchen knives. While not cheap, you can usually find a very quality piece for a very reasonable price.
1950mercury
Well-known member
This^^^ i have the victorinox
jlh92
Well-known member
Victorinox or Wusthof.
Victorinox seem to be a bit more budget friendly.
Victorinox seem to be a bit more budget friendly.
Kai Pure Komachi carbon steel knives are good value knives. For about $40 for the full set -- chef's, all purpose, bread, veggie.
They are good for people who want a decent knife but don't want to drop a ton on professional quality.
They are good for people who want a decent knife but don't want to drop a ton on professional quality.
rlitman
Well-known member
There's a lot of value in those, as silly as they look. The bread knife I have from that set is amazing.
bczygan
Well-known member
I sold cutco a little while in college, very expensive and over priced, but they really are great knives. I still have my set from 1990...I've added to it over the years whenever I find some mixed in at yardsales and flea markets.
Also have a set of Amway iCook knives. I like them better than the cutco, but again, they are expensive...
i've found knives are like vacuums, lots of hype on super expensive exotic brands, but a good basic set kept sharp and used properly will serve you better than the super expensive must-have show-off to your neighbor set...
ps, I process a lot of deer and use faiirly basic inexpensive knives of various brands and found that the average mid-priced knives work best, as long as they have comfortable handles and are fairly easy to sharpen, and are thick enough not to bend, and the tang extends to the end of the handle.
Also have a set of Amway iCook knives. I like them better than the cutco, but again, they are expensive...
i've found knives are like vacuums, lots of hype on super expensive exotic brands, but a good basic set kept sharp and used properly will serve you better than the super expensive must-have show-off to your neighbor set...
ps, I process a lot of deer and use faiirly basic inexpensive knives of various brands and found that the average mid-priced knives work best, as long as they have comfortable handles and are fairly easy to sharpen, and are thick enough not to bend, and the tang extends to the end of the handle.
rodsnratfinks
Well-known member
I have Wusthof classic kitchen knives. Pricy, but not tool truck pricy. What they don't tell you is that you don't need a 14 piece set to cook just about anything. I would say the number is closer to three to five:
- The paring knife is probably the most used knife in my kitchen.
- The second most used depending on your preference/skill level is either a chef's knife or a santoku. 10" or 9", respectively. It's nice to have one in the 7" range as well. But you can get by with a larger one. The chef is a versatile knife that with the right technique, is really all anyone needs. In fact, many line cooks have just one knife, and the chef is (usually) it. The santoku is more forgiving of technique, though, so if you're casual about that, it's the one for you. These are the most expensive knife you still buy. The Wusthof version is right around $100.
- Next, is the non essential tomato knife, or utility knife, about 5". Great for general slicing and is serrated.
- Also in the non essential but nice to have category, a bread knife. It's just nice to have one around.
Those are just food preparation knives. Only the first two need to be real high fallutin' brands, imo. And I didn't mention several other brands, because I doubt your wife needs a $300+ chefs knife. I like the Wusthof classics because they somewhat reasonably priced and very nice middle of the road offerings with good balance and a comfortable handle. They are one of the only styles that both my petite wife and I like the feel of.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
- The paring knife is probably the most used knife in my kitchen.
- The second most used depending on your preference/skill level is either a chef's knife or a santoku. 10" or 9", respectively. It's nice to have one in the 7" range as well. But you can get by with a larger one. The chef is a versatile knife that with the right technique, is really all anyone needs. In fact, many line cooks have just one knife, and the chef is (usually) it. The santoku is more forgiving of technique, though, so if you're casual about that, it's the one for you. These are the most expensive knife you still buy. The Wusthof version is right around $100.
- Next, is the non essential tomato knife, or utility knife, about 5". Great for general slicing and is serrated.
- Also in the non essential but nice to have category, a bread knife. It's just nice to have one around.
Those are just food preparation knives. Only the first two need to be real high fallutin' brands, imo. And I didn't mention several other brands, because I doubt your wife needs a $300+ chefs knife. I like the Wusthof classics because they somewhat reasonably priced and very nice middle of the road offerings with good balance and a comfortable handle. They are one of the only styles that both my petite wife and I like the feel of.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
rodsnratfinks
Well-known member
P.S. I am NOT a professional cook, just a foodie with many foodie and cook friends.
P.P.S. Don't waste your time with Cutco.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
P.P.S. Don't waste your time with Cutco.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Cutco and Saladmaster are amazing, with prices to match.
I got some from Cold Steel a few years ago for my wife and my mom. They are still razor sharp and indestructible. But they will get a rust spot here and there if left wet for long periods of time.
I got some from Cold Steel a few years ago for my wife and my mom. They are still razor sharp and indestructible. But they will get a rust spot here and there if left wet for long periods of time.
SMKS
Well-known member
I've been very happy with my made-in-Brazil Tramontina chef's knives. They're forged and were pretty affordable.
altersaddle
Well-known member
We have the big one of these, and it's excellent:
http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/page.aspx?p=45509&cat=2,40733,40738,45507,45509
Lee Valley has a good selection of quality knives if those are too pricey or not what you're after.
We've also got their knife block, which is really great since it will hold any and all present and future knives:
http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/page.aspx?p=60774&cat=2,40733,40738&ap=1
http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/page.aspx?p=45509&cat=2,40733,40738,45507,45509
Lee Valley has a good selection of quality knives if those are too pricey or not what you're after.
We've also got their knife block, which is really great since it will hold any and all present and future knives:
http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/page.aspx?p=60774&cat=2,40733,40738&ap=1
^^^I agree with the Victorinox recommendation. If your wife is hard on knives, like mine, then avoid expensive laminated Japanese knives.
Victorinox is great value.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
IMHO, the "best bang for the buck" is Chicago Cutlery. Admittedly they are not in the same class as Victotinox or Wusthof. They are stainless with a wooden handle and a full metal tang. My set is over 35 years old. They still look like new.
They are frequently on sale at Kohls or Target, and any discount mall will have at least of kitchen store that stocks them. The "sets" frequently have shorter knives, longer one exist.
They are frequently on sale at Kohls or Target, and any discount mall will have at least of kitchen store that stocks them. The "sets" frequently have shorter knives, longer one exist.
Yeah they are a step up from what most people are using -- el cheapo sets from Wal-Mart/Target (the $30 set with the block included). You have to basically saw your food with some of the **** that I see people using to prepare/cook with.
I give a lot of the Kai Chef's Knives as gifts. They go for like $10 brand new at some of the home gadget stores.
jsokoly
Well-known member
I'll put in a pitch for a nice US Made set.
Case ** makes a kitchen set in a hardwood block. Not fancy, easily maintained. Very sharp right out of the box. The item number is 7249. Shop around. You can usually find it anywhere from $175-$200.
You get 5 knives, a sharpening steel and the wooden block. DON'T put them in the dishwasher!
Case ** makes a kitchen set in a hardwood block. Not fancy, easily maintained. Very sharp right out of the box. The item number is 7249. Shop around. You can usually find it anywhere from $175-$200.
You get 5 knives, a sharpening steel and the wooden block. DON'T put them in the dishwasher!
maxpower_hd
Well-known member
I don't know who actually makes it but we have one from Pampered Chefs that is a really nice knife. My wife got it when she had a party. We only paid $35 or so for the Chef's knife because of the credit from the party. I think it went normally for $70 or so. It's a nice knife though and it stays sharp for quite some time and sharpens easily.
I have these from Sam's club. I use them now instead of the more visually impressive Henckels.
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/bakers-chefs-cook-s-knife-set-2-pk/188139.ip
Bakers & Chefs Cook's Knife Set - 2 pk
About this item
The Bakers & Chefs 2 pk. Cook's Knife Set is constructed of a stain-free, high carbon German steel.
Description
The Bakers & Chefs 2 pk. Cook's Knife Set is constructed of a stain-free, high carbon German steel. This set includes one 8" knife and one 10" knife. The fine edge blade is fully beveled and fully tapered. The handles are a non-slip white sanitary polypropylene with anti-microbial protection. Made in Brazil, this Cook's Knife Set is NSF Certified and dishwasher safe.
Specifications
2 pk. Cook's Knife Set
8" & 10" knives
Commercial grade
Stain-free, high carbon German steel
Polypropylene, non-slip handles
Handles contain anti-microbial protection
NSF Certified
Dishwasher safe
Satin finish blades
Assembled Country
Brazil
Component Country
Imported
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/bakers-chefs-cook-s-knife-set-2-pk/188139.ip
Bakers & Chefs Cook's Knife Set - 2 pk
About this item
The Bakers & Chefs 2 pk. Cook's Knife Set is constructed of a stain-free, high carbon German steel.
Description
The Bakers & Chefs 2 pk. Cook's Knife Set is constructed of a stain-free, high carbon German steel. This set includes one 8" knife and one 10" knife. The fine edge blade is fully beveled and fully tapered. The handles are a non-slip white sanitary polypropylene with anti-microbial protection. Made in Brazil, this Cook's Knife Set is NSF Certified and dishwasher safe.
Specifications
2 pk. Cook's Knife Set
8" & 10" knives
Commercial grade
Stain-free, high carbon German steel
Polypropylene, non-slip handles
Handles contain anti-microbial protection
NSF Certified
Dishwasher safe
Satin finish blades
Assembled Country
Brazil
Component Country
Imported
metal1313
Well-known member
my daily set is wustoff, my good knifes are shun and i have several sabatier carbon knives.
reader2580
Well-known member
I also like the Victronix Fibrox knives. I had a cheap set of knives from Target that were serrated and the Fibrox are ten times better. There were almost razor sharp when new. I paid around $100 or so for a set from Amazon. I am never going back to cheap discount store knives.
1950mercury
Well-known member
Why cant you put some stainless knives in the dishwasher
jsokoly
Well-known member
Some say the abrasives in the detergent will dull the knives--along with having them bumping against the other items during the wash cycle.
That's all somewhat debatable but the knives I recommended (Case **) have oiled wooden handles that will dry out and split it you put them in the dishwasher. Don't ask me how I know....
http://kitchenknifeguru.com/how-many-kitchen-knives-do-you-really-need/
It sounds like I just need 3 knives to start
Chef's, Bread/serrated, and Utility.
I'll look for a 3 knife kit.
It sounds like I just need 3 knives to start
Chef's, Bread/serrated, and Utility.
I'll look for a 3 knife kit.
Last edited:
panknuckshovel
Well-known member
If you are interested in Cutco garbage I can dig out all the pieces my brainwashed, more money than sense MIL sent and we can work out a deal. It can be useless **** in your house instead of my attic.
zable9
Well-known member
America test kitchen (cooks illustrated & cooks country) have very good info on such things. Reviews based on performance not ad revenue...since they don't do that per see...
Parrothead
Well-known member
I'd recommend the Wusthof knives as well. They're not terribly expensive, but they're not Walmart/Costco prices either. My brother is a foodie and he loves his. He's an All Clad guy too if you want to get involved in pots and pans. I went the cheaper route and bought the Emerilware (made by All Clad but imported), which is nice but not All Clad nice.
Dust Devil
Well-known member
Yes!
Dust Devil
Well-known member
You can abuse the hell out of the Victroinox. Wash in dishwasher...ect. They don't care.
They are made with the best steel too.
They are made with the best steel too.
dr_clyde
Well-known member
My absolute favorite knife is my 10" Wustof chef's knife. I use it more than any other. I didn't buy a set, just the one knife. I find that and a paring knife and I can cook whatever I need to.
Zrexxer
Well-known member
Don't have a wife, but I do my own cooking, and I know knives. And I like Wüsthof.
Your definition of "good value" may be different, but the way to get the best value out of any knife you choose is by taking care of them. Keep them sharp. Don't throw them in the sink with the stoneware. No dishwashers. Wash them by hand and dry them by hand, and put them away.
My girlfriend has a set of Cutco and can't understand why my knives are shaving sharp and hers are always dull. I gave up telling her because every time I go to use one of her knives I have to search for it buried in the sink banging around against silverware, dishes, glasses, and other utensils.
Your definition of "good value" may be different, but the way to get the best value out of any knife you choose is by taking care of them. Keep them sharp. Don't throw them in the sink with the stoneware. No dishwashers. Wash them by hand and dry them by hand, and put them away.
My girlfriend has a set of Cutco and can't understand why my knives are shaving sharp and hers are always dull. I gave up telling her because every time I go to use one of her knives I have to search for it buried in the sink banging around against silverware, dishes, glasses, and other utensils.
joel63
Well-known member
kctyphoon
Banned
I don't own these, and you can buy these cheaper through a retailer vs direct from the company - but check these out... And trust me you'll enjoy the other stuff on the site too...
http://www.coldsteel.com/Category/16_1/Kitchen_Cutlery.aspx
There is a video demo you can watch on all the blades too..
Edit: $132 on Amazon, free ship, check out the reviews
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006YZ1J0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.coldsteel.com/Category/16_1/Kitchen_Cutlery.aspx
There is a video demo you can watch on all the blades too..
Edit: $132 on Amazon, free ship, check out the reviews
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006YZ1J0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Last edited:
LordPsychon
Well-known member
A diamond stone would be the best but the good stones start at $50 a piece and can run as high as $500. You may be able to use Arkansas stones instead - good quality stones will only set you back at most $100.