kitchen knives

BrettT1
BrettT1 Posts: 560
edited April 2013 in The Clubhouse
The wife and I would like a set of high quality kitchen knives that will last until after we're gone. Considering Wusthof. Any recommendations, cooks?

Brett
Post edited by BrettT1 on
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Comments

  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited March 2009
    We own a complete set of Henckel Pro S series. Wonderful knives and well worth the money. Shop around and you can get some good deals.
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited March 2009
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,176
    edited March 2009
    BrettT1 wrote: »
    The wife and I would like a set of high quality kitchen knives that will last until after we're gone. Considering Wusthof. Any recommendations, cooks?

    Brett
    My mother has a set with ivory handles, stamped "Sheffield - by Appointment to His Majesty King George". Not actually that old (the older stuff has a coat of arms on it).

    Henckel is decent stuff IMO, and you can sometimes find them at Costco. Otherwise, I would just make sure you get smooth blades, no serrated edges, and a decent sharpening stone or diamond dust sharpener. That way you can keep them sharp for as long as you like. There's nothing like having sharp knifes that cut effortlessly through tomato, herbs or whatever else you need to slice and dice. I would also suggest not using your dishwasher with quality stuff (the heat and/or caustic detergents can loosen and/or dull the handles).
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited March 2009
    I have a set of Henkels International Classic series. I got this as an anniversary gift from work.

    http://www.amazon.com/Henckels-International-Classic-Stainless-Steel-Hardwood/dp/B00004RFN0/ref=pd_bbs_12?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1237593808&sr=8-12

    I also have a 3 knife set by Lamson Sharp.

    http://store.lamsonsharp.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=33_21_24
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2009
    Wustoff Trident.
  • Hobbyguy
    Hobbyguy Posts: 317
    edited March 2009
    We have Kershaw Shun. I have tried many knives and these can go very long between sharpenings. You still have to hone them regularly but they are wicked sharp.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/KERSHAW-Shun-DM2004B-9-Piece-Block-Set-NEW_W0QQitemZ270337619030QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item270337619030&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A16%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
  • Polkitup2
    Polkitup2 Posts: 1,622
    edited March 2009
    I have the Wusthof Classic set and they are great knives.
  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited March 2009
    We have always used Chicago Cutlery knives. They seem stay sharp, work well and are not too expensive.
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  • Airplay355
    Airplay355 Posts: 4,298
    edited March 2009
    Most definitely Shun knives. They have a sharper blade than any of the german knives as they are made from different steel that is able to hold the sharper edge. They aren't cheap and they are VERY light so make sure you like the way they feel in your hand. If you prefer a heavier knife then you may want a german knife.

    I think the actual difference is a 16 degree edge on the shuns and a 22 degree edge on most german knives.
  • petrym
    petrym Posts: 1,912
    edited March 2009
  • Lowell_M
    Lowell_M Posts: 1,660
    edited March 2009
    My wife sold Cutco knives when whe was in college so we have a full set, and I must say they are very impressive and nice to cook with. Not sure where you would get them though.
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  • Poee7R
    Poee7R Posts: 904
    edited March 2009
    Wusthof and Global for me.


    Dave
    Once again we meet at last.
  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited March 2009
    Henckel, Tridents, and Victorinox.
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited March 2009
    cfrizz wrote: »
    I have a set of Henkels International Classic series. I got this as an anniversary gift from work.

    http://www.amazon.com/Henckels-International-Classic-Stainless-Steel-Hardwood/dp/B00004RFN0/ref=pd_bbs_12?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1237593808&sr=8-12

    I also have a 3 knife set by Lamson Sharp.

    http://store.lamsonsharp.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=33_21_24

    Got to go with Henckels as well, we got a set as a gift years ago. Still in great shape. Very nice pieces...will last forever..

    cnh
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,014
    edited March 2009
    I have noticed through the years that a particular knife company will not have "the best" across the board. I have Wusthof, Henkle, Forever sharp, Ginsu, Calphalon, Tupperware, Regent and Barenthal knives. For each type [Chef's, bread, fillet, steak, mincer.....] of knife type and application, I usually prefer a different brand. It also can change, depending on what I'm cutting and whether or not I'm cutting on hardwood, plastic, glass or bamboo.

    Everything affects everything. It's just like audio to me. Grab what you have that happens to have the best synergy for that particular application and run with it. Most all knives will still cut your fingers with great efficiency. No change there.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • whitetruk
    whitetruk Posts: 308
    edited March 2009
    i have to agree with treitz3,i like different knives for different things.
    make sure you use them on the right cutting board also.
    I thought it was fairly amusing also. The Polk Ogre doesn't always get 'it'
  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,008
    edited March 2009
    janmike wrote: »
    We own a complete set of Henckel Pro S series. Wonderful knives and well worth the money. Shop around and you can get some good deals.

    Same here with the Pro S series! beauties they are!
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,014
    edited March 2009
    Brett, just a side note. I get many of my knives at a store called Tuesday Morning. They sell the same things you see in specialty cooking stores but usually at half or more off. If you have one close by, stop in about once a week. They usually only sell individual knives from different manufacture's [usually all of them high end manufacturers] but I have strolled in on occasion and found complete sets at half of MSRP. The manufactures still honor the warranties as if you bought them from the retail shops. I hope this helps you.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,242
    edited March 2009
    I like my Henckel's Four Star II set. I think the handles are more ergonomic and balance better than the Pro S, but they otherwise have the same blades. I also think they look better too!

    Link to Henckel's TWIN Four Star II Knives

    If you have a Bed Bath & Beyond near you and you have any of those 20% off coupons that come in the mail, they will honor them if they have expired and if you order stuff off their website but purchase in the store and they will ship straight to your house instead of in-store pick up.

    Also, the only thing about buying a nice set of kitchen knives is that if you want the matching steak knives, they can charge you an arm and leg. :mad:

    Wes
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited March 2009
    There are many choices. There are alot of quality knives out there.


    but remember a few things, if you don't already know:

    1 - keep them sharp, the sharper the knife the safer it is.
    2 - learn how to properly use the steel or you will dull them quicker than ****
    3 - make sure to use the block to store them, dry them right away and right back to the block. DO NOT put the in the drawers with other crap
    4 - Get proper cutting boards. STAY AWAY FROM GLASS CUTTING BOARDS!!!
  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited March 2009
    a_mattison wrote: »
    My wife sold Cutco knives when whe was in college so we have a full set, and I must say they are very impressive and nice to cook with. Not sure where you would get them though.

    We have a set of Cutco for about 12 years and they are still in great shape and hold an edge for years provided they are treated well.
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited March 2009
    I bought a knife to filet my fish, it is reely sharp and cuts the fish reel good. I got it at Wal-Mart a reely good deal. Most of my other knives I pinched from that Apple restaurant.

    RT1
  • wizzy
    wizzy Posts: 867
    edited March 2009
    If you are also considering the occasional murder, I would suggest knives which don't hold fingerprints. Also buy something that is very commonly used -- kind of like using a Camry for the getaway car versus a BMW
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,726
    edited March 2009
    Also keep in mind that many of the makers out there, even the known brands like Henckels, make a crappy set or two, so you can't just blindly buy something from heenckels or Chicago Cutlery and say it's good, even at the price.

    Henckels and Chicago Cutlery both make a couple sets that come in under $100, and even at that price they're not the best options.

    It sound like you're looking higher up the food chain, so you shouldn't run into this issue.
  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,755
    edited March 2009
    Any set of good quality forged knives will last you a lifetime if you care for them properly. You can't go wrong with a set that is fully forged, full tang and riveted. That is a classic durable style, but there are many designs that are probably more ergonomic. Just look for the fully forged designation.

    I've been using a relatively inexpensive set of Mundial 5100 now for more than 15 years and they still look new. I cook a lot too. Haven't had to have them sharpened yet. I just use a hand held ceramic honer about once a month and the steel with everyday use.

    If I were buying a set today, it might be the Kershaw Shun.
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited March 2009
    Another vote for shun here. very comfortable and holds an edge like you wouldn't believe.
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  • skipf
    skipf Posts: 694
    edited March 2009
    shack wrote: »
    We have always used Chicago Cutlery knives. They seem stay sharp, work well and are not too expensive.

    When I worked as a butcher, these were the only knives we'd use. Make sure you get the commercial knives, not the cheaper big box type. Excellent steel and way cheaper than the fancy imports.
  • Airplay355
    Airplay355 Posts: 4,298
    edited March 2009
    This might help you make your own decision even though it's promoting one brand of knives. http://www.altonbrown.com/shun/shun_flv_sm.html A lot of chefs on iron chef use these too, though some prefer heavier german knives.

    I can't cut nearly as fast as any of them so weight never is an issue for me. I like the look, the hardness of the steel and the very sharp edge :)
  • AudioGenics
    AudioGenics Posts: 2,567
    edited March 2009
    BrettT1 wrote: »
    The wife and I would like a set of high quality kitchen knives that will last until after we're gone. Considering Wusthof. Any recommendations, cooks?

    Brett
    How about Kyocera Ceramic knives. Very expensive and esoteric.
  • Airplay355
    Airplay355 Posts: 4,298
    edited March 2009
    The ceramic knives are cool, especially because they hold their edge so well. The only bad thing is if you drop them, they can shatter. They aren't magnetic either if you plan on storing them with a magnetic strip.