Chef Forum banner

Knife Set Recommendations

2K views 5 replies 6 participants last post by  loomchick 
#1 ·
I'm looking for recommendations for a knife set/block, preferably in the $250-$300 range. These will be used as a home set for everyday use. Any input on a set you have know or one you would buy is appreciated. They don't have to be professional grade, just good quality that will last a long time.
 
#3 ·
Honestly, that is a lot of money.  All you can use out of the whole set is the chefs knife, which is too short, too fat, and has too much belly, and the paring knife.  The bread knife is way too short for a bread knife and you don't need the rest.

Counting the # of pieces is a good measure of chicken nuggets orders at McDonalds, not really for knives.
 
#5 · (Edited)
JMTu please do not be offended but many of us made mistakes similar to yours when looking to upgrade from whatever-was-around.  I'm sure they're an improvement over what you had originally, but the same $379 or less could have got you a much better chefs, utility and parer, a 10" bread knife, a good combination stone, an Idahone and a more attractive storage option.

In my case the $360 I spent at least produced a serviceable 9" slicer and waterstone, and a block that she-who-must-be-obeyed would tolerate (it is much better looking than your typical).  Oh, and a little cheese-board that was thrown into the deal and which I actually find very useful.  And don't get me started about the $100 Shun steak knife that doesn't take an edge.

Those new here will find a wealth of info just looking at recent posts, and then have a good idea what to ask about specifics.

Rick
 
#6 ·
As much as some don't like reading it . . . don't purchase a set of knives.  What looks like a good deal, typically isn't a good deal.  The knives are inadequate.  The block with its multitude of knives may look impressive on the counter . . . but if you are serious about knives, don't go there.

My son and his wife purchased the Wustof Classic set above.  The bread knife is totally inadequate as a bread knife.  Way too short.  Works best at slicing tomatoes.  But, a bread knife should have some length for let's say . . . slicing bread.  I think the quality of their set is really lacking too.

Find a couple of knives of high quality that feel good in your hand.  You have to feel the knife.  What works for someone else may not be the right choice for you.  I have a fairly substantial collection of knives (I'm a huge kitchen knife enthusiast).  My knives work for me (I have fairly small hands).  Recently, I was taking a cooking class and was provided with an 8" Wustof chef's knife.  I couldn't get rid of it fast enough.  It was grossly unbalanced and felt terrible to use.  They allowed me to peruse the other knives until I found something that worked better for me.

Like others here, I wholly endorse spending money on a really good chef's knife and paring knife.  Then, learn how to take really good care of them.  If you're interested in the knife block itself, head to a thrift store.  I frequently see knife blocks there.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top