Chef Knives

[Stuck_At_Work]

I decided it is time to invest in a new chef knife. I've never really owned a quality knife so I'm excited. Also, I don't want a set - just an 8 inch chef knife.

Can you guys provide some options in the 1) <$60 range and 2) <$120 range.

I've already done some research, but I'm curious what y'all think.

 

[baboso]

I'm happy with my Wusthof Classic but if I ever get another one, it will be a Shun just because they are so damn cool looking.

 

[Stuck_At_Work]

Right now, Shun is my #1 option in the <120 range. They look cool, and perform very well for their price. Global is also up for consideration. I continue to read so-so reviews for Henckels and Usthof (mainly that you pay for more than you get). In the <60 range, Victorinox seems to get a lot of praise.

 

[Fanny McLonghorn]

Link

Link harder

Linkovich Chmovsky

It definitely seems that more people prefer the Japanese knives over the European ones, Shun being a little more popular but Global really gaining popularity recently. For under $120, I would get a shun classic 10" chef's knive, but I've had a boner (stiff) for that knife going on two years now.

It must be repeated that the performance of the knives will have more to do with the comfort in the hand rather than the steel itself. They all keep a sharp edge very well.

In the <$60 range, which would be the one I'm more familiar with (I don't have a lot of "money"), you should go to the restaurant supply store and ask to hold all of the chef's knives they have. Forschner by Victorinox, as you mentioned, is a very good buy. A little cheaper is the Mercer knives, which I like because of the grippy handle, and the dexter russell knives, which are a little less stylish, but are still quality knives.

You've done research, so you're not going to get a ****** knife. But if you buy one without trying it out for comfort, you may have regrets.

 

[Stuck_At_Work]

Thanks! I only did a 3 month search prior to posting.

I'm really torn about spending the money for a more expensive knife like the Shuns or Globals. I am a novice chef, but I do enjoy cooking very much. Money isn't really an issue, except I hate spending on something I don't need. Would a novice like me notice the difference between a $35 Victorinox versus a knife like Global or Shun? Do the more expensive ones hold a sharp edge longer? My understanding is that the Globals use a different type of metal for their blade that requires a special sharpening technique. Agh. So many options...

 

[DallasCowpoke]

Just an FYI. Anything you find HERE, I can get you for just over wholesale.

My advice, spend as much as you can afford on a few good knives, w/o breaking you. 4-5 is a good number to start with.

1: 8-12" Chef's knife
2: 3.25" Paring knife
3: 6" Semi-Stiff Boning knife
4: 10-12" Serrated Bread knife
5: 6" Santoku w/ a full Granton Edge

Victorinox's kitchen cutlery line is called "Forschner". These are the first knives I bought when I went to culinary school, and I've never switched. They're flat out, a quality product at a very affordable price.

Holler if you have any questions.

 

[1990txgirl]

I have a Henckels chef's knife and carving knife. They do not hold a sharp edge very well.

I recently picked up a Global 7" vegetable cleaver/4" min prep set. They are extremely lightweight and slice like a dream. I LOVE them. The set was $145 but you can get the veggie cleaver or chef's knife for under $100.

I was deciding between Shun and Global and in the end chose the one that felt more comfortable in my hand.

 

[S197HQQKEM]

1: 8-12" Chef's knife - yep
2: 3.25" Paring knife - yep
3: 6" Semi-Stiff Boning knife - this works as a utility knife.
4: 10-12" Serrated Bread knife - maybe, I use my Ginsu knife to do this

and it will fillet a tomato after making shavings off of a hammer head

and cut your bread.
5: 6" Santoku w/ a full Granton Edge - I got a 7" for this one.


and a steel and learn how to use it.

The knives don't get dull too fast, but the edge does get bent over so it doesn't cut so well, a steel will straighten the edge so it will cut better.

Me, I discovered the Mercer Genesis knives at the restaurant supply store and got a stiff boner to try out and took it home and cut some stuff to try it out and went back the next day and got a 10" chef's knife, a paring knive, a flexible boner, and a 7" santoku, and have been using them ever since, went back recently and got a 12" Dick steel to touch them up.

My advice is to get thee to a restaurant supply and try some knives out. I did this and looked at a lot of knives before deciding on the Mercer based on the way the knife(s) felt in my hand and the price. I have been very pleased with the Mercer knives.

one other thing, don't ever put the good knives in the dishwasher, ever.

 

[scottsins]

cowpoke:

I perused that site and discovered that you sell xikar cigar accessories.

Many PM's to come.

 

[DallasCowpoke]

scotts- i'm waiting w/ baited breath.

 

[Ag with kids]

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[uisge beatha]

Thanks for this thread - we're looking for one as a Christmas present for my FIL.

Does the Victorinox include a scissors, nail file, and screw driver

 

[Stuck_At_Work]

I went to Ace Mart and checked out the Victorinox and Mercer knives. They were both is heat sealed packaging so I wasn't able to actually pick the knives up. They look like pretty simple knives so I'll take everyone's word that they cut well. At ~$33 bucks, they are hard to pass on. I plan on hitting up some of the nicer shops to check out the more expensive brands.

Thanks again for all the advice.

 

[judgroybeanbag]

Not traditional but I have had a set of Old Hickory knives for about 15 years now, I keep them sharp and they are as good as any.

 

[Stuck_At_Work]

For those of y'all that recommend Victorinox... a few questions:

1) They sell forged pro versions of these knives with prices closer to 80-100 range. When people recommend these knives as a good value, they are referring to the $30 dollar versions, correct?
2) If I go with the cheaper versions (that they sell at restaurant supply companies)... which handle is preferable? They have wood or Fibrox to chose from.

 

[Fanny McLonghorn]

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[Stuck_At_Work]

A decision has been made :

Forschner 7.5 Inch Chef Knife w/ Rosewood handle.

... and yes, Ace Mart opened it up for me to check out. They were actually very nice.

After all that research, I conclude that is the best bang for your buck knife at only about $26.

 

[Fanny McLonghorn]

Sweet, it's stabbing time. Just go out and buy a shitload of produce and slice at it for a while. It's really fun with a good, sharp knife.