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Thread: Kitchen Knives Recommendation

  1. #1

    Kitchen Knives Recommendation

    The wife is whinging about the quality of our kitchen knives and I’m in the market for a new set (3 knives minimum).

    I know nothing about what is good and what is bad quality, hence some recommendations would be good.

    I am looking for steel knives that can be easily sharpened over and over again. The simpler the better. Not looking for anything with fancy coatings or fancy handles.

    I’m thinking of spending up to £200, but will go higher if persuaded, as these are intended to be a lifetime purchase.

    I did see a similar thread 3 years ago, but the budget was much higher at £500.

    Ta in advance.

  2. #2
    Grand Master blackal's Avatar
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  3. #3
    Any procook knife set that you like the look of. I have a 20+ piece one I've had for 15 or so years. I often think of replacing them for snob value, but they are still great.

    Not the fanciest steel, but they are still sharp after a lot of hard use - but I have a good sharpener and a clue.

    This
    https://www.procook.co.uk/product/pr...3&tmcs=q48qwwl

    + a steel

    + https://richmondcookshop.co.uk/produ...RoC7ZcQAvD_BwE

    Would give a very nice set that will last decades.

  4. #4
    What knives do you currently have and have you sharpened them /had them sharpened? Will you be sharpening the next ones yourself or having them sharpened? Would you prefer a harder steel that potentially keeps an edge longer but is more time consuming to sharpen or a simpler steel that is easy to sharpen but needs it more often.

    Do you (or does she) prefer a thicker european style chefs knife or would you prefer lighter japanese style one? Standard chef's/gyuto shape or more like a santoku?

    Do you like a full curved belly on the knife or something much flatter? If you choose a lighter, thinner, japanese style chef's knife will you also take a slightly longer one since they are considerably lighter for the same length.

    What three knifes are you looking for in a set? Must they match or would you consider building your own set from different makers?

    Which knife will you use most? IF you spend 90% of the time using the chef's knife it may make sense to spend more on it and less on the other two.

    https://japanesechefsknife.com/colle...fe-set-type-ii
    Last edited by ernestrome; 20th January 2021 at 16:59.

  5. #5
    I've stuck to using Global knives for many years, there's dearer and better but they suit me fine.

    R
    Ignorance breeds Fear. Fear breeds Hatred. Hatred breeds Ignorance. Break the chain.

  6. #6
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    Depending on how your wife treats her your knives...

    https://www.knivesandtools.co.uk/en/...hen-knives.htm
    or
    https://www.knivesandtools.co.uk/en/...les-forges.htm

    Quality will be great for both.

    Also, at the budget end, do not underestimate those

    https://www.knivesandtools.co.uk/en/...hen-knives.htm
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  7. #7
    https://www.procook.co.uk/product/pr...nd-glass-block

    Be warned though high quality knives are tend to be harder and more brittle than cheap ones.

    Drop one on the floor and they can sometimes literally break in half.

    Last time i dropped a VG10 knife ( common high grade pro Chef knife ) the tip snapped off.

  8. #8
    My friend got some from Japan. Laminated Japanese steel. They were very expensive but they are excellent.


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  9. #9
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    We’ve had a Henckel set for years now, they’re still going strong and sharpen up again well even, the scissors have been brilliant. From memory they where around £140

  10. #10
    Craftsman skmark's Avatar
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    I think we've been down this path on the forum quite a few times over the years. But.......I could do with updating my sharpening regime.......is the advice still Lansky these days? I don't really want to go all 'Mr Miyagi' with stones etc.

  11. #11
    Grand Master hogthrob's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bootneck View Post
    We’ve had a Henckel set for years now, they’re still going strong and sharpen up again well even, the scissors have been brilliant. From memory they where around £140
    I have a couple of Henkels - they seem to be marketed as Zwilling these days. This set looks good value: https://uk.zwilling-shop.com/Kitchen...168-100-0.html

  12. #12
    Thanks for all the recommendations and the links. I will be looking at these tonight after work.

  13. #13
    Grand Master magirus's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by skmark View Post
    I think we've been down this path on the forum quite a few times over the years. But.......I could do with updating my sharpening regime.......is the advice still Lansky these days? I don't really want to go all 'Mr Miyagi' with stones etc.
    Lansky. Got mine from BA Blades, they often have specials on. Old garden knife to shaving sharp . . .








    Kitchen knives . . .






    Last edited by magirus; 20th January 2021 at 17:30.
    F.T.F.A.

  14. #14
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    I have 4 Kai shun knives

    https://www.knivesfromjapan.co.uk/kn...xoC92IQAvD_BwE

    And a Chefs Choice knife sharpener

    https://richmondcookshop.co.uk/produ...oducts_id=1635

    Had them 10 years now and still as good as new.

  15. #15
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by magirus View Post
    Lansky. Got mine from BA Blades, they often have specials on. Old garden knife to shaving sharp . . .








    Kitchen knives . . .






    Lansky work well. Can be a bit fiddly at first but worth persevering with. I like them personally.
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  16. #16
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    Wusthof are very good also

  17. #17
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    Kitchen Knives Recommendation

    If you want good reliable blades that are very serviceable and you can grow your collection as you get more obsessed then Nisbet’s catering supplies provide them to the trade and public, they frequently have sales and provide a good range of knife brands and types.

    Rather then four blades I’d use the money for three good quality knives of a chefs knife, a paring knife and a utility knife. (You’d also have some money left over )

    https://www.nisbets.co.uk/kitchenwar...itchen%20knife

  18. #18
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    You probably don't need every knife from this set but it would cover 99% of tasks: https://www.lakeland.co.uk/26519/Rob...nife+Block+Set

    We have the kitchen knife and the chefs knife and they take a wicked edge and are very comfortable in the hand.

  19. #19
    Master Franco's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ralphy View Post
    I've stuck to using Global knives for many years, there's dearer and better but they suit me fine.

    R

    Global here, good quality , no fuss. Easy to sharpen

  20. #20
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    I'm surprised it's not been mentioned yet but I've not found anything lacking with my Victorinox knives. I just saw that it had been mentioned further up with a link, so consider it another recommendation!

    They're perhaps the ultimate form over function knife out there and from what I've understood used by professional chefs quite a bit because of this. They're nowhere near what you're budget is but I'd sooner save the extra money you're most likely paying for the negligible difference in performance any higher up the food chain you go. I think one of the most popular ones is this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Victorinox-...1228543&sr=8-7 That's one of the ones I have but a few others in the "set".

    Again, don't look fancy with the moulded plastic handle but razor sharp out the box and easy to sharpen.

  21. #21
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sugarytea View Post
    I'm surprised it's not been mentioned yet but I've not found anything lacking with my Victorinox knives. I just saw that it had been mentioned further up with a link, so consider it another recommendation!
    Maybe read the thread fully first?

    Quote Originally Posted by Saint-Just View Post
    Depending on how your wife treats her your knives...

    ...

    Also, at the budget end, do not underestimate those

    https://www.knivesandtools.co.uk/en/...hen-knives.htm
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  22. #22
    Quote Originally Posted by sugarytea View Post
    I'm surprised it's not been mentioned yet but I've not found anything lacking with my Victorinox knives. I just saw that it had been mentioned further up with a link, so consider it another recommendation!

    They're perhaps the ultimate form over function knife out there and from what I've understood used by professional chefs quite a bit because of this. They're nowhere near what you're budget is but I'd sooner save the extra money you're most likely paying for the negligible difference in performance any higher up the food chain you go. I think one of the most popular ones is this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Victorinox-...1228543&sr=8-7 That's one of the ones I have but a few others in the "set".

    Again, don't look fancy with the moulded plastic handle but razor sharp out the box and easy to sharpen.
    My second most used knife is a victorinox, a long bread/pastry slicer with serrated edge and a rosewood handle.

    It may depend if the matching knives in their wooden block must complement the toaster & kettle set to complete the kitchen's well curated look.

  23. #23
    Master j0hnbarker's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Franco View Post
    Global here, good quality , no fuss. Easy to sharpen
    Same. We bought ours in 2011 I think and they're still going strong.

    Hand wash (never use a dishwasher on a good knife) and keep sharp using the MinoSharp wheels.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by Saint-Just View Post
    Maybe read the thread fully first?
    But you literally quoted me with my edit acknowledging your post with the Victorinox link! I hadn't seen it initially as it wasn't immediately obvious without clicking the link or hovering over it.

  25. #25
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sugarytea View Post
    But you literally quoted me with my edit acknowledging your post with the Victorinox link! I hadn't seen it initially as it wasn't immediately obvious without clicking the link or hovering over it.
    In this case please accept my apologies. As I double quoted in 2 stages I missed your edit.
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  26. #26
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    There’s a mixture of Global and Kai Shun in the kitchen here. I’d normally reach for a Kai but have no issue using Global if needed.

  27. #27
    Craftsman sammyl1000's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by j0hnbarker View Post
    Same. We bought ours in 2011 I think and they're still going strong.

    Hand wash (never use a dishwasher on a good knife) and keep sharp using the MinoSharp wheels.
    Same here, another recommendation for Global, reasonable price and great quality.

    Sent from my XQ-AT51 using Tapatalk

  28. #28
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    I've had good experiences at Hart's of Stur and with my Wusthof knife.

    https://www.hartsofstur.com/food-pre...aw_stock=1&p=2

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  29. #29
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    I've had Global knives for years, but also a couple of David Mellor knives. The knife I use the most is this one;

    https://www.davidmellordesign.com/ro...m-david-mellor

    They are not stupidly expensive, designed and made in the UK, and hold an edge brilliantly. I wouldn't buy any other knives now.

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  30. #30
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    I had Robert Welch ones recommended to me a good few years ago. They have been superb, are British designed and are very good quality.
    https://www.robertwelch.com/collecti...hoCSasQAvD_BwE

  31. #31
    Quote Originally Posted by t955daytona View Post
    I had Robert Welch ones recommended to me a good few years ago. They have been superb, are British designed and are very good quality.
    https://www.robertwelch.com/collecti...hoCSasQAvD_BwE
    This is interesting, as i was going to post the absolute opposite!

    We have Robert Welch knives and I have to say I've been dissapointed with them. They dont stay sharp for very long and I don't think that they handle particularly well

    It's really interesting how opinions can differ.

    Can I please ask what sharpening tool/method you use? As that could be where I'm going wrong

    Thanks
    John

  32. #32
    I love my Wusthof knives. They take a good edge and are solid.

    I am using this to sharpen and it works a treat and so easy.

    https://www.horl.com/de_en/sharpeners


  33. #33
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    I always found it hard to keep an edge on the Wusthof knives I have. Barely use anything except my two Japanese chef's knives now. One's a Hattori and I can't remember the make of the other.

  34. #34
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    Quote Originally Posted by johnboy9876 View Post
    This is interesting, as i was going to post the absolute opposite!

    We have Robert Welch knives and I have to say I've been dissapointed with them. They dont stay sharp for very long and I don't think that they handle particularly well

    It's really interesting how opinions can differ.

    Can I please ask what sharpening tool/method you use? As that could be where I'm going wrong

    Thanks
    John
    I use the sharpener that they supply. They never go near a dishwasher and I only use them on a wooden chopping board and have never had an issue with them losing an edge.


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  35. #35
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    That Horl sharpener looks great! I’ve got a simple Lansky one that works but takes time.

    I’ve had most of these for 20yrs, went on a spree in my early 20’s - always wanted them & always loved cooking. Kept in a roll when I was house sharing though.




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  36. #36
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    That Horl setup is superb.

    I currently use a global whetstone with angle guides, which is fine, but still a faff - unlike that

  37. #37
    I’m not a fan of Global - had a couple but find them uncomfortable and they don’t handle well for me.

    Now have a mix and match set - couple of Porsche knives which are decent mid priced knives, a Damascus steel Japanese Santoku (can’t remember the maker) - great for heavy duty veg like butternut squash - but my favourite is a chef’s knife made for me by TK knives - it’s their Etriel design:



    Also highly recommend Kuhn Rikon - unbelievably good for the money, but very lightweight, excellent for paring or fruit knives and other light duties.

  38. #38
    Grand Master magirus's Avatar
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    With the Lansky I re-did the bevels on my knives. Once they are properly sharp the key is to touch them up little and often. This (for my usage) is a couple of minutes with the ultra fine stone (1000 grit) and leather strop.
    F.T.F.A.

  39. #39
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    Quote Originally Posted by tertius View Post
    I’m not a fan of Global - had a couple but find them uncomfortable and they don’t handle well for me.

    Now have a mix and match set - couple of Porsche knives which are decent mid priced knives, a Damascus steel Japanese Santoku (can’t remember the maker) - great for heavy duty veg like butternut squash - but my favourite is a chef’s knife made for me by TK knives - it’s their Etriel design:



    Also highly recommend Kuhn Rikon - unbelievably good for the money, but very lightweight, excellent for paring or fruit knives and other light duties.
    That looks nice , what size is it?

  40. #40
    Grand Master blackal's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by tertius View Post
    I’m not a fan of Global - had a couple but find them uncomfortable and they don’t handle well for me.

    Now have a mix and match set - couple of Porsche knives which are decent mid priced knives, a Damascus steel Japanese Santoku (can’t remember the maker) - great for heavy duty veg like butternut squash - but my favourite is a chef’s knife made for me by TK knives - it’s their Etriel design:

    Also highly recommend Kuhn Rikon - unbelievably good for the money, but very lightweight, excellent for paring or fruit knives and other light duties.
    I have one set of Chicago Cutlery (USA made) which go back around 25yrs, and another 10 or so mixed knives. For the last 20yrs I have only bought knives that looked and handled right. For good utility knives, I have a couple of Taylors Eye Witness ‘Ravena’ , some Costco catering knives and some other odds and sods.

    Sure, the handles don’t match when they are sticking out of the blocks - but who cares!

    Can’t be doing with Sabatier (make or style) as the balance and handle shape does not work for me.

    Had a Lansky Sharpener kit for decades but recently bought an Electric sharpener - super fast and as accurate (if not more so) than the Lansky kit.

  41. #41
    Quote Originally Posted by Middo View Post
    That looks nice , what size is it?
    The blade on mine is 22cm but they will make it whatever size you want (within reason).

  42. #42
    Quote Originally Posted by blackal View Post

    Can’t be doing with Sabatier (make or style) as the balance and handle shape does not work for me.
    Sabatier are always a bit hit and miss: they are like a franchise with loads of different makers using the brand name - some are good and some are awful.

  43. #43
    Craftsman Kevin's Avatar
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    What a coincidence, I bought some new knives today, had no idea this thread was here.

    Cheapest deal for these I could find on the net, if you bought these individually you would be getting close to £300 at RRP

    I realised that I don't need a lot of knives, I already have a decent bread knife and three is all I need.


    https://www.hartsofstur.com/wusthof-...300160301.html

  44. #44
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    Can't go wrong with global bit on the pricey side but love our sets

    Sent from my VOG-L09 using TZ-UK mobile app

  45. #45
    Journeyman ubruz's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ralphy View Post
    I've stuck to using Global knives for many years, there's dearer and better but they suit me fine.

    R
    Same here... been using Global knives for years. Highly recommended.

  46. #46
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    Wish I had seen that Horl sharpener before I realised I “needed” the Tormek T4 sharpening system that was mentioned on the knife sharpening thread!

    Oh well, it’ll outlast me I guess! Sorry to go off thread.

  47. #47
    Grand Master hogthrob's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mainspring View Post
    Wish I had seen that Horl sharpener before I realised I “needed” the Tormek T4 sharpening system that was mentioned on the knife sharpening thread!

    Oh well, it’ll outlast me I guess! Sorry to go off thread.
    A Tormek to sharpen your kitchen knife? Mental! :-)

  48. #48
    Craftsman Kevin's Avatar
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    I have known three instances of Global knives snapping, and the handles are awful

    I wouldn't buy them. Like a lot of things these days the marketing hype exceeds the reality

  49. #49
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kevin View Post
    I have known three instances of Global knives snapping, and the handles are awful

    I wouldn't buy them. Like a lot of things these days the marketing hype exceeds the reality
    Handles are fine, never had any issue.

    Only ones I’ve seen or heard of snapping have been abused with a dishwasher.

    Mine are ancient, so have served me well.


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  50. #50
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    The only global knife I own, I’ve had for 22 years and it’s still keeps a great edge.

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