Knives

the slow norris · Jan 20, 2014

Taking inspiration from the TV chefs thread and the fact I am now largely in charge of cooking the family's food, I am in need of a proper set of knives for use in the kitchen. Top end of budget is ~£300 and I'll probably only need 4 (vegetable knife, and 3 larger variants, don't need a bread knife or any fancy cleavers etc), but am not wedded to the idea that the more you spend the better you get.

So over to the collective knowledge of NSC, any ideas gratefully received.

Prettyboyshaw · Jan 20, 2014

J. A. Henckels great knives should just about fit in your budget.

Hyperion · Jan 20, 2014

My tip is not to order online unless you been somewhere to the get the feel of them first or just get them at a shop. People are going to advise all sorts but they have feel and function right for you. Secondly, buy a decent knife sharpener and learn to use it properly

Herr Tubthumper · Jan 20, 2014

I asked a friend who is into cooking the same question about 10 years ago and he recommended Global. I bought a full set and not had an problems with them.

Surf's Up · Jan 20, 2014

Go and have a look at the range of different knives sold in Steamer Trading, try them out and then purchase online.

Marshy · Jan 20, 2014

You really only need a couple of knives at most.

My brother did the Jamie Oliver cooking lesson thing in Brighton and the Chef said any Chef turning up with more than 2 or 3 knives didnt know what they were doing.

For a home good cook, just 1 knife.

Surf's Up · Jan 20, 2014

gibseagull said:
Go and have a look at the range of different knives sold in Steamer Trading, try them out and then purchase online.

Sorry! Just realised you live in Suffolk so go to the Ipswich equivalent of Steamer Trading!

Notters · Jan 20, 2014

The most important thing is supposed to be the balance of the handle and the blade. You should be able to easily balance the knife on your finger where the two meet.

mikeyjh · Jan 20, 2014

We use global knives and very happy with them - The one thing is that if you want to keep them properly sharp, you're going to need get sharpening stones and then spend some time figuring out the technique, but once you do, they'll stay sharp for ages....

The Large One · Jan 20, 2014

Got a selection of Kitchen Devils from Asda for under £20.

Excellent investment.

CheeseRolls · Jan 20, 2014

I have a couple of ceramic knives from Aldi. I was just intrigued, by the claim that they never need to be sharpened. After about 6 months of use, they are still razor sharp, but on one the handle is slightly loose. You can't really use these knives to cut through really hard stuff, such as frozen meat, but for example slim slices of tomato are a breeze and for many jobs, I prefer using these over conventional steel blades.

I would suggest a couple of small ceramic knives are a good investment (if you go one step up from Aldi in terms of quality) along with a couple of large heavy duty knives (maybe a small cleaver) and a bread knife, if you don't already have one.

Steve in Japan · Jan 20, 2014

Global knives can snap between handle and blade, if you are using the flat of the blade to crush something. In my case a clove of garlic, lent on it with the flat of my hand and snap. I am told it is something of a known weakness because the join is forged there.

Gwylan · Jan 20, 2014

Steve in Japan said:
Global knives can snap between handle and blade, if you are using the flat of the blade to crush something. In my case a clove of garlic, lent on it with the flat of my hand and snap. I am told it is something of a known weakness because the join is forged there.

I had a Global knife that snapped in half when I dropped it on the kitchen floor. They look pretty but clearly not robust enough for actual use.

I now use one that's about a third of the price but does the job of cutting and take all sorts of knocks and blows

dougdeep · Jan 20, 2014

Shop local is best where you can get a feel for them. I find it better to buy singly as if you buy a set there will be some you never use.

Marshy · Jan 20, 2014

I O Shen is what you need

emphyrian · Jan 20, 2014

I use Sabatier knives. they are well balanced and keep sharp. As someone else mentioned the steamer trading type shops let you have a feel for the knife. They are also a good price for anyone

The Merry Prankster · Jan 20, 2014

Prettyboyshaw said:
J. A. Henckels great knives should just about fit in your budget.

Quite right.

The Merry Prankster · Jan 20, 2014

Marshy said:
You really only need a couple of knives at most.

My brother did the Jamie Oliver cooking lesson thing in Brighton and the Chef said any Chef turning up with more than 2 or 3 knives didnt know what they were doing.

For a home good cook, just 1 knife.

Complete, unmitigated nonsense. Possibly even balderdash.

SouthCoastOwl · Jan 20, 2014

I've always used Sabatier, can't fault them.

CheeseRolls · Jan 20, 2014

SouthCoastOwl said:
I've always used Sabatier, can't fault them.

Hmmm my understanding is that the Sabatier name is no guarantee of quality. I believe that different companies use the name and that the quality can vary considerably.

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