good kitchen knives?

Question

So I want to get a knife for my friend for the holidays, she said she really wants a good kitchen knife with a wooden handle, and one that is durable and will slice food well and will last. Do you know of any good brands that I can buy from that aren't too expensive? thanks

Answer 1

Just make sure the steel is good quality and the knife has a full tang handle. As for brands, Henckels has a good reputation.

Answer 2

Well, your combination of requirements is nearly impossible. So, I'll suggest a few things.

Are you looking for a chef's knife? (Used for general cutting and chopping; fairly large)
Santoku knife? (Used like a chef's knife, but, slightly different shape--aka: japanese chef's knife)
Slicing knife? (For slicing roasted meats, hams, etc)
Utility knife? (For general use; medium length; much lighter and less durable than a chef's knife; sometimes serrated)
Bread knife? (Long serrated knife for slicing bread and other delicate things)
Boning knife? (Medium length; thin blade; used to remove bones, etc. from raw meat)
Paring knife? (Short knife for peeling things and cuttingin small items such as garlic or even onions)

No matter the knife, I love my Henckel's Pro-S knives--they're a bit pricey, but, I believe that you often get what you pay for in the way of knives. This would be the most expensive option.

I have a Rachael Ray Furi knife in my camping gear and have given the two-knife set (available on the Food Network site) as a gift. These have a somewhat rubberized handle and a case and are a fairly good quality knife (good quality steel in the blades) for the money. This is a higher mid-level option; it also supports SOS which helps feed the hungry (if you get the right set).

I have given Kitchenaid knives to people who were just getting started cooking--quality is okay, price is very reasonable. Especially in Santoku or Utility or Paring knives. This would be a lower mid-level price option.

Another way to go is to visit a restaurant supply store and buy stamped knives--they will last and cut well, but, usually have a plain plastic handle. This is the most inexpensive option.

Good luck and happy cooking!

Answer 3

I have to agree with rfogle63 about the Cutco knives, however they are extremely pricey. I live where they are made and even in the retail store they are still pricey but they do carry a lifetime warranty. I recently purchesed some Analon knives abd they are extremely good quality as well. You can usually buy these open stock at a Bed Bath and Beyond or a department store. happy holidays

Answer 4

Cutco has some excellent knifes. Though they don't have wooden handles but they are guaranteed for life. if the handle breaks they will replace it, if the blade dulls, they will sharpen it. if the tip breaks off or bends they will also replace it...

The one draw back is they are a little expensive. I just bought a set and set me back a couple grand, but I got the whole set.

Check them out. They will have a sales rep come out to your home with samples of the knives..

http://www.cutco.com/home.jsp