The Cooks' Den » Henckels http://www.thecooksden.com Cooking Tools - Gear for Cooks and Chefs Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:49:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Henckels TWIN Pro S Carving Knife | Solingen Stainless Steel Full Tang 10 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-pro-s-carving-knife-solingen-stainless-steel-full-tang-10-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-pro-s-carving-knife-solingen-stainless-steel-full-tang-10-inch/#comments Sat, 16 May 2009 00:01:08 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4821 Henckels TWIN Pro S Carving Knife The ten inch stainless steel blade of this Henckels TWIN Pro-S Carving Knife is enough to smoothly slice the largest roasts and hams, as well as poultry and fish. One piece forged steel construction gives the knife extra strength, with a heavy blade resistant to twisting and bending, reinforced with a forged bolster and full tang handle.

The taper grind of Henckels Solingen steel knives gives the strong edge you expect from western style blades and adds to slicing efficiency--the result is anything but crude. The Friordur ice hardening process makes the blade even tougher than with ordinary tempering. Properly maintained at razor sharpness (easy enough to do with regular touch-ups with a honing steel) this knife will shave thin, accurate slices without distortion or tearing.

The design is also good looking, with a high blade polish and a traditionally styled triple riveted slab handle. Accuracy of the grind and the edge is judged by laser and computerized processes guarantee consistent quality. Etched with the company logo, the knife qualifies for dinner service as well as kitchen prep.

Hand washing and drying is the recommended cleaning method, and this long blade's edge is best protected when stored away in a wooden knife block. Be sure to wipe it down carefully, because moisture may blemish the finish.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-pro-s-carving-knife-solingen-stainless-steel-full-tang-10-inch/feed/ 1 Henckels Twin Gourmet Steak Knife Set | Kitchen Stainless Steel Full Tang 4 Piece http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-gourmet-steak-knife-set-kitchen-stainless-steel-full-tang-4-piece/ http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-gourmet-steak-knife-set-kitchen-stainless-steel-full-tang-4-piece/#comments Wed, 13 May 2009 23:57:51 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4818 Henckels Twin Gourmet Steak Knife Set This fine set of four stamped stainless steel steak knives in the TWIN Gourmet style from J. A. Henckels is a serving pattern that will harmonize with many modern table settings. The dark handle slabs and triple riveted full tang construction is far stronger than is necessary for table use, making these knives versatile for utility applications in the kitchen as well as for cutting steak.

The steel in these blades is the same quality as the standard pattern of Henckels prep knives, durable and easily sharpened. Although you may not be used to razor sharp steak knives, you certainly can have them with this set--all it will take to maintain that is occasional upkeep with a honing steel.

Blade design is important here, since most of the cutting will be done with the forward third of the cutting edge, and in these knives the shape puts blade edge where it's needed instead of forcing diners to scrape through with the point or dip knuckles in the gravy.

Appearance is equal in importance to function with dining cutlery, and this set will hold up well--dishwasher safe, it will fare much better if cleaned and dried by hand. Never store the knives while still damp. Modern stainless steel has better edge holding quality than older alloys, but will blemish if improperly treated.

Compare these with Wusthof's steak knife set.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-gourmet-steak-knife-set-kitchen-stainless-steel-full-tang-4-piece/feed/ 0 J.A. Henckels Stylus Kitchen Starter Set | Stainless Steel 8 Piece Knife Block http://www.thecooksden.com/ja-henckels-stylus-kitchen-starter-set-stainless-steel-8-piece-knife-block/ http://www.thecooksden.com/ja-henckels-stylus-kitchen-starter-set-stainless-steel-8-piece-knife-block/#comments Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:52:27 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4749 J.A. Henckels Stylus Kitchen StarterFrom Henckels of Solingen, Germany, this 8 piece block set in the Stylus pattern is actually made in China to Henckels' specifications. The high carbon stainless steel of these stamped blades is from rolls of steel approved by Henckels' engineers and the quality of this economical starter set is relatively high.

The knife block, however is marginal in quality, made from graphite painted wood and with limited capacity. When you expand your knife set, consider replacing it with something larger and more stable.

The build of these knives is not the heavy forged one piece pattern that you'd see in Henckels' more expensive products. The 18/10 stainless steel handles are accurately fitted to the stamped blades, however, and the ergonomic shape easily compensates for the lack of a true forged bolster. These knives are also better for slicing work than for chopping, with thinner blades that are flexible but not so tolerant of twisting or prying as the tougher forged patterns. Edge maintenance is simple, but a daily touch up with a sharpening steel is recommended.

The set includes a 3" paring knife and two utility knives, one of which has a serrated edge you won't be able to sharpen at home. An 8" chef's knife, carving knife, and serrated bread knife plus a sharpening steel balance out the assortment. To prevent blemishing of handles and blades hand washing and drying is recommended.

Here's another Henckels knife block set to consider.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/ja-henckels-stylus-kitchen-starter-set-stainless-steel-8-piece-knife-block/feed/ 1 Henckels Twin Pro-S Classic Paring Knife | Stainless Steel 4 Inch Full Tang http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-pro-s-classic-paring-knife-stainless-steel-4-inch-full-tang/ http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-pro-s-classic-paring-knife-stainless-steel-4-inch-full-tang/#comments Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:53:20 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4638 Henckels Twin Pro-S Classic ParingBuilt with the same high standards as the larger knives in Henckels TWIN Classic series, this 4" Paring Knife could be one of the most used knives in your kitchen. For the mundane chores of cutting blemishes from fruit and vegetables and peeling onions, many people choose the worst knives in the bargain bin. For those common tasks a good knife like this one makes good sense, and with it the unpopular chores go faster.

The short but strong blade combines with a forged bolster and full tang riveted slab handle to give comfortable service and accurate control. When you work on the tiny details, a small knife is often the most efficient. Use it for light point work or when you need twisting strength. Unlike cheap stamped knives, this knife won't fail.

Guaranteed for life, the sturdy and proven construction of the Classic series lives up to the warranty. The steel is chosen for edge retention and easy sharpening; dishwasher safe, the knives fare better if washed and dried by hand. The environment of a dishwasher, with high heat, vibration and harsh chemicals, is tough on both edge and finish. Edge upkeep is easy, with a few strokes of a honing usually all that's required.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-pro-s-classic-paring-knife-stainless-steel-4-inch-full-tang/feed/ 0 Henckels Cutlery Classic Starter Set | 3 Piece Stainless Steel Full Tang http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-cutlery-classic-starter-set-3-piece-stainless-steel-full-tang/ http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-cutlery-classic-starter-set-3-piece-stainless-steel-full-tang/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 03:02:42 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4521 Henckels Cutlery Classic Starter Set The no-nonsense Classic line from Henckels of Solingen, Germany, still looks much the same as when the knives were first introduced, but the changes you don't see are great improvements over the old commercial Henckels cutlery. Over the years many advancements have taken place as the company upgraded steel, forging and tempering processes while holding true to the familiar design that works.

Although today the performance of these knives can be exceeded, a basic set of fundamentally sound, workhorse quality knives like these three Henckels Classic choices is still a reasonable place to begin. They come with a lifetime guarantee that the company is known for backing up. The handles are not ergonomically improved but are a pattern that many find comfortable.

Forged blades and bolsters and full tang slab handles result in heavier knives--for high speed production work you'd be well advised to look for lighter counterparts easier on the wrists and hands. For general kitchen work, where knives that can stand up to twisting and flexing stresses are needed, these will always be handy and even essential.

The cook's knife will do a good job of slicing, mincing, and even some chopping work, but won't match the slicing efficiency of a good santoku. The utility knife will find use as a carving and boning knife as well as for sandwich prep and light slicing work, but often is set aside when a set fills out. The paring knife will always be standard procedure and it makes a lot of sense to start out with one that's good, like this Henckels 4" model.

Compare this set with the Henckels International Santoku Starter Set.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-cutlery-classic-starter-set-3-piece-stainless-steel-full-tang/feed/ 0 J.A. Henckels International Classic Bread Knife | Kitchen Cutlery 7 Inch Stainless Steel http://www.thecooksden.com/ja-henckels-international-classic-bread-knife-kitchen-cutlery-7-inch-stainless-steel/ http://www.thecooksden.com/ja-henckels-international-classic-bread-knife-kitchen-cutlery-7-inch-stainless-steel/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 02:59:41 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4518 J.A. Henckels International ClassicThe 7" serrated blade of this fine Henckels International Classic Bread Knife is specifically designed for making clean cuts in hard crusted or soft breads and pastries. The look is traditional, with a familiar dark polymer slab handle triple riveted to the full length forged tang. The forged bolster extends all the way to the cutting edge, giving the knife extra strength and tempting many to use these sturdy blades as carving knives as well.

Although the Henckels Bread Knife can certainly handle other work, care should be taken to avoid running the serrated edge across bones if you decide to carve roasts, ham, or poultry. You'll need that edge razor sharp to do a flawless job on bread and pastry, and bone will quickly dull the points of the teeth.

Used with caution, on wooden or plastic cutting boards (not plates or glass boards), this serrated edge should stay sharp beyond the usual lifetime of a Solingen steel plain edge. When it does need refurbishing, this blade must be returned to the factory for work.

The real problem with this knife is blade length. Although fine for anything within its range, some home style or French breads will certainly be too wide for a 7" cutting edge to handle. If you do a lot of baking a longer blade is a much better choice.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/ja-henckels-international-classic-bread-knife-kitchen-cutlery-7-inch-stainless-steel/feed/ 0 Henckels International Forged Synergy Knife Block Set | Kitchen 13 Piece Stainless Steel http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-international-forged-synergy-knife-block-set-kitchen-13-piece-stainless-steel/ http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-international-forged-synergy-knife-block-set-kitchen-13-piece-stainless-steel/#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:45:43 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4508 Henckels International Forged SynergyThis 13 piece block set in Henckels International Forged Synergy pattern actually only has four kitchen prep knives to offer. The santoku, chef's knife, utility knife and paring knife will cover most of the ordinary kitchen tasks, but these are not all the knives you will need. Six knives in this set are steak knives in the same distinctive pattern, with full tang handles padded out with synthetic grips. It's an ergonomic style but you do need to consider whether it matches your tableware.

Basic construction is sound--Henckels maintains high standards for production and quality of steel, so even though this set may have been manufactured in China it still has to meet German standards. The forged construction is strong, with only the santoku deviating from Henckels' usual styles. This one knife is created with a narrow bolster and thin blade to allow the exceptional slicing cuts that have made the Japanese santoku style popular in Western kitchens.

The most common complaint users have about stainless steel knives today is rust. This set is rated dishwasher safe, but hand washing and drying is advised, and is the best way to make sure the set stays in good condition. The storage block included should also be of help, but even storage blocks can collect moisture. If you choose a spot for your knife block that is exposed to steam from cooking, that can be bad for the knives.

If you choose this set you'll need to add to it--a bread knife and heavy cleaver would do much to round out the assortment.

Compare this with the smaller Twin Pro knife block set.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-international-forged-synergy-knife-block-set-kitchen-13-piece-stainless-steel/feed/ 1 Henckels Four Star Chef’s Knife Set | 2 Piece Stainless Steel Paring Blade http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-four-star-chefs-knife-set-2-piece-stainless-steel-paring-blade/ http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-four-star-chefs-knife-set-2-piece-stainless-steel-paring-blade/#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:38:34 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4505 Henckels Four Star Chef's Knife Set These are the two knives that most home chefs will use most often--the 4" paring knife and 8" cook's knife. By themselves they are not a complete set, but unless you've shifted over to santoku these are still the ones most often in hand. Even if you prefer the santoku style, you'll probably have a chef's knife around as a backup.

This pair of good knives from Henckels provides us with old designs created with new technology. The Henckels Sigmaforge process results in full rat tail tang handles of permanently bonded polypropylene along with forged bolsters and strong blades. Blade shape and edge are laser tested during manufacturing to detect even microscopic variation from the company's high standards. The FRIODUR ice hardening tempering process gives Solingen stainless steel even better durability than before.

The edge of these blades have wider bevels, in the European pattern, which makes them less efficient for slicing than the newer thin bevel Japanese designs, but also makes them less vulnerable to damage. These knives can handle twisting, flexing, and even chopping chores that would void the warranty on high end Japanese products.

Thicker blades and wider cutting bevels will still do that lighter slicing work, but with a slight drag you won't like if you spend too much time with the new generation of blades. You can compensate by keeping these knives in top condition and understanding that no one knife will meet every standard. A razor sharp Henckels is still a great knife.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-four-star-chefs-knife-set-2-piece-stainless-steel-paring-blade/feed/ 1 Henckels Twin Pro Paring Knife | Solingen Stainless Steel Full Tang 2.75 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-pro-paring-knife-solingen-stainless-steel-full-tang-275-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-pro-paring-knife-solingen-stainless-steel-full-tang-275-inch/#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:54:38 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4496 Henckels Twin Pro Paring Knife One of the two knives many cooks use most, the Henckels TWIN Pro Paring Knife makes a perfect companion for either a chef's knife or a santoku. Often reserved for only the light duty chores, this forged pattern from Henckels Solingen stainless steel is strong enough to do tougher jobs. Trim fat and gristle from meats, bone poultry, and separate joints with this stout blade.

The 2 3/4" full tang knife has a full sized triple riveted slab handle for a solid grip and extra leverage, and is comfortable when used for finer tasks like removing blemishes from fruit and vegetables. The stain free alloy used in this knife has been specially chosen for edge holding ability and easy sharpening; it requires only simple maintenance. A few strokes of a sharpening steel keeps the blade in fine shape.

Modern stainless steel will blemish if run through the harsh environment of a dishwasher, so hand washing and drying after use is recommended. The best way to store this paring knife is in a wooden storage block--extra care that paring knives seldom see. You might throw a two dollar bargain bin knife in the kitchen drawer, but the Henckels Pro deserves better treatment.

If you get a lot of use from your paring knife, you may want more than one. Check out this paring set by Wusthof Emerilware.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-pro-paring-knife-solingen-stainless-steel-full-tang-275-inch/feed/ 0 Henckels Twin Signature Knife Block Starter Set of 7 | Full Tang Stainless Steel w/ Shears http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-signature-knife-block-set-kitchen-7-piece-full-tang-stainless-steel/ http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-signature-knife-block-set-kitchen-7-piece-full-tang-stainless-steel/#comments Sun, 19 Apr 2009 17:16:12 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/henckels-twin-signature-knife-block-set-kitchen-7-piece-full-tang-stainless-steel/ Henckels Twin Signature Knife Block Set Many people who buy Henckels products expect all their knives to be hand forged. The Twin Signature series from which this 7 piece knife block set has been selected is one of Henckels' stamped product lines. What you can expect is quality, but not of the same kind you see in their forged knives.

The differences you'll note mainly involve the thickness of the blades--thin, flexible and uniform from handle to tip. For heavy work like chopping through bones you'll need heavier knives, but for many lighter kitchen tasks these will work just fine. The blades are laser cut from rolls of German high carbon stainless steel, and the grind of the edges is laser tested to ensure uniform perfection. There is no forged bolster as in the older Henckels patterns, but where one is needed the shape of the handle serves very well--the grip and shape are comfortable and safe.

The selection in this set includes an 8 inch chef's knife, 5 inch utility knife, 4 inch paring knife, 2-1/2-inch peeling knife, sharpening steel, kitchen shears, and hardwood knife block. That's very focused on the lighter end of the knives you'll actually need. The peeling knife isn't likely to be your favorite, and if you do intend to use the old classic of the kitchen, the chef's knife, you'll probably be happier with a forged pattern. In a stamped steel design the santoku makes better sense.

This is a starter set, one that you'll probably want to upgrade in a few years anyway. Make sure the knives in this offering are the ones you will actually use, before you buy.

Also see the Henckels International Forged Synergy knife block set.

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