The Cooks' Den » Knife Sets 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 Ginsu Knife Block Set Review, 14 Piece | Stainless Steel Serrated Never Sharpen Blades w/ Black Storage http://www.thecooksden.com/ginsu-knife-block-set-review-14-piece-stainless-steel-serrated-never-sharpen-blades-w-black-storage/ http://www.thecooksden.com/ginsu-knife-block-set-review-14-piece-stainless-steel-serrated-never-sharpen-blades-w-black-storage/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:56:41 +0000 Sharon http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=12819 Ginsu Knife Block Set, 14 Piece If this is your first time shopping around for a set of kitchen knives, then I'm sure this Ginsu Knife Block Set clearly stood out among the rest. It comes with a lot of knives that never need to be sharpened, and it's a great price. You're probably asking, "What's the catch?"

Thing is, these knives are more suited for an occasional home cook on a budget, someone who doesn't need to use kitchen knives daily and may not want a better set that requires maintenance. The knives are made from Japanese high carbon stainless steel and feature double-edged serrated blades that supposedly never need to be sharpened. They arrive sharp out of the box and are paired with ergonomic handles as well as a limited lifetime warranty. (Factor in an average replacement cost of $3 per knife to cover shipping if you ever need to return one.)

The set includes a very well-rounded choice of knife options, better than some I've seen, actually. A chef's knife, Japanese santoku, bread knife, boning knife, utility knife, and paring knife are your main cutting options. Ginsu also includes six steak knives and a pair of kitchen shears to round out the set. Each piece fits into a black hardwood knife block. The knives are dishwasher safe, but to make sure rust is avoided over time, wash by hand and make sure each knife is completely dry before returning to the knife block.

However, if quality is more important to you than price, I'd forgo this set and focus on a smaller collection of well-made knives that could last you a lifetime if maintained properly. Knives that never need sharpening aren't a good match for consumers who take cooking seriously. Knives that can be sharpened and maintained to one's own preferences are a much better choice. Even though they require maintenance, the edges are much sharper in the end, and the quality is noticeably more durable. It's like comparing a Kia to a BMW.

One such option is the Victorinox Forged Knife Set, a starter set that bundles the only knives a chef needs to get by on: a chef's knife, utility knife, and paring knife. They're forged from Solingen steel and are solidly made with full-tang handles.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/ginsu-knife-block-set-review-14-piece-stainless-steel-serrated-never-sharpen-blades-w-black-storage/feed/ 0 Godinger Fluted Cake Knife Spatula Set | Silver Pastry Serving Cutlery http://www.thecooksden.com/godinger-fluted-cake-knife-spatula-set-silver-pastry-serving-cutlery/ http://www.thecooksden.com/godinger-fluted-cake-knife-spatula-set-silver-pastry-serving-cutlery/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:06:53 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8258 Godinger Fluted Cake Knife Spatula Set The Godinger Cake Server Set will require a return to older times when polishing the silver was a regular household task. This ornate fluted handle pattern is silver plated and will need a good polish before special occasions.

The stainless steel spatula and knife are intended for cakes and pastries and are built appropriately for that work, with a style that's as important as their function. Although most owners wouldn't expect to use these tools for prep work or for cutting hard-crusted breads, the build certainly isn't intended for that. The set is is intended for light cutting and dinner service.

Cleaning is a carefully-done manual procedure and should be completed before pastry or icing hardens on the intricate surfaces of these tools. Putting this set through a dishwasher is out of the question. Use a mild detergent solution, warm water, and a non-abrasive dishcloth for best results. Hand dry after washing.

The parent company, Godinger Silver Art, has been in business both as manufacturer and importer of fine giftware for thirty years and markets silver plate cutlery and other gift items nationwide through many independent retailers and giftware shows. Warranty and exchange policies can vary from dealer to dealer.

The Ricci Argentieri Raffaello serving set is another beautiful design to consider.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/godinger-fluted-cake-knife-spatula-set-silver-pastry-serving-cutlery/feed/ 0 Green Mountain Ceramic Utility Knife Set | Kitchen White 4 Piece http://www.thecooksden.com/green-mountain-ceramic-utility-knife-set-kitchen-white-4-piece/ http://www.thecooksden.com/green-mountain-ceramic-utility-knife-set-kitchen-white-4-piece/#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:16:53 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4831 Green Mountain Ceramic Utility KnifeThese Green Mountain Zirconium Oxide Knives in a set of four are actually the same two knife set, repeated. If you want a set of one 5" and one 4" blade for yourself and a set for a friend, that can be a good thing. Otherwise, now you have spares.

The razor sharp ceramic blades can't be sharpened at home without special equipment, and restoring the edges shouldn't be attempted by anyone but a professional. When they need work they should go back to the factory for refurbishing. Sharpening isn't a constant need with ceramic knives, which typically hold a fine working edge for over a year of normal use. Edges degrade by chipping rather than abrasion, and micro chipping does not noticeably reduce their efficiency.

Ceramic knives are very high quality slicing knives but their use for other things is not recommended, since flexing, dropping, pressing with the flat of the blade, or even rotating the blade on edge on a cutting board (as for mincing herbs) can break the blade or ruin the edge. A straight forward slicing cut is what these knives do well.

Unique advantages of the ceramic knives include real stain resistance, no contribution of metallic flavor to acidic food, and edges that stay sharp. Always wash these knives by hand, never in the dishwasher, and always store them in the felt lined cases Green Mountain provides.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/green-mountain-ceramic-utility-knife-set-kitchen-white-4-piece/feed/ 1 Wusthof Classic Deluxe Hardwood Knife Block Set | 8 Piece Full Tang Stainless Steel http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-classic-deluxe-hardwood-knife-block-set-8-piece-full-tang-stainless-steel/ http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-classic-deluxe-hardwood-knife-block-set-8-piece-full-tang-stainless-steel/#comments Sun, 31 May 2009 00:40:42 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4632 Wusthof Classic Deluxe Hardwood KnifeA set of five prep knives in one of Wusthof's oldest patterns, this Classic block set might have been near the top of the heap twenty years ago--now it's a good set that needs some help.

The knives in this assortment cover the full range of kitchen tasks, but they do this with heavy forged blades and forged bolsters that extend all the way to the cutting edges. That's a very strong build, but it's not the most efficient available--better for chopping than for slicing. Now that Japanese styles with narrow bevels and harder steel are available, you'll definitely want to augment this set with a good santoku. A santoku is a great partner for the chef's knife in this set, being much better for slicing work but not built to handle the heavy jobs that these heavier knives are made to take.

The 6" utility knife is the favorite tool of some, good for light slicing and big enough for boning meat. The shorter blade is easy to control and strong enough to withstand twisting stress, important when separating joints . The two smaller knives both fall into the paring knife category, and the rigid blades make sense for trimming work. A thinner blade would be better for peeling, but most use patented tools for that.

These knives are built to last a lifetime, tough enough that neither blades nor riveted full tang slab handles are likely to take any noticeable damage. The 17 slot block is very well made, with room for steak knives, the poultry shears and sharpening steel, and more. With only a few additions you'll have every knife you need.

If less isn't more for you, compare this with the 10-piece Wusthof Gourmet knife block set to see which extra pieces you need.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-classic-deluxe-hardwood-knife-block-set-8-piece-full-tang-stainless-steel/feed/ 0 Wusthof Culinar Cheese Knife Set | Stainless Steel 3 Piece w/ Storage Box http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-culinar-cheese-knife-set-stainless-steel-3-piece-w-storage-box/ http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-culinar-cheese-knife-set-stainless-steel-3-piece-w-storage-box/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 23:56:47 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4618 Wusthof Culinar Cheese Knife Set Practical knives designed with elegant presentation in mind, these three solid stainless steel blades handle the full range of cheese textures, from hard Parmesan to soft Camembert. The set is suited to dining service as well as kitchen work.

Three knives with extreme differences in blade design make up this set. The short wedge shaped blade of the hard cheese knife quickly breaks off small chunks of Parmesan or Romano for grating. The soft cheese blade's airy lattice design parts soft Camembert without sticking; and the tined blade of the third style slices Cheddar with ease, doubling as a serving fork.

The cheese knife set is the same forged pattern as the larger prep knives in the Culinar line, with forged bolsters nearly seamlessly matched to satin finish 18/10 stainless steel handles. The hollow handles are permanently joined to the rat tail tangs of the knives with solid stainless steel rivets that are imprinted with the trident logo of the company.

The set of three comes in a velvet lined storage box which will protect the polish as well as the edges of the knives. After use, the knives should be hand washed and dried. Since appearance is as important to this set as function, they should not be run through a dishwasher.

The Wusthof Culinar 10-piece knife block set isn't too shabby, either.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-culinar-cheese-knife-set-stainless-steel-3-piece-w-storage-box/feed/ 0 Wusthof Classic Cook’s Knife Starter Set | Kitchen 6 Piece Stainless Full Tang Cutlery http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-classic-cooks-knife-starter-set-kitchen-6-piece-stainless-full-tang-cutlery/ http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-classic-cooks-knife-starter-set-kitchen-6-piece-stainless-full-tang-cutlery/#comments Tue, 26 May 2009 08:20:15 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3541 Wusthof Classic Cook's Knife StarterFive knives and a sharpening steel in this assortment from well known manufacturer Wusthof of Solingen, Germany, would make a very welcome and lasting gift set for anyone starting out in a kitchen of their own. On the other hand, if you are making the decisions yourself it may make more sense to mix and match.

These are excellent knives created in old patterns and with quality that will last a lifetime. Many cooks who have used Wusthof cutlery for decades see no reason to change now, and that's a shame. The best assortment of knives today would include good Japanese versions as well as a selection of the heavier forged European styles like Wusthof. Both have their place in modern kitchens.

But especially as a gift set, this is a fine selection, with knives to cover nearly every task in the kitchen, from paring and boning knives to carving and chef's knives and a serrated edge bread knife for cutting hard crusted breads and rolls. The chef's knife itself, with some acquired skill to match it, will do everything from mincing herbs to slicing vegetables to heavier chopping. These forged blades are capable of heavy work as well as light.

Edge holding is good, but not the best on the market today. When you make knives to do everything, there are some tradeoffs, and in this case you trade a finer edge for durability. Edge bevels are wider, but strong, and there's no danger of chipping. The set is also dishwasher safe, but should be washed by hand to protect finish and edge. Proper care and a few strokes of the sharpening steel before use will keep these knives razor sharp.

Here's a smaller starter set in the Wusthof Classic line.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-classic-cooks-knife-starter-set-kitchen-6-piece-stainless-full-tang-cutlery/feed/ 0 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 Furi Rachael Ray Young Cooks Safety Paring Knife Set w/ Glove http://www.thecooksden.com/furi-rachael-ray-young-cooks-safety-paring-knife-set-w-glove/ http://www.thecooksden.com/furi-rachael-ray-young-cooks-safety-paring-knife-set-w-glove/#comments Sat, 02 May 2009 20:42:36 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4775 Furi Rachael Ray Young Cooks SafetyI've been cooking for a very long time now and I still have close calls with knives. Putting one of my razor edged santoku into the hands of a kid with great ambitions would be a nerve wracking event for me--there are all sorts of things that could go wrong. Might be a better idea to wait until they're thirty-two years old.

Kids don't have that much patience, though, and cooking is a skill you need to learn young, before anyone else's preconceptions of who should do it or whether it's fun gets in the way of those first unbiased thoughts. Chef Rachel Ray provides the cautious parent with a way to introduce children to the kitchen safely, with this set of two specially designed prep knives and a safe cutting glove.

The four inch blades of the paring and serrated utility knives have rounded tips which should not interfere with practical function and do enhance the protection of the mesh cutting glove. The rubberized knife handles are shaped for young hands, with generous finger notches that encourage a proper and safe grip. Blade guards are provided to protect the knife edges when not in use.

The quality of the blades is high, equal to the other professional quality chef's knives produced by Furi Cutlery of Australia. The bright orange (Chef Ray's favorite color) should appeal to young people and encourage participation.

The glove is large and will probably be awkward for people with small hands and easily frustrated young ambitions. If you want your kids to use one, use one yourself and set a good example.

And the Furi line even has a matching, functional set for the parents, too.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/furi-rachael-ray-young-cooks-safety-paring-knife-set-w-glove/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 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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