Which knife set would you recommend?

[JustJoel]

This question has probably been asked in this forum hundreds, even thousands of times! But I’m new here, so please indulge me!

I bought a really crappy knife set from Groupon. It wasn’t expensive, and the knives and clear acrylic knife block are very attractive, but they don’t hold an edge at all.

I need an inexpensive option, with the basic knives that keep their edge and are easily honed. The set must have a Santoku knife, as I prefer them to chef knives, but I don’t need any frilly stuff, like steak knives and kitchen shears. I’d love to get a Japanese forged steel set of knives, but unfortunately my budget is limited.

I’ve read many times that it’s just best to buy a universal knife block, and purchase each knife separately. I see the wisdom in that (and I wouldn’t mind doing all that Web shopping, as long as my husband and the puppies are asleep) but it seems not to be a very cost-effective option.

Any advice, links to particular products and their reviews, or just your own personal experiences will be greatly appreciated!

 

[CraigC]

Go to the top of the screen, right side Advanced Search and type "What knife" and you will find many discussions on knives.

 

[Andy M.]

We have an entire sub-forum dedicated to knives.

 

[JustJoel]

We have an entire sub-forum dedicated to knives.

That’s why I posted my request for knife recommendation in the “knives” forum.

 

[RPCookin]

Joel... first of all don't waste your money on a set. Get 1 or 2 that are the type you use most, then add to that if needed. Visit a store where you can hold several good brands - how a knife fits your hand and style is just as important as the quality of the blade. You may pay a little more per knife, but you will have knives that you actually use, and you will get quality for a smaller effective outlay.

I have a Wusthof Classic 10" chef's knife that I use 90% of the time, with a couple smaller knives to fill in the gaps. That plus a Dexter Russell serrated bread knife are all I use.

 

[Andy M.]

That’s why I posted my request for knife recommendation in the “knives” forum.

I was suggesting you read some of the earlier discussions on this very same topic. The question has been answered more than once there is a wealth of information that's still valid.

 

[Kayelle]

Joel... first of all don't waste your money on a set. Get 1 or 2 that are the type you use most, then add to that if needed. Visit a store where you can hold several good brands - how a knife fits your hand and style is just as important as the quality of the blade. You may pay a little more per knife, but you will have knives that you actually use, and you will get quality for a smaller effective outlay.

I have a Wusthof Classic 10" chef's knife that I use 90% of the time, with a couple smaller knives to fill in the gaps. That plus a Dexter Russell serrated bread knife are all I use.

Joel, I think it's safe to say, the above quote has been the opinion of all the regulars here. If someone doesn't agree, now's the time to say so.
Like you Joel, I also prefer a Santoku knife to a Chef's knife and I've never seen a set that includes one.

 

[CharlieD]

I was suggesting you read some of the earlier discussions on this very same topic. The question has been answered more than once there is a wealth of information that's still valid.

Second that.

 

[PrincessFiona60]

Joel... first of all don't waste your money on a set. Get 1 or 2 that are the type you use most, then add to that if needed. Visit a store where you can hold several good brands - how a knife fits your hand and style is just as important as the quality of the blade. You may pay a little more per knife, but you will have knives that you actually use, and you will get quality for a smaller effective outlay.

I have a Wusthof Classic 10" chef's knife that I use 90% of the time, with a couple smaller knives to fill in the gaps. That plus a Dexter Russell serrated bread knife are all I use.

+10 This is the opinion of our knife gurus here on the forums and it's how I built my knife set.

 

[caseydog]

I agree, and you will find many posts on the subject with a search, that a knife set is not the way to go, unless you can get the knives you really need/want for less money in a set, which is sometimes possible. Those of us who have been down that road before, a set just gets you a few knives you will use, and others that you won't use. I started 30 years ago with a set I got for Xmas, but now just have my core group of individually selected knives I like and use.

CD

 

[jennyema]

I was suggesting you read some of the earlier discussions on this very same topic. The question has been answered more than once there is a wealth of information that's still valid.

This.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RPCookin
Joel... first of all don't waste your money on a set. Get 1 or 2 that are the type you use most, then add to that if needed. Visit a store where you can hold several good brands - how a knife fits your hand and style is just as important as the quality of the blade. You may pay a little more per knife, but you will have knives that you actually use, and you will get quality for a smaller effective outlay.

I have a Wusthof Classic 10" chef's knife that I use 90% of the time, with a couple smaller knives to fill in the gaps. That plus a Dexter Russell serrated bread knife are all I use.

Joel, I think it's safe to say, the above quote has been the opinion of all the regulars here. If someone doesn't agree, now's the time to say so.

And That