Looking for a good beginner set of knives

[sourcheese]

The past year and a half Ive taken up a love of cooking, but my kitchen knive set is a dismall (spelling) walmart special. These arent holding up for me and I am looking for a good general knive set for all around kitchen use thats in the 200 dollar price range. I bet this is a subject thats been beat to death, but any idea's would be apriciated. Thank you

 

[Andy M.]

Hi and welcome aboard.

You really should read through the earlier posts in this knife forum. Basically, they will tell you to skip the set and use your $200 to buy a few good knives. You really need only three or four to get the job done.

Go to a cutlery or kitchen store and ask to hold and feel some knives to find a brand and model that feels good in your hand.

 

[TATTRAT]

I'm am with Andy 100% on this one, don't get stuff you won't need or use...just shoot for the basics: Chefs knife, paring knife, serrated knife(offset or not), cleaver(maybe) some good shears, and a thin bladed slicer.

And shop around, not all makes models are the same feel. Get what feels balanced and easily usable. Also look for good quality steel.

 

[FryBoy]

Check this deal:

http://www.bestknives.com/wutrcknbl5pc.html

For my money, you can't beat Wusthof for kitchen knives. I've had several of these same knives since 1968, use them daily, and they're as good as new.

 

[Robo410]

there is a chef set by calphalon...forged full tang etc, 8" chef knife 5"santuko. the price is good. check on line chef's catalogue or cooking .com to that add a good paring knife, a serrated bread knife, and a boning filet knife. you can buy moderate quality for $100 or so. get a diamond honing steel to keep them sharp

 

[Tony_AAA]

Here's the best deal I've ever seen---This set is $300.00+ everywhere else. Messermeiser Meridian Elite 7 piece set for $150.00

http://www.cameronscookware.com/Meridian%20Elite%20Basic%20Block%20Set%20-%207%20Pc.aspx

 

[Poppinfresh]

Go to your local college bookstore, so long as the college has a culinary academy. The one by where I live has a full set of decent Messermeister's for 204 dollars. Comes with the chef's knife, cleaver, utility knife, long serrated blade, honing steel, filet knife, shears and a full garnishing kit (including paring knife) and a knife safe