I want to buy a set of kitchen knives that will a)last a while b)are easy to sharpen and c) don't cost the earth. Has anyone got any recommendations? I want a filleting knife (for fish), a carving knife and a paring knife. Years back I got a huge set of Sabatier knives (wedding present, rather beyond my current budget) but would avoid carbon steel in future as I'm not vigilant enough to stop them going rusty - stainless steel would probably be best. I'd happily pay around €30/£20 per knife - anything over that uis pushing it a bit, unless the knives would literally last a lifetime!
Being in Ireland, and rural Ireland at that, I'm expecting to buy these knives online, as I don't know of anywhere 'real' to get them from - so, any suggestions?
You could try Sabatier stainless steel blades. Ive had mine for 13 yrs and they're still going strong. http://www.shop.sabatier.com/default.cfm They're a bit pricy mind.
Thanks - they may be pricey, but I now lust after them. Think I might just have to splash out - that Classic boning knife is calling me! I still have my 10" steel (ooer missus!) from the original set, so there's €67 saved already (or so I'll tell the hub if he asks!).
Terrible isn't it, starting next year's Christmas wish list before this year's even over?
Teehee, have to giggle - finally decided on a Delphis filleting knife, and am now in the process of checking out - the site gives you three options of choice of 'civilty' - Madam, Miss or Mister. I can't wait to see our postman's face when a parcel arrives addressed to 'Madam' Jo H. Wonder how long it'll be until I get strange men knocking on the door? (Mind you, will have the aforementioned knife to deter them with!)
Hello Henhouse,... re your knife post,in the past I have owned Sabatier knives and they do represent good value for money, the fillet knife you mention is a really good design, and being french steel they do sharpen quickly but on the minus side they loose sharpness equally quickly. I have for a long time used Henckels knives, they are expensive but first rate, two types,top range made in Germany and a cheaper range in Spain.Henckels took over the Arcos company who produce the cheaper ones. I recently purchased some Tojiro knives made in Japan, these are not just knives, they are instruments, but they take getting used to.... If you can wait, try what suits you best, from grip, balance ect.
We've got a set of Global knives. They're a bit pricey (£50-£80 per knife) but are excellent and make it a joy to cook. You can buy them separately so we've built up our collection gradually during sale times.
Sorry about my last entry, dont know what happened.
My advice would be "Don't skimp on the price” A good quality knife will be easier to sharpen and will stay sharp longer. Victorinox make a good range of knives and I have used Victorinox for years. I bought a Sabatier a couple of years ago and was a little disappointed. I have recently taken possession of a Gustav Emil Ern. (Riveted Range, Fully Forged Stainless Steel Knife) It has put all my previous knives to shame. You may have to pay in the region of £130= for the largest knife but the prices reduce with size. It sharpens to a fine edge with no feathering. The edge is so fine that it is possible to shave with, yet it keeps its edge. I would also suggest you invest in a good quality double sided oilstone. These are essential to ensure that the blade doesn't build up a shoulder, thereby preventing the need to grind the blade. Hope this has been of some assistance.
The best knives are japanese... They make them along the same lines as samurai swords, I'm sure... I had one and I swear, I only needed to sharpen it every ten uses or so....
