They weren't sharpened in any way, shape or form when I received them. Good thing I had a knife sharpener, otherwise I would have had three nice butter knives. Once sharpened, they worked like knives. Don't leave them rotting in the sink after you use them or they will rust (just like any other knife).
I've never owned a forged set of knives before. I've always bought disposable knives that were stamped. None ever lasted much more than a year. They bent, broke, rivots fell out, or got lost. Therefore, why invest in something so expensive?
Well, times have changed. Now I buy things that aren't so disposable. Often price takes a back seat to quality. Doesn't mean I still don't look for deals. I like keeping my hard earned money.
So, despite the cheap price for a set of 3 knives, I took a chance on the Paula Deen set of 3 knives based upon the thickness of their blades. I'm glad I did.
The Paula Deen knife set comes in a sturdy plastic clam shell with nylon ties clutching the knives like boa constrictors grasping their prey. They're strong enough to to keep them in the package. It's tough material. Not for the faint of heart or weak in spirit. Use a pair of scissors or wire snips on the boas. When you're finished the knives slide out the bottom without the usual discomfort of wrestling with the packaging. Simple. Just be careful not to cut yourself as they slide out.
I was immediately impressed.
These are very nice looking knives. Their picture on the web page don't do them justice. The steel had an expensive tone that made me think of titanium or platinum. Each knife had the kind of heft one associates with quality.
Ah, Japanese hardened steel (but constructed in China -what isn't nowadays?). I did the paper test and they all sliced through like a razor blade. The handles which support the full, sturdily rivoted tangs fit comfortably in my not too large hands. Some knives are slippery because they are hard to hold. Not these handles. They have a sexy shape that is well balanced and easy to grasp.
This was exactly the kind of steel I imagined the Samurai used. Not so heavy to be unweildy but hefty enough to do most of the slicing work with little effort.
My first task? Debone a chicken. I deboned it in minutes flat. (Note: Martin Yan, the famous Asian chef, can do it in less than 19 seconds. But he has to relax the chicken first. Mine took longer to debone because I scared it into submission by poking it and threatening its family. After that it just refused to relax...)
Then I chopped the bones to grind up with some meat for the cats. When I was done I cleaned and dried the knife. Then I sliced and diced a tomato, onion and julienned a green pepper with the same chefs knife. I cut up some potatoes and carrots too. Pretty good job, so far.
During the rest of the week I used the chefs knife for everything I could think of except pick my teeth and pry open jars (a no-no!).
The next week I continued to chop, dice and julienne. I peeled and sliced my way through jobs that I normally did with a mandoline. All without a hitch. It washed clean. I used a steel to polish the edge and started all over doing the same things the next week. After four weeks they are as sharp as the day I open their package. I did the paper test again and they still sliced like I was using a razor blade.
Man, I love these knives!
You could spend more for just one knife with the famous brands if you like. But if you like to keep your hard earned cash, well....
With the money I saved I had enough left over for a good steel, a magnetic strip to hold the blades and a good sharpening stone.
Sure, I could have bought a ceramic knife and skipped all the accessories but then I'd still just have one knife for the price. And most ceramics still cannot cut into bone without chipping or breaking. They can do limited chopping but most are just for slicing and peeling which they do very well. Until they can chop through bone -no sale!
I highly recommend Paula Deen's knives. Use them as a starter set or to replace your expensive knives when they, as do all knives sooner or later, wearout and have to be replaced.
January 16, 2013 Sadly I don't have the set any more since I stored them in my BBQ grill and forgot to take them out during the pre-heat stage. The handles burnt up. I suppose that I might have have new handles custom made but I tossed them in the trash. I've bought a new set that I don't like as much. When they wear out I'll consider again the Paula Deen knives.
Buy Paula Deen 3 Pc. Knife Set - Includes Chef, Utility and Parer Knives Now
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