This silverware set is very nice.Very sturdy, but i will mention they are made in China. This is the only reason i am not giving them 5 stars. Would purchase again.Save 47% Off
Showing posts with label japanese kitchen knife set. Show all posts
Showing posts with label japanese kitchen knife set. Show all posts
Yamazaki Bradon 20-Piece Flatware Set, Service for 4
This silverware set is very nice.Very sturdy, but i will mention they are made in China. This is the only reason i am not giving them 5 stars. Would purchase again.
OXO Good Grips Professional 8-Inch Chef Knife
This is an unpretentious, capable tool that is likely to get lost between $5 ginsus and $240 Shuns. It is comfortable to use, has reasonably good steel, and is balanced well. It is a good using knife and the attractive price just sweetens the deal. Do the math--a solid tool for $20 something, or a bit more weight and marketing for $120 to $240.I am a bit of a tool nut, and I own German Wusthoff, French Sabatier and Calphalon knives made with German steel. They are fine knives, but let's face it, they can't do anything the good grips knife can't. Yes, a bit more weight comes in handy when you're doing serious chopping for hours on end, but I try to avoid that. I also favor a 10" cooks knife, but most opt for the 8" model. This is an ideal primary knife for a new cook who is ready to go, but too smart to drop a bundle on a brand name.
Rust has not been a concern, but I keep my blades clean. I don't throw them in the dishwasher and I steel them often.
Buy OXO Good Grips Professional 8-Inch Chef Knife Now
I LOVE THIS KNIFE!!!! Actually I have at lease six of the OXO knives and I love them all. They are lightweight and sharp which makes them a breeze to use. The no-slip grip is amazing even when your hand is covered with butter. It doesn't slip. In addition OXO offers 100% satisfaction guarantee. I had one break away from the handle and they replaced it FREE OF CHARGE even after I told them the knife was 8 years old. This is a can't miss product from a can't miss company. I highly recommend these knives.Read Best Reviews of OXO Good Grips Professional 8-Inch Chef Knife Here
This is a great knife good balance, good feel in the hand (the grip is excellent). It is an outstanding value for the price.But, like all good knives, you MUST take care of it to maintain sharpness. Clean and dry it (by hand) immediately after each use. Don't even THINK about putting it in the dishwasher. It is preferable to use it on a softer cutting surface (like wood).
Take care of this knife and it will take care of you. It will hold a sharp edge without frequent sharpening.
Want OXO Good Grips Professional 8-Inch Chef Knife Discount?
I bought the "block set", but I use this knife way more than any of the others. I has great balance, stays sharp, and feels great in my hand. I Never put it in the dishwasher (no quality knife should ever go in the dishwaher). I frequently put a few strokes on the round steel that came with the block, and it's back to razor sharp.After 2 years of use, I can't see any reason to spend more on a more expensive brand, which is why I'm buying another one for my mother-in-law.
Scanpan Spectrum Cook's Knife, 7-Inch Blade
I was truly impressed with how they cut. The edge has kept for over a year. My mother needed new knives and I did not hesitate to buy them at all. I like this product a lot.
Cambridge Silversmiths Palais Mirror 65-Piece Flatware Set, 18/0 Stainless Steel
this flatware looks wonderful on my table. It is sturdy so isn't going to bend easily. I have had them for a couple weeks and like them very much.
Buy Cambridge Silversmiths Palais Mirror 65-Piece Flatware Set, 18/0 Stainless Steel Now
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Pure 6-Inch Prep Knife
This is a wonderful knife. I use it for everything from slicing and dicing shallots to cutting open lobster tail. Incredibly sharp and easy to handle. A fantastic all around knife!
J.A. Henckels Twin Cuisine 3 1/2-inch Kudamono Hollow Edge Parer
The blade is thin, and the handle is heavy for such a small knife. The shape of the blade is great, and the steel is great. If I had it to do over again, I would have went with the Shun Classic series, but this is still a very well made knife with great steel.
Buy J.A. Henckels Twin Cuisine 3 1/2-inch Kudamono Hollow Edge Parer Now
CUTCO #1813 Ultimate Set. 19 High Carbon Stainless Kitchen Knives & Forks, 12 Table Knives,3 Cuttin
- Free 1712 Basting Spoon, CUTCO polishing Cloth, and mini 10-foot measuring tape included with purchase.
- Highly engineered thermo-resin ergonomic handles will not crack, chip, fade or absorb material
- CUTCO Forever Guarantee --- Free sharpening and replacement forever!
- Full Tang, Triple Rivet Construction --- High Quality Nickel-Silver Alloy Rivets.
- Manufactured entirely in USA by American craftworkers
1)Inferior tempering. Cutco is stamped instead of forged. All best knives are forged (with the exception of Henckels Twinstar which is using a new technology called sintering) because forged knives make a better edge among other reasons. All the worst and cheapest knives are stamped because it is cheaper and easier. The forging process randomises the metal particles for a slightly tougher knife. It also permits the differing thicknesses of metal which is necessary for a heavy raised bolster between the knife handle and knife blade. Forged knives have more metal than stamped knives and thus are heavier. The forging process enables extra metal proportioning to give the knife perfect balance. Most prefer the weight of a forged knife. It feels heftier and more substantial. Forged knives generally are thicker, have more heft, hold an edge better, provide bolsters which brings better balance and safety, and obviously have been made with a lot more care and craftmanship. The forging process enhances the flexibility (making it less likely to snap to break), density, and hardness, and better solidifies the structure of a knife.
2)Steel. Cutco claims they use the highest quality steel money can buy. They call it high carbon surgical grade steel. While this is subjective Cutco uses 440A grade steel while most top of the line knives (which is where Cutco is priced at) uses 440C, which is higher in carbon. 440C is more expensive to make, buy, and manufacture with. 440C also makes a sharper edge, and holds it better. Because of it's grain structure 440C is also more stain resistant. And while 440C steel is generally only found in top of the line kitchen knives, 440A is often found in the cheaper, run of the mill type kitchen knives. Where they got the surgical grade label is beyond me, 440A steel doesn't have a regular grade and a surgical grade. When you think of surgical instruments you think sanitary, expensive, and high qualityit's just sales hype.
3)Lack of bolsters provides for inferior balance and less safety.
4)Double-D edge. Most cooking enthusiasts prefer a straight edge which the double-d is not and you cannot sharpen Cutco edges yourself whenever you please. Salespeople use the ol' rope a dope trick when giving a presentation because the serrated pattern cuts tougher objects better, but any chef or cooking enthusiast will tell you that kitchen knives are made to cut through food like meat, bread, and tomatoesnot rope or leather. For that a utility knife is bestand there's are plenty of utility knives that cut through rope and leather better than Cutco's.
Cutco's salespeople swear up and down double-d edges are neither straight, nor serrated but unique (don't all salespeople?). The Double-D edge is in fact another type of serrated edge. Cutco calls their serrated edge "Double D" just like Spyderco calls their serrated edges "Spyderedge." Except Spyderco isn't trying to fool anyone and markets their as a superior serration pattern while Cutco tries to claim theirs is different.
But anyone who knows anything about knives can tell you the ^^^^ pattern on the edge (take a look at the cutco.com website for an explanation and drawing, currently at: makes it a serrated edge. The whole double-d thing is just hype like everything else about the knives. The Double-D edge is not patented and never was.
The problem with the serrated pattern is that it doesn't make a clean cutlittle nicks and tears in the food is made. Serrated knives are generally only good for fibrous vegetables and breadwhere it is needed. Cutco reps may claim that it makes a clean cut, but this is only true for cutting stuff you can press straight down on (like butter), but for things you need to slide the blade back and forth on (like meat) the teeth will tear it up. Serrated edges are also somewhat more difficult to clean.
As for sharpness, you may think they stay razor sharp but in reality only the crevices of the blade edge are. You see serrated edges like the Double-D's look like this: ^^^^^^ when contacting the food the points get worn down rather quickly but the crevices stay sharp, so it may seem like it is razor sharp but in reality only the crevices are. It can never be as sharp as a well maintained plain edge, the edge preferred by cooking enthusiasts and professionals. Maybe a serrated edge is better at cutting rope (the rope a dope trick), but the best kitchen knives are not made to cut through rope, they are made to make a good, clean cuts on food. Master chef Wylie Dufresne just recently told GQ magazine in their Sept '03 edition, "I have plenty of friends whose parents have Cutco in a knife block. You pull them out and they're all as dull as can be."
Other knives you can sharpen yourself whenever you want, but with Cutco knives you need Cutco to sharpen them for you. I will refer you once again to Cutco's own website: at cutco.com, currently here:
"For resharpening of Double-D® or straight-edged knives, send them along with a return shipping and handling fee of $5.00 (1-3 items) or $8.00 (4 or more items) to the CUTCO address below."
You have to pay for them to be sent in and sent back all the while without your knives. I've heard of representatives of the company coming out and sharpening them for you, but this is by no means guranteed to happen so there is obviously good reason they don't state this on their website.
5)Handles. Of course this is subjective but the handles are different from any of the others and some people find them uncomfortable (especially those with extremely large or small hands since they were designed for the average hand), some others find them dorky looking and wouldn't want to set them out on the dinner table. Sure the handles were designed to be comforableall handles are designed that way! And like all good salepeople, Cutco even has a good story to tell about it. That doesn't mean they actually ARE comfortable. Consumer Reports, the leading consumer magaine, also found the handles to be uncomfortable. The handles are made of what Cutco call "Thermoresin" and thermo=heated and resin=plastic, injection molded plastic is the absolute cheapest material cost and method possible. And the type of plastic the handles are made out of, celluloid plastic, is highly nitrated and self-oxidizing like the gun cotton in smokeless gun powder (to a lesser extent) thus highly flammablenot good for a kitchen knife. Although the rivots are made of what they call "nickel-siver", there is no silver in them. They call it nickel-silver because it has a silver color to it. The handles have no current patent on them, other companies could copy them but choose not to. Wear Ever cookware had handles designed by the same person in the 30's and 40s, they have since dumped this design.
6)Corrosion. Many people (including Consumer Reports magazine) believe that Cutco blades corrode a little easier than most. Consumer Reports seemed to hint that it may have to do with the type of metal used, polishing, or coating.
7)Restrictions when buying. Since you can only buy from a Vector rep, you are forced to select your rep with care because a flock of amateur sales reps can and will include a range from the best professionals through the worst rip off artists.
8)Price. Many will agree that Cutco is not best for commercial use but it is priced for commercial use. You can get a 7 piece block of top of the line hand-forged, bolstered, well balanced Wusthof-Trident Grand Prix for $249. A similar set of Cutco can easily run you $300-$400. Tramontina Professional is supposed to be the best value having the same features as the best knives but at about 1/3 the price. There may also be hidden costs added (such as shipping & handling, C.O.D., sales tax, etc.) that make the actual price much higher that the displayed and originally discussed price.
Cutco is sold at prices very similar to knives that are top of the line yet are not as good as them in almost every way except they do have comparable rockwell hardness, are full tang, and have a good guarantee. I wouldn't spend my hard earned money on guarantees though and the other qualities you can find in much cheaper knives.
The average household has very cheap, low quality knives that generally only last 5-15 years. So when they hear there is a forever guarantee it becomes the main selling point. What they don't know is all knives in that price range are built to last a lifetime and with proper care they definately will. The only way they won't is if you abuse them, which Cutco's guarantee doesn't even fully cover. Also, in case it doesn't last a lifetime, many top of the line knives carry a lifetime guarantee.
Cutco's money back guarantee is for 15 days. Most large retail chains like Sears and Walmart carry a 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee. The forever guarantee is nice, but a couple nitpicks: "Should you damage your CUTCO through misuse or abuse, we will replace the item for one half of the current retail price." it needs to be sent in to Cutco "with an explanatory note" and Cutco is the sole determinor of what is misuse or abuse (such as chipping your knife), also the "guarantee is intended solely for consumer/in-home use." Don't believe me? Check out the Cutco website yourself:I you are looking for the guarantee, Henckels Twinstar and Messermeister (among many others) both offer similar lifetime warrantees and are of better quality (in many people's opinions). If you must have the best kitchen knives available, Wusthof Trident Grand Prix is highly regarded as the best kitchen knives money can buy and the prices are similar to Cutco's. If you are looking for brand name, Henckels is considered the #1 selling brand in the world, been in business since 1731, and they will replace their twinstar knives that have a "diamond edge" with new ones if they get dull. For the best value, you can find high quality, forged, full tang knives with bolsters at a very reasonable price (about 1/3 that of Cutco's) you might want look into the Tramontina Professional Series which is regarded as the best value in the knife industry. If you don't want to spend very much money on knives, the Forschner Victoronox is made by the same people who make Swiss Army Knives and considered the best of the very cheap kitchen knives. If you don't want to sharpen your knives, you might want to look at the Regent Sheffield Infinity Edge or Henckels Twinstar depending on how much you want to spend. Most retail stores have a 30-day money back guarantee.
My opinion is that Cutco is not worth their price and I'm sure most professionals would agree. In fact you would have great difficulty finding one culinary arts school, master chef, or knife expert that recommends this brand. Norman Weinstein, a nationally recognized knife skills instructor who's taught since 1995 at the Institute of Culinary Education was quoted by the Baltimore Sun newspaper as saying "Why, why, would you buy such a knife?"
Cutco is able to sell their knives at such a high price because they are being sold to people by their sons, nephews, and granddaughters (basically people who care for them and trust them, or their friends, and know very little about knives). Consumersearch.com looked over all the professional reviews available and while 11 professionals liked Wusthof Trident the best, only one liked Cutco and that one only liked Cutco compared to other stamped knives:The bottom line is that no brand or set is best for everyone and you should check them all out and compare to decide which is best for your needs, wants, and preferences. The retail store is probably the best place to do this, unfortunately Cutco is not sold there.
Ginkgo Sanibel Surf 5-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Place Setting, Service for 1
These arrived in the mail today and when I opened them up, I was slightly disappointed. They look a lot bulkier in person that they did in the picture. They're still very nice though, and definitely quality silverware.Save 16% Off
Rada Cutlery Wedding Register Gift Set, 4 Piece Boxed Gift Set, Made in USA
My husband and I received a set of Rada knives as a wedding gift over 20 years ago that are still going strong. We like our Rada knives so well that we have given many sets of these as gifts to friends and family over the years. They are always impressed with the quality of these knives as well and usually call us up wanting to know where they can get more of them. Rada knives sharpen easily and stay sharp longer that other knives. They are THE BEST knives we have ever owned, they are a great value, and best of all they are made in the good ole' US-of-A and come with a lifetime gaurantee. Once you have owned and used Rada knives you will find anything else to be sub-par.FYI from the maker's website Rada Cutlery is proudly manufactured in Waverly, Iowa. Rada Mfg. Co. has been making kitchen knives and utensils since 1948. Rada blades are hand sharpened for a razor sharp edge. They are made of surgical quality T420 high carbon stainless steel and hollow ground to ensure a precision concave surface for maximum edge retention. Lifetime Guarantee: "Rada Mfg. Co. will replace any product manufactured by our company returned to us due to defects in materials or workmanship."
Buy Rada Cutlery Wedding Register Gift Set, 4 Piece Boxed Gift Set, Made in USA Now
I have used Rada cutlery for a dozen years, after finding a tiny set at a hospital gift shop. I have given this cutlery as gifts for years, including to terrific cooks, who cherish their pieces. This cutlery is thin and lightweight, and may require an adjustment if you are used to heavy knives that pin your foot to the floor if you drop them. These knives are elegant, sharp and have a stainless blade that holds an edge well and is easy to care for. Style points are deducted for the aluminum handles, but the grip is secure and the construction (American design and manufacture) impeccable. Do not wash in dishwasher, as handles will discolor. I personally enjoy the curved parers, long slicer, peeler, etc. Always pleased with Amazon service. I have no relationship to Amazon or Rada..enjoy both.This set was purchased for my nieces wedding shower. This set is my favorite because it has the 4" butcher knife. My personal favorite. It stays rigid through any cut and is a great length. RADA knives in general are a much better knife than the price states. They stay sharp, sharpen easily with the knife sharpener and will last for years. My family first bought them through a fundraiser and never looked back. You won't go wrong with these knives.Want Rada Cutlery Wedding Register Gift Set, 4 Piece Boxed Gift Set, Made in USA Discount?
If you want my review don't require comment especially counting the words I write during the comment etc etc etc.Save 31% Off
MISONO BONING KNIFE - 5.9 INCH
The knife has an oustanding blade, the 80/20 angle is sharp right out of the box.my poblem was the handle, mine wasn't set or cut perfectly.the metal was taller than the wood in some places creating an entrance for bacteria and it just didn't sit perfectly in my hand due to uneven build.Unless you are a picky chef this wouldn't be an issue.
Paderno World Cuisine Butter Curler, Stainless Steel Blade & Handle, 8 1/2"
Works with blocks but not as well with sticks. May have been how we used it in stead of tool itself. Extremely well built and heavy-duty. Once a technique is developed would work better. Experiment with various butters and temperatures for proper results.
Buy Paderno World Cuisine Butter Curler, Stainless Steel Blade & Handle, 8 1/2" Now
Mundial 5100 Series 7-Inch Santoku Knife, Black
I'm not a professional but this knife seems like a well constructed, heavy duty knife. It is extremely sharp out of the boxonly time will tell if it lives up to expectations. Thus far, it compares favorably to my Henckels 8" chef's knife. The Mundial 5100 7" Santoku is actually heavier though the handle is slightly smaller.
Being 6"1' anything under 10" is too small as an all around chef's knife and I've found this santoku is a perfect halfway between a paring and chef's knife--the ever needed utility knife. If you prefer the smaller blades (8" chef's knife) this might not replace a sturdier French-style chef's knife but it's well worth the investment for the finer things.
I'm generally a minimalist as far as the knives I use but this was definitely worth the extra slot on my magnet.
As far as overall Mundial 5100 series quality, as I said in my French knife review, it stands pretty well with the knives that cost 3x as much. The little bit of sharpness you sacrifice is more than made up for by increase in sturdiness.
Kai USA AB5073 Pure Komachi 2 Cheese Knife, 4-1/2-Inch
I was some what sure the cheese would stick to the knife but It did not.So if you want a knife the cheese does not stick to I would suggest you buy one to try.
Buy Kai USA AB5073 Pure Komachi 2 Cheese Knife, 4-1/2-Inch Now
The knife came very quickly. I haven't used it yet, but the appearance is nice. I decided to purchase these knifes because I used them while visiting at my family's house. I also enjoyed having a personal note from the seller. Thank you.Read Best Reviews of Kai USA AB5073 Pure Komachi 2 Cheese Knife, 4-1/2-Inch Here
I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or what but my cheese did get stuck to the knife.I still love it. It's sharp. It looks nice. It gets me lots of compliments (that one and other Kai Pure Komachi knives). I would buy again but I would expect a little less next time. I love the sleeve it comes with. I just wish my cheese wouldn't get stuck to the side of the knife as it was promised. My other Komachi's didn't come with the plastic sleeves so that's definitely a plus.
Want Kai USA AB5073 Pure Komachi 2 Cheese Knife, 4-1/2-Inch Discount?
YOSHIHIRO- Shiroko-Kasumi Yanagi Sashimi Chef Knife 11.7" 300mm -MADE IN JAPAN
Ordered this knife about 4 months ago as I wanted to get more into sushi making, and I needed a more traditional knife for fish slicing. As yanagiba's can range in price as much as a cheap used car ($3,000+), most would probably consider this a starter knife. The quality is fantastic. The blade is rock hard, beautifully finished, and straight as an arrow. It comes very securely packaged in it's own decorative box, with foam pads inside to secure it even more. The wooden sheath that comes with it fits like a glove, and is finished extremely well also. This comes direct from the company VERY SHARP. Especially at a 300mm length (the blade alone is nearly a foot long), you HAVE to be very careful when learning how to properly wield a knife like this. The first time I cut sashimi with it, I sliced my finger in a split second. Since then, I've had more practice with it so that doesn't happen anymore. Also since then, I've sharpened it on a #6000 grit japanese whetstone to a MIRROR finish, and now it's BEYOND razor sharp. That's the thing, it might not be the most expensive yanagi, but sharpened correctly, and this thing becomes scary sharp. It GLIDES through any type of fish, there's no pressure required. Just start the cut and pull the knife back. Overall, I'm very happy with it, and I hope it lasts many years in my care.Save 17% Off
Wusthof Classic Epicurean Handle 6" Cooks Knife with Epicurean Board
The board is slightly above average, with some nice grooves around the border so that any juices dont spill over on the counter. The knife is awesome though, super sharp, well balanced, and makes for a great "rocking slice" motion with dicing whatever it may be. Some friends group gifted this to me with VenTribe.com and I'm really pleased they did!Save 20% Off
Epicurean Food Scraper
I use this food scraper as both a scraper when I want to add chopped vegetables to a recipe, but also as a small cutting board. Works great and washes well in dishwasher.
The cutting boards are great. I recommend the Epicurean boards.I ordered this in Nutmeg. It arrived quickly and looks great, is dishwasher safe, and it makes food prep a little bit easier.
Rada Cutlery S46 2-piece Pare and Peel Gift Set
- Includes: Rada Cutlery S46 2-piece Pare and Peel Gift Set with Silver Brushed Aluminum Handles. Heavy Duty Paring Knife, Vegetable Peeler.
- Made in the USA and includes a Lifetime Guarantee.
- Surgical Quality T420 High Carbon Stainless Steel.
- Blades are hollow ground for maximum edge retention and are hand sharpened for a razor sharp edge.
- Hand wash and dry immediately after use to prevent discoloration of the Brushed Aluminum Handle.
we wouldn't have needed to repalce it.Great product. I love Rada products and love the boxes they come in. It makes it easy to store them.
Toast Rack Heavy duty stainless steel.
After years of making leaning toast structures in order to prevent 'toast sweat' from forming on my plate, I purchased this toast rack.While my friends laugh at me for being affected, they, too, see the value and pleasure in a dry, crisp piece of toast. Of course, it doesn't hurt that this rack is heavy, solid, and very 'Upstairs/Downstairs'. My order arrived from the U.K. in quick time. Soon I was enjoying my toast, marveling at the design, and just being happy with life. Great product, great company. Highly recommend.
Buy Toast Rack Heavy duty stainless steel. Now
I had been looking for a toast holder for a while. This one is stainless steel so retains its good looks, sturdy, doesn't tip over with toast in it. It is simple and attractive -looks just like the picture only better. It arrived even before it was scheduled to arrive. While it wasn't expensive it was more expensive than the others (because of shipping) but definitely worth it.Read Best Reviews of Toast Rack Heavy duty stainless steel. Here
Luv luv now my toast is crisp not soggy and butter and jam spread easy. Substantial hold large bread Luv luvWant Toast Rack Heavy duty stainless steel. Discount?
You pay more then the rest but you get great craftsmen ship for it. Sturdy and solid. It does the job and looks good. Not longer do I keep my toast stacked on a plate to get soggy.
J.A. Henckels Twin Pure Whisk
I think this is a fine whisk. It does it's job, and I like the look and feel of the sleek stainless-steel handle. The only downside: the handle is heavier than the whisk, so it is not possible to leave it in the mixing bowl (unless the sides of the bowl are fairly tall) without it flipping out of the bowl onto the counter. Aside from that, no complaints.Save 5% Off
6" Walnut Ulu with Polar Bear Etching Knife
- alaska ulu knife
- Made in Alaska
- 6" Blade
- Stainless Steel
- Lifetime Warranty
Save 27% Off