Sous Traveling Culinarist 2nd Edition
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Pro S 2-Piece Chef Knife Set
Wallace Corsica Gold-Accent 65-Piece Flatware Set
Pros:
1. Elegant.
2. Still shiny after 5 months of use(I bought 2 sets)
3. Light. If you are looking for the heavy American feel, like Oneida, do not buy this set.
4. Gold plated.
5. They have an oriental appearance, if you are into those things.
6. A lot less expensive than Oneida and Lenox.
Cons:
1. Made from China. Yup, even though the company was in the US.
2. Being light.
Summary:
I am again the hero for buying the right stuffs---at least for now. Like I said I got two sets from Amazon with free shipping.
Buy Wallace Corsica Gold-Accent 65-Piece Flatware Set Now
I actually, ordered these because a reviewer said, they were disappointed because they were not heavy like her other set.. Just want we wanted: great for casual dining, no flipping off the plates, tipping over glasses (because of being heavy). Nice looking, too! OK, I admit I was handing washing them, but gave it up and used top rack in dishwasher. Worked well.Read Best Reviews of Wallace Corsica Gold-Accent 65-Piece Flatware Set Here
I purchased this set about a year and a half ago to replace an Oneida stainless steel flatware set. The price of the set has actually decreased by $25 since I purchased it. I use 8 of the 12 settings for everyday use and have kept 4 of the settings as replacements. Fortunately, I haven't had to use any of the replacements yet. The pieces are medium weight. They don't bend easily, but will buckle under significant pressure.This stainless steel flatware set is no comparison to real silverware, but for the stainless steel category, the Corsica is top of the line. The gold accents on the Corsica make the set very distinctive and add a bit of flair to the dining experience. The basket-weave design at the base and neck represent the hand woven nets and baskets that fishermen use to make a living. The Corsica set looks exactly like the Wallace Aegean Weave sterling silverware set that retails for around $12,000 for a 12 place setting. The Corsica set has all of the fine detailing of the Aegean Weave set at a fraction of the price.
While the description on the Amazon product summary for Corsica says to hand wash only, the website of Lifetime Sterling (direct seller of the Wallace brand) states the following about stainless steel flatware:
* When cleaning your stainless steel flatware in the dishwasher; make sure not to crowd the pieces in the baskets to ensure each piece gets thoroughly clean. Also, avoid the hot drying cycle.
* Keep stainless steel flatware in separate baskets in the dishwasher as direct contact can permanently damage the items.
* Keep detergent to a minimum, avoid lemon-scented detergents and avoid detergents containing chloride, which can damage your flatware.
* Rinse your flatware immediately after use to avoid stains; food that is left on flatware to dry may leave stains. Also, don't leave it standing in water for a long period of time to avoid damage.
* If your stainless steel flatware does stain, using a worn toothbrush or fine natural-bristle brush, gently scrub the stains with a paste made from water and baking soda, and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
I would add the following:
* Place knives pointing down in a separate dishwasher basket from the rest of the utensils to minimize the contact of the sharp edges with the other utensils.
I always wash these pieces in the dishwasher and actually use lemon-scented detergent. I have also accidentally left some flatware pieces in standing water for a day. Thankfully, none of the pieces have any stains or damage. The pieces of the previous Oneida set that I had would stain after just two hours when they were left in standing water.
I really like this set and the gold plating makes it looks very regal -even better than the sets used at fancy restaurants. Treat yourself with a very elegant, better than restaurant style experience when you eat at home! Every time you look at this set, you will remember the hard work that you do, just like the fishermen with the fish nets and baskets. You won't be sorry with the purchase of this set!
Want Wallace Corsica Gold-Accent 65-Piece Flatware Set Discount?
Finally after years of looking for this product, I found another set of Wallace Gold-Accent flatware online and it is every bit as wonderful as my existing set. Great product!Standing Proud Roosters Tempered Glass Cutting Board by Highland Graphics
Oneida Stainless Steel Michelangelo 5 Piece Place Setting
I live in a place with hard water, so mineral build-up does dull the shine; however, I put them in a bowl of vinegar every so often and they shine like new. Most people under 35 cannot tell it is not silver. It work great for everyday and the holidays. I have not had any problems with the weight or balance.
I just bought a couple more sets because my holiday guest list keeps expanding.
If you are looking for silverware that will last your entire life, this is it!
Camembert Baker & Cover Decorated
Ikea Grundtal 16" Magnetic Knife Rack Stainless Steel Kitchen Storage Tool Holder Strips Bars
J.A. Henckels 17-1/2-Inch Magna Bar, Black
The problem is that the plastic frame very quickly warps with the force required to remove the knives from the strong magnets, creating a rocking motion that helps work the hardware out of the wall.
Now I have a couple of big holes in my wall, and I need to replace this product before it falls apart. I'm very disappointed..to wish you had a better way of keeping your kitchen scalpels organized.
Seriously, I thought this bar would be just the thing to help me organize my too-small kitchen which is always strewn with knives, bottle openers, spatulae, whisks, and other kitchen implements. I also wanted something to keep my sharp knives away from my hands so that I could reach for things on the counter without worrying about stabbing myself.
This magnetic strip fits the bill perfectly. I was worried at first that it wouldn't be a strong enough magnet to hold my chef's knife, but it is. The knife is held very securely and forms a tight magnetic "seal" that breaks when you twist the knife away from it. If you bump the knife, it just rotates on the magnet you'd have to be a real klutz to whack it hard enough to knock it off by accident. ...
I was also worried that the metal magnet would nick my knife edges. That's not a problem as long as you're careful how you put the knife on (back edge first).
I recommend this product without any reservations!
Buy J.A. Henckels 17-1/2-Inch Magna Bar, Black Now
I live in an apartment with a tiny, galley-style kitchen. I have next to NO counter space. I was fed up with having the small piece of counter next to my stove filled up with a spice rack AND a knife rack AND a utensils jar.I found the Henckel's magnabar here on amazon and gave it a try. Now I am not your Miss Fix-It type so maybe others would not have this problem, but I found it awkward to mount this thing on the wall next to my stove. The end caps of the bar, which you use to set the screws in, and the top and bottom edging of the bar are plastic and rather flimsy. By the time I got the bar up and stable, one edge of the magnabar had bent/come loose. After sinking the screws into my wall, I didn't want to stop and return it, so I just put the "bad side" back toward the corner where it won't be as noticeable.
I do really enjoy having more counter space and all the knives lined up on the bar looks great, but I have to admit I expected a higher quality product from Henckels.
Read Best Reviews of J.A. Henckels 17-1/2-Inch Magna Bar, Black Here
I used this magnet for 7 years and found it to be an excellent home for my quality knives. Take note--it is a *strong* magnet with a powerful grip, and this is a double-edged knife (pardon the pun). On the one hand, blades are held firmly in place no matter their weight, and I never had issues with knives being accidentally knocked off the wall. As my magnet was mounted next to my refrigerator, this was important, and the magnet performed like a champ. On the other hand, it does require you to learn a technique to remove knives easily without marring the blades or pulling out the mounting hardware. As other reviewers have noted, the magnet mounts by placing two screws in drywall anchors in your wall, and the plastic end-caps then slide over the screws. Put in one screw, mount the cap, slide the magnet onto the cap, then slide the other cap on and you're done. However, the smaller, cheaper drywall anchors included with this magnet are not that tough, and don't handle routine pulling well. I lived in a house with cheap drywall and in seven years never had any problems with pulling out mounting hardware--the trick is learning the correct technique for detaching the knives. Instead of wrenching them from the magnet (which I agree, takes considerable force, especially with my chef's knife and santoku), I would twist the edge away from the magnet while leaving the blade spine against the magnet. This creates rotational force directly against the magnet/wall without stressing the mounting hardware one bit, and once the magnet has less surface area to hang onto, it takes very little force to remove the spine from the magnet. I just bought another kitchen magnet (we moved cities, and I couldn't find the Henckel at my local store) and while the magnet takes less force to remove knives from, my heavier blades tend to slide down the magnet to rest on the counter, which I don't like. Additionally, I am concerned that my heavier blades could be accidentally knocked off, especially with handles resting on the counter--hit them with a cookie sheet or skillet and *bam*, they drop right off the magnet. Dangerous. I'm going back to Henckel for it's stronger grip. Note that I am deducting a star for the mounting hardware--it is entirely possible to include drywall anchors that hold very well, even when being pushed/pulled repeatedly. There was no need for Henckel to cheap out. Include a better anchor and you'd get 5 stars from everyone here.Bought this for my dad for christmas and installed it in about 2 minutes. He has a tile backsplash that I didn't want to drill into if I could help it, so I used 2 layers of some good double stick tape and it worked great. I thought the weight of the knives might pull it off, but going on a month with no problems. The magnet works great and has a "professional look" that one would expect from Henckel.Alaskan Ulu Etched Mountain Vista Wood Handle Knife & Display Stand
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very handy for someone that like to cook but has problems with hands.chops up very well and comfortable in your hand,doesnt cramp up your hands like chopping with a knife does.couldnt live without mine just ordered one for a friend makes a great gift.Read Best Reviews of Alaskan Ulu Etched Mountain Vista Wood Handle Knife & Display Stand Here
Messermeister 3-Inch Clip Point Parer with Matching Sheath, Orange
Buy Messermeister 3-Inch Clip Point Parer with Matching Sheath, Orange Now
I have bought three of these in the last 2 years. I carry them to cut fruit, use to cut veggies and tomatoes and ... yes, avocado's. They are just so useful and best of all they stay sharp. Really sharp.Read Best Reviews of Messermeister 3-Inch Clip Point Parer with Matching Sheath, Orange Here
Taiwon Metal Stainless Steel Modern Space pattern flatware, Butter Knife set of 12
The weakest part of this set is the absence of a few pieces: Appetizer Knife, Butter Spreader , and Bouillon Spoon (all of which are offered in the Baguette design) and a Fruit Fork, Fruit Knife, Fruit/Citrus Spoon, Oyster Fork (with three prongs), and Salt Spoon which are not offered in any of the Taiwon Metal patterns. But that only highlights exactly how perfect this set is for multi-course meals or restaurants with different dishes. One can easily built a 7-12-course meal with this set.
*This review is based on a sample received for a minimal cost from the manufacturer.
Buy Taiwon Metal Stainless Steel Modern Space pattern flatware, Butter Knife set of 12 Now
Mac Knife Superior Bread Knife, 10-1/2-Inch
1~ Quality steel that takes AND HOLDS a fine edge...
2~ L-O-N-G curved blade with serrated edge
3~ Ergonomic design.
Steel...
Obviously, if the steel won't get sharp, you can't cut effectively. Sharpen-ability is a function of the grain-size in the steel.
This commercially-produced steel takes an edge to 0.5 micron, so you can be sure it has sufficiently small grain size.
Durability is a different matter! The same metallurgical properties that make steel great for taking a fine edge also make the edge brittle. Steel formulations that are strong & resilient won't take the finest edge. There is always some compromise.
For a bread / carving knife like this one, the ideal trade-off is to have strong steel that maintains a minimum level of sharpness for a long time. ALL the MAC knives I have used and sharpened, including this one, have these qualities.
The Japanese are world-renown for their expertise in tool steel. They are also world leaders in modern production techniques that very closely mimic traditional qualities of hand-made tools. This MAC knife represents the current state-of-the-art in knife production. I do not know exactly HOW they accomplish this level of quality in large-scale production knives, but I know that ALL of them are consistent. Since I sharpen knives and tools for friends and family, I have a lot of experience with all kinds of sharpening. When you sharpen ANY tool, you get to know the steel. That's why I can say with confidence this is VERY good quality steel. After using my MAC for almost five years, I know it holds up well! ( Even in a house with people who don't appreciate tools or metallurgy!)
Blade length...
Alton Brown fans know he recommends the longest blade available for carving or slicing. He's right! The reasons are few and simple: You want your food to look good (without unsightly saw-marks), you want the food to appear tender, moist, easy-to-carve, AND you don't want the embarrassment of struggling to carve at the dinner table. LONG BLADES help! A LONG, slightly curved blade is easier to start and control. Many good carving kinves have this feature for that very reason. This one is among the longest in this price-range; slightly over 10 inches.
Ergonomic design...
When carving that thanksgiving turkey, a holiday ham or the sunday roast, or just slicing your daily bread, you MUST have the elevated handle. That makes it easier to see and feel your work, gives better control & leverage, AND it makes your job SAFER. You want your hand safely above the carving surface, especially at the critical moment when you go through the end of the slice. (which should ALWAYS be on the pull-stroke)
On Safety...
The sole feature I do not like about this model it that the end is a little too pointed. A carving knife requires a "slicing" motion: forward and back. A pointed tip can catch on the cutting board or in the food. That's why a rounded tip is safer. This small complaint is an esoteric design criticism, I know. But it is especially important for those who are NOT experts at carving & slicing. It is also important for those turkey carvers and late-night snack-makers who drink! (please do not ask me how I learned this)
Still that is a small complaint and easily remedied by one of two ways: You can round the tip. That is not expensive and will not damage the knife.
~OR~
You can BE CAREFUL! (a.k.a SOBER.)
Now that I've bored you with this tedious lecture & arcane facts, here is my opinion:
This is the BEST VALUE in a HIGH QUALITY slicing / carving knife I have seen. The only way to get any better is to pay double or triple the price for handmade knives. This gives me 97% of the edge-retention, sharpness etc. but costs less than a C-note. That's great for families with kids that don't care for daddy's tools, leave knives dirty or throw them in the dishwasher. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my kids, but weep in anguish when those crimes occur. Strangely, no one in our house has ever admitted to doing any of those things. At this price-point, an occasional trespass causes less gnashing of teeth.
The steel is superb for this application. It has sufficiently small grain-size to take a fine edge. It has the right metal formulation to keep that edge for a year of daily use (with regular honing and care of course!)
The tang-through, riveted construction is sturdy and attractive. The handle is "beefy" enough for manly carving duties and small enough that my daughter can easily slice crusty homemade bread. The balance and "feel" is professional & "fast". (obviously, that depends on your skill & experience)
I prefer a rounded tip, but that is a small complaint and easily remedied. A rounded tip allows you to use this ONE tool slice your bread, carve some ham and spread the mayo. That is efficient for late night snacks (made during commercials) and means you only have to clean one tool. (Why am I hungry right now?)
It is rare to find a chef's knife of this quality for under $100 today (2012). So despite my personal quibble with the pointed tip, I still believe this is a five-star value. If you are in the market for a fine bread / carving knife but can't justify $150 to $300 (or more) for the premium cutlery, this gets my vote for best choice.
Maybe when that redolent dilatory kid on my couch finally moves out, I'll spring for the Shun. That'll be fun!
Until then, I'll be using this MAC for my snack attack.This is my third MAC brand knife, and I must say, I'm in love with them. I bought this knife to be my serrated bread/carving knife at work, and it far exceeds my expectations. It's a little larger than I imagined it, but it will carve or slice anything you have. I love it, and will buy many more MAC knives in the future.
Buy Mac Knife Superior Bread Knife, 10-1/2-Inch Now
This bread knife cuts crusty bread like it was slicing through butter! Cuts cleanly and quickly with little effort and without tearing up the bread. I love it and recommend it highly.Read Best Reviews of Mac Knife Superior Bread Knife, 10-1/2-Inch Here
me gusta el corte que hace limpio y el precio esta muy bien, es muy bueno. solo digo que me encanto.Want Mac Knife Superior Bread Knife, 10-1/2-Inch Discount?
This an exceptionally sharp knife and cuts bread like "Gee Whiz"!Fit & finish could be a little better.
Vera Wang by Wedgwood Stainless Flatware Cabochon Five-Piece Place Setting
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Mcusta-Zanmai HKQ- 3007D Gyutou Knife
If there were any complaint at all on this knife, it would be how fast the beautiful lettering on the knife fades away. After using this knife every day for two months, the markings were very faint. Which is only cosmetic.
This steel holds a razor thin edge, at an even lower degree angle than it ships with. Of course that requires more sharpening, but it will still hold for four five days with hours of use a day.
Two words BUY IT!!!
American Metalcraft PKR20 Stainless Steel Rocker Pizza Knife, 20-Inch
Buy American Metalcraft PKR20 Stainless Steel Rocker Pizza Knife, 20-Inch Now
We are very happy with the rocker pizza knife. We have pizza every Friday night and have been looking for a good pizza knife. We saw the rocker pizza knife at the Bellingham Farmers Market and asked the fellow where he bought his, and of course we had to get one just like it. It cuts the pizza perfectly and doesn't pull off any cheese when cutting.Read Best Reviews of American Metalcraft PKR20 Stainless Steel Rocker Pizza Knife, 20-Inch Here
Unlike other slicers with a similar crescent-shaped design, the full blade design of this rocker cuts pizza without destroying the surface of even the most topping-heavy pizza. I particularly appreciate the handles on this rocker-knife; these are well-placed for faster, stronger cuts across the pizza. I have used this on scores of homemade pizzas without a single regret.Want American Metalcraft PKR20 Stainless Steel Rocker Pizza Knife, 20-Inch Discount?
Nice feel. Good heft. It just needs an edge sheath or something to go on the edge when not in use like a silicon blade cover or something similar.Global G-21 - 6 1/4 inch, 16cm Flexible Boning Knife
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If you like global knives and already have a Chef's knife and a bread knife and want to get something usefull get this. I have used this knife to fillet fish and bone meat. The flex in the knife is great and the knife stays sharp for a long timeRead Best Reviews of Global G-21 - 6 1/4 inch, 16cm Flexible Boning Knife Here
This is one of many Global knives I own. I have been using Global knives for over 10 years and have never had any trouble keeping an edge on any of these knives. The light weight of this knife allows me to use it for long periods without any fatigue. I also like the recessed dots on the handle because they offer a good grip. The solid one piece construction makes them very easy to keep clean and sanitary. I also have the rigid boning knife and have found this one to be much easier to use.Want Global G-21 - 6 1/4 inch, 16cm Flexible Boning Knife Discount?
Global makes some of the finest cutlery out there. For boning knives you can't go wrong. the blade can easily bend around a corner for cleaning chucks and ribs. I work in a high end restaurant and would be lost with out it.KitchenAid 3-Piece Paring Knife Set
If you do much knife work on fruit and vegetables, you'll enjoy having all three.
Calphalon Katana Cutlery 6-Inch Chef's Knife
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I bought this knife for my girlfriend (now wife) 6 years ago and it has been her daily kitchen knife since then. It has seen a lot of abuse since then and it still going strong. The only noticeable wear can be seen where the black part of the handle meets the blade. It has slightly separated, but is only noticeable when you really look at it. Other than that the blade is in need of a good professional sharpening. I am slightly amazed at how well it has lasts considering that my wife routinely leaves it submerged in water in the sink, stores it in a cluttered drawer, and has used it consistently for so many years. Definitely worth $50.Read Best Reviews of Calphalon Katana Cutlery 6-Inch Chef's Knife Here
This is our second Katana Knifewe have had some very nice knives before, but these stay shark better and the shapes are perfect for each cutting purpose.International Silver Smithfield 20-Piece Flatware Set
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Creative Home 2-Tone Marble Pastry Board, 12-Inch by 18-Inch
Just go and get a original whole piece board.05/10/2012
I Order 4 pieces of: Creative Home 2-Tone Marble Pastry Board, 12-Inch by 18-Inch
The problem was I did received in two packages each with two in side. First package come very nice and pack well.
The second come with one piece damage, cracked all in pieces.
This package was pack in: Way to big box on the first place and hove not enough protection inside the box. Everything was louse. Those pieces are solid and heavy.
I sanded Back for Replacement to avoid the charges....
This wasn't that bad yet because it happens......
And replacement was ship....
Then I went today to check the Shipment Tracking and I sow this message:
"Shipment damaged and will not be delivered"
That was the last thing I could expected from this company.....
I do need all four pieces to finish My project, I either get My fourth peace or I have to send all back. Don't know yet!!!!!!
This is a lot for one person to handle...,
NOT HAPPY
NOT SATISFIED
TO MUCH TROUBLE
Update:05/12/2012
I just received today the third replacement package for my Creative Home 2-Tone Marble Pastry Board, 12-Inch by 18-Inch, and even this one is cracked in half, and this piece was not even look like the one I ordered originally, was all "Black Marble" not a Champagne and Charcoal Marble two tone. I just know this one is going back tomorrow.
Update: 05/14/2012
All I need one good matching and in healthy condition
replacement piece, so I can sleep at night and have finish this
problem.
Instead replacement piece I got this massage:
"Issues like this can usually be resolved within 7 business days and it's
possible we can send you another replacement at that time. I'll follow up on
your order then and send you a replacement if I'm able."
Buy Creative Home 2-Tone Marble Pastry Board, 12-Inch by 18-Inch Now
Perfect seams between the pieces, solid and heavy, smooth finish, very nice looking. Looks even better than in the picture.Read Best Reviews of Creative Home 2-Tone Marble Pastry Board, 12-Inch by 18-Inch Here
Very happy with this pastry board as it sits on a wooden island in the middle of our kitchen. Lovely, warm appearance and very solid! I read where other individuals had trouble with this item being shipped and damagaed. We had no such problem and the item was packed very securely. Very much worth the money!Want Creative Home 2-Tone Marble Pastry Board, 12-Inch by 18-Inch Discount?
I just received this item, and couldn't be more pleased. I agree completely with the one previous reviewer who said it's more beautiful than the photo. It's quite lovely, is very sturdy and sits securely on my granite countertop. I was very hesitant to order it based on the two negative reviews, but it's exactly what I've been looking for, so I took a chance and ordered from Amazon, since in my experience they're great when it comes to replacing damaged items. It arrived very quickly, was wrapped very securely and in perfect condition. Contrary to one of the negative reviews, the lighter stone portion of the board I received is one solid piece of marble, not pieces glued together. Overall, this is a quality item at a very good price.
