Victorinox 5-Inch Mini Chef's Knife
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Pro Hollow Edge Santoku Knife
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Norton Waterstone Starter Kit: 220/1000 grit stone, 4000/8000 grit stone, SiC flattening stone
- 220/1000-grit combination waterstone for repairing, then establishing, steel cutting edges
- 4000/8000-grit combination waterstone for maintaining, refining, and polishing steel cutting edges
- 1/2 x 8 x 3 inch (H x W x D) size makes each waterstone suitable for use as a bench stone for knives and tools
- Blue plastic hinged boxes with no-slip rubber feet can be used as holders for the waterstones during sharpening
- 3/4 x 9 x 3 inch coarse-grit silicon carbide flattening stone for maintenance of waterstones, and an instructional DVD to demonstrate basic waterstone sharpening
Freehand sharpening is not easy, but with a little education and some tips from YouTube you can do a great job.This was my first entry into sharpening with water stones, and I decided to get this set after trying to piece together a similar set with individual stones. Not sure why, but the name "Starter Kit" had me concerned because it implied that it was going to be somehow smaller or less capable. Rest assured, the kit is simply their standard stones packaged in a single rather utilitarian box. Each stone is of high quality, and purchasing together this way provided significant savings over buying each piece individually.
Before I talk about the stones themselves, I should add to my comments that, like others, my kit first arrived with two 220/1000 stones and no 4000/8000. This definitely seems to be a genuine quality control issue. However, in typical Amazon fashion I completed a return authorization online and had a new set in two days, and the inconvenience was minimal, but not non-existent.
I was surprised how short the learning curve was with this. I started with a very inexpensive and dull stainless steel Chinese cleaver that I purchased years ago in New York's Chinatown. This thing was really little more than a novelty piece, as I'd never been able to get it more than moderately sharp using our Chef's Choice sharpener. In one attempt the stones had the knife extremely sharp, and in fact I now reach for it for a huge number of chopping tasks that I'd usually tackle with my Henckels chef's knife. Feeling confident, I worked my way through the Henckels set, and each is now shaving sharp as well. From there I proceeded to sharpen a 20-year old, original Japanese-made Kershaw Black Horse folding knife. This was a little more challenging, but after getting better at finding and holding a proper angle the blade was reprofiled and again absolutely razor sharp. Feeling confident, I then tackled the reprofiling of a KA-BAR USMC. This one was much more difficult for me as a novice, but again, after some patient practice, the blade is now a perfect, hair-popping mirror finish.
After literally hours of sharpening, the stones really don't seem to be any worse for the wear, and I suspect I may never actually consume a stone. The Silicon Carbide flattening stone is very useful, and mine was perfectly flat and very quickly and easily restores the stones to a completely flat surface. I did go out and purchase a Nagura stone for the 8000 grit stone, and have found it to be indispensable as well, as the 8K does very quickly accumulate metal, slowing its effectiveness. I've read from many much more experience sharpeners than I that the 8000k stone is really overkill, but I've definitely found that it takes the blades to another level of sharpness in my amateur hands, while bringing out that jewel-like mirror finish. Using the stones becomes a bit addictive, and I actually went ahead and also picked up a strop that I loaded with green .5 micron compound, at it definitely takes the blade to a final level of perfection. The edge on that KA-BAR, for example, is truly scary after adding a stropping step!
All in all, this is more than a "starter kit," it's just a very capable and easy to learn full size set that should last for a very long time, even if not forever for the typical home user.This kit includes everything you need to sharpen your chisels and plane blades. It even has a step by step video of how to use the stones. No stone is left unturned in putting together this set. For those who don't have a steady hand a honing guide is recommended, though by no means necessary.I've been using sandpaper for the last 3 years, I really like the water stones. The only problem I have is that I'm not sure the flattening stone is flat, I can take to a waterstone til its flat then put 2 waterstones together and it appears that it is not flat. So I guess I need to put the flattening stone to sandpaper. It's a good starter set to make sure it works for you, but I can tell that my next purchase will be the full stones, not the combination stones.
J.A. Henckels Twin Cuisine 3 1/2-inch Kudamono Hollow Edge Parer
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12" Stainless Steel Bread Knife - Serrated Edge
What I got however, was a poorly balanced, light weight, knife that measured just under 12" from tip to butt including the handle. This knife is actually shorter than the knife I was trying to compliment in my kitchen.
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It is very sharp, not flimsy and makes a smooth slice of bread without snagging. I suppose I can't ask for more. I bought one for myself and my mother. We are both very pleased with this item. It isn't a top-of-the-line kinfe, but at this price who cares. It does what it is suppose to do and that's good enough for me. I hand wash all my knives, so I don't know how it would stand up to a dishwasher.Read Best Reviews of 12" Stainless Steel Bread Knife - Serrated Edge Here
I wanted a cheap serrated knife to cut insulation and it works quite well for that. It also works well for bread.Want 12" Stainless Steel Bread Knife - Serrated Edge Discount?
We really needed a bread knife, and I did not want to pay big bucks for it. I was pleasantly surprised by the qualityit's just what we wanted. Totally recommend this knife!Mac Knife Japanese Series Nonstick Sushi and Sashimi Knife, 8-1/2-Inch
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let's be fair, it was a sharp knife to begin with. However, I bought it only 1 month, only cut some rolls, and fillet. Blade become like saw teeth. It's a very thin, poor quality knife. I don't think it should be called a sushi knife.Read Best Reviews of Mac Knife Japanese Series Nonstick Sushi and Sashimi Knife, 8-1/2-Inch Here
Tropical Fish Cheese Spreader Set of 4
One Ikea Fintorp Magnetic Knife Rack, Black
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It's hard to tell the quality of a featureless black bar by looking at pictures. This one is light, flimsy and wobbles against the wall. I wish I'd held out for something stainless.Read Best Reviews of One Ikea Fintorp Magnetic Knife Rack, Black Here
This is more a problem on the manufacturing side, but it is a minor inconvenience. I thought it might be helpful to know.BergHOFF 7-Piece Forged Knife Block
Sasaki Village of Sienna 5-Piece Flatware Set, Service for 1
Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Pure Multi-Grater Set
This grater is sturdy and comes with an additional grate grid (one is for a fine shred and one is for a medium, coarser shred) that can be popped off the handle base. I worried that because the grid can be popped off the handle, that it might not be sturdy. But it is, and I had no reason to worry. It grates a hard block of parmesan like a dream, and washes up easily in the dishwasher.
The only drawback is that the weight of the handle is almost too heavy. When rested across the top of a smaller bowl, the weight of the handle will tip the bowl over. But I wouldn't let that stop me from purchasing this again.Very nice looking grater with two attachments, does what it's intended to do. Item arrived on time with no complaints.
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The name says it all "Zwilling J.A.Henckels".You will have this product for the rest of your life.
Its more expensive then the rest of the similar products.
But the price justifies the quality. Great!
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Chef's Choice Edgecraft 2-by-6-Inch Diamond Sharpening Stone
Bear in mind that with a sharpening stone, YOU are responsible for holding the knife at the correct angle; there are no safety features; and you'll still want to use a honing steel (that long metal rod with a handle) after sharpening.While I am still a neophyte when it comes to sharpening, I rate this stone as good overall and my skills limit the possible outcome. There are tradeoffs with a one-in-all approach, so using a strop or steel after sharpening is recommended.
What this does well is remove metal fairly quickly if you need to reprofile, repair edges, or bring an abused/dull knife back. This has worked well with both pocket knives, kitchen cutlery, and general fixed blade knives of various metals (carbons and stainless). It works better, or perhaps my technique (lack of) produces better results with softer steels. I've been less successful with D2 or higher vanadium steels such as that in Global knives.
Per comments above, it will not bring back the best polished edge, so this is not the best option for an only one.
Good base/box with small rubber feet that grip a counter/table well when sharpening.
Not the optimal size for larger cutlery, but this seems to work well for a variety of blade types sizes, etc.
Good overall option for free hand sharpening with a reasonable price for a dry stone. Those with a high degree of skill may be better served by other options.
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I purchased this item because of a good experience with other company products and a family reommendation for this particular item. The diamond stone has not been fixed exactly parallel to the sides of the wooden base casing and so the lid cover does not sit squarely on the base. It is not worth sending back from Australia but if the manufacturer wishes to distribute internationally they need to do more than just have US address and telephone in the internet age.Read Best Reviews of Chef's Choice Edgecraft 2-by-6-Inch Diamond Sharpening Stone Here
Have had a small cleaver that I like to use for general purpose chopping and cutting, but was never able to keep it very sharp, despite trying to use a sharpening rod kit. The missing piece was not using a stone, you can use either a traditional wet stone, or a hard surface (diamond) one. Since I didn't want the hassle of a wet stone, I opted for this one, and found it to be easy to use. The instructions tell you to try and maintain a 22.5 degree angle while sharpening, which they recommend you do by folding over a piece of paper twice, once to get a 45 deg angle and then once more, and using this from time to time to check your angle. Other than that, it's very straightforward and you end up with a very sharp knife.Want Chef's Choice Edgecraft 2-by-6-Inch Diamond Sharpening Stone Discount?
I used this product as soon as it arrived to sharpen my "dull" steak knives. What a difference! They were as sharp as the day I bought them when I was done. The instructions were very clear and the process was extremely easy.All Ware Stainless Steel Pineapple Easy Slicer and De-Corer
The stainless steel slicer produces thicker slices, which is a plus. However I was disappointed to find the diameter of the steel slicer smaller than that of the plastic version. This results in useable pineapple not being removed from the shell of the pineapple. I would have preferred having the steel slicer cut at the same diameter as the plastic version.
In summary, the Pineapple Easy Slicer Stainless Steel is a useful tool for coring and slicing fresh pineapple. It could have been even better if the diameter of the pineapple slicer were the same as that of the plastic version.
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The slicer works just fine but where the blade is attached to the handle there is a small space that is very hard to clean. You have to use a pointed knife to remove the pieces of pineapple that get stuck there. I had a plastic slicer before where the cutting blade and the handle were one piece and very easy to clean.Read Best Reviews of All Ware Stainless Steel Pineapple Easy Slicer and De-Corer Here
It's strong and easy to use. Just slice the top off the pineapple, put the slicer on top and turn, it cuts and cores in less than a minute and you have the pineapple sliced and ready to eat. Plus you can use the remaining shell as a cup or bowl. No more slicing the pineapple in half and then slicing the halfs again and again to get wedges and then trying to cut off the outer skin and picking out the "eyes" that remain in the pieces , now you still had to cut the core off and each wedge into pieces -it was a lot of work and always made a mess.Want All Ware Stainless Steel Pineapple Easy Slicer and De-Corer Discount?
Super easy to use and it does not shred the pineapple. It cuts it in one continuous spiral. And I love how it leaves behind the core and the shell, and if you break off the core, you have a nice drink container!Wusthof Ikon 2 Pc. Paring Set with Promotional Savings
Zwilling J.A. Henckels TWIN® Five Star 8pc Block Set
Global G-29 - 7 inch, 18cm Meat/Fish Slicing Knife
Proteak Teak Cutting Board Rectangle 24-by-18-by-1-1/2-Inch with Hand Grip and Juice Canal
Easy to clean......just read the insert that comes with it, to avoid bacteria growth, just clean it and dry it with a papertowel after each use.This cutting board is gorgeous and huge. When I got it in the mail, I was blown away at how big it is. I love it and would recommend it for anyone who needs a good cutting board. You may not need one this big but it is easily big enough to hold a 22 lb turkey and the trough for the juice is a nice thing to have when you need to let meat rest before serving it. It holds a lot of juice too. Remember to keep it oiled with a quality wood oil that has other food grade oils such as mineral oil. I use Howard Butcher Block Conditioner which costs $8 at Home depot and it works very nicely. Make sure to use this at least every few weeks and it will keep its beauty for a long time!
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Board arrived very poorly packaged within shipping box. Upon opening the box, the board was broken in half with a separate pice of wood also broken. Very disappointed. Money refunded.This Proteak Cutting Board is beautiful, well made, a large perfect surface for cutting againstnever dulls knives. The juice grooves keeps all fluids from leaking onto the counter. It is however, VERY heavy so it's easier if you plan to keep it on your counter as it is very cumbersome.Arrived as promised. Looks beautiful on the counter. Couldn't be happier with the purchase. I'm sure it will provide years of great service.KitchenAid 5-1/2-Inch Serrated Utility Knife with Gradual Bolster
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Kuhn Rikon Avocado Knife Colori
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I love avocados and often eat at least one every day. This is by far the best avocado scooper tool available.While the serrated "blade" will cut the skin and the two prong will extract the pit, I find a knife works better for these functions. But as a "scooper" this tool extracts the avocado completely and leaves virtually nothing remaining in the skin, regardless the size or shape of the avocado. Nothing else I've tried comes close.
I now own 3 of these tools.I had been cutting, pitting etc all by hand for years. I saw this on Amazon and ordered one. Very glad I did. Well built little tool that makes the whole process much better.About every six weeks I purchase a dozen avocadoes and make up a huge batch of homemade guacamole, which I divide up into single portion (3 fl oz) cans for freezing. This tool makes the task of skinning and de-pitting the avocadoes a lot quicker. Since the time I received it, I estimate that I've handled about 84 to 96 avocadoes with it. So I rely on it quite a bit.

