Advice on Kitchen Knives Please

Calling all professional and amateur chefs...as well as people who generally know their way around a kitchen and all cooking tools utilized within.

I am wanting to buy Mrs. TAT a set of top quality kitchen knives.

She loves to cook...cooks extremely well, in fact,...and prefers top quality in all things cooking related.
I, on the other hand, know nothing of these matters.

So, I know we have much culinary talent here...and I humbly ask for recommendations as to a very good set/brand of knives I might purchase for her.
For years she has been using a crappy set of Cuisinart knives...which she really dislikes.

Again, I humbly ask...are there any brands people here might recommend?

All suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

I look forward to the recommendations, as well. My wife and I have been using the same crappy set for 15 years and have been looking to upgrade.

a reply to: IAMTAT

There are many good brands out there, it depends on how much you want to spend. I bought a set of these and they are worth every penny.


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a reply to: IAMTAT

I've been using Wusthof for years. There are some excellent starter sets with blocks that are a good buy. I like the construction and ergonomics and unless you jump up to the specialty cutlery that goes for $500 plus a knife they are one of the better brands along with Henckels.

Just make sure to have them sharpened regularly.

a reply to: DAVID64
Beautiful set.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

I knew you'd have a suggestion.
I'll definitely want to get her a nice block for them as well.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus
a reply to: IAMTAT

I've been using Wusthof for years. There are some excellent starter sets with blocks that are a good buy. I like the construction and ergonomics and unless you jump up to the specialty cutlery that goes for $500 plus a knife they are one of the better brands along with Henckels.

Just make sure to have them sharpened regularly.

Are you speaking of the Zwilling J.A. Henckels?

a reply to: IAMTAT

She certainly won't need as many as I have to start but an 8" chef's knife, carving knife and fork, serrated bread knife, tomato/salami knife and a paring knife are good start. Also add a pair of kitchen shears.

You may want a set of their steak knives since they're great and they have slots in the block for them.

originally posted by: IAMTAT
Are you speaking of the Zwilling J.A. Henckels?

Yes, but I prefer the Wusthof.

Either way those are good mid/higher brands to use. Unless you're a serious home cook the hand-forged cutlery is more show than go.

www.youtube.com...

They sell killer knives too, highly recommend, plus the owner is a hoot to watch.

a reply to: DAVID64

My wife bought me that exact set for Christmas.
I love those damn things

Unless you just want to spend more, go with the Henckels. They have always been excellent.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus
a reply to: IAMTAT

She certainly won't need as many as I have to start but an 8" chef's knife, carving knife and fork, serrated bread knife, tomato/salami knife and a paring knife are good start. Also add a pair of kitchen shears.

She actually just told me she has a pair of the Wusthof kitchen shears.

a reply to: IAMTAT


I use Cutco knives. Lifetime guarantee. If they get damaged or even dull just send them in (you pay shipping) and they will replace or sharpen them for you. For life.

Wusthof. They hold an edge very well, much better than the Chicago Cutlery set they replaced.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

She's liking the Wusthof 'Classic Icon' style...rather than the 'Gourmet' style (which seems to have less glowing reviews).
Is there that much difference beyond price?
Unfortunately, she's loving the $1300, 16 pc., off-white, set.

a reply to: IAMTAT

It's more of an ergonomic thing. Have her go to the store and hold them to see which feel better.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

Good thought.

*Wanting to get in on a high-end discussion on knives but doesn't have a clue*

"Yeah, I, uhhh. . . I once cut myself pretty bad, umm. . .I'll just stand over here now. . .

originally posted by: DBCowboy
*Wanting to get in on a high-end discussion on knives but doesn't have a clue*

"Yeah, I, uhhh. . . I once cut myself pretty bad, umm. . .I'll just stand over here now. . .

Quality is also of concern to me.

When the forensics team find me face down on the kitchen floor with a butcher's knife in my back...I, at least, want the coroner to say: "Shame what happened to this fine figure of a man...but, damn...that's one helluva nice knife".