Best Kitchen Knives for the money?

[brennan]

How about CutCo. knives?

 

[Shann]

Best for the money? I'd say Forschner (Victorinox). My spyderco santoku is really nice for 40 bucks.

I've always wanted a Murray Carter kitchen knife and the prices from what I remember were pretty competitive to the really high end production jobs.

 

[misque]

Yes, but these "Japanese" knives that were linked appear to have Swedish Steel

So, what's your point?

It's my understanding that much of this "Swedish steel" is, in fact, VG-10. Why it's labeled "Swedish steel", your guess is as good as mine.

As an aside:

Steel coming from the Scandanavian countries is made from some of the purest Iron Ore available on planet Earth, IIRC. This means it has very low levels of impurities imparting more positive attributes and making for an overall better finished product.
Look at 12C27, for example. This steel is widely favored for it's ability to take and hold a fine edge and for it's overall cleanliness.
I just wonder why the big German cutlery companies don't use more of it in their wares as opposed to the other grades of steels they favor. Or, maybe it's not so much the steel type, but, because they insist on running their knives at a lower HRc. It is unappealing to me and a growing number of others who are moving to the Japanese cutlery which typically run between HRc 59-61 and sometimes higher when using higher end steel types. The Japanese run their edges thinner than the Europeans do and that makes for some great cutting ability and ease of maintenance, at least in my experience.

 

[tholiver]

Without exception and by far the best value for money are the Victorinox (often also known as Forschner) range of kitchen knives - they have a fine reputation and standing for the profession kitchen and butchers - possibly because they are inexpensive - but the reputation is backed up by numerous reviews over the years.

Probably the best overview is that by ConsumerSearch.com where they literally are "reviewing the reviews" -
ie: they look at all the available reviews rate them, and try to come to some concensus - the link on kitchen knives -

Kitchen Knives Review at ConsumerSearch.com

"Best budget knife set.
Forschner Victorinox Fibrox
(*est. $60 for three)
In reviews, experts often express surprise when evaluating these stamped knives, as they run counter to the assumption that the best cutlery is forged. Some experts miss the bolster, a feature on forged knives that aids in balance and maneuverability, but they say the Forschner's sharp blade can compete with knives costing twice as much. In recent reviews, the Forschner chef's knife easily beats cheaper knives."

" It's commonly accepted that the best knives are forged -- hammered into shape from a single piece of metal. An alternative method is to stamp them out of a sheet of metal; this process produces a lighter, thinner blade without a lip between the handle and blade (called a bolster on forged knives). Many cheaper knives are made this way, and reviewers say they can feel flimsy and hard to control. Forschner Victorinox Fibrox (*est. $60 for three) stamped knives are the exception. In side-by-side tests, experts are amazed at how well these perform next to forged knives that are three times as expensive. In a Cook's Illustrated review, Forschner Victorinox tops three categories: chef's knives under $50, paring knives and bread knives."


Hope some of this helps.

--
Vincent
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2007
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http://clik.to/UnknownVT2005
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http://clik.to/UnknownVincent

+1!
The Victorinox are excellent, they keep a great edge and are easy to resharpen.
Also someone above mentioned the Spydercos, also an exceptional value (if you can find them).