Calphalon kitchen knives? Or other affordable block sets?

[ThinkOfTheChildren]

I'm looking to give a block set of kitchen knives as a gift. (Before suggestions are made to only get 3 or so knives and build from there, recipient definitely wants a block set )

Calphalon turns up as a reasonably priced product (I'm looking to spend under $250) but I am curious about their quality. Most searches I turned up here seemed to be based on their other kitchen utensils rather than knives.

If they are a no-go, can any other recommendations be made?
Don't need the best here, especially since the recipients are no masters at sharpening or maintaining an edge. Just looking for reasonably priced, reasonably performing kitchen knives that will last. Don't need steak knives in the set.

 

[ronsec]

I just bought a set of Chicago Cutlery Insignia II from Amazon. Even has a sharpener in the block ( not that I would ever use it, of course! ). I believe the knives are made in China, but the quality is definately OK. Set costs around $100.00. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H6VH1S/102-6400721-7858523

 

[Walking Man]

I have a set of Hoffritz that I am very, very happy with. I think I read here that it's actually made by one of the other top makers, like Wusthof or Henkels, but I'm not sure. Very ecomical though, 5 knives in the set, not too many, and a ceramic stick thing and kitchen shears.
ADDED: I just did a search, and I don't think they make them any more.
Not available here, but here's a pic:
http://www.amazon.com/Hoffritz-HF84..._24/102-8882632-0991338?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden

 

[BenchmadeBoy]

We have a 10" Calphalon sankuto (sp??) It seems very well built, with good balance. It takes and maintains an excellent edge via my Sharpmaker. It is our go-to kitchen knife.

 

[Bob W]

I really like the old USA-Made Chicago Cutlery knives, if you can find one; the new ones are all imported from China. I think I read that the USA Chicago Cutlery knives were actually made by LamsonSharp, who still make knives under their own brand.
http://www.lamsonsharp.com/lamsonsharp.html

My current kitchen knives are a set from Camillus with rosewood handles. Not the greatest steel, but the construction quality is good and the knives are very pretty. I think they would make an excellent gift.
http://www.1sks.com/store/camillus-kitchen-cutlery.html

And here's an AG Russell set with block for $195. I've never used or handled these, but they seem like what you're looking for.
http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_...lock/a_g_russell_set_of_7_kitchen_knives.html

Happy shopping,
-Bob

 

[Mick R.]

Well, since he's stuck on a block set my suggestion is that you buy him some Forschner's (about $180) and a Spyderco Sharpmaker ($45) to keep a great edge on them.

Of course, it's just my humble opinion but it seems such a shame to spend $250 bucks on a good block set of cutlery when you can get a gorgeous 3 Piece set of Shun Classic Damascus knives ($235) for about the same price. (Sorry, I couldn't resist bring up the 3 pc. set of Shun's)

 

[longbeachguy]

When I was looking for advice on good but affordable kitchen knives Forschner Knives by Victorinox were highly recommended to me, and that's what I went with. I just received them recently, but I'm very impressed with the edge holding and ease of sharpening.

Here's a link, which includes a couple block sets in addition to individual knives:

http://www.aapkblades.com/products.php?start=100&category1=kitchen_cutlery&category3=victorinox

 

[BruceMcK]

I have a 6 pc Calphalon Contemporary set (Calphalon nows sells a 7 pc set instead). I like it and don't have any complaints. It is my first decent knife set (replacing some old Ikea stamped knives) so I don't have a lot to compare to. The handles are very comfortable and the knife size stamped on the end of the handle is a plus. The blade surface is not really shiny and the edge looks like a fairly obtuse angle. They feel great in my hands and cut well considering the price.... the whole set, on sale was about the price of a 8" Chef from most of the name brands.

I like the block because of the horizontal slots.

They are made in China, from steel made in Germany. Calphalon claim they can sell knives cheaply because they get good steel prices because of the amount they buy for cookware. I wonder if that is true, because knife steel is not the same as cookware steel, but they still may get good volume discounts.

Consumer Reports gave one of the Contemporary sets with more knives a best buy rating.