Looking for kitchen knife set

[Big Bo]

I am in the market for a set of kitchen knives. I will spend up to $250 on a set. Are there any you will recommend in my price range?

 

[Cynic2701]

What, specifically, are you looking for your set to do?

If you do a lot of cooking, I'd earnestly recommend buying each piece individually on it's own merit.

If you want a good looking set, I'd suggest looking at Miyabi's--not only do they look great, but they cut well too.

 

[Big Bo]

Thanks, I looked at the Miyabi`s @ Cutlery and More. I found a set in my price range.

 

[Sidehill Gouger]

Why a set? You are much better off buying an empty block and filling it one knife at time with blades you will actually use. Most sets always include several knives that are practically never needed. Of course, most kitchen knife sets are sold as decore rather than tools.

 

[Mudbug007]

What the others said! Having said that, my Wife bought me a J.A. Henckels set last year for Christmas thinking it would be a good gift. They were made in China and they are about the sorriest kitchen knives I've seen. I think an Old Hickory would hold an edge better than these knives! I about had a Cow when I found out what she gave for 'em!!

 

[quattromori]

I'd also recommend buying each knife individually and choosing them according to your needs.
The "decor" thing might be nice, but unless you have to cook in front of your guests, I'd rather pick fewer and better knives, instead of getting a set with knives I know I won't use.

 

[carbonsteel928]

Big Bo, check out KitchenKnife , those guys are very knowledgeable in regards to kitchen knives.

 

[viva la]

instead of buying a set, i would look at purchasing just three knives, the ones you will actually use. a 10" chefs knife (or a 6.5" Sontoku), a serrated bread knife, a small paring knife, putting the most emphasis on the chefs knife.

I personally like Mac Knives. I have a 10" chefs knife and the Mighty Sontoku (6.5") and a pairing knife from them. You could get all three knives I recommend for well within your budget and in my experience they hold an edge better than most other knives I have used.

 

[Big Bo]

Thanks guys. I one at a time sounds good.

I will also check out KitchenKnife forum.

 

[MarkPinTx]

Forschner/Victorinox makes some dandy kitchen knives. I find SAK steel excellent in kitchen knives. Little lower budget than a lot of the Japanese and German knives.

 

[tomsch]

All good advice. In the kitchen I tend to use three knives. A Landi custom 7" Santoku in carbon steel, simple thin bladed paring knife, and a vintage Foster Bros cleaver for big cutting. Still looking for a good serrated knife at some point by my Santoku does most the work. I also have a few other "specialty" knives such as a large 12" vintage chef knife that we keep slightly dull for cutting pizza. Overall these few knives do 99% of the kitchen duty.