Looking for knives for college?

[cinderella]

Im going off to culinary arts college in the fall and im required to buy my own set of professional grade knives. i was wondering what people are using and what the like when using their knives. thank you

 

[Hesparus]

What's your price range, and are there any details as to what constitutes "professional grade?"

Chris

 

[strategy9]

What's your price range, and are there any details as to what constitutes "professional grade?"

Chris

This, and also what Knives are they requiring you buy for the course?
Any specifics? ie. Chef's knife + ? (Paring, santoku, fillet, cleaver, etc.)

Somebody else just posted in general asking about nice kitchen knife gift ideas in a $200 price range, I posted a couple quality brands that the op could find 3 piece (stainless) sets, (chef, paring, and utility) in that range; messermeister, victorinox, global, but while nice quality knives, I'm not sure they would be top picks for "professional grade", however a professional could certainly still create kitchen masterpieces with them; a processional chef " could" in fact still work with a decent set of big box stores Knives if necessary, so that term is kind of peculiar... Most top professionals have very expensive, even custom built Knives, while some still appreciate good quality value priced brands; many prefer carbon steel while many prefer stainless...Some prefer traditional French style chef knives, while others a gyuto style blade, while still others prefer santoku style as their go2 doitall for their main blade.... And there are still others out there as well; bunkas and funakyukis are common in some kitchens... I mean, do you need " a really good chef's knife" or a complete 7 or more piece set?

I've heard quite a few chef's say that all the "need" is a good chef's knife and they could do just about anything required in the kitchen, everything else just makes the jobs a whole lot easier and more practical. But needless to say you need to be more specific in what your looking for required to obtain before adequate advice can be given...

 

[OldNavy]

Most schools sell sets through their Bookstores, Check with the Department Office for any Official requirements.

here's a basic set
http://www.webstaurantstore.com/victorinox-46035-12-piece-executive-culinary/35346035.html

Mercer is a common line used by schools
http://mercerculinary.com/professional-cutlery/renaissance-collection.html

 

[OldNavy]

Follow up. In real life, it's not always about the knives. this is a pic. of the kit a real pro caries

 

[gadgetgeek]

I would see if Alton Brown has written anything up, or even try to tweet or email him. He's a complete gear freak, so I'm sure he has an idea on what you'd need.

 

[Fritz MacKrieg]

Alton Brown is a Shun shill.