Looking for recommendations on a kitchen knife

B

Basher313

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Jun 4, 2012
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So awhile back I was attempting to open a coconut with one of our nicer kitchen knives. We don't have a set of knives, just a hodge-podge collection composed of what my wife and I both "brought to the table" (see what I did there?) when we got married a couple years ago. Anyway, this was one of our nicer knives, and for whatever reason, I attempted to baton the coconut in half. Long story short, I snapped the blade in half. :-/ Lesson learned!

So now, I need to replace this knife. I'm looking to spend about $50 or so at the moment, though I could sell another personal knife of mine and open that budget up some, we'll see. But I purchased a Boker Arbolito knife a few weeks back, seemed like a nice knife in 440C stainless. Problem is, it's a right-handed knife. That works for me, but my wife does most of the cooking right now and she's left handed. Problem!

So I need to return this one and find another. 440C is about the best I can get in my current budget that performs well, holds a good edge, and doesn't require extensive maintenance (wife's not a knife fanatic and wants something that doesn't require much care).

What can BF recommend for a decent 8" kitchen knife around $50? Again, I'm open to a bit more, as I can expand my budget a touch, but let's not get out of hand. Thanks!
 
I recently bought a Mundial 10in sandwich knife. The blade is 3in wide at the heel which i like. I paid $30.00 shipped. I work in a cafe and use it daily and happy with it. Certainly there are better quality knives but for the price it seems to be a good decision for me.
 
I'm shopping for a budget knife too and have heard a lot of good stuff about Victorinox/Forchner (here and other places).
I'm thinking an 8 or 10" chef knife will be on its way to my home soon...
 
The ubiquitously highly recommended Victorinox Forschner 8" Chef's Knife $45
http://www.knifeworks.com/forschner8inchefsknifeblackfibroxhandle.aspx#.VkkpaWgo62c
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You should be able to find it locally as well so she can handle it for fit.
 
I am rather fond of the Old Hickory (1095 carbon steel) and Russell Green River (stainless steel) kitchen knives.
To open a coconut, you want either a good, heavy cleaver, preferably around 5/16 inches thick, or a good "not a former car fender" machete. I've had good results opening coconuts with a Cold Steel "Heavy" machete (after sharpening it, the factory "edge" leaves much to be desired) and an old 8 inch cutting edge 5/16 inch thick cleaver, until some motherless thing in the Conch Republic, decided it needed the cleaver and machete (and a bunch of other stuff) more than I did/do.
 
Tojiro DP series. VG10 core laminated. Have been using it for years and it's still pretty inexpensive. This is not some crappy cheapo brand it is
widely respected in its price range and used in many Japanese households.
 
If you are going to be opening coconuts, get a meat cleaver or similar knife that is can take the abuse. I've seen many nice kitchen knives messed up getting pounded through a coconut.

My wife is a lefty too. Her favorite knife is a Victorinox paring knife. The red one, not the identical black one. Very low maintenance, I just run it over the steel once in a while and use the stone on it once or twice a year. My wife and kids are really good about using the wood cutting boards.

Ric
 
For a budget kitchen knife, you can't go wrong with Victorinox. Coconuts will need something a bit more robust, however ;)
 
As long as you dont abuse them (baton coconuts) a kitchen knife should be around for a very long time.

We have a custom chef by takeda and I just bought a Paring knife by shun. My wife loves them.

Sell one of your toys and buy something decent. You are responsible to make the coconut dissaster right! :):):)

Best of luck.
 
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.

No more coconuts will be opened with kitchen knives, lesson well learned. I had access to better tools and simply chose not to use them, no excuse there, but I assure you it won't be happening again. :)
 
Kai wasabi series $30-$40

Kai pure komatchi series $10- $30

Torjiro dp $50-$60

Kiwi $8-$10

These are the best budget brand kitchen knives in the world

PS

Here a cool video on how to open a coconut with a butter knife.
https://youtu.be/DsP1ZZtuffU
 
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