Questions and info about Imperial "La Cuisine" kitchen knives

[Dave Thinkstoomuch]

I've been wanting to bring my Imperial Schrade obsession into the kitchen so I took a chance on this small set ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=300536297112&si=CBraZI2piN%252F3QaVKLfT275XoAIk%253D&viewitem= ) based on the advertising. ie. "The Ultimate in Hand-made Cutlery" and what the knives looked like.

Does anyone have any info about this Imperial set? When were these made? Hand-made in Providence? What kind of steel? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Dave Thinkstoomuch]

I found some info on these and it seems that they were one of Imperial's higher-end offerings just as I had hoped. "Made to these exacting standards, they are probably the very finest cutting instruments ever made for the home." Circa 1973, I can't wait to put them to the test in my kitchen and see if they live up to the hype.

http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/FLYERS/IMPERIALS/tableware/pre-1980/pages/IK73.htm

http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/FLYERS/IMPERIALS/tableware/pre-1980/pages/scan006.htm

http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/FLYERS/IMPERIALS/tableware/pre-1980/pages/scan007.htm

 

[delmas2nd]

we have been needing a good set of knives for the kitchen. so will look for them also. now you didn't pay too much for them did you? (sarcasm intended, lol)

 

[Dave Thinkstoomuch]

we have been needing a good set of knives for the kitchen. so will look for them also. now you didn't pay too much for them did you? (sarcasm intended, lol)

The price was kinda golden. I figured I had little to lose in getting them.
Rosewood handles, good steel, hand-crafted, retro good looks: these were just what I was looking for. I just hope they feel as good to use as they look. I will post again when I've tried them though I do feel a bit guilty using this nearly forty year old set regardless of what I paid.

Why buy new junk or new and expensive "big name" knives when good vintage stuff gets sold for a song? :thumbup:

 

[Dave Thinkstoomuch]

I have been using my '70s La Cuisine chef's and utility knives for a couple of weeks now. I haven't used the carving set yet but I'm looking forward to it when I have something big enough for the carving knife.

They seem to be keeping their edge very well and I do find the rosewood handles attractive and classic. The fit and finish is very good on all of them with the (minor) sad exception of the chef's knife. The tang could have been ground a little bit more so it would be dead-flush with the wood handle. This is my only criticism thus far.

I had no real idea as to what the actual blade lengths were because it's not in the literature but I share them now.

The chef's knife is a very nice size with it's 9" blade. It could have been a little wider for scooping up the things you just chopped but again this is just being picky.

The 5 1/2" blade utility knife feels great in the hand and is perfect as is.

The carving knife is huge! It has a 12" long blade which is why it seems overkill for small items. A 20lb turkey or massive beef roast is what it's waiting for but it would dwarf a chicken.

All in all I'd have to say I am very pleased to have these in my kitchen and can recommend them. I didn't get the paring knife with my set but I don't miss it. Between the chef's and the utility I am good to tackle any food prep task. :thumbup::thumbup: