Wanting to get into traditional knives!

[Sam Dean]

.... I just want something that will peel apples really well and develop a real cool patina over time.

Well now, you got me there, my dedicated apple slicer is this Kingwood #72. Every year, I take my kids to pick apples at a local orchard, and this it the "tool" dedicated to "testing" the apples. I've reserved it to that duty alone, mainly because it tells a story of great memories every time I see it.

I want to add a few comments though:

• As a first pattern, the #72 and #73 are GREAT patterns, and I highly recommend them. You just can't go wrong.
• A spear or spey blade is GREAT for food prep. Wharncliffe, not so much, IMO....
• Carbon steel blades will impart a certain metallic "taste and smell" in some foods (like apples). If this bothers you, consider the same pattern in stainless (although you don't get the cool patina).
• Lastly, let us know what you get!!!

Bottom one in this pic:





Bottom right in this one:

 

[thefirstsuspect]

Well now, you got me there, my dedicated apple slicer is this Kingwood #72. Every year, I take my kids to pick apples at a local orchard, and this it the "tool" dedicated to "testing" the apples. I've reserved it to that duty alone, mainly because it tells a story of great memories every time I see it.

I want to add a few comments though:

• As a first pattern, the #72 and #73 are GREAT patterns, and I highly recommend them. You just can't go wrong.
• A spear or spey blade is GREAT for food prep. Wharncliffe, not so much, IMO....
• Carbon steel blades will impart a certain metallic "taste and smell" in some foods (like apples). If this bothers you, consider the same pattern in stainless (although you don't get the cool patina).
• Lastly, let us know what you get!!!

Bottom one in this pic:





Bottom right in this one:

Beautiful knives man! The metallic taste doesn't really bother me, I will post a new thread with pics (hopefully if I can figure out how to post pics!) in a month or two when I find whatever I decide to get for a good price! Thanks for all the great suggestions guys.

TFS