Where to look/try?

V

vaaccess

Joined
Dec 7, 2015
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I've been to Sur La Table a few times trying various knives, and they have some great ones. Global Ni seemed to me to be a good balance of cost and feel, though haven't bought because it isn't cheap and I wasn't 100% sure that's what I wanted.

That said, I am curious about some that are made in USA maybe by a small producer. But where/ how can I find and try them? I'm in the central VA area, though in Phoenix today and tomorrow.

Backstory...

A while ago I thought about getting a new set to replace my Henkel Twin Cuisines, but was recommended that I learn how to sharpen before getting a good knife. I have since picked up a US made blademaster with diamond stones and traditional stones. I'm pretty good with sharpening and am ready to get a better knife now. Just trying to figure out where to get one and what to get!

I'd likely want a good chef knife, a pairing knife, a flexible boning knife, and maybe a vegetable chopping knife. I like the Henkel bead knife I already have, and it works well with a brisket, but at some point that would be another knife to get too.

Thanks for your thoughts!
 
How important to you is "made in USA" compared to getting a good knife? What kind of budget did you have in mind?
 
jc57 said:
How important to you is "made in USA" compared to getting a good knife? What kind of budget did you have in mind?
Click to expand...

Good questions, sorry I didn't specify.
USA is a guideline, not a requirement. An ideal I guess. I figure hand made is better than...not?

Budget? I guess it depends. As most would say, less is better... But I guess I'd be willing to spend a hundred or two...I want something that can be a forever knife if possible...
 
I am a big fan of chef knives to go
 
timos- said:
I am a big fan of chef knives to go
Click to expand...

I can second this shop, have bought there in the past and will most certainly buy there again.
Great people to deal with (husband & wife team), even for overseas customers like myself.
A lot of knowledge in house, and what they don't know can be talked about in their own forum, which like here is frequented by a lot of knowledgeable people.
 
google "hand made kitchen knives" or "made in USA kitchen knives" and see where it takes you. look on this forum and others for made to order kitchen knives. Hyde, the company known for good putty knives and paint scrapers, has a series of no frill kitchen knives. Murphy and Lamson make kitchen knives both in high carbon and stainless. New West Knife Works and Warther make a full line of kitchen knives in CPM-S35VN. then search Etsy for "hand made kitchen knives". Remember that "Chef's Knives To Go" is a business and their business is selling only Japanese and Chinese made knives. good luck.
 
Thanks for the thoughts and ideas. I'm looking around and also starting to think about something used. I don't mind how a knife looks, just want it to be sharp and to work well and hopefully I can sharpen something I find!
 
I do scavenger hunts where I try to find specific criteria in a knife. For made in the USA, Lansom and dexter russel use German stee in their more premium lines. R Murphy is USA made all the way through, rada is also USA made and theirs cool youtube videos shooting their manufacturing process, probably lower end than what you want.

Your budget is important because the sky is the limit with price and you could get a guardian m4 kitchen knife for $300.

I’ve been really disappointed exploring used kitchen, knives. I feel like asking price is generally too high for the quality of many brands (ie used carbon steel dexter Russell for $50, no thanks).

I too am very happy with chefknivestogo. Ordered on a Friday, got it Monday. Interested to hear what way you’re leaning.
 
Thanks for your input. Since I'm not in a rush and have a friend that goes to and watches for auctions, I'm going to give it some time and see what I come across. Not in a rush, really, so can be patient!

That said, your referalls are of great help. Thanks!!!

Balls Deep said:
I do scavenger hunts where I try to find specific criteria in a knife. For made in the USA, Lansom and dexter russel use German stee in their more premium lines. R Murphy is USA made all the way through, rada is also USA made and theirs cool youtube videos shooting their manufacturing process, probably lower end than what you want.

Your budget is important because the sky is the limit with price and you could get a guardian m4 kitchen knife for $300.

I’ve been really disappointed exploring used kitchen, knives. I feel like asking price is generally too high for the quality of many brands (ie used carbon steel dexter Russell for $50, no thanks).

I too am very happy with chefknivestogo. Ordered on a Friday, got it Monday. Interested to hear what way you’re leaning.
Click to expand...
 
There are all kinds of custom knife makers on this site who will make you a knife which will last you the rest of your life. They will give you the best heat treat, steel, and quality. Just by the way, Dexter Russells don't hold an edge for s**t when filleting fish, IMHO.
And before you all jump on me, that's my opinion based on my experience.

Tim
 
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