I need new knives! Recommendations?

[Wendi]

So the set of knives I got as a wedding gift 20 years ago is toast. The blades are dull and coming loose (not full tang). I am getting back into cooking more from scratch lately, and it's getting annoying to have such crappy knives.

 

What do you recommend? I don't really need a big set; probably a chef's knife, utility knife and paring knife. Are the Pampered Chef knives still a good choice? What about ceramic?

 

Thanks,

Wendi

[cjzimmer1]

I was given Chicago Cutlery as a wedding present and I always thought they were great (because compared to what I grew up with they were a huge improvement). One day a friend was over and helping me chop veggies, she commented on my dull knives. And I thought they were pretty sharp. But since she commented, I started paying attention to knife threads here and I kept hearing Cutco over and over and over again. Never heard of them and when I looked them up I about keeled over at the price of them.

 

Fast forward, we were at an expo and there was a Cutco display. I went to check it out just to see what the hype was and I was shocked how good they worked. I bought a cheese knife since I've never had a decent one. I feel in love with it and have purchased 3 more knives (chef, bread and paring). They were much cheaper as a group than just a single, still expensive but definitely more doable.

 

I always reach for my Cutco knives first and if they are all dirty then I will pick one of the Chicago cutlery ones.

[Lara in Colo]

I have Cutco and I love them, they are VERY pricy though.

They also have a great warranty and the best sissors EVER.

 

 

Lara

[BeckyFL]

I was in the same boat. Not sure if you are on the same page I am financially (I have to find great prices or not buy), but I found these are Ross for $9.99 and I really like them. I think the best for the price will be at places like Ross, Homegoods, Marshalls, etc.

 

http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-2-Piece-Pearlized-Stainless-Vegetable/dp/B005F49NE0/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1325963673&sr=8-6

[serene]

I love my Rada knives. My favorite is the cook's utility knife, I use it every day. The silver handles are not dishwasher safe, but the black handled ones are. We have someone who sells them locally.

[dsmama]

I have several ceramic knives and they are AWESOME! Even the cheap one is good. My fave is a green ceramic chef's knife from Pampered Chef (not a consultant, just a happy customer).

[sdreeves]

I love my Chicago cutlery BUT, mine came with a sharpener, which I use regularly. Now I'll have to check out these Cutcos!

[tntgoodwin]

We like Rada, and Pampered Chef. We also have a Victorinox Chef's knife that was a great value.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-40520-Fibrox-8-Inch-Chefs/dp/B000638D32

[Tap]

I have a largish set of JA Henckels. I have also have a set of Cooks brand steak knives from JC Penny (I think).

 

I use my 5 1/2" Henckels Petty knife ALL the time. I like the smaller blade better than the 8inch chefs knife. (A petty knive is also called and Asian Utiliy knife. It is thin and very sharp.)

 

I use the other knives rarely, but they do serve a specific purpose and I do use them for that. (ie bread knife, deboning knife, etc) I use my steak knives, for a lot of paring or slicing. They are wonderful for that. They fit my hand nice at they slip right through things like tomatoes or cheese.

Edited January 7, 2012 by Tap, tap, tap

[Wendi]

Thanks, y'all. I'm curious about ceramic knives; I think I'll look for an inexpensive one to try. I have a friend who sells Pampered Chef; I'll ask her if they have any deals coming up on the knives.

 

Wendi