Chef’s knife recommendations

Posted 19th Jan 2021
Any decent / half decent cooks able to recommend a good Chef’s knife? Thankings yous.
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  1. Kieran_Wildsmith's avatar
    As a chef by trade, I can recommend Victorinox for home use as they have a long life if they are maintained well, really comfortable and inexpensive compared to higher end brands such as Wustof and Global. You can buy various Victorinox knives off of Amazon.

    As mentioned above, Global are a good make but if you don't want calluses then I wouldn't recommend, I used a global for a solid 3 years but within the first 1 month of using it, my hands were getting blistered after every shift (although these were 15 hour shifts and constant use of cutting with the knife)
  2. Haircut_100's avatar
    Xiwt19/01/2021 19:21

    I’ve seen those Zwiling products they look good to me but what do I k …I’ve seen those Zwiling products they look good to me but what do I know... is Henckels the same brand if so any particular line?


    Henckels and Zwiling are part of the same company. The Zwiling group aslo includes Miyabi, Staub, and Ballarini. I've heard some talk about the different ranges in the Zwiling brand and which are the best (ie Four Star, Twin Chef, Gourmet, etc). I've got a few different ones and across the different range it tends to just be quality and feel of the handle and/or tang that is the only real difference. Just have a look around there and also at other retailers such as Amazon and see what you can find that is on offer.
  3. a666andy's avatar
    Depends on what you're after but I've had kyocera ceramics for years and love them, very sharp and not sharpened any of them yet.

    May not be for everyone and requires a little bit more care in handling
  4. Haircut_100's avatar
    Xiwt19/01/2021 19:00

    Hmmm not exactly sure but don’t think I’ll consider over £200 for single un …Hmmm not exactly sure but don’t think I’ll consider over £200 for single unit unless I’m very much missing something.


    You don't even need to spend that much. You can get a good Henckels, Zwilling, or even a Global for a lot less than that. It's well worth looking at what places like John Lewis and Fenwick have in the sales. The Zwiling/Henckels company have great customer service and a lifetime warranty, I bought a chef's knife from Fenwicks and after 5 years it developed a chip in the blade, I sent it back to them even though I didn't have a receipt and they replaced it straight away with a brand new one. They have a money off offer on their website as well at the moment.

    43570035-147QZ.jpg
    uk.zwilling-shop.com/Kit…ves

    My favourite knife at home at the moment is actually a Sabatier Santoku knife that I got at TK Maxx for only about £15, it's a damn good knife for the money. I prefer to have a few different knives, such as a large chef's knife, a small one, and a Santoku rather just having one more expensive knife to just use all the time.
  5. a666andy's avatar
    Xiwt19/01/2021 19:14

    Interesting not thought about ceramic.


    May be worth getting a cheap one just as a test. I originally bought one from amazon for around 14 quid and it was actually really good. I then decided I wanted a full set (no idea why really as I only really use 3, chef, paring and tomato) of decent ones so got kyocera.

    I have some cheap steels in the drawer for when I need to be rough with a knife like bones etc.
  6. Xiwt's avatar
    Author
    a666andy19/01/2021 19:21

    May be worth getting a cheap one just as a test. I originally bought one …May be worth getting a cheap one just as a test. I originally bought one from amazon for around 14 quid and it was actually really good. I then decided I wanted a full set (no idea why really as I only really use 3, chef, paring and tomato) of decent ones so got kyocera. I have some cheap steels in the drawer for when I need to be rough with a knife like bones etc.


    Nice yeah I’ve found the more I cook myself the less knives I’m using.
  7. a666andy's avatar
    Xiwt19/01/2021 19:24

    Nice yeah I’ve found the more I cook myself the less knives I’m using.


    Yeah really isn't much need for a big selection, especially once you get used to one that you like and is sharp etc
  8. Xiwt's avatar
    Author
    a666andy19/01/2021 19:28

    Yeah really isn't much need for a big selection, especially once you get …Yeah really isn't much need for a big selection, especially once you get used to one that you like and is sharp etc


    Yeah... and then try to cut bread with it!
  9. a666andy's avatar
    Xiwt19/01/2021 19:29

    Yeah... and then try to cut bread with it!


    I use my ceramic to cut bread, less mess and easier than a normal bread knife I guess the same for any decent really sharp knife
  10. psychobitchfromhell's avatar
    I've got Globals. Got them from Aldi of all places a few years back.
  11. spiderbifida's avatar
    I used global for a while great knives but the bolster used to rub my index finger & cause blisters. I think my hand was too big for the handle.
    I switched to Wusthof Classic Ikon's & I've never looked back, really comfortable to use & hold their edge very well.
  12. rmjowen's avatar
    Global. Got a set of 7 under £200 at Costco. They regularly stock them, though not sure of the cost these days.
  13. MattNorfolk's avatar
    Got a set of three Wusthof classic knives about a year ago thanks to several recommendations and they are great.
  14. danzab's avatar
    I bought this out of boredom in the first lockdown, feels nice to hold and very sharp. Only has cheap stuff before so got nothing to really compare it to Robert welch signature
  15. bozo007's avatar
    We bought a set of 4 Victorinox knives many years ago in the US on a price glitch. Amazing, well balanced and still serving well; love the rosewood handle too. Another place to gaze at beautiful knives - Japanese Knife Company. I am not sure if their stores are open or closed but they sell online. (edited)
  16. deleted1922722's avatar
    At work I just pick up what ever knife is in the draw. we tend to keep one for meats what only used for slicing so stays sharp longer. at home I buy a cheap cooks knife I use for everything then when it’s past it’s best, bin and get a new one.

    I own global’s and have steals/stones but can never be bothered with the sharpening.

    if your just a home cook and not stood for hours, day in day out any will do. They won’t make you cook any better. As long as it’s sharp a cooks knife can be use for most things especially for home use.
  17. Haircut_100's avatar
    How much do you want to spend on one?
  18. Xiwt's avatar
    Author
    Haircut_10019/01/2021 18:54

    How much do you want to spend on one?


    Hmmm not exactly sure but don’t think I’ll consider over £200 for single unit unless I’m very much missing something.
  19. Xiwt's avatar
    Author
    a666andy19/01/2021 19:09

    Depends on what you're after but I've had kyocera ceramics for years and …Depends on what you're after but I've had kyocera ceramics for years and love them, very sharp and not sharpened any of them yet.May not be for everyone and requires a little bit more care in handling


    Interesting not thought about ceramic.
  20. Xiwt's avatar
    Author
    Haircut_10019/01/2021 19:17

    You don't even need to spend that much. You can get a good Henckels, …You don't even need to spend that much. You can get a good Henckels, Zwilling, or even a Global for a lot less than that. It's well worth looking at what places like John Lewis and Fenwick have in the sales. The Zwiling/Henckels company have great customer service and a lifetime warranty, I bought a chef's knife from Fenwicks and after 5 years it developed a chip in the blade, I sent it back to them even though I didn't have a receipt and they replaced it straight away with a brand new one. They have a money off offer on their website as well at the moment. [Image] https://uk.zwilling-shop.com/Kitchen-World/Kitchen-Knives/Slicing-and-filleting-knives/?filterCategoryPathROOT=Kitchen%20World&filterCategoryPathROOT%2FKitchen%20World=Kitchen%20Knives&filterCategoryPathROOT%2FKitchen%20World%2FKitchen%20Knives=Slicing%20and%20filleting%20knivesMy favourite knife at home at the moment is actually a Sabatier Santoku knife that I got at TK Maxx for only about £15, it's a damn good knife for the money. I prefer to have a few different knives, such as a large chef's knife, a small one, and a Santoku rather just having one more expensive knife to just use all the time.


    I’ve seen those Zwilling products they look good to me but what do I know... is Henckels the same brand if so any particular line? (edited)
  21. Xiwt's avatar
    Author
    Haircut_10019/01/2021 19:33

    Henckels and Zwiling are part of the same company. The Zwiling group aslo …Henckels and Zwiling are part of the same company. The Zwiling group aslo includes Miyabi, Staub, and Ballarini. I've heard some talk about the different ranges in the Zwiling brand and which are the best (ie Four Star, Twin Chef, Gourmet, etc). I've got a few different ones and across the different range it tends to just be quality and feel of the handle and/or tang that is the only real difference. Just have a look around there and also at other retailers such as Amazon and see what you can find that is on offer.


    Thanks a lot will have a look
  22. joxeruk2000's avatar
    Haircut_10019/01/2021 19:17

    You don't even need to spend that much. You can get a good Henckels, …You don't even need to spend that much. You can get a good Henckels, Zwilling, or even a Global for a lot less than that. It's well worth looking at what places like John Lewis and Fenwick have in the sales. The Zwiling/Henckels company have great customer service and a lifetime warranty, I bought a chef's knife from Fenwicks and after 5 years it developed a chip in the blade, I sent it back to them even though I didn't have a receipt and they replaced it straight away with a brand new one. They have a money off offer on their website as well at the moment. [Image] https://uk.zwilling-shop.com/Kitchen-World/Kitchen-Knives/Slicing-and-filleting-knives/?filterCategoryPathROOT=Kitchen%20World&filterCategoryPathROOT%2FKitchen%20World=Kitchen%20Knives&filterCategoryPathROOT%2FKitchen%20World%2FKitchen%20Knives=Slicing%20and%20filleting%20knivesMy favourite knife at home at the moment is actually a Sabatier Santoku knife that I got at TK Maxx for only about £15, it's a damn good knife for the money. I prefer to have a few different knives, such as a large chef's knife, a small one, and a Santoku rather just having one more expensive knife to just use all the time.


    Really? I bought the Sabatier Santoku knife and it’s so thick and cumbersome I never use it. I do however use Other Sabatier knives all the time.
  23. Haircut_100's avatar
    joxeruk200019/01/2021 19:56

    Really? I bought the Sabatier Santoku knife and it’s so thick and c …Really? I bought the Sabatier Santoku knife and it’s so thick and cumbersome I never use it. I do however use Other Sabatier knives all the time.


    I think that there might be a few different companies using the Sabatier name (or slight variations of it). The one I have definitely isn’t cumbersome at all, quite the opposite.
  24. Xiwt's avatar
    Author
    Thanks for the replies all I think I got a set of 7 Zwillings on the way for about 80 pounds was going to post it on here but think it was the last set I saw on a deal.
  25. deleted2465995's avatar
    Xiwt20/01/2021 14:06

    Thanks for the replies all I think I got a set of 7 Zwillings on the way …Thanks for the replies all I think I got a set of 7 Zwillings on the way for about 80 pounds was going to post it on here but think it was the last set I saw on a deal.


    7 Zwillings knives for £80? Have you got a link? Personally I'm not interested in buying sets, but I'm intrigued as to what you get for the money
  26. Xiwt's avatar
    Author
    Didn’t order from this link but from a clearance website and is oos there now:

    zwilling.com/us/…ion
  27. deleted2465995's avatar
    Xiwt20/01/2021 14:40

    Didn’t order from this link but from a clearance website and is oos there n …Didn’t order from this link but from a clearance website and is oos there now:https://www.zwilling.com/us/henckels-modernist-7-pc-knife-block-set-silver-17503-007/17503-007-0.html?ref=searchsuggestion


    Thanks. Looking at them, it looks as though they're a cheaper knife that they've had a Chinese company knock out for them which would put me off. Worth a look though.
  28. Xiwt's avatar
    Author
    deleted246599520/01/2021 14:57

    Thanks. Looking at them, it looks as though they're a cheaper knife that …Thanks. Looking at them, it looks as though they're a cheaper knife that they've had a Chinese company knock out for them which would put me off. Worth a look though.


    Fair play, I’m not too fussed where they put them together long as they are a good quality overall, not sure about the self sharpening ceramic tech either in the block but took a punt on the set based on the deal and after reading a few reviews. On the Zwilling Uk site the set is marked up a lot more for some reason and there it states Zwilling lifetime warranty.

    uk.zwilling-shop.com/Kit…tml (edited)
  29. deleted2465995's avatar
    Xiwt20/01/2021 15:28

    Fair play, I’m not too fussed where they put them together long as they a …Fair play, I’m not too fussed where they put them together long as they are a good quality overall, not sure about the self sharpening ceramic tech either in the block but took a punt on the set based on the deal and after reading a few reviews. On the Zwilling Uk site the set is marked up a lot more for some reason and there it states Zwilling lifetime warranty.https://uk.zwilling-shop.com/Kitchen-World/Kitchen-Knives/Knife-Sets-Blocks/7-Piece-Ash-Self-Sharpening-Knife-Block-17503-007-0.html


    If I was going to buy a knife based on the brand then personally, I'd want to know it was produced along with their other items and subject to the same quality controls etc - I nearly bought a seemingly cheap Panasonic TV only to find out that they now have their budget units made elsewhere and as a result, the quality has dropped off considerably.

    I'm not averse to buying things made in China from seemingly random manufacturers, I just adjust my expectations accordingly.

    Anyway, each to their own and I hope they work out for you.
  30. Xiwt's avatar
    Author
    deleted246599520/01/2021 16:17

    If I was going to buy a knife based on the brand then personally, I'd want …If I was going to buy a knife based on the brand then personally, I'd want to know it was produced along with their other items and subject to the same quality controls etc - I nearly bought a seemingly cheap Panasonic TV only to find out that they now have their budget units made elsewhere and as a result, the quality has dropped off considerably.I'm not averse to buying things made in China from seemingly random manufacturers, I just adjust my expectations accordingly.Anyway, each to their own and I hope they work out for you.


    Yup adjust the expectations. The QC of a lot of the labelled Panasonics did drop off so if a problem arises that shouldn’t under normal use, that’s where the warranty of a global brand with a rep to protect should also play a part imo. (edited)
  31. hello789's avatar
    Xiwt19/01/2021 19:34

    Thanks a lot will have a look


    Can't go wrong with German steel, just make sure they are actually made in Germany and forged will last you a lifetime. (edited)
  32. willprice94's avatar
    Victorinox fibrox are hard to be beat for the price. If you're looking for something a bit more up market, I can recommend Tojiro and MAC. Wusthof seem OK (Get the Ikon series only, the classics have bolsters that make them a nightmare to sharpen).
    Gruff__'s avatar
    This thread is almost two years old. I think he's probably bought his knife by now.
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