Articles from July 2010

*The Thrifty Home: 3 Knives You Must Have!

Last month CSN Stores gave me a $60 gift certificate to buy anything I wanted at any of their 200+ stores. This was the post I did about it: Tons of Unique Items at CSN Stores. I had a very hard time deciding what to get, but it finally became very obvious to me what I really NEEDED to get.

Next month I will have been married for 14 years and I have never boughten myself a good set of kitchen knives. I have been using the same $10 Walmart chefs knife for 14 years and I have never had it sharpened. I have always been afraid of having sharp knives because I am a bit of a klutz and being the thrifty person I am I have never been able to justify hundreds of dollars on a nice knife set. I have spent a lot of time deciding where to put my dull knives and even did this post last year:

An an anonymous commenter pointed out to me that most kitchen knife accidents are caused by dull knives.

It was very obvious to me that I needed some new knives with my $60 gift certificate. I spent several hours researching which knives to buy and this is what I came up with:
All of the cooking blogs love Victorinox and the best part is that they are affordable! Just do a google search for “victorinox reviews” and you will find a ton of cooks praising them.
Victorinox is by the inventors of the Swiss Army knife and they have a whole line of kitchen knives. I knew that I didn’t want a big block of knives and after some more research I found out from the professionals that I only needed 3 knives.

1. A chef’s knife. I really wanted a Santoku knife for this. The santoku knife is a modified variation of the chef’s knife with origins from Japan. It has a finer edge which allows for finer precision-cutting. The blade width and weight usually matches that of the handle so if feels more balanced in the hand. It is also made from harder tempered steel. It is shorter, lighter, and easier for smaller hands (like mine). I also love the divots on the sides of the blade that help prevent the vegetables from sticking to the knife.
I got this one for $34.99 at CSN Stores Cookware.com

Jean Dubost Laguiole 6-Piece Steak Knives Multi-Colored Discount …

Jean Dubost Laguiole 6-Piece Steak Knives Multi-Colored Description:

In a word: sharp. Laguiole takes inspiration from a 19th Century shepherd’s tool and creates a handsome, streamlined utensil. Crafted from polished stainless steel, each steak knife features a hard, slightly curved handle casing in pearl, taupe, copper, burnished copper, olive, or slate. The “bee” symbol on each 9″ piece assures legendary Laguoile quality. Set of 6 in mixed colors. Dishwasher safe. Comes in a beechwood gift box. This is crafted in 18/8 Stainless Steel. Available in other colors

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #67172 in Kitchen & Housewares
  • Brand: Laguiole

Features

  • Each steak knife features a slightly curved handle casing in pearl, taupe, copper, burni
  • Crafted from polished stainless steel
  • Inspired from a 19th Century shepherd’s tool

Customer Reviews:

Watch it, they stay sharp!Commentary from an Arizona rancher who eats a lot of meat: The (Multi-Colored) Jean Dubost Laguiole 6-Piece Steak Knives are attractive, well balanced, and affordable. When cutting into natural stone plates they STAY SHARP – unlike a lot of other supposed-to-be steak knives. STOP – BUY THESE! Need I say more? Haven’t you bought them yet? DO IT!

Victorinox 8-Piece Knife Block Set Lowest Price!

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SAVE $70.00 – Cuisinart Advantage 19-Piece Solid Pom Cutlery Set …

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Richardson Sheffield Laser Cuisine 6 Piece Knife Block Set – wood …

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victorinox 7-piece knife set with block | Cutlery Sets

Buy Cheap Victorinox 7-Piece Knife Set with Block

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Designed to outfit the kitchen with basic and specialty cutlery, the 7-piece set from Victorinox provides established and aspiring chefs with top-of-the-line tools. The set includes a 3-1/2-inch paring knife, 4-1/2-inch tomato and bagel knife, 5-inch mini chef’s and utility knife, and an 8-inch chef’s knife. For keeping blades in prime working condition, a sharpening steel is included. Kitchen shears round out the set, and a handy, attractive hardwood block neatly stores every piece. Each knife features high-carbon, stainless-steel blades, hand finished at Victorinox in Switzerland by skilled craftsmen. A special tempering process is used to produce an edge that can be resharpened over and over again, so every knife can keep its original sharpness throughout the entire life of the blade. In addition, full tang construction provides strength and balance. The black Fibrox handles feature a non-slip, ergonomic design to minimize wrist tension, and they are approved by the National Sanitation Foundation. The NSF mark is a certification of quality assurance and hygienic design, carried on all Victorinox Cutlery blades with a Fibrox handle. Sure-grip handles with finger guards are a valuable feature, since the handles inevitably get greasy or wet. A great gift idea, the set carries a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. What’s in the Box:3-1/2-inch paring knife, 4-1/2-inch tomato and bagel knife, 5-inch mini chef’s and utility knife, 8-inch chef’s knife, sharpening steel, kitchen shears, and slant hardwood block……..
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Technical Details

– Includes 3-1/2-inch paring knife, 4-1/2-inch tomato and bagel knife, 5-inch mini chef’s and utility knife, 8-inch chef’s knife, sharpening steel, kitchen shears, and slant hardwood block
– High carbon stainless-steel blade provides maximum sharpness and edge retention; conical ground through length and depth for a wider break point; ice tempered to sustain sharpness longer
– Blade stamped from cold-rolled steel; bolsterless edge for use of entire blade and ease of sharpening
– Patented Fibrox handles are textured, slip resistant, and ergonomically designed for balance and comfort; NSF approved
– Hand washing recommended; lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects; expertly made in Switzerland
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 “Terriffic Tool for any kitchen” 2010-06-25
By StevenJM (Pittsburgh, PA)
This knife set is as good as professional quality. The convenient block holds the entire set and fits easily on the counter even in a small kitchen. The handles have a good feel, especially in the larger knives and the blades are sharp and true. Adding a pair of kitchen shears is a nice bonus. A top set and a great gift.

 “Does Not Make The Cut” 2010-06-21
By Lee Mellott (Frederick, Maryland)
The knife block and the advertising copy is probably the best part of the Victorinox 7-Piece Knife Set. Prior to getting the knife set, I read the copy and expected an ultra high tech, quality knife set.

I pulled the first knife out of the block and was struck by how it did not have a good “hand” feel to it. It felt flimsy. It cut decently but I almost felt like it might fly out of my hand or break easily.

The set includes the basic knives which are great to have and one can always do with a good pair of kitchen shears but overall I just feel you can find better elsewhere.

I asked hubby who has an eye for quality and daughter who loves to cook for their evaluation. I also offered it to daughter since I already own a knife set. She turned it down saying it felt cheap and she preferred her old set. My husband said it was flimsy and he would not recommend.

Overall I would suggest looking elsewhere for a knife set. This set does not cut the mustard.

 “Outstanding Starter Cutlery Set w/ Sturdy Woodblock” 2010-06-19
By Leif Sheppard (United States)
Prior to ordering this product, I actually didn’t have a woodblock knife storage unit in my kitchen. I just kept my knives in a drawer next to the fridge. So I always knew there was something missing there, between the toaster and the stove, a kitchen simply isn’t complete without one of these babies ornamenting the countertop. It says to the curious visitor: “Yes, I can do things in the kitchen apart from nuking Hot Pockets and heating up Beefaroni.” It exudes elegance and class, it’s a masterpiece of form and functionality, and it holds knives too.

I was quite pleased to note that this set proudly meets the expectations that it’s slightly steep price induces. It’s a great starter set of knives, beginning with an eight inch butcher knife. Actually it’s called a “Chef’s” knife here, which is probably more politically correct, not to mention more accurate. If you’re doing any ‘butchering’ in your kitchen, please don’t invite me to dinner.

There’s also a five inch junior chef’s knife included, as well as a four and a half inch tomato knife and a paring knife that’s slightly over three inches long. The sharpening steel is a nice addition (and a great way to intimidate the meatloaf), combine this with a formidable pair of scissors and you have quite a product on your hands. All are sturdy and quality made products.

This seven-piece set includes:

1) 3 1/4″ paring knife

2) 4 1/2″ tomato/bagel knife (okay, it’s really a serrated butter knife)

3) 5″ mini-chef’s / utility knife

4) 8″ chef’s knife

6) Kitchen Shear (fancy pants name for scissors, eh?)

7) Great quality woodblock to store them all, with three extra slots for any knives you may already own

Since this baby has been sitting on my counter, all manner of visitors to my home have been struck by the presence this beast makes in the kitchen. The sharpening steel has a hook at the butt of the handle, which I used to hang it over the stove. This says to your company: “Stand back. This man knows how to use knives.” I love this set, cooking will never be the same in my kitchen. Highly recommended.

Now where are those Hot Pockets. . .

 “Four Knives Plus…” 2010-06-17
By EMTP EJ (Washington, DC USA)
Four knives plus a sharpening steel, plus a pair of kitchen scissors, plus a wood block holder equals seven pieces.

It is good you can actually see the set here on Amazon as the box it comes in is a little misleading because there is a knife in every slot in the photo. Part of consistent quality cooking is good equipment and these knives are excellent tools. They are extraordinarily sharp and the handles are durable and comfortable are easy to keep clean and sanitary. One other note – the paring knife does not bear the Victorinox markings. The pair of kitchen shears, as I recall from the box, are made in Italy and do not bear the Victorinox markings, either — so they are not exactly like other shears or scissors from the company. They are still solid, sharp, and useful, though. I am not really sure why you would want a 5 inch and a 8 inch chef’s knife as they are not that different in size.

From what I can tell, the set consists of the following:

Victorinox 3-1/4-Inch Paring Knife(but it doesn’t have the markings)

Victorinox 125th Anniversary Limited Edition 4-1/2-Inch Tomato/Bagel Knife(without the 125th anniversary stuff)

Victorinox 5-Inch Mini-Chef’s Knife with Fibrox Handle

Victorinox Fibrox 8-Inch Chef’s Knife

Kitchen Shear, 3 in., Black Nylon Handle

Victorinox Cutlery 9-Inch Round Sharpening Steel, Black Plastic Handle

Still, a good set for the price at this time ($110.00 US) and it would make a good gift or starter set for a household that does not have a good set of knives.

 “Terrific choice at this price point” 2010-06-16
By Aderyn (Small-Town Michigan, USA)
These knives are an outstanding value for the money. I’m not a chef by any means, but I am a dedicated home cook who wants good tools that are satisfying to use. The knives in this set are exactly that, and at a bargain price.

I agree that this is not the best looking set of knives you’ll ever own; calling their design “basic” is almost generous. Whether or not you will ultimately like the fit and feel of the handles is a purely personal decision. One of the best pieces of advice someone who is a professional chef ever gave me about choosing knives was to try them out. Everyone’s hands are different, everyone’s preferences for how knives feel in their hands are different.

As to whether I would give this set as a gift, it would depend entirely on what I was trying to accomplish with the gift. If I wanted to give something that looked high-end and showy, maybe not. If I wanted to give someone a set of very functional, very effective, very well handling knives, you bet I would.

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furi rachael ray gusto-grip 8-piece birchwood knife block set

Buy Cheap Furi Rachael Ray Gusto-Grip 8-Piece Birchwood Knife Block Set

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Rachael Ray GustoGrip 8-Piece Knife Block Set by Furitechnics, USA includes a 3-1/2-inch paring knife, 6-inch serrated utility knife, 7-inch East/West knife, 8-inch carving knife, 8-inch bread knife, 5-inch boning knife, a carving fork and the wood block.. New! Füri Guard¿ antimicrobial inhibitors are incorporated directly and permanently into the Gusto-Grip handles during the manufacturing process, giving the handle an added safeguard against microorganisms that can degrade the handle materials over time. Each knife has a solid forged bolster and is tang constructed from one piece of superior German CrMov stainless steel alloy. The handle is pressed into the thick tang and then a stainless steel counterweight is pressed into the tail for perfect balance……..
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Technical Details

– 8-piece set includes birch-wood block and 7 Rachael Ray Gusto-Grip knives
– Knives: 3-1/2-inch paring; 5-inch boning; 6-inch serrated utility; 7-inch East/West; 8-inch bread; 8-inch carving; carving fork
– Single-piece German stainless-steel construction with forged bolster and strong tang
– Bright orange synthetic handles with built-in antimicrobial inhibitors
– Tail counterweight for perfect balance; hand-wash; limited lifetime warranty
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 “Nice knives, odd holder” 2009-12-01
By D. Veitch (Tucson, AZ)
These knives are really nice. However, the holder places the knives in an awkward, upside down, position.

It isn’t a problem, the holder does it’s job, but the knives are not located as you would intuitively expect them to be.

Good price for the set, and would recommend to other.

 “Just okay” 2009-11-27
By R. VanCuyk (Wisconsin)
I was very excited when I first got the knives. They’re very pretty and originally cut very well. They get dull so fast, though, that I find it hard to use them. I’m looking for a new knife set to replace this one. They are okay. But that’s all – just okay.

 “Rachel Ray does it again” 2009-10-12
By Caitlin B (Scottdale AZ)
These knives are nice! They cut like butter – super sharp! Good grip, too – I wash my hands about a million times when I’m handling food, so my hands are usually hastily dried before picking up my knife – the orange handles don’t exactly go with my kitchen decor, but I happily overlook this fact b/c the quality is there. The wood block they are stored in is modern and aesthetically pleasing. It isn’t bulky either, which is a plus for counter-top items in a smaller kitchen.

 “Furi Rachael Ray Gusto-Grip 8-Piece Birchwood Knife Block Set” 2009-09-12
By N. Teller (Boca, Fla.)
We have used the knives over a month now and are very satisfied with them. If you do not have a knife sharpener do get one as you have to sharpen them after every three or so uses. Contrary with other reviewers say they do not hold the edge “forever”. The grips feel great in your hand. I definitely recommend this set. The Birchwood block is a plus. The Amazon price is also “right”.

 “Birchwood holder” 2009-07-26
By Sharon K. Pfeiffer (Burbank, ca)
The knives are fantastic! But the 7 inch knife does not fit in the birchwood holder. It hits the bottom and stands up about an inch. Like it wasn’t made for that particular knife! I called Furi and they said they did not make this particular set. The knives are theirs but not sold in this type set and they did not make the holder!

Once again, the knives slice, peel & dice like everything is butter! But I’m dissapointed in the holder for this price.

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How To Select A Suitable Knife Block | ExpatVillage.com

Caring for your favorite set of kitchen knives is as easy as purchasing a quality knife block

Wusthof Classic Steak Knives

Wusthof Classic Ikon 4-1/2 in. Steak Knife

$79.95

The Wusthof Classic Ikon 4 /12; Steak Knife is part of the new Wusthof Ikon series, an improved version of the Wusthof Classic Series of knives. Made in Germany, this elite Ikon Steak Knife offers superior quality and great durability. Cutting steak or chicken is almost effortless with the Classic Ikon’s steak knife, thanks to its impressive high Carbon Steel. The High Carbon steel allows this Wusthof Steak Knife to maintain its sharp edge for a long period of time. Its unique design maximizes its functionality and offers several advantages over other brands. The blade is ground thinner which means less resistance. Its spine is refined and rounded for comfort. The Wusthof Ikon Steak Knife contains other features including a precision bolster angled back towards the hand for exceptional comfort and control. The triple riveted contoured polymer composite handle is easy to clean and easy to grip, satisfying the Professional Chef in you. This knife comes with a lifetime guarantee. Product Features Precision forged from one piece of solid steel Tempered to 58 degrees Rockwell Thin blade Tapered bolster Unique double bolster Triple riveted, full metal tang Ergonomic, polymer composite handle Lifetime Warranty Made in Solingen, Germany Wusthof 4096-7