Help choosing kitchen knife set

[Ring Shark98]

I'm looking at getting a serious set of knives. I've talked to my local knife shop, read many web sites, and even read the past Sherdog web sites.

From my readings, I've concluded that I would like either Hatorri, Shun, Wusthof, Global, Zwilling Henckel Pro S series, or a combination. My local shop stocks Shun and Henckels, but they can order anything in.

What are some pros and cons of each, for anyone who has used one or more of the above? What do you think of the handling, weight, etc? I'm looking at just getting the basic 4 knives.

 

[HappyHaHa**]

 

[adavis]

I've been really happy with Wustof, but man, there is a fucking learning curve when you first get them. Keep bandages in the kitchen.

 

[bcordova]

I know you said serious but I have some Wolfgang Puck knives from a few years ago that I still use. The steak knives are bomb, the rest are meh.

 

[Nathan LaMontagne]

Both Anthony Bourdain and I suggest Global.

 

[Cptn1NSAN0]

Go with Shun.

 

[BoogerDawson]

Get some Ginsu's, hehehe

 

[Cross]

I seriously doubt you'd be unhappy with any of those, choose the ones you think are the prettiest.

 

[StrikerStatus]

Go with Shun.

This.

 

[z_zen]

I use Global ... like them.

 

[SkinnyWhiteGuy]

If you have the money, Cutco make the best knives you can buy. Plus, they will last you a lifetime and can be sent back to be sharpened free of charge.

 

[MWB1982]

Get some Ginsu's, hehehe

Serious question and I'm not a kitchen knife expert.

How much better are the brands that OP listed compared to the "As Seen on TV" knives like the Ginsu? There are other brand that I seen in the infomercials too. They will take those knives, cut a brick, then fillet a fish right after...

Are those shitty knives or what is the deal on those?

 

[bootsy]

If you're going to put down serious money for knives, make sure you get to handle them. I prefer a heavier knife to work with, but you may prefer a lighter one. I didn't love the Globals, but again that's just my preference.

 

[bootsy]

Serious question and I'm not a kitchen knife expert.

How much better are the brands that OP listed compared to the "As Seen on TV" knives like the Ginsu? There are other brand that I seen in the infomercials too. They will take those knives, cut a brick, then fillet a fish right after...

Are those shitty knives or what is the deal on those?

The ones I've seen have all been crappy without exception.

 

[Ring Shark98]

Serious question and I'm not a kitchen knife expert.

How much better are the brands that OP listed compared to the "As Seen on TV" knives like the Ginsu? There are other brand that I seen in the infomercials too. They will take those knives, cut a brick, then fillet a fish right after...

Are those shitty knives or what is the deal on those?

I think its the durability factor. The Henckels, Shuns, etc. have a hardness factor in the way that they are forged that allows them to hold their edge for much longer. Cutting bricks and shit with those TV knives probably makes them last only a couple weeks.

 

[Ring Shark98]

For those suggesting Global and Shun, why do you like them and is there anything you dislike?

 

[PGlew]

I use Global ... like them.

Until you get drunk and cut the tip of your finger off trying to be gordon ramsay.

 

[HIMBOB]

My flatties bought Global and I think they are pretty good.
Hardly a chef so I don't know shit.
But I do like the metal handle, easy to clean yet always grips your hand well.




But one of them did have a few emergency room trips when he first for them.

 

[BRF]

All jokes aside, I've got a set of those infomercial miracle blade things and they have held up well. If you are a serious chef, they are obviously shit, but for general use around the kitchen and a set of steak knifes, I have had them for about 10 years and still use the steak knives, bread knife and one of the others regularly. I have a nice chef knife that I use most of the time when I am doing any serious cutting that cost twice as much as the whole set of miracle blades, but for a $35 set of knives that have seen a decade of use, I really can't complain.

 

[Kanster]

I don't know, but I'll make sure to ask my wife later.