Knives

snoangel79

I thought I'd post this here first since I post here most and see what all you girls are doing about this.

I have a decent set from Target (Henckels) but would like to get some really nice ones.

FI only wants Wuestof. I am not sure which ones to register for. Or if I do a smaller block and just register for each knife separately (don't want anyone to be alarmed by pricing). Also may just buy starter block myself and just build from that with my registry.

What Wuestof version is best is basically my question after that long winded explanation? We are registered at Williams Sonoma so it's either Grand Prix II, Classic, or Classic Ikon. I really want the Ikon Blackwood but the price is quite high

ashley.elissa.payne

As a chef I can tell you there is a whole lot of hullabaloo about knives.  One question to ask is who is going to be using them more?  If you cook equally, then you might need two different chef knives (9-10 in) depending on your hand size and the hand size of your fiance.  I can guarantee that you can get really sharp knives, that aren't that expensive.  Go for what feels good in your hand. (Make sure you are holding the knife properly too when you test).  I'd check out the knives you want in person and then register for them.

noodle_oo

I agree with PP.  Go to the store and hold each one in your hand, try cutting with them.  WS is usually really good about letting you do this.  Go for the one that is most comfortable in your hands.  We have a Wusthof set (Culinar line) which I LOVE!  I bought them off Amazon.  I do'nt think you need a lot of knives, just a few good ones.  We have a huge chef knife (FI likes that, it is too big for me), a santoku knife (my favorite), then a slicer knife (I never use this), and 2 paring knives (use these all the time).  Really, all I use is the santoku and the paring knives.  We had a cheap Faberware set, I kept the bread knife from that since it works fine.  Also make sure you keep your knives sharpened, otherwise expensive or cheap, it doesn't really matter.

Good luck!

PS.  These are the 2 sets I bought to give you an idea of sizes:

http://www.amazon.com/Wusthof-Culinar-3-Piece-Starter-Set/dp/B00005MEH6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1271957856&sr=8-7

http://www.amazon.com/W%C3%BCsthof-Culinar-7-Inch-Hollow-Santoku/dp/B00005MEHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1271957897&sr=8-1

Hmm.. the santoku came with a small paring knife as well, guess they don't have that anymore.

jkepros

There is a really good site that lists the winners of a bunch of consumer reviews.  I am a big fan of Cook's Illustrated magazine & their kitchenware reviews.  They recommend Wusthof Classic, but you can read a summary of all of the reviews here:
http://www.consumersearch.com/kitchen-knives/review

snoangel79

Thank you everyone will try them out first!!

Jkepros: Love Cook's too little did I know that when I worked for the Jimmy Fund they were literally right behind my building on Station Street in Brookline. I wish they had public taste testing!

jkepros

snoangel: they have the best stuff in there!  And I love how they tell you about HOW they develop the recipes.  So good!!!  I love that they are local, too.  I got my dad a subscription to cooks a few years ago (cooking is his hobby) and he fell in love with it--he had my mom get him the hardcover books they have of all the recipes from the magazines.