Knives - How much of the price is marketing hype?

[Kermit power]

Kitchen knives seem to vary enormously in price. How much of this is really down to quality, as opposed to marketing hype?

Which are the best brands to look at in terms of value for money?

[Kermit power]

Fittster said:

Investing a fortune in samurai technology won't improve the quality of food on the plate one jot.

No it won't, but having good knives certainly makes the preparation process much easier and more enjoyable. That's why I asked the question. Do you have anything worthwhile to contribute by way of an answer?

[Kermit power]

Fittster said:

Kermit power said:

Fittster said:

Investing a fortune in samurai technology won't improve the quality of food on the plate one jot.

No it won't, but having good knives certainly makes the preparation process much easier and more enjoyable. That's why I asked the question. Do you have anything worthwhile to contribute by way of an answer?

By worthwhile I take it you want me to massage your ego about the expensive knives you have bought. I don't think there is any culinary reason to spend hundreds of pounds on knives, however people may get certain satisfaction from the purchase/ownership of them.

Lots of people who don't dive owner Rolex watches, don't ever leave the tarmac own 4x4s, etc.

No, by worthwhile I want people to point to good quality knives which don't cost a fortune. To keep to your 4x4 analogy, I know that a Lada Niva will be significantly better off road than plenty of much more costly supposed 4x4s with big marketing budgets. I'd take a Niva over a Rav4 for off-roading any day of the week. I don't, however, know which of the many knives out there are the Nivas of the knife world as opposed to just being complete rubbish.

[Kermit power]

Fittster said:

Kermit power said:

Fittster said:

Kermit power said:

Fittster said:

Investing a fortune in samurai technology won't improve the quality of food on the plate one jot.

No it won't, but having good knives certainly makes the preparation process much easier and more enjoyable. That's why I asked the question. Do you have anything worthwhile to contribute by way of an answer?

By worthwhile I take it you want me to massage your ego about the expensive knives you have bought. I don't think there is any culinary reason to spend hundreds of pounds on knives, however people may get certain satisfaction from the purchase/ownership of them.

Lots of people who don't dive owner Rolex watches, don't ever leave the tarmac own 4x4s, etc.

No, by worthwhile I want people to point to good quality knives which don't cost a fortune. To keep to your 4x4 analogy, I know that a Lada Niva will be significantly better off road than plenty of much more costly supposed 4x4s with big marketing budgets. I'd take a Niva over a Rav4 for off-roading any day of the week. I don't, however, know which of the many knives out there are the Nivas of the knife world as opposed to just being complete rubbish.

First question to ask yourself. Do you want a knife that can go through the dish washer?

Some people say/claim they lovingly hand wash their knives every time they use them (I suspect these people may also give their knives names) or after cooking supper after a hard day at work to you want to bung all the washing up in the dish washer?

Even if I tried to hand wash only, I know full well my wife would stick them through the dishwasher!

My current John Lewis knifes go through the dishwasher, and I've never noticed a problem with them, but that may just be because I sharpen them regularly. My only issue with them is that they have smooth metal handles, so tend to slip.