Knife set - £1k budget
Discussion
PorkInsider said:
I bought Porsche Design Chroma knives, individually but to make up an 8-piece set.
They're pretty good, to be honest.
Although, just had a look now and with current prices you'd possibly be somewhere over £1k with the block, I think.
I'm sure there knives which are as good at a fraction of the cost.
If you dont want the name then F Dick knives are very good and used by a huge proportion of the butchery trade. Available from Nisbets I think.They're pretty good, to be honest.
Although, just had a look now and with current prices you'd possibly be somewhere over £1k with the block, I think.
I'm sure there knives which are as good at a fraction of the cost.
PorkInsider said:
I bought Porsche Design Chroma knives, individually but to make up an 8-piece set.
They're pretty good, to be honest.
Although, just had a look now and with current prices you'd possibly be somewhere over £1k with the block, I think.
I'm sure there knives which are as good at a fraction of the cost.
I have the same set. Managed to snap the tomato and pairing knives!They're pretty good, to be honest.
Although, just had a look now and with current prices you'd possibly be somewhere over £1k with the block, I think.
I'm sure there knives which are as good at a fraction of the cost.
NorthDave said:
If you dont want the name then F Dick knives are very good and used by a huge proportion of the butchery trade. Available from Nisbets I think.
Yep. Probably what I'd do if I was buying more knives.Obviously I definitely didn't buy the Chroma ones just 'because Porsche'.
Nope, not that at all.
Thanks everyone - plenty to investigate here which will keep me entertained for a while.
I’m after a handful of high quality items, since I use them each and every day and really enjoy cooking I thought that having something that reminds me of my Gran each time I picked one up for the next 25+ years would be a nice connection to her. I’m far from an expert so wanted to seek advice from those who know something about the subject.
I want something that is beautiful to look at - but above all is functional and hard wearing
I suppose I’m talking about a maximum of 5 items:
Chefs knife
Carving knife
Paring knife
Cleaver
Utility knife
21TonyK said:
I think if you are looking to spend a high amount you need to be clear about what you are looking for.
Is it something your Grandmother might have used, I'm guessing a traditional style of European knife? Or are you looking for a high end Oriental style of knife or a set including extra items like a steel, a carving fork, steak knives?
When you get up to the grand mark its very easy to buy a big set of what are not very good knives or you could have a couple of very nice custom knives made.
I assume you want something on show in a block, not stuck in drawer. Or maybe a good knife rack?
A very valid question Tony..Is it something your Grandmother might have used, I'm guessing a traditional style of European knife? Or are you looking for a high end Oriental style of knife or a set including extra items like a steel, a carving fork, steak knives?
When you get up to the grand mark its very easy to buy a big set of what are not very good knives or you could have a couple of very nice custom knives made.
I assume you want something on show in a block, not stuck in drawer. Or maybe a good knife rack?
I’m after a handful of high quality items, since I use them each and every day and really enjoy cooking I thought that having something that reminds me of my Gran each time I picked one up for the next 25+ years would be a nice connection to her. I’m far from an expert so wanted to seek advice from those who know something about the subject.
I want something that is beautiful to look at - but above all is functional and hard wearing
I suppose I’m talking about a maximum of 5 items:
Chefs knife
Carving knife
Paring knife
Cleaver
Utility knife
This is a bit like buying a motorcycle helmet or a pair of shoes in that it comes down to how you use the things and how they fit. You could spend vast sums of money on a high quality knife but if it doesn't fit your use or your hand then it doesn't matter how good it is on paper.
You need to get your hands on some basically, and perhaps consider how much effort and money you want to invest in caring for them.
Rather than think about buying 5 knives, perhaps think about the one you use the most and then do some research on that particular type of knife and frame what you read against your own use and experience.
You need to get your hands on some basically, and perhaps consider how much effort and money you want to invest in caring for them.
Rather than think about buying 5 knives, perhaps think about the one you use the most and then do some research on that particular type of knife and frame what you read against your own use and experience.
In your position I would be looking for an eclectic collection of things that have character and are still practical.
First thing would be a nice magnetic knife rack (or two) AND a decent diamond steel, I use a Wusthof 4483, 3 of them, one for each kitchen.
My favourite workhorse, (again, one for each kitchen) is a 8.5 F.Dick. Shove it back in the drawer, use and abuse, great for hacking up carcasses and big root veg but fine enough for everything but fish, easy to keep an edge. They do pretty ones but I'd get a mid-range £80-90.
Then, both pretty and practical I like the Porsche Chroma, I have a 301 P18 HM (HM for hammered, this is important). I use this daily at home. Love the look and very comfortable. Decent weight and holds an edge forever. I can;t comment on the rest of the range but if I was looking for a set of pretty, practical knives for home this would be on the list. Plus it says "Design by F.A. Porsche" on the handle.
Global... 5-6 on display because Mrs21 likes them, another 5-6 in the garage. Great when sharp but dull easily and not nice to use all the time. Only one I really use is the filleting knife. Wife likes the Nakiri.
Zwilling, Wusthof etc all big names and very good but I'd be looking at some of the smaller manufacturers mentioned and I would add in Opinel and Laguiole.
Finally, I'd build a collection over time not try to buy all at once. And, take CBs advice, don't spend it all on knives. I'd budget £600 on knives, diamond steel and rack and £400 on a Mauviel roasting tin and saute/casserole pan.
First thing would be a nice magnetic knife rack (or two) AND a decent diamond steel, I use a Wusthof 4483, 3 of them, one for each kitchen.
My favourite workhorse, (again, one for each kitchen) is a 8.5 F.Dick. Shove it back in the drawer, use and abuse, great for hacking up carcasses and big root veg but fine enough for everything but fish, easy to keep an edge. They do pretty ones but I'd get a mid-range £80-90.
Then, both pretty and practical I like the Porsche Chroma, I have a 301 P18 HM (HM for hammered, this is important). I use this daily at home. Love the look and very comfortable. Decent weight and holds an edge forever. I can;t comment on the rest of the range but if I was looking for a set of pretty, practical knives for home this would be on the list. Plus it says "Design by F.A. Porsche" on the handle.
Global... 5-6 on display because Mrs21 likes them, another 5-6 in the garage. Great when sharp but dull easily and not nice to use all the time. Only one I really use is the filleting knife. Wife likes the Nakiri.
Zwilling, Wusthof etc all big names and very good but I'd be looking at some of the smaller manufacturers mentioned and I would add in Opinel and Laguiole.
Finally, I'd build a collection over time not try to buy all at once. And, take CBs advice, don't spend it all on knives. I'd budget £600 on knives, diamond steel and rack and £400 on a Mauviel roasting tin and saute/casserole pan.
Edited by 21TonyK on Monday 2nd December 19:17
OP if i can be of any assistance let me knw 
I work in commercial catering (equipment/sundries supply).
You really need to decide the 'style' you want... i know ham fisted friends who love things like Global & Japanese finesse knives.
Whereas i prefer a much weightier, substantial knife!
I work in commercial catering (equipment/sundries supply).
You really need to decide the 'style' you want... i know ham fisted friends who love things like Global & Japanese finesse knives.
Whereas i prefer a much weightier, substantial knife!
i would get x3 knives from https://www.pareusi.com/shop
or if your close to Cornwall they do a 2 day course where you get to make your own knife for £350
or if your close to Cornwall they do a 2 day course where you get to make your own knife for £350
21TonyK said:
Wow, some (all) of those are proper nice. Maybe one day, but definitely not work knives!
No definitely not. When you lent front of house a knife with strict instructions to bring it back then find it in the cutlery dishwasher tray at the end of shift. covered in knives and forks you'd definitely cry. Asking someone on here what sort of knife you need it like asking what sort of car should I get 
We all have our preferences
It's all very subjective. It also gets to where because it is a thing we are interested in to do a good job, not on that winding B road but on your cutting block, it depends what you usually you use a knife for. You have to take that into account.
And before you have been given the right answer to cooking Nirvanah someone has asked what is the best frying pan. At that point you want to cut them up good and proper, but you can't, you don't have a knife. Ah, the paradox !
Ok, so lets talk knives.
You've already gone horribly wrong in your original title and that was only 3 words. one letter and one number. And a £ sign.
"SET"
Set's to knives are a big no no. Sets for badgers are a big yes.
Forget sets, it gives me horrible thoughts of where they talk more loving of the hand champered wood block they go into than the actual knife.
Second point is just get one to start off with ! No point getting that special sausage cutting knife or for filleting salmon if you ain't never going to do that in a month of Sundays.
No just buy one knife to start off with and see how you go.
THIS IS THE FIRST RULE of buying a knife. 2nd is your sharpener, but thats for another time...
So your first knife, what do you choose?
My recommendation would not be too concerned with how sharp they are. This is a selection from my drawer....
The bottom is the sharpest but I use it less than the others.
Of all the knives there I would recommend the small Wusthoff general cooks knife just up from the bottom at 15cm because
1. It is not too big.
2. It has a better curve on the blade than the globals for slicing downward and pointwork.
3. Heavier for big hands!
The general chefs knife is not called that for much.
My approach, if you hadn't guessed by now would be to buy one knife for far less than £1k and see what you think.
As mentioned before, it boils down to what actually do you cook and what knife do you need to do that cooking?
Hey, and don't forget that half the satisfaction of using a great knife is using it on a great chopping board ! 2 inches thick of wood and not wobbling about ! And it makes your FDR photo's look good as a backdrop !
Good luck, let us know how you get on.
We all have our preferencesIt's all very subjective. It also gets to where because it is a thing we are interested in to do a good job, not on that winding B road but on your cutting block, it depends what you usually you use a knife for. You have to take that into account.
And before you have been given the right answer to cooking Nirvanah someone has asked what is the best frying pan. At that point you want to cut them up good and proper, but you can't, you don't have a knife. Ah, the paradox !
Ok, so lets talk knives.
You've already gone horribly wrong in your original title and that was only 3 words. one letter and one number. And a £ sign.
"SET"
Set's to knives are a big no no. Sets for badgers are a big yes.
Forget sets, it gives me horrible thoughts of where they talk more loving of the hand champered wood block they go into than the actual knife.
Second point is just get one to start off with ! No point getting that special sausage cutting knife or for filleting salmon if you ain't never going to do that in a month of Sundays.
No just buy one knife to start off with and see how you go.
THIS IS THE FIRST RULE of buying a knife. 2nd is your sharpener, but thats for another time...
So your first knife, what do you choose?
My recommendation would not be too concerned with how sharp they are. This is a selection from my drawer....
The bottom is the sharpest but I use it less than the others.
Of all the knives there I would recommend the small Wusthoff general cooks knife just up from the bottom at 15cm because
1. It is not too big.
2. It has a better curve on the blade than the globals for slicing downward and pointwork.
3. Heavier for big hands!
The general chefs knife is not called that for much.
My approach, if you hadn't guessed by now would be to buy one knife for far less than £1k and see what you think.
As mentioned before, it boils down to what actually do you cook and what knife do you need to do that cooking?
Hey, and don't forget that half the satisfaction of using a great knife is using it on a great chopping board ! 2 inches thick of wood and not wobbling about ! And it makes your FDR photo's look good as a backdrop !
Good luck, let us know how you get on.
21TonyK said:
cbmotorsport said:
Have a look at Savernake if you really want to splurge. :-)
Wow, some (all) of those are proper nice. Maybe one day, but definitely not work knives! Complete b
ksMust have?
I'd rather buy the oven version of the Pelaton bike that buy this sort of pap.
Let's face it, when you serve your Chrismas plates up on the 25th nobody ain't going to say
"Wow, look at the slicing on that carrot, no tearing, you really have delivered this year ..."
I love cooking, and I like my knives. But it's a means to an end
Nobody else cares .... they use their old fashioned teeth at the end of the day no matter how expensively you cut it up
anonymous said:
[redacted]
good point. Got a slight confession to make here. I said to my wife "Tell me what you want to have for Christmas before I buy you something"
And being a PH guy who likes socket sets and cooking I thought she would like this
https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/wilko-4l-air-fryer-wit...
oh man, I'm going to love that bad boy. Oh, I mean she is going to love that bad boy.
She does even have to use a knife as she teases those little Alaskan pollock fish fingers out of the tray.
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