[whoever,hey]

Hi,

I'm after a new set of knives for the kitchen. I'll probably get them from John Lewis or Debenhams.

What should i look for? I was going to feel the weight/balance of the chef knife etc in the individual pack.

Could anyone recommend a set? I dont need a block.

What are peoples preferences to metal/plastic handles?

[SeasideLady]

All my best loved knives are Kitchen Devils, and they're all serrated as well, with black plastic handles. My bread / carving knife I've had since we set up home in 1985 ! It's used constantly and has never needed sharpening. Likewise two smaller KD ones I use for chopping and slicing vegetables - they're used daily. They were all bought separately as well, not part of a block, as I only need two or three. For me, serrated knives are the best for staying sharp and for being long lasting

[callmediva]

we saved vouchers from Tesco a while back and got a set of expensive knives quite cheaply. Thomas,or Thompson, I can't remember which. Very good, though. As long as you remember to sharpen them, most sets will last for ages, look after them, and they'll look after you

[indianwells]

I wouldn't buy a set as you won't use all of them. For 99% of my cooking I use just 3. An 8" Santoku, a paring knife and a bread knife.

[Toby LaRhone]

As indianwells said, you'll not make full use of a whole set of knives.
Three will suffice.
I have Robert Welch Signature - a utility, chef's and a carving knife with a Robert Welch sharpener.
Buy three at the best you can afford rather than a block flu for the same price or less.
If you choose Japanese knives ask about sharpening as some are "single sided" and need sharpening differently to double sided.

[Aftershow]

I concur with the above - you're probably better just buying good quality ones that you'll actually use on a regular basis separately, then reasonably cheap ones you'll only use sparingly. The vast majority of the time I find myself only using three different ones.

My good ones - chef's knife, a smaller utility knife and a paring knife - are Victorinox. Great feel in the hand, and excellent blades that sharpen well.

[platelet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aftershow

My good ones - chef's knife, a smaller utility knife and a paring knife - are Victorinox. Great feel in the hand, and excellent blades that sharpen well.

I'd agree with that, recently brought these which do 90% of my work:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Victorinox-C.../dp/B0012MBCKC

Along with a bread knife and chef's knife

[Summer Breeze]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toby LaRhone

As indianwells said, you'll not make full use of a whole set of knives.
Three will suffice.
I have Robert Welch Signature - a utility, chef's and a carving knife with a Robert Welch sharpener.

I have Robert Welch knives as well as a cutlery service by the same make.
Quality knives.
Debenhams had 25% off as well at the moment if stocked there, John Lewis is doing a price match as well.

[Mr Madras]

Quote:

Originally Posted by indianwells

I wouldn't buy a set as you won't use all of them. For 99% of my cooking I use just 3. An 8" Santoku, a paring knife and a bread knife.

Pretty much the same, except I also use an all-metal Chinese vegetable knife. It's identical to a Nakiri, is kept razor sharp and I wouldn't be without it.

[c4rv]

Somebody mentioned, kitchen devils. My wife runs a catering business and swears by them.

My personal fav is a richardson 8" laser sharp which I've had for around 15 years. I'm sure their newer knives are up to the same quality.

[Glawster2002]

We purchased a set of five Global knives @ 5 years ago, with a sharpener, and they are brilliant. Unbelievably sharp.