Presto Pro EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener

Product Description

Razor sharp knives whenever you want - easy, automatic. Professional two-stage system sharpens in seconds. Blade guides automatically hold knife at ideal sharpening angle.


Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #145 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Presto
* Model: 185507
* Number of items: 1
* Dimensions: 4.80" h x 7.20" w x 9.90" l, 3.45 pounds

Features

* Electric sharpener produces razor-sharp knives in just minutes
* Uses professional grade sapphirite sharpening wheels
* Blade guides automatically hold knife at the ideal angle
* 2-stage system sharpens, then hones blades
* 8-1/4 by 5-3/4 by 4 inches; 2-year warranty


Amazon.com Review
All kitchen and sporting knives, whether professional quality or inexpensive, need a blade tune-up now and then. This electric sharpener produces razor-sharp edges using the same rapidly rotating Sapphirite grinding wheels used by professional shops. A two-stage system allows knives to be ground and sharpened on the Stage 1 half of the machine, and then honed on the Stage 2 half. Blade guides hold the knife at the ideal sharpening angle for each side of the blade, as it is drawn slowly towards the user and kept parallel to the countertop. The sharpener is suitable for knives made of alloy, carbon, or stainless steel; it is perfectly normal for sparks to fly when knives of high carbon steel come in contact with the Sapphirite wheels. Non-electric serrated knives that are only serrated on one side can also be sharpened with this machine. Three suction cups on the bottom hold the sharpener securely on a table or countertop, and two receptacles underneath catch metal filings for disposal. The sharpener measures 8-1/4 by 5-3/4 by 4 inches, and is covered by a two-year warranty against defects. --Ann Bieri

Customer Reviews

A wonderful product!5
One night my husband spent three hours sharpening our Chicago Cutlery set by hand and afterwards said he wanted to find an electric sharpner. We started pricing them, but from what we saw they ranged from $80-$135. I went online and found the EverSharp and after reading the reviews purchased it and set it aside for XMas. I just have to say that it has lived up to expectations and then some. It's amazing how quick and effecient this sharpner is! In less than five minutes my husband had our Cutlery knives sharpened even better than they were when we originally got them. He then sharpened his mother's knives that have never had a good sharpening.
I knew I had bought him a good product when after each sharpening he looked at the knife and whispered: "Oh my God!"
Great results at a great price!

This worked where all the other sharpeners failed5
My son gave me a high quality chef's knife a year ago. I kept the knife sharp using a sharpening steel. I had never used a high quality knife before and the difference was remarkable. It was a real improvement over all the knives I had ever used. I really enjoyed using it.

Then, after about 4 months, the knife suddenly got dull. No matter what I did I could not get it back to the way it was when it was new! I used 6 different sharpening gadgets including an oiled wet-stone, a powered work-shop knife sharpener, two traditional kitchen knife sharpeners and even a special diamond coated gadget from our local gourmet shop. They all got the knife sharp, as sharp as all my other knives, but it was no longer dramatically better than the cheap knives.

Based on the 5 star reviews, I decided to give the Presto 08800 Pro EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener a try. After carefully following the instructions, the knife was restored to it's like-new scary sharpness on the first sharpening. It has stayed sharp for 2 weeks with much use.
We have since sharpened several other knives with similar high quality results.

Don't do what I did, instead buy this sharpener first! It is a great tool!

My advice is to carefully read the instructions and follow them. It worked for me.

Great Sharpening Device5
I look at the gold box every day, and saw this sharpener on sale. I already own it...purchased it locally, not from Amazon, and it cost me more than the gold box price. It does an amazing job on sharpening knives. I have an older set of Chicago cutlery, and it sharpens them razor sharp whenever I use it.....which my wife says it not often enough!! I sharpened our knives the day before Thanksgiving, and the bird practically carved itself. It's also very easy to use, and has a foolproof design. I recommend it highly.

J.A. Henckels International Fine Edge Synergy 17-Piece Block Set

Product Description

The J.A. Henckels International Fine Edge Synergy 17 pc Block Set features all the essential knives you need for a variety of kitchen tasks. The blades are constructed from stamped stainless steel and are hand honed for a long lasting cutting edge. The contoured santoprene handles are brushed with stainless steel for a remarkably comfortable and secure grip. Includes 2 3/4" Paring Knife, 6" Utility, 5 1/2" Boning knife, 8" Chef's, 8" Carver, 8" Bread, 7" Hollow Edge Santoku, 9" Steel, 8 - 4 1/2" Stamped Steak Knives, and black Storage Block. Dishwasher safe (not recommended by J.A. Henckels International) Full warranty.

Customer Reviews

great purchase for the price
i just got this set for my new apartment, and overall, i'm really happy with it. the knives are very sharp, ergonomically well designed, and look pretty on the counter. that being said, you should know that this set is not one of the higher quality henckels sets - a fact betrayed by the price. they are very light and somewhat delicate, so a bit difficult to weild with control, and poorly suited to cutting through tougher material such as bones. of course, some may find light knives convenient, but i would have preferred heavier blades and handles, especially on the bigger knives. the santoku knife was the most disappointing because it was thin and very light. the rest are fine as they are, and cut with great precision, especially given the price. there are a few of extra slots in the block, which, while strange, came in handy for my old homeless knives. also, the set pretty muuch covers the range of needs and preferences for cutting absolutely anything (except bone-in chicken/fish, since the knives are a bit delicate). if you're not looking for a lifetime keeper set, then this is a great set for you. i really love mine, and plan on keeping it until i can splurge on a $$$$ set.

An experiment gone right...
About six months ago, I was walking through the discount knife section of a local department store when I saw this line's santoku and vegetable petty knife on sale for $20. In the world of cutlery, $20 is nothing, so I bought them just to see what it was like. It quickly became one of my favorite knives in my kitchen. The factory cutting edge is a little lame and overall the line feels too light to do much heavy cutting work (i.e. frozen meats, chicken bones, or thick vegetables). On a positive note, with some time and love, the edge can be ground down to be extremely sharp (enough so that I use it to cut tuna for sushi in my restaurant). Like any knife that I like, I take it to my restaurants kitchen and try it out to see how many days it can go before I need to regrind the edge. Surprisingly, it held up for an entire week without needing to be resharpened. In short, for the money, you would be hard-pressed to find a better knife.

Good buy for the money
I've had these knives for several weeks now and have to say I'm impressed. I did quite alot of searching before settling on these-and I'm glad I did. The quality is excellent,they are sharp and easy to use, and the set-though there are a few empty slots to add to it later-came with every type of knife I need. I pride myself in my cooking-I make everything possible from scratch and cook several meals a day, and I can't imagine a scenario where I'd say "if I only had another knife".

I see myself getting many years of use out of these. They come with a rod sharpener so that I never have to see them dull, or send them in anywhere to be sharpened. The block is sturdy and looks good with my kitchen decor.

I was leaning toward cutco brand before I decided on these, but I just couldn't justify the price of cutco. I'm not disappointed, I think I got more than my money's worth out of these.

One thing I have to add about other reviews I read before I bought these....I almost didn't get these because so many people complained until I saw that most negative comments were about the rust factor. ANY chef's quality knife is going to rust if you don't take care of it, it's actually a sign of the type of metal that good knives are made of.
If you are looking for a set of knives that you can throw haphazardly into the dishwasher, or leave lying around in the sink-these are not for you!!!

These must be hand washed after use and dried completely by hand with a cloth-that's why you see professional cooks constantly wiping their knives on an apron or towel as they work.
For best results, you're going to have to sharpen these about every half dozen uses, especially if you are cutting something like tomatoes-world's worst wear on any knife-of if you're cutting board is made of anything besides wood. It doesn't hurt them to sharpen them as needed, and better safe than sorry-a dull knife is a dangerous knife.

Victorinox Cutlery 3-Piece Fibrox Chef's Set, Molded Handles

Product Description

Our high carbon, stainless steel blades are hand finished in Switzerland by skilled craftsmen. A special tempering process is used to produce an edge that can be resharpended over and over again. Each Victorinox knife is stamped from a single sheet of metal. The blade is then hardened, tempered, ground, polished, etched and finished. Our patented Fibrox handles are hygienic, dishwasher safe and slip-resistant. All Victorinox cutlery products are backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #559 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: R.H. Forschner by Victorinox
• Model: 46892
• Dimensions: 1.25" h x 6.75" w x 15.75" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

• Boxed set includes 4-inch paring, 8-inch slicing, 10-inch chef's knife
• Fibrox high-carbon, no-stain-steel blades; full tang for strength and balance
• Made in Germany, hand-finished in Switzerland
• Ergonomic POM handles minimize wrist strain
• Dishwasher-safe, but washing by hand recommended; lifetime warranty

Amazon.com Review
This set of three knives from R.H. Forschner by Victorinox makes an excellent gift for the home chef. The 4-inch paring knife adeptly manages most fruit and vegetable peeling, cutting, and garnishing; the 8-inch slicing knife carves the Thanksgiving turkey and other roasts; and the large 10-inch chef's knife tackles a multitude of kitchen chopping, mincing, and slicing tasks. The Fibrox blades are made in Germany and hand-finished in Switzerland. Providing a comfortable grip, the triple-rivet, ergonomic POM (plastic over molded) handles are curved in such a way so as to reduce wrist strain over long periods of use. While the knives are dishwasher-safe, Forschner recommends washing them by hand and covers them with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects. --Ann Bieri

What's in the Box: 3 Fibrox knives: 4-inch paring; 8-inch slicing; 10-inch chef's.

Customer Reviews

THE best for the price
After searching stores looking for a knife set I began researching online. I found this set and was a bit reluctant. They didn't come with a knife block, they didn't have wooden handles, and the brand wasn't ringing a bell. But they were rated so highly, and the comments so positive, I decided to take a chance. They are AMAZING! Manufactured by the company that makes Swiss Army Knives, they are beautifully made. These three knives will do virtually anything you need done in the kitchen, so you don't really need more knives. They have excellent weight, good balance, and the grip feels ergonomic. While priced at the low end for good knives, you feel you are using the Mercedes of knives. This is a great set for anyone who loves cooking or quality. And as an aside, I was happy to have to find an alternative to the knife block. I got a strip magnet, and it is so much better!

Forschner Quality is Tops
A must have for every kitchen. I own Chicago Cutlery, Cutco and others, but my Forschner knives are the ones I reach for time after time. If you've never tried them, you don't know what you're missing. Go ahead... spoil yourself!

Great knives
I just purchased this knife set for my son for Christmas, after reading good reviews. The knives have met all my expectations so far. They are very sharp, and the fibrox handles are substantial, non-slip, and comfortatble. The first test was 4 butternut squash my son volunteered to peel and cut up for Christmas dinner. Cutting hard squash is a task I don't look forward to, but the paring knife did the peeling, and the chef's knife did the chopping, with no problem. I then borrowed the paring knife to cut up an onion, and was amazed at how easily it went through the onion compared to the Chicago Cutlery I've used for years. For less than $50, I'm ready to buy another set for myself!

Victorinox Swiss Army Ranger Pocket Knife

Product Description

Ranger Knife, 22 Functions, Contains Large Blade, Small Blade, Corkscrew, Can Opener With Small Screwdriver, Bottle Opener With Large Screwdriver & Wire Stripper, Reamer With Sewing Eye, Scissors, Wood Saw,, Metal File With Metal Saw & Nail File, Nail Cleaner, Fine Screwdriver, Wood Chisel, Key Ring, Hook, Toothpick & Tweezers, Measures 3-1/2", Gift Box Packaging, Lifetime Warranty.

Amazon.com Product Description
From the renowned company that created the Swiss Army knife a century ago comes the Ranger--a complete set of tools for campers, hikers, hunters, fishers, picnic enthusiasts, and people of all trades--all neatly contained in a single implement. Measuring just 3-1/2-inches long, the Ranger is sheathed in the famous Swiss Army red plastic cover and is a complete toolbox small enough to fit into a pocket (and ideal for the glove compartment in the car, on the boat, or even attached to your keys, as it also includes a handy key ring). A valued companion, this pocket knife contains more than 20 stainless steel tools and features and carries a lifetime warranty against defects.

Customer Reviews

Best of the Victorinox Line!
I have always wanted a Swiss Army Knife, probably because I watched too much Macgyver. I ordered the Swiss Champ from Amazon (Which has the best bargain anywhere!) and forgot how big it was. When I got it I was kind of overwhelmed and knew it wouldn't be carried around in my pocket all the time. It is definitely more of a Multi Tool than a pocket Knife. So I looked around and it was a choice between the Ranger and the Craftsman. They are basically the same except that the Ranger has a corkscrew and the Craftsman has a Philips Head screwdriver instead plus the pliers. I really didn't find it necessary to have a set of pliers plus, most Philips head screws can easily be screwed in by a flat head anyway. The pliers would have added a few more millimeters and might have made the knife feel too wide. The Ranger is a great all around tool and not too big for my average sized hands.

A well thought out selection of tools on this model
The Ranger is with one exception, the same exact knife model that has been sent up for 20 years on Space shuttle missions as NASA issue. That difference is it has a corkscrew, replacing the phillips screwdriver in the same location on the knife, all other things are the same. They called the model with the phillips "Master Craftsman" and is no longer made.
The Ranger will handle a lot of different tasks with its tool set. It is even equipped to saw through metal, and wood. A truly
versatile knife worthy of the MacGiver in you life, or yourself.
And a good balance between size/weight/abilities.Its alot in one small package.

Never failed me!
I've always had this swiss army knife on every camping/hiking trip I took for the past 8 years. It is a great tool to have around, very sturdy, and gets the job done.

J.A. Henckels International Classic 8-Inch Stainless-Steel Chef's Knife

Product Description

Classic 31161-201 8" Chefs Knife

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12930 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: Henckels
• Model: 31161-201
• Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.00" w x 13.00" l, .70 pounds

Features

• Large-sized 8-inch multipurpose chef's knife for chopping, mincing, slicing and dicing
• Made of stain-resistant carbon steel that's hot drop forged for durability
• Triple riveted handle surrounds a full tang
• Full bolster provides weight and ensures safety
• Handwash with mild cleanser; lifetime warranty

Amazon.com Review
A good chef's knife becomes your daily kitchen companion. It's used for everything from prepping steaks for the grill to finely mincing onions, and chances are you'll reach for it every time you cook--so it better be good. This lower-priced line from Henckels is a great value: excellent quality knives with their standard lifetime warranty. There's good balance, and the handles are a shade heavier than other lines, which some cooks will prefer. The 8-inch blade length is the most practical for multipurpose use, and regular sharpening will keep the stainless-steel blade razor-sharp. It's only minimally flexible, which makes it a great choice for vegetables such as potatoes and turnips. While it's dishwasher-safe, unless it needs sanitizing after use with raw meat, it's often easier to hand wash. --Jill Lightner

Customer Reviews

Best knife I've ever used
I don't know why anyone would spend more on a knife, unless they were looking for a status symbol rather than a useful tool. This is by far the best knife I've ever handled or owned. If you haven't updated your chef's knife for ten or twenty years (I used to have a '70s Sabatier), check out the new ones.

The high-carbon stainless steel used here sharpens and cuts as well as old knives without staining. It has scratched slightly during washing, but still shines spotlessly. The knife is stiff and thick -- the blade is about a quarter-inch across at its base. The handle is longer than I'd like (since I grip the base of the blade, like many chefs and wannabes), but it serves to balance the knife very well. The balance is actually a bit handle-heavy, so if the knife falls, it falls handle first.

A great cutter, but a bit heavy for everyday slicing -- I'm getting the 6" version too.

(Update: Henckels's warranty service also deserves praise. Eight years of continuous but gentle use after getting this knife, the handle began to separate from the steel tang. I dropped Henckels an email, they requested that I mail the knife in, and two weeks later a brand-new replacement was at my door.)

Nicely weighted
This mid-priced line of Henckel knives, called "Classic" by the company, is a full-tang, single-piece, three-rivet line with sturdy black plastic handles. The handles are notched at the end to prevent the hand from sliding off during use. Although they are not razor sharp right from the package, their edges are sharp enough for the average cook. According to Henckel, all knives in this line are dishwasher safe, but you should expect more rapid dulling under the harsh conditions.

The chef's knife is perfectly weighted toward the blade for efficient chopping, especially if you use the chef's technique of lifting the base of the blade but not the tip. The arc of the curve falls more toward the middle of the blade than it does on my other brands of chef knives, creating more of a rocking motion than a straight up-and-down. The handle is ample for even the largest of hands, but not so large to be inconvenient for those with smaller hands like me.

An excellent value
About a month ago I looked at the motley assortment of knives in my kicthen and resolved to get one decent chef's knife. I didn't wanted to spend a fortune, but at the same time I didn't want a cheap piece of garbage that was impossible to sharpen. Luckily I found this Henckels.

The handle appears to be synthetic; it grips like wood, but doesn't swell up, loosen or stain. Fits the hand nicely, too. At 8" long it's a good all-around blade, suitible for almost all kitchen cutting needs. It's got some heft to it as well. Made of high-carbon stainless, it holds a very sharp edge but it's not impossible to sharpen. A few strokes on the steel every time I use it keeps the edge cutting like new.

My knife block has now been reduced to just two blades: A serrated knife for bread and other tough skinned items, and this.

Victorinox Swiss Army One-Hand Trekker Lockblade Pocket Knife (Black)

Product Description

The Victorinox Swiss Army 54874 One-Hand Trekker Lockblade has the following unique features: 1. One-Handed Serrated Locking Blade 2. Bottle Opener with 3. Large Locking Screwdriver 4. Wire Stripper 5. Can Opener with 6. Small Screwdriver 7. Phillips Screwdriver 8. Key Ring 9. Toothpick 10. Tweezers 11. Reamer 12. Wood Saw

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #851 in Sports & Outdoors
• Color: Black
• Brand: Victorinox
• Model: 54874
• Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

• Only of only three Swiss Army knives to have one-handed serrated locking blade
• All knives have rust-free aluminum alloy separators; blades are made of stainless steel
• Features three screwdrivers (one locking), bottle/can openers, wire stripper, wood saw, and more
• Brass rivets and bushings hold the knife layers together
• Lifetime warranty on defects in material and workmanship

Customer Reviews

Exactly what's useful
I don't open a lot of wine bottles outside of a kitchen, I don't study things with a tiny magnifying glass, and I don't often scale fish. I just need a great knife with the essentials and this knife provides exactly that.

The serrated locking main blade is great. I use the one handed feature all the time: my left hand will be occupied holding something, but my right can easily grab the knife and open the blade. Having serrations makes cutting twine, threads, and rope much easier.

One warning though: at almost 4.5" this knife is fairly large; larger than most pocket knives. For some people that might rule the "pocket" part out.

According to Victorinox, this knife is the official field knife for the German Army. I can see why: it contains exactly what's needed without the superfluous attachments that weigh down so many other knives.

A versatile if slightly larger SAK
I love the locking blade, and I love how it can be opened with one hand (the other is usually whatever it is you need to cut, right?). I also love the fact that the flat-head screwdriver locks when it's open, saving your hand from the accidental snap-pinch you can get while using it on other models. The weight and feel of this knife are pefect too. The only downside is it's slightly larger proportions. This is longer than the 3 1/2" models, and it makes a difference. If you're planning on carrying this in your pocket, it needs to be one of the only things in there. Still, if your lifestyle demands a slightly more rugged SAK than usual, this is a great choice.

GOOD ONE!!!
Its a very good pocket knife, it has everything I need, no a lot of tools that you'll never use.
Just one complain, the philips screw driver, why isn it in straight position when you open it? I mean like the bottle opener and the other screw driver, why in "T SHAPE"? this makes a little dificult to use it or in sometimes useless.

Victorinox will have to reconsider the position.

For that reason I'm giving it 4 Stars.

The Construction in general, the quality of the plastic and the finish at all is FIRST CLASS!!!

AccuSharp 001 Knife Sharpener

Product Description

Finally, a Knife Sharpener anyone can use! No more messy oils or stones. In about 10 seconds, sharpen knives, (even serrated knives), cleavers, axes, machetes, and many other cutting tools. The large ergonomic handle fits either hand safely and securely. The full length finger guard protects your fingers. Sharpening blades are Diamond Honed Tungsten Carbide for years of reliable use. AccuSharp Knife Sharpeners will not rust and can be cleaned with soap and water or in the dishwasher. Replacement sharpening blades are available. Sportsmen, Cooks, Craftsmen, Gardeners, and many more, all need the easy-to-use, affordable AccuSharp line of knife and tool sharpeners.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Accusharp
• Model: 1
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 2.25" h x .75" w x 5.50" l, 2.50 pounds

Features

• Sharpens your knives quickly, easily and accurately
• Just draw the AccuSharp over the tool and your work gets easier
• Renew your edges in an instant
• Safety Hand Grip Prevents Cuts
• Diamond Honed Tungsten Carbide

Customer Reviews

This thing is AWESOME!!
Do not, repeat, DO NOT buy some $100+ electric knife sharpener that may or may not be any good. I got a tip on this from Cook's magazine, which reviewed several products and rated this the top manual sharpener. (By the way, Cook's definitely did not recommend the dumb Rachael Ray-sponsored sharpener with the curvy blades and high price tag.) For about $10, this product honed my fancy German knives, and also the old knives I've had for 20 years (chicago cutlery/faberware kinds of knives) that have been dull for a decade. After 20-30 strokes with the tungsten sharpener, those knives were cutting paper like on a Ginsu infomercial (though I didn't try them on a beer can)! I can't say it loud enough--buy this, and you will not be sorry. In fact, buy it for yourself, and get one for anyone you know who appreciates a sharp edge when chopping vegetables.

Sharpening tool of the century
This is a tremendous invention! I was a pro chef for about 15 years.
The customary way to sharpen knifes was a steel and or flat stone.
I have bought and used various "sharpening systems" and had ex-
pensive electric diamond sharpeners. However, this device is the
fastest, cheapest, and best one I have ever used. It puts a very
sharp edge on all knives (almost razor sharp), and sharper than any
$300 electric sharpener out there. And for the average 8" chefs knife,
takes about 20 seconds! Get one of these and you will be amazed
how something so simple works so well.

Puts a Sharp Edge on Any Blade
This product will put a quick edge on any knife, large or small. Simply draw the angled (paired) sharpening stones over your blade, and presto - you have an edge, and a pretty good one too. Best of all, the sharpener is very portable, weighs less than nothing, and fits into backpacks, fishing tackle boxes, hunting fanny pack, etc. with no added weight or bulk.

The edge that this sharpener puts on a blade is a great starting point for further honing of the blade to razor sharpness if desired.

I have several of these sharpeners. The only drawback is that the sharpening stones wear out after perhaps 6 - 10 sharpenings. But under 10 bucks, this is a bargain.

Jim "Konedog" Koenig

J.A. Henckels International Everedge 13-Piece Knife Set with Bonus Cheese Knife

Product Description

Equip your kitchen with a set of knives from one of the most esteemed names in cutlery. Representing value, as well as a recognized brand name, these knives never need sharpening and are economically priced. As well as the basics for food prep, this set also contains six steak knives and a bounus fork-tipped tomato/cheese knife.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #676 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: Henckels
• Model: 35386-000
• Dimensions: 5.30" h x 8.90" w x 15.40" l, 5.70 pounds

Features

• Includes 8-inch chef's, 5-inch tomato, 8-inch bread, 6-inch utility, 6-inch boning, 2-1/2-inch paring, and six 5-inch steak knives in hardwood block
• Bonus cheese knife ideal for slicing cheese and spearing slices
• Stamped, mirror-polished, stainless-steel, micro-serrated blades
• Durable, hygienic, polypropylene handles
• Lifetime warranty against defects

Amazon.com Review
The blades in this set of slim, lightweight knives are stamped in stainless steel, and their edges are microserrated and therefore touted as never needing sharpening. The handles are formed of tough polypropylene and are seamless, allowing for better hygiene. The set includes six kitchen knives, six 5-inch steak knives, and a rubber-footed wood block that has slots for them all. The kitchen knives include an 8-inch chef's knife with a curved blade for rocking through a chopping task; a 5-inch tomato knife with a narrow, curved blade; an 8-inch bread knife; a 6-inch utility knife; a 6-inch boning knife for meats, poultry, and fish; and a 2-1/2-inch paring knife for peeling and cleaning vegetables and fruits. As a bonus, a pronged-tip knife designed to slice cheese and spear the slices is included. While the knives are dishwasher-safe, they should be hand washed to preserve their edges. Unlike Henckels's premier knives, which are made in Germany, these knives are made in China; however, they do carry the company's lifetime warranty against defects. --Fred Brack

What's in the Box
8-inch chef's, 5-inch tomato, 8-inch bread, 6-inch utility, 6-inch boning, 2-1/2-inch paring, six 5-inch steak knives, hardwood block

Customer Reviews

For the money... you can't go wrong!!
We purchased these knives...and think they've been worth every penny. They're sharp, comfortable to grip, aesthetically appealing, and come in a nice assortment. Certain knives like the Chef's knife and the table/steak knives have become the proverbial 'work horse' of the set while the tomato knife hasn't really seen the light of day since it left the box. The polypropylene handles are capable of withstanding high temperatures and, because of their nature, do not harbor bacteria like some sets that contain rivets or those with wooden handles.

While this is a great set, it is not a high-end set, so you may want to look elsewhere if that's what you're after. None of the knives have a full-tang (where the steel goes all the way through the handle) or rivets. The handles are plastic. Also, the steel is from Japan (if I'm not mistaken) instead of Germany and boy, do the Germans know how to make steel!

So, dear friends, if you're looking for a set that you can pass on to your children and your children's children then you should indeed move up the Henckels line or look into Cutco (my favorites) or another high-end set. If you're looking to buy a good, inexpensive set that looks great and is every bit as functional, then look no more!

Also, consider looking into a pair of kitchen shears... they're indespensible!

Good Deal For The Price
Our knives were in pretty awful condition - I was getting tired of pushing the blade of the steak knife back in the handle every time I sawed through a piece of meat. Sure I'd love to have a set of top-grade Henckels but given the price of something like that plus the fact that we don't use knives that often, I figured this second-tier set was worth a try. The knives are nice and sharp. The construction quality is decent and it suits our purposes fine - they look good, cut well and fit in the block like they are supposed to. So what if they don't do well in the dishwasher? How much trouble can it be to hand-wash a knife? For $..., they're a fine deal. I'm glad I bought them.

How to buy knives for a lifetime of cooking
First, a caveat: These knives, while trash by Henckels' traditional standards, are still better than the huge majority of knives sold each year. They are not, however, comparable in any way to the "real" knives made by Henckels, Wusthof, or other top manufacturers.

Want performance from your knives? Here's what to look for:
(1) "Made in Germany." There's not much to say about this; the Germans make no compromises when it comes to making steel, and their manufacturing technology is among the finest as well. Ask your favorite surgeons where their scalpels come from; ask the most knowledgeable machinists you know where the tool bits they respect most are made; ask the best mechanics you know what "country of origin" is listed on the boxes containing the finest bearings. You'll get an occasional "Japan" in there -- and the Japanese certainly deserve recognition, though they have yet to enter the cooking knife market in earnest -- but Germany usually dominates.

(2) A name of distinction. It's true, there are many good knives made by lesser names, at lesser prices. The trick is, which ones? I have to tell you, I have been selecting knives for over 20 years, I use them every day and have studied their characteristics carefully, and I still am fooled sometimes by promising-looking knives with concealed but nonetheless tragic flaws. Make sure your brand is made by a manufacturer who stands behind their products, so you can exchange or return your knives if you are unhappy. It is YOUR satisfaction that matters, forget all the reviews written by "experts," how do they know what will make you happy?
(3) Buy knives whose handles fit your hand and whose weight distribution fits your strength and style. This might sound obvious, but most people skip it. There is no substitute for this point. My grandmother is a German native, my inspiration for entering the culinary profession, and one of the greatest geniuses of kitchen wizardry I have ever known. She also curses my beloved collection of mostly Henckels and Wusthof knives when she visits -- despite her loyalty to all things German! -- because nearly all the knives I've chosen fit my large masculine hands, not her dainty, nimble feminine ones. I would never dishonor her by saying she's wrong...and she means me no disrespect by saying my knives are lousy. They are...for her. Free wisdom, if you are tempted to discard Grandma's good advice, ask yourself: What's more malleable, a steel knife or my hand?
(4) Consider your use habits. Are you going to toss them in the dishwasher? Make sure your steel is as stainless as possible (not all "stainless" is equal, or even close, so do your homework). Are you the type who is disciplined about using a steel and skilled enough to do his/her own sharpening, or at least inclined towards this goal? (Most people, including the majority of culinary professionals, are not. I acquired the interest over time, but initially I was like most cooks, more interested in what a fine knife could do than in what made it capable of doing.) Stay away from "stay sharp" knives, the hardness of the steel will only frustrate you -- and you probably know this already. Are you going to use them with wet hands? Share them with youngsters? Display them as a showpiece for visitors? All these things factor into your decision, be honest with yourself about what you want and you'll have a better chance of getting what you need.
(5) Buy fewer fine knives rather than many lesser ones. Most people don't know what the various knives are actually intended for; even fewer understand that the intended uses are just guidelines, and that individual skill and preference will sometimes make selection different than conventional wisdom would suggest. More knives means more maintenance; it doesn't necessarily mean more versatility. I once had a young cooking student who stubbornly stuck to a single small knife for everything, a habit I tried to dissuade him of until I noticed that he could cut nearly everything better with that one little knife than any of the other students -- or, sadly, his instructor -- could with ANY knife! He explained that he had inherited his love of whittling with a pocket-sized knife from his deceased father, and spent nearly all his time creating things out of wood as his father had taught him. Well, no wonder! This young man still found a couple of tools he had use for -- a cleaver and fillet knife among them -- but the huge sets of cutlery would not have improved him one bit. You may be a bit more diverse but you're probably not infinitely wealthy; given constrained funds, you would be smart to concentrate them where they can do you the most good.

Enjoy!

Victorinox 3-1/4-Inch Paring Knife with Large Handle

Product Description
The R H Forschner by Victorinox Paring Knife features high carbon, stainless steel blade, hand finished at Victorinox in Switzerland by skilled craftsmen. A special tempering process is used to produce an edge that can be resharpened over and over again, so the knife can keep its original sharpness throughout the entire life of the blade. Victorinox handles are ergonomically designed to minimize wrist tension. They provide a natural fit. A good heft and comfortable, positive grip are indications of a well-made knife. Although cutlery steel is naturally sanitary, materials and construction details of the handle minimize crevices what would offer hospitality to bacteria

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #74 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: R.H. Forschner by Victorinox
• Model: 47508
• Dimensions: .75" h x 5.88" w x 15.63" l,

Features

• 3-1/4-inch paring knife for coring, dicing, and mincing fruits and vegetables
• Stamped from stain-resistant, high-carbon steel
• Ergonomically designed, synthetic polypropylene handle
• Precisely tapered from base to tip; no bolster
• Hand-washing recommended; limited lifetime warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
The small size and sharp point of this paring knife make it ideal for handheld and small cutting chores, such as vegetable peeling or mincing herbs. An obligatory kitchen addition, this knife carries its weight mostly in its comfortable polypropylene handle, which allows you greater control. R.H. Forschner knives are made by Victorinox with the same quality as their Swiss Army knives. Like other cutlery in the line, this 3-1/4-inch paring knife is stamped from high-carbon steel that won’t stain. A special tempering process is used to produce an edge that can be resharpened over and over again, so the knife can keep its original sharpness. This item carries a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects. Hand-washing is recommended.

Customer Reviews

Best little kitchen knife regardless of price...
This knife was bought out of jar on the counter of the Robertson's Meats main store in OK. I got it as a whim needing to cut a summer sausage in the car. What a surprise...it has been great and I have bought 3 more.

What is the best thing in a knife is how long it keeps it's edge and how well it sharpens. This knife beats any other brand in this category. Yes the handle is simple and small.

No other knife let's me slice a block of hard cheese paper thin without much thinking about it and other's always drift. The beauty is in the thin blade...it is not flimsy...thinness of the blade is what makes the knife and yet it is durable.

The Absolute Best
This is absolutely the best paring knife I've ever purchased. I bought it after reading in Cooks Illustrated that it beat its more expensive peers in essentially all of their tests, and it has done the same in my kitchen. It is a little more flexible than most paring knives, though still rigid enough to be used with anything. I end up using it for tasks that would normally require a much larger chef's knife because it's so convenient and comfortable.

I generally use Wusthof Classic knives, including a Wüsthof Gourmet 4-Inch Paring Knife that costs $19. That's enough to buy three of these perfect little Forschner knives and still have some money left over. Do yourself a favor and buy the three Forschner ones.

Since my original purchase, I have bought at least 5 more of these knives for myself and others. Never will your loved ones be so thankful for a $5 gift!

I've had these knives for a while and have had no issues with them losing sharpness -- I occasionally run the knife over a sharpening steel just to make sure the blade is still aligned, but it really shouldn't require any care. And if you do have any problems -- hey, it only cost five bucks.

Victorinox Cutlery 7-Inch Granton Edge Santoku Knife, Black Fibrox Handle

Product Description

The R H Forschner by Victorinox Santoku Knife features high carbon, stainless steel blade, hand finished at Victorinox in Switzerland by skilled craftsmen. A special tempering process is used to produce an edge that can be resharpened over and over again, so the knife can keep its original sharpness throughout the entire life of the blade. Victorinox handles are ergonomically designed to minimize wrist tension. They provide a natural fit. A good heft and comfortable, positive grip are indications of a well-made knife. A sure-grip handle with a finger guard is valuable feature since the handle inevitably gets greasy, wet, or both. Although cutlery steel is naturally sanitary, materials and construction details of the handle minimize crevices what would offer hospitality to bacteria.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #290 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: R.H. Forschner by Victorinox
• Model: 47529
• Dimensions: 1.00" h x 3.75" w x 15.00" l,

Features

• 7-inch Japanese-style cook's knife designed for chopping, slicing, dicing
• Alternating hollows on blade's sides prevent food from clinging
• Stamped from stain-resistant, high-carbon steel; can be resharpened over and over
• Lightweight yet balanced; ergonomically designed, non-slip handle
• Hand-washing recommended; limited lifetime warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
This 7-inch santoku is a Japanese cook's (or chef's) knife, featuring a low-tip style with a broad blade. The cutting edge is minimally curved, so it provides less rocking action than a European-style cook's knife. For straight-down slicing and precise chopping, however, it's superb. Alternating hollows on each side of the blade create air pockets, allowing slices to fall away cleanly. R.H. Forschner knives are made by Victorinox with the same quality as their Swiss Army knives. Like other cutlery in the line, this santoku knife is stamped from high-carbon steel that won’t stain and can be resharpened over and over. The knife is lightweight yet balanced for everyday use. A non-slip Fibrox handle, approved by the National Sanitation Foundation, is ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip. This item carries a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects. Hand-washing is recommended.

Customer Reviews

Chef's best friend
Forschner is by far the best knife for the money. They always arrive razor sharp, and have the ability to hold an edge far longer than much more expensive knives. I purchased one for all of my line cooks as they are very durable and can be used to perform almost any task in a professional kitchen.

The "sports mom" comment that it "felt cheap" was probably due to its light weight and composite plastic handle. To an untrained eye, it could be confused for a "cheap" knife, but after de-boning a chicken, slicing through a butternut squash, it still glides through tomatoes like butter and can perform the most surgical of cuts. The composite plastic handle has an amazing grip even when your hands are covered in duck fat, it won't slip.

I own knives that can run up into the $1200 range, but still prefer this little powerhouse for everyday use. If you only own one sharp knife in your entire kitchen, this should be the one. I also have the 10 inch forschner chefs knife, but prefer the graton edge on this one, especially while slicing potatoes.

A must have
The Victorinox Fibrox line of knives are all composed of the same high grade metal and well built handles. Cooks Illustrated did indeed rate these knives. However, this santoku was not one of them I believe. The article I read was of the chef's knife.

I have tried many different santoku knives but this one feels the most at home. For me the handle is a little small but it's light. Deceptively light. You wouldn't believe how easily it can go through anything you put it against.

The Granton edge does indeed help with food coming off of the knife. Unless you are chopping something that REALLY sticks to the knife, like I do many times.

Even though I prefer the chef's knife version of this line, the santoku is probably the best one I've ever used. You won't be sorry that you bought this blade. And if you are... it only cost you around $30. Sure, it's no Ken Onion, but then again, it's not over $180 either. For the price, you just can't beat it.

Forschner 7 Inch Santoku Knife - Agile and Reliable
The R H. Forschner by Victorinox 7-Inch Granton Edge Santoku Knife gets almost as much use in my kitchen as the R.H. Forschner by Victorinox 8-Inch Chef's Knife. They both have the black Fibrox handle, which is very comfortable in the hand. They also each have a nice balance to the blade for extended use. The Santoku knife is a little shorter, making it slightly more agile for deboning or butchering. But the slightly greater heft of the chef's knife make it a tad better on larger jobs.

The ridges on the side of the Santoku knife relieve pressure when slicing and dicing. The edge seems to be less aggressive than the chef's knife, but the difference is rather subtle. Both are excellent, but the chef's knife just seems to holds its edge for a slightly longer time. Either of these could be your primary knife, and both are a worthy addition to your kitchen. These two particular models are my personal favorites and make up half of the four knives I use most when preparing meals.

Other than those two knives, I mainly only use a filet knife and a paring knife when cooking. The R H. Forschner by Victorinox 3-1/4-Inch Paring Knife is very highly rated, though I use a different older knife that I had before purchasing these other knives.

For those who prepare a smaller amount of fish than I do, the filet knife's role can really be filled by the Santoku knife. When preparing certain fruits and vegetables, I know the Santoku knife needs sharpening when it does not effectively break the skin unless you start from the point. While I sometimes will use my smaller paring knife for prepping such items, this is a good way to know when it's time to sharpen your knives.

The Forschner line-up of knives are impressive, and give you a lot of knife for a reasonable cost. I purchased too many budget knife sets that ended up collecting dust. I have come to rely on my four favorite knives and find that they do 99% of everything I need in the kitchen.

Definitely consider this knife in combination with others, instead of a knife and block set. A few carefully selected knives are better than a set of average knives any day. Though if I were to purchase a block set, you can get a decent compliment of Forschner knives in the R.H. Forschner by Victorinox 8-Piece Knife Block Set. I don't own that set yet, but I'm just putting that info here for anybody determined to get a knife block set that plans on buying one or more Forschner knives anyway. Perhaps for those that don't have a sharpening steel or chef's knife, it may be worth the investment.

If I had to choose between the 8 inch chef's knife or the 7 inch Santoku, I would take the chef's knife. But for the person who likes to cook often, you will find that both of these knives get plenty of use in your kitchen.

For those that want to gain the 3 most commonly sought knifes, the R.H. Forschner by Victorinox 3-Piece Fibrox Chef's Set is probably ideal for many. For me, I prefer the 8 inch chef's knife to the 10 inch, and I like the Santoku knife over the more slender slicing knife. Either way you go, you really can't go wrong with these.

Enjoy.

Victorinox 8-Inch Chef's Knife, Black Fibrox Handle

Product Description

The R H Forschner by Victorinox Chef's Knife features an 8-inch blade that is 2-inches wide at the handle. High carbon, stainless steel blade is hand finished at Victorinox in Switzerland by skilled craftsmen. A special tempering process is used to produce an edge that can be resharpened over and over again, so the knife can keep its original sharpness throughout the entire life of the blade.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #50 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Size: 8-inch
• Color: Black
• Brand: R.H. Forschner by Victorinox
• Model: 47520
• Dimensions: 6.00" h x 12.00" w x 16.00" l, 3.00 pounds

Features

• 8-inch multipurpose chef's knife for chopping, mincing, slicing, and dicing
• Stamped from stain-resistant, high-carbon steel
• Victorinox polished surface and taper ground edge; no bolster
• Lightweight yet balanced; ergonomically designed, non-slip handle
• Hand-washing recommended; limited lifetime warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
The indispensable workhorse of any cutlery collection, a chef’s knife performs a wide variety of cutting tasks, from fine chopping to dicing and slicing. This 8-inch chef’s knife makes quick work of all slicing jobs. R.H. Forschner knives are made by Victorinox with the same quality as their Swiss Army knives. Like other cutlery in the line, this chef’s knife is stamped from high-carbon steel that won’t stain. The blade features the unique Victorinox polished surface and a taper ground edge with no bolster. The knife is lightweight yet balanced for everyday use. A non-slip Fibrox handle, approved by the National Sanitation Foundation, is ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip. This item carries a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects. Hand-washing is recommended.

Customer Reviews

Fine standard chef at very reasonable price
The Forschner 40520 was rated as "best overall" in Cooks magazine in Fall 2004. Pretty good report card from "the" chefs magazine. It took top honors over several high end ($80 -$100+) Wusthofs and Henckel models. While they didn't claim that the Forschner was better at any one specific task or that the craftsmanship can stand up to the others (its blade is cut from a blank ribbon of steel, instead of a hand-forged one piece) they did say that its lighter weight was preferred by some of their testers and that it handled the basics just as well as more expensive models. I just took delivery of mine last week and I am putting it to the test. I can say that it arrives razor sharp...nice... and that it's fairly well balanced. The handle is made of a grippy composite that allows you to securely hold firm if wet or in akward positions. The handle is a little longer than others I've owned, maybe too long for small hands, but it is contoured so you can move up towards the blade for better control. The blade does have a nice rocked contour, which makes chopping & dicing easier. I've grown to prefer ligher weight blades and you don't sacrifice much when it's this sharp. Overall I would say that for the price, this is a great chef knife..time will tell if any problems develop. Definitely doesn't have the same craftsmenship or allure of one of the high end Germans, but if your looking for a highly functional, lightweight, standard chef, it's hard to go wrong here.

Excellent Knife and NOT high-priced!
This knife is such a value. I have always had a hard time accepting the high-prices on Wuesthoff or Henckel knives because I never felt the VALUE was worth it. Boy am I glad I held out for the Victorinox knife! This knife, also known as Forschner, is consistently sharp. Just a few swipes of the sharpening steel and its good as new again. I use this knife and a 6" every day. The handles are comfortable and do not get slippery when wet. They are practically the only knives I use. I wash and wipe dry after each use (NEVER put in the dishwasher). I think you'll be as pleased as I if you try this knife.

Cooks Ilustrated is right -- again!
This is the chef's knife I've been looking for. The blade is the right balance between stiff and flexible. The perfectly curved shape automatically starts that rocking motion that makes chopping a breeze. I've been skeptical about ever developing the ability to chop like the chefs on cooking shows. No longer. And to think -- it was my bad knives to blame all this time! I'm buying several of these to give as Christmas gifts this year.