Showing posts with label J.A. Henckels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label J.A. Henckels. Show all posts

Monday, November 30, 2009

J.A. Henckels International Fine Edge Pro 8-inch Stainless-Steel Bread Knife

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1897 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Henckels
* Model: 31467-201
* Dimensions: .75" h x 1.50" w x 12.75" l, .50 pounds

Features

* 8-inch serrated blade for slicing bread
* Stamped blade made of high-quality German stainless steel
* Black, satin-finished polypropylene handle with triple-rivet construction
* Fully visible tang construction provides proper balance
* Handwash with mild cleanser; lifetime warranty

Amazon.com Review
A crusty loaf yields easily to this knife, whose serrations are big enough to rate--in knife-speak--as "scallops." Henckels' International Fine Edge is an inexpensive cutlery line made in countries other than the company's home of Germany. These knives don't have bolsters and their blades are thinner and less strong. Handles are narrower and shallower than those of the company's premier lines--a feature those with small hands might appreciate. --Fred Brack


Customer Reviews

This knife is marvelous!5
I bake bread on the average of three times a week. With my old bread knife I could never slice the bread while it was still hot because it would just mash it down and the dough would stick from crust-to-crust. This baby slices right through the bread hot out of the machine like a hot knife through butter. With this knife you can slice the bread as thin as you like and you will have beautiful, even slices at a terrific price!

A worthy knife for bagel lovers...5
The name Henckels is assurance in itself of a quality knife as German ingenuity translates into this simple but utterly efficient device. There are many bagel cutting gadgets on the market, but look no further then Henckels to give the consumer a knife that can handle the crustiest of bagels with relative ease. The International series is an excellent value for anyone looking to start a Henckels set or anyone looking for an excellent value. These knives have durable blades and the handles are strong and well weighted making cutting even easier. No kitchen should be complete without the durabilty and ingenuity of a Henckels. Put this one on your wedding shower/engagement party gift list as no new kitchen would be complete without this superior bread knife.

Great knife, great price5
I had my doubts when I paid only [price] for a Henckels knife that it would actually be a decent piece of cutlery. No need to worry! This is a great knife. It is sturdy, it keeps its edge, and it looks great with my other Henckels knives. This is by far the best bread knife I've ever used. I'm very pleased with the quality, and I'm glad I took a chance on ordering it.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

J.A. Henckels Twin Four Star 3-Inch High Carbon Stainless-Steel Paring Knife


Product Description

The ideal paring knife should be the length of your thumb. This provides good leverage and eliminates the need to hold the knife's cutting edge. A paring knife is ideal for cleaning, paring, peeling, slicing small fruits, and vegetables or boning small poultry.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1754 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Henckels
* Model: 31070-083
* Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, .14 pounds

Features

* 3-inch blade, great for peeling, cutting, and shaping fruits and vegetables
* High-carbon stainless-steel blade ice-hardened for superior strength
* Sturdy, black molded polypropylene handle
* Safe to use in dishwasher
* Comes with a lifetime warranty


Customer Reviews

A CUT ABOVE THE REST5
It seems that everyone's kitchen drawer holds more than one paring knife - ours certainly does, and this small knife by Henckels is a favorite.

The three inch blade makes it perfect for paring whether it be a garlic clove or potato.

With a user friendly handle it fits neatly into your hand, and is easy to grip for lengthy chores.

Pop it in the dishwasher, and it's like new.

Why this is a great knife5
This is my favorite kitchen knife. The handle is perfectly shaped. If you look closely, you'll see that the handle is designed/curved so your little finger is braced against the part that juts out at the end and your index finger braces against the saddle at the base of the blade. This gives you a solid grip to manipulate the blade. This is generally true of Henckels' 4-star handles as compared to the wooden handles. I've found that I much prefer the 3" blade length to the 4" length. The 3" does everything you would do with a 4" but with more control. The shorter blade seems to flex less. You'll find yourself stuffing this knife in your pocket because of its convenient size.

The Amazonprice is a bargain...

The only paring knife you need5
As Julia Child reminds people all the time, a fine paring knife is a must. This one holds its tone or sharpness longer, and as others have noted its handle is perfect.

Makes an excellent gift for someone moving into their own place. While it is dishwasher safe I suggest that washing and drying after each use is better. I also would suggest you own two.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

J.A. Henckels International 3-Piece Paring Knife Set, Multicolored


Product Description

Small lightweight, versatile knives with multi-color handles and slim blades that have straight cutting edges. The blades are made of high quality German stainless steel for stain and rust resistance. Peels, cuts, cleans, garnishes fruit and vegetables. Set includes: 2" peeling knife, 3" vegetable knife, and 3 1/2" paring knife. Lifetime Warranty. Hygienic, break proof, and dishwasher safe (not recommended by J.A. Henckels International)

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #5902 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Henckels
* Model: 10698-001
* Dimensions: 1.50" h x 4.00" w x 11.00" l, 3.00 pounds

Features

* Handles made of hygienic, molded plastic; break-proof and slip-resistant; offer comfortable grip
* High quality stainless steel blades
* Contoured, ergonomic handles
* Dishwasher-safe; covered by lifetime warranty
* Made in Germany


Customer Reviews

Cheap & Cute Henckel's5
They cut sharp enough, it's just they're very light-weighted so they don't have the stability feeling which I think the only drawback if you expect something decent. Otherwise the price is right, you'll be happy with the well functioning colourful little knives!

My favorite "every-day" knives ...5
These are *extremely* sharp, really high quality knives for the price. I have a really good, really expensive set of knives that I use for "specialty" tasks, but I find myself grabbing these little knives for my normal day-to-day use.

I also have the other inexpensive Henckels set, the one that includes these three knives plus a red-handled longer knife. It's not worth the extra money, in my view. That little red knife has a rounded tip, is serrated, and the only thing I ended up using it for was slicing sandwiches. For the money, this set of three knives is an outstanding value. I just bought another set to have a spare.

Friday, November 13, 2009

J.A. Henckels Twin Signature 7-Piece Knife Block Set

Product Description

Block Set consists of: 2-1/2-inch peeling knife, 4-inch paring knife, 5-Inch serrated/utility knife, 8-inch Chef's knife, sharpening steel, kitchen shears, and a hardwood block.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #16334 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Henckels
* Model: 30707-000
* Dimensions: 5.30" h x 9.90" w x 16.70" l, 7.80 pounds

Features

* Includes 8-inch chef's; 5-inch utility; 4-inch paring; 2-1/2-inch peeling
* Also: sharpening steel, shears, 11-slot hardwood block
* Stamped high-carbon stainless-steel blades with laser-controlled edge
* Ice-hardened blades for strength; hand-honed for sharpness
* 7.8 pounds; lifetime warranty


Customer Reviews

A good starter knife set but don't expect too much4
Having used some of Henckel's higher-priced professional lines, when the time came to buy a new set of starter knives I figured I'd stay with the brand. I ended up choosing the Twin Signature line 7-piece block set because it was a good compromise between quality and price.

Because the knives are stamped, not forged, you won't get the precise lines you get on the $80-a-knife lines, but the edges are well-finished and stay fairly sharp if you hand-wash them. I've been generally pleased with how they cut, and the chef's knife in particular has an excellent heft and balance for my somewhat larger hands.

The paring knife and the serrated utility knife are also gems. They're extremely well-sized, and have just enough flex to get the job done without feeling flimsy.

The scissors are sharp and extremely sturdy; I'm hard on this particular piece of kitchenware so I'm very pleased by that. Finally, the block is well-made and thought out. It has room for several more knifes as you expand your set.

The tips on the larger knifes aren't as well-finished as I would like, but that's about my only complaint. Just don't expect the sort of sturdiness you'd find on professional knives; these won't last quite as long without sharpening and you can't bang them about quite as much. For a serious home cook on a budget, though, they'll do just fine.

My plan is to use these for starters, and over time pick up two more Twin Signature paring knives, and one more 8-inch chef's knife from the Five-Star series for serious work.


Cutting Edge5
Henckels Twin Signature 7-Piece Block Set is exactly what I'd hoped that it would be: a quality set of knives that is ideal for the home.

The set of Henckels that I've owned since the mid-80s finally gave in to a lot of use, sharpenings and dishwashings (dishwashing a good knife is a nice way to shorten the handle's life expectancy!). But 20 years of great service from my previous set of Henckels certainly warranted a loyal update/upgrade to another Henckels set.

And I am not disappointed. The new set is quite sturdy. Home users will be impressed with their strength; pros might be used to a higher standard, but I used to work in a professional kitchen and I can't see how these would not be as effective as anything a pro has.

These knives come out of the box SHARP too...a lot sharper than the sharpest that I've ever had my previous set sharpened to.

There were two descriptions from Amazon that tell you what you get; one of Amazon's descriptions included a carving knife (product description) and the other a peeling knife (what's in the box). Amazon seems to have corrected the error as of this updated 2-13-2006 writing. To be sure, here's what you actually get:

- 2 1/2" peeling knife
- 4" paring knife
- 5" serrated knife
- 8" chef's knife...this baby cuts through a roast like a hot knife through butter even though it's designed for chopping and dicing. In my opinion, it's better than a carving knife.
- a sharpening steel
- kitchen shears
- and a storage block with 11 slots which is great because some of the knives, especially the serrated knives, from my old set are still in mint shape (like the 8" bread knife), so there's plenty of room in the block for knives in your current collection looking for a new place to sleep.

No 8" carving knife. But like I said above, the 8" chef's knife works better than any carving knife that I've used.

The only things missing from this set for the average home is a nice large bread knife (as I said this was not a problem for me) and steak knives (also not a problem as most households already have these). Plain and simple, this is a great set of food preparation knives that--if my previous set is any indication--will last for decades.

Bon Appetite.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

J.A. Henckels 8-Slot Steak Knife Block


Product Description

J.A. Henckels 8-Slot Steak Knife block can accommodate up to 8 of your fine Zwilling J.A. Henckels steak knives. Constructed of top quality wood and slanted for easy access to knives. An attractive addition to any countertop in the kitchen. Measures: 5 1/2"x2 1/2"x5 1/2"

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #12634 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Henckels
* Model: 35101-118
* Dimensions: 7.00" h x 3.00" w x 5.75" l, 1.85 pounds

Features

* Solid hardwood
* Slanted design for easy access
* Attractive addition to any kitchen countertop
* Zwilling J.A. Henckels logo embedded on every block


Customer Reviews

Exactly what I was looking for.5
For Christmas I got a wonderful set of steak knives that didn't come in a block. I found this one on Amazon and ordered it. It was exactly as advertized works beautifully with my new steak knives and arrived really quickly. =)

Exactly as promised - knives fit perfectly4
What more can I say, except that the size has a conveniently small footprint and it is not pretentious in it's design.

Great value for low $5
I bought this to hold our knives at work, (cutting vegetables to get out seeds) so I wasn't looking for something fancy or super expensive. I was very surprised at how nice this block is for such a low price--so much that I'm planning to buy one for my home as well. It is very compact but still heavy and excellent quality.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

J.A. Henckels International Eversharp 8-Piece Steak Knife Set


Product Description

Henckels International Eversharp 8-Piece Steak Knife Set

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #4640 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Henckels
* Model: 39320-800
* Number of items: 1

Features

* Set of 8 steak knives; blades feature a serrated cutting edge
* Each knife forged from a single piece of stain-resistant steel
* Triple-riveted handles provide strength and longevity; full tang
* Ideal as a wedding or shower gift; attractive and classic design
* Never need sharpening; resist corrosion; dishwasher-safe


Amazon.com Product Description
Henckels International leverages the knowledge and expertise synonymous with its manufacturer's famous name to produce high value products at a lower cost. Many characteristics of the premium brand carry over to these more affordable blades. Forged from a single piece of stain-resistant steel, each knife offers a full tang and the classic triple-riveted handle. Measuring 8-1/4 inches in length, the cutting edges feature a serrated texture to easily slice steak, tuna, or pork into bite-sized morsels. Additionally, the blades can ably tackle any number of kitchen cutting and slicing tasks. Without the need for sharpening, the cutlery is virtually maintenance-free and even cleans safely in the dishwasher--although hand washing is preferred. Comprising eight knives, this set makes an excellent wedding or shower gift.

Customer Reviews

Good quality knives, reasonably priced5
I have several Henckels Eversharp steak knives that are several years old and they continue to cut well and have survived many dishwasher cycles. I just added six more that I recently purchased from Amazon and expect similar performance from these. I also own a set of Henckels Four Star knives that are over 20 years old. They do not go into the dishwasher but need regular sharpening/honing. The steak knives are not in the same league as the Four Star line but they are very convenient (just toss in the dishwasher), relatively inexpensive, perform well and are fairly durable.

My recommendation is to go with these knives if you are looking for a set of steak knives to be used on a daily basis.

Awesome for the Price!5
These knives are really great for the price. They are sharp and sturdy and do the job.

I have a set of $350 steak knives so I know what the reviewers are speaking of when they say these aren't real Henckels. That being said, THEY ARE ONLY $30. It is quite bold to pay $30 for a set of knives and then give a one star review saying that they are cheap. What did you expect?!? You bought $30 knives but reviewed as if you spent over $100. That's just seems dishonest.

You won't go wrong buying these knives. You can use them for everyday and toss them in the dishwasher and in a pinch you can disobey the cardinal rule and use one of them to open an Amazon Box because hey, they were only $30!!

You're NOT Getting Stabbed In The Back With These Knives!!!5
Well, gee whiz! All the negative press these under-rated knives are getting! I managed to slice my fingers (DEEP!) spewing blood...just trying to get them out of their packaging! They're plenty sharp alright!I didn't find them at all flimsy, wobbly or thin! On the contrary, I found them to be stable and sturdy with just the right amount of "heft". Makes me wonder WHAT people are trying to saw thru with these knives!
The knife blades are riveted to the wooden handles,the blade edge is serrated for a good sharp cut, and they DO cut very well!
For the price, for everyday use, these knives are a great deal!

Friday, October 30, 2009

J.A. Henckels International Stainless Steel 8-Piece Steak Knife Set


Product Description

A great wedding or shower gift, this 8-pc. Stainless Steel Steak Set is just the thing for summertime entertaining. Made by J.A. Henckels International, innovators of outstanding products since 1731, this steak knife set offers high quality and function. Each of the 8-1/4" knives is made of high-quality German stainless steel-both the blades and the handles. Hand wash. Imported.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1831 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Henckels
* Model: 39309-800

Features

* Durable, corrosion-resistant, stainless steel blades and handles
* 1-piece construction with full tang
* Serrated cutting edge never needs sharpening
* Dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup
* Lifetime warranty


Amazon.com Review
Anyone who's ever chafed at washing steak knives by hand will appreciate the low-maintenance appeal of this elegant cutlery. It features clean, modern lines, dishwasher-safe materials, and a high-carbon stainless steel blade that slices through thick porterhouse steaks as if they were butter. Sleek, one-piece construction is both stylish and practical, as there's no attached wooden handle to wiggle loose. Durable stainless steel resists corrosion, and the serrated cutting edge never needs sharpening. Henckels International is a moderately-priced, high-value line of cutlery made in countries outside Henckels's home base in Germany. They're stamped rather than forged, and made from somewhat thinner metal. However, they're made with the same attention to detail as higher-priced Henckels knives, and are covered by a lifetime warranty. --Mary Park


Customer Reviews

Better than our other brand knives4
I bought these knives at Target several years back. Although they *occassionally* get dishwasher stains on the handles, the blades themselves never get dishwasher stains on them, which is important to me; my girlfriend bought a different set of stainless steel steak knives (different manufacturer) that consistently come out of the dishwasher with massive rust stains on the blades themselves, which makes me not use them (who wants to eat rust). This makes me appreciate the Henckels set even more: I would definitely recommend this Henckels set.

Great Product!5
I received a set of these knives aboout 5 years ago as a wedding present and bought another set to complete 12. These are great quality, durable and I've even used them combined with more formal silverware. I highly recommend it.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

J.A. Henckels 7-Slot Knife Storage Roll


Product Description

Taking your cooking show on the road? Store your knives like a professional with a padded knife roll. Great for chef's on the go!

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #3185 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Henckels
* Model: 35002-500
* Dimensions: .70" h x 6.30" w x 20.30" l, .70 pounds

Features

* Ideal for transporting and storing knives
* Seven-knife capacity
* Folds to 20 by 5-1/2 inches
* Heavy nylon construction
* Made in Germany

Amazon.com Review
The Henckels seven-slot knife roll is excellent for transporting a set of knives to work, school, or on vacation. With seven 20-inch-long and at least 2-inch-wide slots, there's plenty of room to store an assortment of kitchen knives. Made with heavy nylon and two velcro fasteners, the knife roll will tightly secure your knives in place--protecting them from damage. It folds to 20 by 5-1/2 inches, making it the perfect size to store in a drawer or kitchen cupboard. --Jane DePaolo


Customer Reviews

Professional Cook Likes it, little small though4
I'm a professional cook and have to carry and keep my knives at work...It fits my 14" carver, honing steel, 10 serrated bread, and 8" chef's knife and carving fork well...but that already takes up 5 slots....I end up stacking my paring knife with my peeler, baller, zester, pens and thermometers together....
This is a good beginner knife case...a little expensive, but a placeholder until your ready to plunk down bigger bucks for a larger case.

Henckels 7-slot Knife Roll4
A very practical and inexpensive way to carry your knives if you're a "cook on the go." 7 slots should be more than enough to carry your essential knives, sharpening steel and maybe tongs, a peeler and/or a zester - it also has a slot to accomodate a cleaver. The Henckels Roll is a generous 19 inches long, which could, conceivably, allow you to carry even your Woodman's Pal. Remember, you'll still need to keep your knives protected with blade guards, otherwise you'll cut into the roll - an extra expense which you need to take into account. Finally, I feel that, had they included a handle, it would have made for a superior product.

good knife roll5
I bought this because i was looking for a less bulky bag to carry my knives in. This roll does the job nicely. Its really good quality, with leather outside, and nylon and elastic insides, there even a flap in one end to keep the knife at the very end form being exposed when rolled. Good product

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

J.A. Henckels 10-Slot Hardwood Knife Storage Block


Product Description

Dull cutlery is dangerous cutlery. One of the easiest ways to maintain sharp edges on your fine cutlery is to store the knives in a block. An added benefit is that your knives are conveniently ready and waiting for the next time you need to carve a roast or julienne some veggies.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #2363 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Henckels
* Model: 35100-923
* Dimensions: 4.40" h x 9.30" w x 10.40" l, 4.50 pounds

Features

* Hardwood storage block holds eight knives, sharpening steel, scissors
* Slanted for easy access to knife handles
* Rubber feet protect counter surface
* Natural finish
* Henckels logo beneath scissors slot in front

Amazon.com Review
This hardwood block stores up to eight kitchen knives, a sharpening steel, and kitchen scissors within reach on the counter while protecting knife edges from the nicking they would suffer in a drawer. The block is slanted to provide easy access to knife handles and has rubber feet to protect the counter surface. The natural-finish block displays Henckels's famous logo beneath the scissors slot in the front. --Fred Brack


Customer Reviews

excellent value4
I'm fond of Henckels' cutlery, but had just been keeping them in a drawer (with edge guards). An inexpensive block of this quality was a welcome addition to my kitchen.
Slots:
2 wide slots for knives like santokus or chef's knives.
5 medium slots for knifes like slicers, bread knives, etc.
2 small slots for paring/utility knives.
1 special slot for either a medium width knife or a steel.
the hole between the top of the block and the base is for kitchen shears/scissors.

I wouldn't mind another wide slot, but this is pretty close to exactly what I need.

Value-priced and highly functional5
Hey, it WORKS. Decently crafted of solid wood, and the slots are wide enough to accommodate my Henckels 4-star and Pro-S knives. This block holds everything I need it to.

Methinks Spider Woman wasn't rating the quality *of the knife block*, but whether she likes knife blocks in the first place. Of course the slots go through - that's so any dust or dirt falls out the bottom instead of accumulating in the slot. It works for me, and I think this is the best knife block you'll find for the price.

Addendum: My knife block, which was purchased at [local store], is slightly different from this one. The overall style, size, and construction are similar, but the slots have been re-arranged slightly, with three small slots across the bottom and a 3-3/8" wide cleaver slot across the top - total 8 knives, sharpening steel, scissors, and cleaver. If you don't need a cleaver and want more wide knife slots, this block will work well. If you require a cleaver slot, you may want to look for the model I have.

Puts your best knives forward5
This block is made of solid oak or other hardwood. It has a small footprint, projecting most of its bulk into terra incognita under the cabinets. I keep my carving and fillet knives in just one of its large slots. My supersized steel comes out the other end but is not a problem. It includes two slots for your favorite paring knives. I keep my Henckels scissor in a slot made for it.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

J.A. Henckels Twin Sharp Duo Knife Sharpener


Product Description

Suitable for all quality knives with non-coated blades / Features two slits - 1 for Fine and 1 for Coarse Sharpening / Left and Right Hand use

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #441 in Kitchen & Housewares
* Brand: Henckels
* Model: 32601-003
* Dimensions: 2.00" h x 3.00" w x 9.70" l, .13 pounds

Features

* Suitable for all knives with a fine edge
* Comprises two modules: one for coarse sharpening and one for fine sharpening
* Rubber feet prevent skidding on the counter top
* Measures approximately 8 inches across and 3 inches tall
* Works well for both right- and left-handed people


Customer Reviews

Have reasonable expectations5
I own a set of Henckels knives that are several years old. They are used every day and despite regular honing they were becoming dull. Keeping knives razor sharp is a skill that requires some practice and the right kind of sharpener, and so I was skeptical that one of these quick sharpeners would do a good job at sharpening them, but I decided to give it a try.

Does the sharpener make dull knives sharper? It certainly does, in just a few minutes. Does it make them sharp enough for routine use? I would say yes; I am not a professional chef, but I find that I am much happier with the performance of my knives after sharpening. Does it return them to their factory degree of razor sharpness? Unfortunatley, no. I think there is no question that my knives were sharper out of the box than I can achieve with this hand sharpener. But that does not mean that this was a bad purchase. It has restored my knives from being a bit dull to being perfectly adequate for the use they get in my kitchen.

If you want to achieve like-brand-new razor sharpness, this sharpener will not do that for you. If you want to bring your dull knives back to a degree of sharpness that will be adequate for 99% of home cooks, this would be a good item to have.

A Great Sharpener5
This was a gift for my wife who is going to Culinary School and uses Henckel Four Star knives. The two step sharpener works great and is very easy to use. A few strokes in slot 1, then about the same amount of strokes in slot II and the knife is new sharp again. The body of the sharpener is easy to grasp and really feels secure on the table with its rubber feet holding it steady as you run the knife in each of the slots. This sharpener not only works great but also looks great with its stainless steel body and frame.

Finally a sharpener that works5
I am the proud owner of 25 Henckels knives, largely due to a consolidation of two households. I was never able to get a truly sharp edge on these knives, regardless of the sharpeners used and I tried many different gizmos using different sharpening techniques. The latest was the motorized "Chef's Choice" using diamond encrusted wheels and magnetized knife guides for the proper sharpening angle. Doing 25 knives took about two hours at least and the result was usually unremarkable. Actually, the knives remained remarkably dull regardless of the effort expended with this noisy gadget. And then I stumbled across the Twin Sharp Duo Knife Sharpener. Somewhat encouraged by the largely positive customer feedback, I bought one and have never looked back. The process is silent, it takes less than one third of the time compared with the "Chef's Choice" and the results are remarkable. The knives slice through the edge of a sheet of paper with no difficulty, tomato skin is no longer a challenge and carving a side of beef or a turkey is a joy. Pulling the knives through the sharpening ports of the Sharpener at first seems to yield nothing, but after the third or fourth pass the steel or ceramic plates engage the knife and impart an amazing edge. Maybe I am over-reacting because all my previous efforts with other sharpeners were overly time consuming and did not yield good results. This one, however, is different. It actually works! Some have said that the gadget does not impart the same edge as a professional sharpening would and that may be true. However, I don't intend to shave with my knives and for demanding kitchen work they are about as sharp as one would need. I think Henckels has done it this time. This is a great sharpener!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

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 price4
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...4
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 money5
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.

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 used5
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 weighted5
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 value5
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.

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!!4
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 Price4
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 cooking1
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!