The New Iredale Is A Quality Multi-Blade Slipjoint That Stands Out As A Classic-Style Knife With A Minimalist, Modern Look.
The eternal debate of “classic vs modern” has been had across society for centuries. In the world of knives, that can come down to mechanical choices as well as design. Kershaw took the best of both worlds with its new Iredale.
Named for the Peter Iredale, a sailing ship that ran aground on the Oregon coast in 1906, the Iredale is a sleek knife for the 21st-century explorer. The model has three blades (a clip point, Wharncliffe, and Spey blade) all contained in a handle with black, polished micarta scales.
The non-locking slipjoint design allows for flexibility in the position of the knives so even with three blades, there are endless ways to position them to get the most from them. The blades are all made from 7Cr17MoV stainless and satin polished for a clean, traditional look. All three blades open with a nail nick for quick deployment.
The shipwreck of the Peter Iredale can still be seen in the sands of Fort Stevens State Park so you can take your new Iredale and explore around its namesake on a warm summer’s night.
MSRP: $47.99
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Mike Ableson.
If You Can Only Have One Knife In The Kitchen, The Chef’s Knife Is The One To Get.
When it comes to knives in the kitchen the alpha and the omega, without question, is the chef’s knife. A quality chef’s knife can do just about everything from butchering a side of beef and dicing up vegetables to crushing garlic and skinning a salmon filet.
Whether Japanese or German, stainless or high-carbon, forged or stamped, there are an amazing variety of chef’s knives available today, and there will be one at the right price for you.
History Of The Chef’s Knife
Humans, and their ancestors, have been eating hunted meats and foraged fruits for millions of years. The first predecessor of the chef’s knife, in the most liberal sense of the term, dates back 2.5-million years to what is now Ethiopia. Known as Oldowan knives, these sharp stone pieces were made by smashing rocks together to form fragments with razor edges to cut through game.
The first proto-knife found with protein residue on it dates back 250,000 years and was discovered in the Azraq Oasis in Jordan. It had the residue of horse, cow, and rhinoceros on it.
As time progressed, knives evolved along with humans. The discovery of fire along with different types of metals allowed the creation of the earliest forged pieces. The bronze and iron ages saw more quality metals turned into knives by skilled artisans.
Each new material allowed for better, more durable knives and paved the way for the steel models we have today. Chef’s knives, as we know them now, have been found dating back to before the Roman Empire and were modified versions of swords and other weapons.
Why Should I Buy A Chef’s Knife?
Look, if you want to try and cut through a medium-rare ribeye or slice veggies with a standard butter knife, good luck.
A quality chef’s knife will make your life in the kitchen much easier than if you tried to force it with a standard dinner knife. Will the chef knife be more money? Absolutely, but, as you’ll see with our list, it’s incredibly easy to find a strong, capable model without breaking the bank.
So you should have a chef’s knife in the same way you should have proper running shoes if you are a marathoner or a good driver if you golf. You could do those things without the right equipment, but it’s much easier and enjoyable when you have the right tools for the job.
5 Best Chef’s Knives
Chef’s knives, Japanese or German, should make you feel comfortable and secure in the kitchen, as well as make work there easier. This list has a little of everything from pro-quality damascus blades, to stamped models strong enough to be an everyday workhorse.
Misen Chef’s Knife
Misen Chef’s Knife
Award-winning cookbook author J. Kenji Lopez-Alt called this knife “the holy grail of inexpensive chef’s knives.” The 8-inch blade is made from Aichi AUS-10 high-carbon stainless steel, is ground to a 15-degree edge, and has a 58 HRC.
The sloped bolster and handle design encourages a safe grip while chopping. It’s light in the hand at only 8 ounces in weight and can mince herbs and cut through chicken bones just as easily.
An added bonus is that there are four choices for the handle color (blue, red, gray, and black). For a budget knife, this piece from Misen really is about as good as it gets.
MSRP: $65
Wusthof Classic Ikon 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
Wusthof Classic Ikon 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
An icon of German engineering, Wusthof has been making knives in Solingen, Germany since 1814. The Classic Ikon is a timeless all-around blade that makes an excellent addition to your home, while also having the chops to cut it (pun intended) in a professional kitchen.
The forged blade is triple-riveted to the black synthetic handle and has a 58 HRC. The half bolster cuts down on weight while also making it easier to sharpen. When you buy a Wusthof you can trust in the two centuries of work that has built the company into what it is today, and this model won’t disappoint.
MSRP: $200
Mac Knife Pro Series 8-Inch Chef’s Knife With Dimples
Mac Knife Pro Series 8-Inch Chef’s Knife With Dimples
This professional-level Japanese chef’s knife is a popular choice for chefs and home cooks alike. The 8-inch hollow-edge blade is made from alloy steel and a Pakkawood, triple-riveted handle.
What sets this knife apart from the rest on our list are the dimples on the blade. Known as a Granton edge, these dimples are more common on a Santoku knife than on a chef’s knife. Regardless, they allow for food to more easily slide off while cutting so you don’t have to deal with the frustrating task of peeling bits off the blade when you’re cutting stickier foods like potatoes or apples.
Made in Seki, Japan, the traditional home of Japanese knifemaking, Mac Knife has made something modern built with techniques developed over centuries.
MSRP: $195
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife
The lowest-priced knife on our list punches above its weight and is a great addition to your kitchen. The price is kept down because the blade is stamped, but don’t let that fool you. This model has the same quality you would expect from everything else Victorinox offers.
The eight-inch stainless blade is married to an ergonomic, non-slip handle that feels great in the hand. Made in Switzerland along with the brand’s famous Swiss Army knives, the Fibrox Pro is easy and efficient to use. While it is listed as dishwasher safe, we recommend hand-washing and drying it as that will preserve the blade for longer.
An added bonus of the stamped blade is that this is the lightest knife on our list, coming in at just 6 ounces.
MSRP: $42.95
Miyabi Chef’s Knife
Miyabi Chef’s Knife
This is a professional knife and it looks the part. Made of 100 layers of damascus steel around a Cryodur-hardened SG2 micro-carbide steel core, it is topped off with a Masur birch handle. The damascus blade has a ridiculously hard 63 HRC and is ground to an edge between 9-12 degrees using the traditional Japanese three-stage honbazuke process. That sees the blade polished twice on custom whetstones and polished to a mirror finished on leather wheels.
This is one of the highest-quality kitchen knives on the market today. It’s also a love note to Japanese knifemaking from its tip to the end of the handle. Miyabi’s whole set of chef’s knives is of similar quality and if maintained properly, can last you a lifetime.
Cold Steel’s Newest Fixed-Blade EDC Is A Multi-Purpose Tool That Is Perfect If You’re Looking For A Knife That Works Just As Well In The Kitchen As It Does In The Forest.
Sometimes you want an EDC that’s a bit beefier than a folder or a multi-tool. The Cold Steel Razor-Tek is a high-quality piece that can slice through branches like it can a cucumber.
This four-inch variety, one of three models to carry the Razor-Tek name, is made from 4116 steel and has an included sheath that can be carried on your neck or belt or lashed to your pack. The textured GFN scales on the handle allow for a confident grip and will stay secure in your hand.
Unlike the larger Razor-Tek models (one has a five-inch blade and the other a 6.5-inch blade), the four-inch is not a recurve and instead features a plain-edged clip point blade.
Overall, the entire knife is just eight inches which makes it great for cutting in close quarters and nimble enough to work precisely when fine slices are needed. And best of all, it comes at an affordable price that will keep your wallet happy.
MSRP: $59.99
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Mike Ableson.
The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Is An Icon. The Small Red Knife Has A Remarkable History And Is Popular All Around The World
Few knives are as immediately recognizable as the Swiss Army knife. The small red multi-tool has been manufactured for over a century and is known around the globe for its versatility and durability. Still made in Switzerland today by Victorinox, the Swiss Army knife has evolved as a tool since the founding of Victorinox in 1884.
History Of The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
Victorinox was founded in the small town of Ibach in the canton of Schwyz in central Switzerland by Karl Elsener. It was initially just a small cutler’s workshop run by Karl and supported by his mother Victoria.
Just seven years later, Elsener was able to deliver his first major batch of knives to the Swiss military, and six years later patented the original “Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife. That set the stage for a whole range of knives, each of which would be included under the umbrella name of Swiss Army knife, or SAK for short.
The Victorinox brand name came into existence in 1921. After Victoria’s passing in 1909, Karl chose her name as the brand name, but 13 years later the innovation of stainless steel swept through the knifemaking world. At the time the steel was known as “Inox,” and by combining that with his mother’s name, Karl created the brand name of Victorinox that has endured for more than a century.
After World War II, American GIs stationed in Europe took a liking to the Swiss Army knife and bought many of them, turning them into a popular souvenir to bring back to the states.
Since then, and the brand has continued to grow. Victorinox now makes other types of cutlery along with outdoor gear and watches. Rival maker Wenger, which also made a claim to the Swiss Army knife, was acquired by Victorinox in 2005, and its knives were absorbed into the Victorinox brand eight years later. The Wenger brand lives on through watches and other licensed products.
In 2017 the company produced its 500 millionth Swiss Army knife, a testament to the quality and popularity of the brand.
What Is The Best Swiss Army Knife?
That question depends on what you want out of your knife. Most all operate the same way, a slip joint with tools coming out of both ends of the knife thanks to a special spring system innovated in 1897 that every Swiss Army knife still uses today.
If you’re looking for a tool that can solve simple, everyday problems, there are many smaller models that will handle your needs. Many of those even fit on a keychain.
If you’re more of an outdoors person or just want something more rugged and diverse, there are many models that have dozens of different tools in them. You’ll see one with 73 tools in it shortly. Regardless of your wants or needs, Victorinox will have a knife for you.
Swiss Army Knife Options
The Victorinox Swiss Army knife is a living, breathing tool. New models come out regularly, and the team in Switzerland continues to find ways to create new tools and designs for the knives. Below are a trio that shows off what the SAK is capable of, from something simple to the opulently extravagant.
Signature Lite
Signature Lite
This is a prime example of how much can be deftly fit into a space so small. The Signature Lite is 2.3 inches long and weighs just .8 of an ounce. Even in those tiny dimensions, there are seven tools including a ballpoint pen, screwdriver, knife blade, and scissors. This is a quintessential Swiss Army knife. It can fit on a keychain and follow you wherever you go.
MSRP: $39.99
Trekker
Trekker
The Trekker shows how robust a Victorinox Swiss Army knife can be. This model features a dozen tools including three different screwdrivers, a can opener, and a wood saw. It’s designed for the outdoorsman, the hiker, the person camping under the stars. The Trekker does have a keychain loop although it’ll probably be better folded up in your pocket. At 4.6 ounces it’s far heavier than the Signature Lite but still far lighter than many other factory knives.
MSRP: $69
Swiss Champ XXL
Swiss Champ XXL
Last on our list is the most expensive model sold by Victorinox not including limited edition pieces. The XXL has so many tools in it that it doesn’t feel real. It’s 3.6 inches long, and in that space there are 73 individual tools. That’s not a typo. 73 tools.
Seven screwdrivers. Six blades. Three wire strippers. Too many wrenches to count. All that’s missing is the partridge in a pear tree.
The XXL also features some of the most unusual Swiss Army knife tools made today. That includes the pharmaceutical spatula, watch opener, fish scaler, and hook disgorger.
At 12.5 ounces it is a beast, and it even comes in a lined, branded case. While it might not be necessary for you, the Swiss Champ XXL flexes the design and manufacturing capabilities that Victorinox has developed in its decades of existence.
MSRP: $379
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Mike Ableson.
The CRKT Oxcart Is A Strong Folder That Can Be Your EDC and Do A Whole Lot More Too.
Designed by a Texan, Robert Carter, the new CRKT Oxcart is Lone Star tough. The assisted-opening folder is designed to be ambidextrous with a reversible pocket clip and can handle pretty much anything you throw at it.
The frame lock uses a thick lock bar to secure the blade in place once flipped open so you won’t have to worry about it coming back at you and nicking your fingers.
This is in no small part to the construction. The 3.05-inch blade is crafted from Japanese AUS-8 high-carbon stainless steel which is not only a strong metal, but it’s also exceptional at resisting rust too. The satin finish gives the OXcart a clean look too. The blade isn’t the only steel on this piece either. The handle is also made from stainless.
The strength of the Oxcart is remarkable considering that it weighs just under five ounces. When closed, the knife is just over four inches in length so it can easily tuck away on your belt line or into your pack. MSRP: $75
Editor’s Note: This post was written by Mike Ableson.
From Forging And Picking The Right Materials To Putting Together The Fairest Return Policy And How To Run Your Business, There Are Many Questions Fledgling Knifemakers Should Ask Veterans.
This is the first of a multi-part series about knifemaking
When you consider buying a custom knife, certain questions come to mind. Some are easier asked and certainly more easily answered than others. However, anytime money is forked over in exchange for a handmade, well-built knife, an exchange of information takes place. Still, there may be a fine line between the ordinary, the somewhat sensitive and the downright invasive.
BLADE® asked some well-established custom knifemakers and purveyors what they thought about playing 20 questions with a prospective buyer. In this round of discussion, we’ll tackle those questions that should be asked and answered.
Testing And Heat Treating
I like the questions about testing and heat treating,” commented American Bladesmith Society (ABS) master smith Mike Quesenberry. “As for heat treating, it’s good to know what the maker does. Do they do the work themselves, and what type of heat treating do they do? Is it in a forge, heat-treating oven, do they use a salt pot? Then, on the performance aspect of the knife, is the maker doing any testing, taking it out and beating it or something else depending on the intended use of the knife?”
Veteran ABS master smith and mosaic damascus pioneer Steve Schwarzer agrees. The heat-treating query is near the top of his list. If the makers did the heat treating, did they do it themselves?
“If so, have each maker explain the method. It is perfectly acceptable to ask this question because it is the heart of the blade,” Steve reasoned. “If the maker did not heat treat the blade, ask who did and check the reliability of the heat treater.”
When buying a hunting knife, it’s fair to ask if the makers are hunters themselves or use their own knives in the field. J.C. Provost’s hunter features a 4-inch blade of CPM 154 stainless and scrim by Joanna Provost. (SharpByCoop image)
Authorship
The origin of the steel itself, the aspect of sole authorship, and even asking a bit about the maker’s background is perfectly reasonable, according to longtime purveyor Les Robertson.
“Did the maker do all of the work on the knife? If not, which part of the process is outsourced and why?” Les offered. “If certain aspects of the maker’s knife are being outsourced, this may not be a true custom knife. There can be a fine line between a custom knife and a mid-tech knife. Often, makers grind knives in batches. Consequently, it is more efficient time-wise and more economical to send the blades to a reputable heat treater.
“If the knife features a forged type of blade, especially when it comes to damascus, ask the maker if he forged the steel,” Robertson added. “This question is more germane to those makers not in the American Bladesmith Society. Several people specialize in making damascus for makers to use in their work. Most do an excellent job and offer patterns that will give your knife a unique look. Asking the makers if they belong to a particular knifemakers’ organization is a fair question. But you, as the buyer, should understand what requirements have to be met to belong to the organization and attain certain ratings in each.”
How They Do It
Methods, maker preferences, and perspectives are good areas to probe when discussing the makers’ work. How do they do their thing day in and day out?
“I think buyers should ask whether a knifemaker is a stock removal maker or forger,” said award-winning maker David Broadwell. “That will start to determine what kind of knives people will want. But then, it may not make any difference as long as they like the knife and the maker. Then, the knifemaker should be asked if he or she does all their own work, and if not, what is done outside their shop. This is to determine honesty on the knifemaker’s part. There are other things to ask as well to get to know the knifemaker—full or part-time, family. I like people to know who I am.”
Knifemaker Guarantees
Purchases are often made with the understanding of a guarantee, a buy-back to ensure customer satisfaction.
“You can ask, but I don’t fault anyone if they don’t offer a [buy-back] guarantee,” Broadwell noted. “You can’t buy most any product, say a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and decide you don’t like cruiser bikes and expect your money back! A deal is a deal, as they say. Now, some makers specialize in multiples of given models, and they may be happy to take a return if they believe they’ll sell it right away.”
The components that make the knife sometimes have a bearing as well. After stressing the sole-authorship point, BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Dan Delavan of plazacutlery.com finds a warranty to be reasonable in some circumstances, and then adds a question on components as important to the sales equation.
“Warranty? Just workmanship,” Delavan offered. “The maker cannot guarantee materials as they shrink and expand. The maker should be willing to repair for a charge. Then, does he or she do all the work, and if not, what is done by others? Does the maker bring in outside parts that he or she does not make on her own, examples being such as parts that are made in China or elsewhere, even in the USA? Is the maker able to make modifications?”
For Robertson, the concept of a guarantee is implicit in the trust that develops between maker and buyer. An understanding of care and use is necessary when the question of the guarantee is posed.
“A lifetime guarantee comes with certain responsibilities for both the maker and the buyer,” Les related. “The makers should guarantee the work with regards to their craftsmanship and materials used. Your responsibility as the buyer is to use the knife as it was intended to be used. During normal use, if the blade breaks, yes, the maker should build you a new knife. Now, if you are using a folder as a pry bar and the blade breaks, you are not using the knife for its intended purpose. Subsequently, that is your fault and the maker does not owe you a new knife.”
Genre Specific
Vince Evans
Some makers specialize in historical pieces, reproductions of knives and swords that reflect the times in which the originals were active. Such situations might influence the dialogue between maker and buyer, according to maker Vince Evans.
“My little corner of the field is very different from most other makers,” he explained. “My work is mostly ‘historical’ in nature, so questions to ask could be, ‘Can you tell me more about this piece?’ or ‘What culture is this piece based on?’ or ‘Is this sword based on a specific find?’ When I first met [Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame writer] Ken Warner years ago at the BLADE Show, he walked up and asked, ‘Am I looking at antiques or did you make these?’
“When it comes to period pieces, a telltale sign that a maker hasn’t seen or handled an antique knife or sword is that his rendition is oversized or overweight. Most antique swords, daggers and knives were much more petite and delicate than you would imagine. I encourage makers to study original pieces firsthand, even if it is through a glass case in a museum, before making a period piece. Photos in books and online do not give you a true feel for the original, although many resources do give you measurements and weight. There is no substitute to studying originals firsthand.”
The genre or style that a maker pursues is often the first indicator that a discussion is at hand. Catching the customer’s eye naturally leads to inquiries. When conversation surrounds a custom order, there must be clear understanding related to the finished knife.
“There has to be an exchange between the maker and the customer,” Quesenberry noted, “and that relates directly to how the knife will be used. If it’s a hunting knife, will the customer be skinning only, or will they be breaking bone with it? The customer has to ask what the maker’s knife is intended to do, or if the maker can produce the using knife the customer wants.”
Communication is the key for both parties to be satisfied with the outcome of the buy-sell arrangement. For example, when purchasing a hunting knife, it’s fair to ask if the makers are hunters themselves or use their own knives in the field.
“Sure,” Delavan smiled, “but in some cases the knives can be too expensive for the maker to use. Most knifemakers are not rich!”
Knifemaking Mentors
One of the most important questions to ask makers relates to their background, where they learned their craft—particularly who their mentor, or mentors, in the industry might be. Identification of those who introduced makers to their life’s work or helped bring their skill set along will provide an insight into philosophy, work ethic and mindset, and, ultimately, quality.
“Ask who their mentors are,” Schwarzer advocated. “This is especially important if the maker is forging blades.”
Several people specialize in making damascus for makers to use in their work. Most do an excellent job and offer patterns that will give your knife a unique look. Del Ealy forged the ladder-pattern damascus for the Angel’s Wing art dagger by Steve Vanderkolff. (Caleb Royer image)
Added Quesenberry, “It’s always good to know a guy’s background and the schools they went to and whether the makers continue to educate themselves on newer methods or techniques, or are they becoming stagnant? Do they want to up their game and experiment with different things?”
Chipped in Broadwell, “Of course, I’m proud of the men who shared information and helped me in my earlier years, and if I learn something new I’m happy to share that person’s help as well.”
Open Dialogue
The best approach to discussing the buying or selling of a knife is for both maker and potential purchaser to have mutual respect for one another. In the end, talk may be cheap. However, real, honest and open dialogue develops trust and assurance that the process is working for each party.
Ask questions. Consider responses. Come to informed conclusions, and remember that the entire experience revolves around the knife itself, its quality, materials, looks, and price tag. Most makers welcome questions and are willing to provide candid answers. In that alone, the level of assurance is elevated.
Whether Three Pieces Or More Than A Dozen, A Great Kitchen Knife Set Can Completely Change How Work With Food.
Kitchen knife sets are extremely popular, and it’s easy to see why. They keep all your knives safe, easily accessible, and add a touch of style to your kitchen counter. It’s important to keep a few things in mind when shopping for a knife set, whether for the home or a professional kitchen.
The Block Is A Piece
When you see that a set is three, six, or 15 pieces, it’s important to remember the knife block itself will count as one of the pieces. So don’t fret if you think there’s a missing knife because there isn’t.
Get A Set That Fits
If you’re a parent looking for a good set of knives that will last and help cook the family’s meals for years to come, don’t feel like you need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a set with dozens of specialty pieces. Sometimes less is more and that six-piece set might be the perfect one for you.
Follow The Maintenance Directions
Just because your butter knives go into the dishwasher doesn’t mean that your kitchen knives will necessarily need to as well. Follow the care instructions of your set carefully so you get the most out of your knives and don’t see rust spots start appearing on your blades.
Best Kitchen Knife Sets
Japanese, German, forged, and stamped. These are descriptors of our five best kitchen knife sets. Large sets, small sets. We made sure to select something for everyone with our list.
Calphalon 321
Calphalon 321
What’s better than an affordably-priced knife set? How about one with a sharpener built into the block itself. That’s what you’ll get with the Calphalon 321. This set includes half a dozen steak knives to go with an eight-inch chef’s knife, serrated utility knife, paring knife, shears, and santoku knife.
Made from forged high-carbon steel, the blades prove tough and are able to maintain an edge. And their full-tang construction adds balance to the knives.
The wooden block features a built-in ceramic sharpener in the slots for the chef’s knife, santoku, and paring blade. This means that every time you pull one out of the block, it passes through the sharpener to maintain its edge. Another handy feature is the printed label on the end of each knife so you’ll know what you’re grabbing at a glance.
In totality, this is an excellent budget knife block. MSRP: $169.99
Buck 13-Piece Cutlery Set
Buck 13-Piece Cutlery Set w/Rosewood DymaLux Handles
Buck? On a list of kitchen knives? Oh yes, and the set is just as high quality as the company’s famous folders. By far, this is the largest set on the list.
The set features an 8-inch chef’s knife, slicer, two different paring knives, a spreader, serving/grilling fork, and six steak knives. Buck constructs the blades from 420HC stainless, except for the spreader, which is 410HC. Triple-rivited, the handles are durable and attractive.
There are two styles of handles. The Slate PaperStone is dishwasher safe while the Rosewood DymaLux is hand-wash only. And everything safely stores away in the wooden knife block.
This set is lovely and meets the lofty expectations you would expect from any other Buck product. MSRP: $599.99 for the Slate Paperstone, $749.99 for the Rosewood DymaLux.
Henckels Statement 12-Piece Kitchen Knife Set With Block
Henckels Statement 12-Piece Kitchen Knife Set With Block
A leader in kitchen cutlery, Henkels‘ set hits home run.
The set features single-piece stamped stainless steel blades that are full tang and precision-honed to give them a perfect edge right out of the box. The polymer handle also provides an excellent grip and is easy to clean. The wood block fits all the pieces which include an eight-inch chef’s knife, santoku knife, paring knife, bread knife, sharpening steel, and a set of six steak knives.
This set covers nearly every scenario you’ll encounter in a home kitchen, and it’s also the most affordable set on our list. MSRP: $119.95.
Mercer Culinary Genesis Six-Piece Knife Block Set
Mercer Culinary Genesis Six-Piece Knife Block Set
This kitchen knife set from Mercer Culinary has the most unique appearance of the items on our list, but it is so much more than just looks.
The glass block allows for a 360-degree display of the knives. The windows are attached on either side of the beechwood block which holds five knives.
This set of forged knives includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, paring knife, bread knife, boning knife, and utility knife. All of them are made from high-carbon German steel ground to a 15-degree edge and outfitted with a Santoprene handle for comfort and grip.
It’s a conversation piece. It’s a quality knife set. It’s an absolute bargain for the quality of the product. MSRP: $156.
Shun Classic 5-Piece Starter Block Set
Shun Classic 5-Piece Starter Block Set
Shun makes professional-caliber knives, and its Classic Five-Piece set maintains that standard.
There are only three knives included in the set, but they are of the highest quality. The 8-inch chef’s knife, paring knife, and utility knife are all made from 68 layers of stainless damascus cladding around a VG-Max core. They all tuck away in the Slimline Bamboo Black knife block, along with a honing rod. The trio of Japanese-style knives has ebony-finished Pakkawood handles with a full tang.
A unique aspect of this set is there are more slots than knives. The block comes with two extra slots, one of which is designed for shears. This gives you to tailor your tools to your needs in the kitchen.
Even though this is the smallest set on our list, it is the priciest due to the time and craftsmanship that went into every element of it. MSRP: $593.
