so since we're half way through the year its time to start the x-mas shopping! yes, i am that organised when it comes to x-mas (was finnished by Nov 1st last year) and i need to make a special effort this year! its my first christmas living with my partner so the first christmas in our home! my partners mums coming to stay and they are both demented about x-mas, absolutely love it so needs to be top notch.

anyway, my partners mum has advised us in advance (very helpful!) that for x-mas this year she'd like a new set of knives for the kitchen. not an area i'm an expert in so does anyone have any (reasonably prices!) suggestions?

It's considered very bad luck to give knives, they should only be bought and sold. You'd need to be given even a token payment (a penny perhaps?) in exchange if the friendship is to last.

Apart from that, make sure that the tang (the part of the blade within the handle) goes the full length of the handle. Sabatier are good, and hold an edge reasonably well.

really? i wonder where that comes from? there is a v. nice looking set on ebay that ive seen other places for £249...opening bid £24.99. seems a bargin to me! it means we could buy her other things to...

these are fully cast in stainless steel, no tang.

Copy and pasted"

Chef Knife Basics
If you're unsure what size chef kitchen knife to buy, go with an 8." Not only is this the most popular size cooks knife sold, generally the most comfortable size for average home cook. The longer bladed ones: leave those to the worlds' finest chefs, those with great big hands or special techniques. With smaller hands, and your average Joe or Joanne: stick with the 8" knife size.

Buying: What to Look For?
Curved blade - A chef cutting knife is designed for chopping food on a cutting board. With a curved blade you will be able to rock the knife from tip to heel for efficient cutting. A straight blade doesn't rock. Believe me - the rocking motion will save you from fatigue.

Balance - look for a knife that has the weight equally balanced between the handle and blade.

Grip - This is important for safety. If you're working with greasy meat or chicken, your hand can slip off the handle if the material is slick like pure stainless steel handles. Look for grips that have texture such as the dots on Global knife handles. Also, the handle should feel comfortable in your hand.

Strength - If you go to cut the pumpkin and the knife feels flimsy watch out. Look for a cook's knife that is strong and up to various cutting tasks.

http://www.kitchentotable.com/productlines/knives.php

I know when my hubby makes knives the blade does go right to the end and handle over it- makes sure well balanced knife- Hope this is of some help :)

Can't beat the old 'Kitchen Devils' IMO.  :)

thanks, thats helpful.

i did see a lovely set of japanese ones made in the same way as Katana, the metal folded and folded and folded till its super strong, they looked amazing.... about 50 quid a knife (at least!)...

Are you a member of Costco? I'd been wanting a set of Henckels for awhile but couldn't afford them. Then I found a set at Costco for a brilliant price. I've had them about 20 years and they're as good as the day I bought them.

In fact I just found a set for 265 off RRP; £99.95 here. :)

nope i'm not. and unfortuately £99 is a wee bit out for me... only way we can afford to spend as much as i do is by starting at this time of year lol (and lots of overtime). thank you for the suggestion though.

Wow, Lori that's a very good price.  I think I might take advantage of that deal.  It's time I replaced my ragbag collection :-)

Well, I found the Henckels irresistable and have put my order in :-) but here is another good deal they are offering at a more modest price.

Yes it is. That's about what I paid at Costco for mine and that was 20 years ago. I hope you enjoy them.

That set you found looks good and is a great deal.

thanks for the suggestions everyone, think we've found a nice set now. ta!

isabel, glad you got something out of the thread to lol :)

Ditto JeanGenie I had a set of Sabatiers when I married in 1982 and I have recently given them to my son for his new home whilst i have got a set of the all metal ones. They have lasted excellently apart from someone losing the smallest paring knife.
Great gift.

I'll second Sabatiers, I've a selection of various quality and age.  The worst quality are the ones that you can buy in the likes of Debenhams, so go for the professional grade and they will last for ever.  I get them professionally sharpened every couple of years too.

Ive got a lovely set of Sabatiers, OH's mum gave them to me as shes got a 'wonderful set of stay sharp serrated blah blah'......

Blech. NEVER go with that kind of magical stays sharp never needs sharpening serrated yuck, yep... they cut through anything, woo you can cut a coke can in half with them, huzzah you can saw a wooden bread board in half with them... but you dont need to do that, and they will mangle any veg or meat you ever try to slice! Yuck!

So.. Sabatiers, a decent steel and knowing how to sharpen them properly (not those horrid 'just pull the knife through this thing' gadgets that put a really rubbish 'false' edge on a knife!).. A sharp knife is much safer, and knives should be sharpened EVERY time you use them.. (I have a strop as well as a steel...).

Knife snob, moi?..... yes! I have some work knives that cost over #50 each and saving up for a new one thats horrifically expensive but soooooooooooooooooo nice to use.