Only Knives » Mundial http://www.onlyknives.com Knives, Swords and Blades Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:15:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Mundial Knife Storage Block KB-9 | Solid Hardwood Laminated 9 Slothttp://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-knife-storage-block-kb-9-solid-hardwood-laminated-9-slot/ http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-knife-storage-block-kb-9-solid-hardwood-laminated-9-slot/#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:51:14 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=10137 Mundial Knife Storage Block KB-9 The wide slot spacing of this wood storage block from Mundial of Brazil makes it a good match for most American and European brands as well. Thinner Asian knives will also fit, but the Mundial KB-9 block was designed for heavier blades.

With dimensions of 8-1/2 by 4-3/4 by 9 inches and a weight of about five pounds, the 9-slot block is stable and doesn't take up too much space. The block actually has a smaller footprint than a comparable Wusthof block with the same number of slots. The largest Mundial knife slot in the block should hold an average santoku or chef's knife but certainly not a cleaver. Consider whether the Mundial block fits your style of knife best before you buy. The block provides slots for 7 knives, with two other slots fitting a sharpening steel and a pair of kitchen shears.

The Mundial block does have a nice polish with smoothly chamfered edges and seamless laminated construction. Layers of hardwood lumber stacked with opposing grain patterns resist swelling and cracking but require some regular care. Spills wipe off easily, but all accessible surfaces of the block will need occasional oiling to protect the finish and repel moisture. Rubberized feet keep the block off the countertop and above most spills, but don't leave water standing beneath it for long.

Wooden blocks are still the best way to store fine cutlery, protecting knife edges and wicking moisture away from blades. Place the block where it will be least exposed to steam and radiant heat. Uneven heating and constant moisture can put considerable stress on the block's glue joints.

For a block of the same general size but with a different selection of slots, see the Wusthof 9 Slot Beechwood Block.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-knife-storage-block-kb-9-solid-hardwood-laminated-9-slot/feed/ 0 Mundial Steak Knife Set, Serrated | Stainless Steel Forged White Polyacetal 5100http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-steak-knife-set-serrated-stainless-steel-forged-white-polyacetal-5100/ http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-steak-knife-set-serrated-stainless-steel-forged-white-polyacetal-5100/#comments Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:34:00 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9339 Mundial Steak Knife Set, Serrated The white polyacetal handle slabs of these fine steak knives from Mundial are their most striking feature, but there's excellent quality in the stainless steel construction as well. Mundial's 5100 series knives are forged from a solid bar of high carbon stainless steel using the same processes as for their rugged prep knives.

These knives are still made in an older forged bolster pattern. There's more steel and more weight than is absolutely necessary in a steak knife, but many diners and chefs still prefer the look of traditional German cutlery. The heritage of this Brazilian company, begun by an emigrant from Germany, is obvious when you compare these blades to Wusthof or Henckels. The style is straight from the foundries of Solingen, even though the factory is in South America.

Polyacetal handles give the knives a more modern look, with the same proven triple-riveted slab handle design that has been top quality in the West for decades. The 5100 series comes in burgundy red, black and flawless white -- choose the last if you're adventurous. Though these knives should be stain-free in all senses of the word, careful hand washing is still recommended. Don't allow food to dry on blades or handles, and avoid obvious potential problems like pomegranate juice. Better safe than sorry where white handles are concerned. Mundial's warranty does not cover abuse.

The stainless steel blades have serrated edges where serration makes sense -- on the forward half of the blade. The knives should stay sharp for years, but seek a professional to seriously rework the edges of these good steak knives.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-steak-knife-set-serrated-stainless-steel-forged-white-polyacetal-5100/feed/ 0 Mundial Hardwood Knife Block Set, Forged Hollow Ground | Olivier Anquier Guajavira 12 Piecehttp://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-hardwood-knife-block-set-forged-hollow-ground-olivier-anquier-guajavira-12-piece/ http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-hardwood-knife-block-set-forged-hollow-ground-olivier-anquier-guajavira-12-piece/#comments Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:24:43 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9217 Mundial Hardwood Knife Block Set,Designed by French chef Olivier Anquier and manufactured by Mundial of Brazil, this 12-piece block set looks good enough to display in the dining room. The hardwood handles and strong bolsters make the knives equally practical, built to use as well as admire.

Begun by an emigrant from Germany, Mundial's Brazilian manufacturing center now exports fine cutlery worldwide. The Oliver Anquier line was designed in partnership with Chef Anquier and represents some of Mundial's best work, holding true to old standards many modern chefs still prefer. These drop-forged chrome molybdenum steel knives have a heavier build than many modern counterparts with bolsters the full width of the blades. Taper-ground edges are made to German standards with bevels rugged enough to hold up to the toughest jobs, yet easily restored with simple sharpening systems.

Knives include paring and peeling knives, a six-inch utility knife with long-lasting serrated edge, and both six and eight-inch chef's knives. With modern preferences in mind, the set also includes an eight-inch hollow ground carving knife and a hollow ground santoku. If you've developed new habits by using modern laser-cut blades, you'll find the Mundial slicer and santoku comfortable and familiar. An eight-inch serrated bread knife, easily cleaned kitchen shears, and a matching sharpening steel complete the tool set. The 23-slot hardwood knife block has room for expansion, including enough secondary slots for eight steak knives.

Mundial's choice of woods should satisfy any customer with concerns about the fate of the rain forest since the guajavira hardwood in these handles comes from renewable tree farms rather than virgin timber.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-hardwood-knife-block-set-forged-hollow-ground-olivier-anquier-guajavira-12-piece/feed/ 0 Mundial Steak Knife Set by Olivier Anquier | Serrated w/ Hardwood Handle, 4 Piecehttp://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-steak-knife-set-by-olivier-anquier-serrated-w-hardwood-handle-4-piece/ http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-steak-knife-set-by-olivier-anquier-serrated-w-hardwood-handle-4-piece/#comments Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:15:23 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9226 Mundial Steak Knife Set by OlivierFrom one of Mundial's highest quality product lines, this four-piece steak knife set combines the design concepts of French chef Olivier Anquier with the Old World German craftsmanship of this famous Brazilian company. Add renewable Brazilian tropical hardwood to the good ideas in this steak set.

Chrome molybdenum stainfree high carbon steel is at the heart of these fully forged knives, but the most striking part is the ribbed hardwood handle. While most of Brazil's beautiful woods have come from endangered rain forest and questionable clearcutting methods, a few important species are now farmed and renewable. One of those -- Brazilian guajavira -- has the stability and hardness needed for the handles of kitchen cutlery. The guajavira handles of this set are both beautiful and functional, holding up well to hand washing and extremes in humidity and temperature. A rubdown with mineral oil keeps the finish in good condition.

These knives are very comfortable to hold with ribbed grips, strong bolsters, and a size that gives diners full control. The serrated blades of this set withstand hard surfaces and encounters with bones. Edges remain serviceable for years without sharpening. Take them to a professional when the set does need re-working.

Mundial's knives are still made to old standards and are heavier than many modern brands. In a steak knife set, that extra strength and weight isn't absolutely necessary, but it gives these knives an appearance and quality that's well above the usual lightweight, modern styles.

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Mundial Olivier Anquier 4 Steak KnifeMundial Olivier Anquier 4 Steak Knife
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Olivier Anquier 8 Piece 5 Steak Knife Set BoxOlivier Anquier 8 Piece 5 Steak Knife Set Box
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Olivier Anquier 8 Piece 4 Steak Knife Set BoxOlivier Anquier 8 Piece 4 Steak Knife Set Box
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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-steak-knife-set-by-olivier-anquier-serrated-w-hardwood-handle-4-piece/feed/ 0 Mundial Future Knife Block Set 10 | Contemporary & Modern Kitchen Decor, Stainless Steelhttp://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-future-knife-block-set-10-contemporary-modern-kitchen-decor-stainless-steel/ http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-future-knife-block-set-10-contemporary-modern-kitchen-decor-stainless-steel/#comments Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:22:13 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9191 Mundial Future Knife Block Set 10 Mundial of Brazil presents this fine set of forged all-stainless steel knives in a futuristic matching knife block to accent the beauty of your kitchen as well as handle all stages of the work. Traditional craftsmanship combines with modern manufacturing methods to give Mundial customers the best of both. Expect knives with an old world build and a few major (but good) changes.

Flat ground blades of high carbon stainless steel match full tangs to handles of 18/10 cutlery grade stainless steel for a strong seamless build with cutting edges that last and grips that won't blemish. This heavier construction includes bolsters forged the full width of the blade. This is a very strong build, but if you're accustomed to modern stamped knives or slim Japanese styles, that bolster could be awkward.

The set includes small peeling and paring knives, a six-inch utility knife good for slicing odd vegetables or boning meat and poultry, and three eight-inch knives -- chef's knife, bread knife, and carving knife. Add the sharpening steel and kitchen shears plus a matching carving fork, and even the beginning chef will be fully prepared for both kitchen work and dining service.

Mundial's wood knife block is finished to match the metallic sheen of the knife set. The finish is stain resistant and easy to clean as well. Hand washing of all pieces in this set is recommended -- handles aren't likely to stain, but the harder steel of the blades could spot if blades aren't properly cleaned and dried.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-future-knife-block-set-10-contemporary-modern-kitchen-decor-stainless-steel/feed/ 0 Mundial 5100 Series Knife Block Set | Forged High Carbon Stainless Steel 7 Piece | Brazilian Cutleryhttp://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-5100-series-knife-block-set-forged-high-carbon-stainless-steel-7-piece-brazilian-cutlery/ http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-5100-series-knife-block-set-forged-high-carbon-stainless-steel-7-piece-brazilian-cutlery/#comments Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:43:20 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7367 Mundial 5100 Series Knife Block Set Though this set of forged high carbon stainless steel knives is manufactured in Brazil, the design and quality is thoroughly German. Adhering to proven ideas from Solingen knifemakers, Mundial's knives buck no trends. You get knives as knives were made decades ago, with strong bolsters and solidly built blades that are heavy compared to many modern builds.

Mundial's seven-piece block includes a well-built hardwood knife block with storage for five knives, kitchen shears, and a sharpening steel, plus two extra slots for the favorite knives you already own. The workhorse of the selection is the 8-inch chef's knife built for slicing, chopping, and even mincing. For specialty work, choose the 3-1/2 inch paring knife, 8-inch serrated bread knife, serrated utility knife for sandwich prep, and a slender carving blade well-designed for cutting and boning meat. The kitchen shears included in the set feature short high leverage blades for cleaving gristle and bone and handle extensions with bottle opener options.

Unless you're already sold on the older forged steel European designs, consider a newer product like Victorinox which features lighter and very efficient blades of high quality stamped steel. Mundial knives carry an excellent warranty and reputation but show no obvious innovation. Some will find the heavy full width bolsters awkward since they reduce access to the entire cutting edge. Augmenting this selection with a cleaver for heavy chopping and a santoku for precision slicing rounds out the set to fit nearly any situation.

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Mundial 5100 Series White 7 Piece Block SetMundial 5100 Series White 7 Piece Block Set
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Mundial 5100 Series Red 7 Piece Block SetMundial 5100 Series Red 7 Piece Block Set
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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-5100-series-knife-block-set-forged-high-carbon-stainless-steel-7-piece-brazilian-cutlery/feed/ 0 Mundial Cutlery White Knife Block Set | Stainless Steel 7 Piece Full Tang 5100 Serieshttp://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-cutlery-white-knife-block-set-stainless-steel-7-piece-full-tang-5100-series/ http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-cutlery-white-knife-block-set-stainless-steel-7-piece-full-tang-5100-series/#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:13:31 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=6697 Mundial Cutlery White Knife Block Set A practical starter set from Mundial of Brazil, this selection of four knives, sharpening steel and kitchen shears comes with a ten slot hardwood block and a limited lifetime warranty. To fill the extra slots you'll definitely need Mundial knives with these same distinctive polyacetal full tang handles. Other knives will fit, but only the Mundial 5100 series will match.

The four knives in the set include chef's knife and paring knife with plain edges, and bread knife and utility knife with serrated edges. The highly polished forged blades and bolsters are strong enough for any of the practical kitchen chores you'll encounter. For carving or slicing you'll eventually need to add better choices to the set. Hollow ground carving and santoku knives are available in the same style, but all the Mundial models are built with the same full width bolsters, and that won't compare to the slicing efficiency of lighter builds.

Mundial makes no specific statement regarding the stain free quality of the ivory white handles, and although I'm sure most foods will clean up simply and easily and leave the knives bright, white, and shining--I'd also expect to encounter something in the kitchen that wouldn't. The clean look is one of the best features of the set, and keeping it is a gamble.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-cutlery-white-knife-block-set-stainless-steel-7-piece-full-tang-5100-series/feed/ 0 Mundial Chef’s Knife Review | 5100 Series 8-Inchhttp://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-chefs-knife-review-5100-series-8-inch/ http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-chefs-knife-review-5100-series-8-inch/#comments Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:07:00 +0000 admin http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-chefs-knife-review-5100-series-8-inch/ Mundial Chef's Knife Review We've got strong opinions about Chef's knives around here. Check out our guide to kitchen knives on a budget to get an overview, but we tend to recommend Japanese knives like Shun or, if you're on a budget, Tojiro. If you're insistent on German knives, Messermeister is one of our favored brands.

So, where does that leave Mundial? A bit lost in the middle, perhaps. But perhaps unjustly so.

Mundial has been making professional-quality knives for decades, first in Solingen, Germany and now in Brazil. The 5100 series is their longest running set of fully forged knives, and it's obvious why the models haven't been discontinued by now. In some ways, they're still ahead of their time. The blade is high-carbon chrome molybdenum stainless steel, fully forged for razor sharpness, and extends into the handle for sturdy full tang construction.

Its weight is well balanced, with ergonomic, tri-riveted polyacetal handles. That thick bolster in the middle is reminiscent of traditional German Knives -- we're not crazy about it but some people really like having it there.

If you're still unsure, Mundial submits their knives every year to a testing facility to ensure they're still producing top-of-the line... and succeed every time.

This knife is not dishwasher safe and must be treated with the care a professional knife deserves. In case anything should go wrong, it's backed with a lifetime warranty.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-chefs-knife-review-5100-series-8-inch/feed/ 1 Mundial 5100 Series 7-Inch Santoku Knifehttp://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-5100-series-7-inch-santoku-knife/ http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-5100-series-7-inch-santoku-knife/#comments Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:37:59 +0000 admin http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-5100-series-7-inch-santoku-knife/ Mundial 5100 Series 7-Inch Santoku KnifeSantokus have become wildly popular over the past several years. Perhaps it's the novelty of using an Asian-style blade. Or perhaps it's the celebrity chefs that push them at every turn.

Truth is, they are versatile knives that belong in every kitchen. What they're not is an all-purpose knife that should replace all of your other knives.

As far as Mundial goes, they make a good one. Mundial is a German knife-making company that moved to Brazil. They are the choice of many restaurant professionals.

Their 5100 series features full-tang blades that are fully forged and crafted from high-carbon chrome molybdenum stainless steel.

Their Santoku is 7 inches in length, typical for this kind of knife. Note that it's a little smaller than a chef's knife.

The full bolster you see on the knife is somewhat problematic. That will get in the way of resharpening over time. If you're worried about that, check out some of the other Santokus we've reviewed recently.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-5100-series-7-inch-santoku-knife/feed/ 0 Mundial Cutlery 5100 7-Piece Block Knife Set | Kitchen Kniveshttp://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-5100-series-7-piece-block-set/ http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-5100-series-7-piece-block-set/#comments Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:41:54 +0000 admin http://www.onlyknives.com/mundial-5100-series-7-piece-block-set/ Mundial 5100 Series 7-Piece Block SetMundial Knives are the choice of many professional chefs, so you know they're high-quality. But don't just take their word for it; check out the details...

This set includes the essential kitchen knives and not too much else. This is a good thing -- you don't want to pay extra for knives you don't need. You get the basics -- a 3.5" paring knife, an 8" chef's knife, an 8" bread knife and a 6" utility blade. You'll also get some non-essential but nice to have pieces: a sharpening steel for honing your knives' blades, a wooden block for horizontal storage, and a set of shears for miscellaneous kitchen tasks.

The steel is a high-carbon, chromium and molybdenum blend that should provide stain-resistance and sharpness. It's not as sharp as some of the high-end Japanese knives but should more than hold its own against a high-end Wusthof or Henckels. Those knives, of course, are much more expensive.

The handles are black polyacetal, designed for ergonomic comfort and stain-resistance.

Mundial has been making knives for decades -- first in Solingen, Germany and now in Brazil. This set is a great example of how they are providing top-quality knives at reasonable prices.

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