Only Knives » polypropylene http://www.onlyknives.com Knives, Swords and Blades Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:44:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Rachael Ray Furi Knife Block Set, 6 Piece | Orange Gusto Grip Forged Stainless Steelhttp://www.onlyknives.com/rachael-ray-furi-knife-block-set-6-piece-orange-gusto-grip-forged-stainless-steel/ http://www.onlyknives.com/rachael-ray-furi-knife-block-set-6-piece-orange-gusto-grip-forged-stainless-steel/#comments Sun, 23 May 2010 14:54:57 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9777 Rachael Ray Furi Knife Block Set, 6Chef Rachael Ray partnered with Furi Cutlery to create this basic six-knife set built to Chef Ray's own standards. High carbon chrome-vanadium stainless steel blades combine with unique antibacterial handles to offer chefs a versatile assortment with professional advantages.

Gusto-grip handles don't use the same construction methods as other common cutlery. The polypropylene handles are pre-formed, and then the tapered rat tail tang of the forged knife is pressed into the grip. A rubberized outer coating adds more traction to the already safely shaped grip. Antibacterial agents permanently incorporated in the synthetic handles prevent the growth of harmful organisms. The final step involves insertion of the end bolster -- solid stainless steel placed there to balance the weight of the blade.

The strikingly orange Gusto-grip knives include paring, utility, bread, and chef's knives as well as a blade type developed which Furi calls the East-West knife. This five-inch blade combines the best features of the common chef's knife with the slim and efficient Asian santoku and is well designed for slicing, mincing, and light chopping of vegetables and herbs.

Although this is a good set of knives and does include the basics everyone needs -- in theory, enough of the important knives to do everything in the kitchen -- the Furi Rachael Ray Gusto-grip 6 piece block set does have a couple of minor issues. The five-inch East-West knife doesn't have the cutting capacity of a full-sized santoku or chef's knife, and many will find it a bit too small for all-around convenience. The environmentally friendly bamboo knife block built of renewable and handsome bamboo strips will need a place that's dry, since the block sits flush on the countertop. Moisture collecting beneath the block could cause the bamboo to swell and split glue joints.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/rachael-ray-furi-knife-block-set-6-piece-orange-gusto-grip-forged-stainless-steel/feed/ 0 Henckels Kitchen Prep Knife Starter Set w/ Sharpening Steel | Forged Four Star 3 Piecehttp://www.onlyknives.com/henckels-kitchen-prep-knife-starter-set-w-sharpening-steel-forged-four-star-3-piece/ http://www.onlyknives.com/henckels-kitchen-prep-knife-starter-set-w-sharpening-steel-forged-four-star-3-piece/#comments Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:19:18 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=9269 Henckels Kitchen Prep Knife Starter SetThree useful prep knives and a matching sharpening steel make up this set of starter cutlery from J.A. Henckels of Solingen, Germany. Modern manufacturing processes at Henckels build in quality you won't suspect on first sight.

The smallest knife in the set -- the Four Star Paring Knife -- is fully forged from one uniform piece of high carbon stainless steel alloy. With a rat tail tang firmly embedded in the formed polypropylene handle and a solid steel forged bolster, this paring knife is strong enough to take considerable abuse. The two larger knives -- a six-inch utility knife and an eight-inch chef's knife -- were built with a more complex method.

For each of the larger knives in the Four Star series, Henckels welds a bar of three different types of stainless steel. These alloys are chosen because of qualities especially suited to their positions in blade, bolster, and handle tang. After forging the bolster, the remainder of the shape is laser-cut, not stamped. That shapes the pattern of the knife without introducing stress points or altering the composition of the alloy. A complex tempering process includes Friodur ice-hardening during which the knife blanks are chilled to a drastic -70 degrees C.

These three durable and comfortable knives are enough to handle most basic kitchen prep, although chefs will certainly find reason to acquire more. Build on these three as a practical foundation for more complicated work. The Four Star knives are easily maintained with tough cutting edges that hone quickly with the sharpening steel. Henckels recommends hand washing and drying -- machine washing could gradually erode the steel.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/henckels-kitchen-prep-knife-starter-set-w-sharpening-steel-forged-four-star-3-piece/feed/ 0 Best Cleaver: Henckels Twin Meat Knife | Full Tang High Carbon Stainless Steelhttp://www.onlyknives.com/henckels-twin-meat-cleaver-knife-full-tang-high-carbon-stainless-steel/ http://www.onlyknives.com/henckels-twin-meat-cleaver-knife-full-tang-high-carbon-stainless-steel/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:44:24 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=8507 Henckels Friordur Twin Meat CleaverThick laser-cut steel and a cutting edge ice-hardened by J.A. Henckels' Friordur process makes the Twin Meat Cleaver strong enough for any tough chopping job in the kitchen. This is not a lightweight vegetable cleaver -- the blade of the Henckels chops through gristle, joints, and even heavy bone and frozen food. You can even use the spine of the blade for crushing blocks of ice.

Cleavers intended for dividing carcasses during butchering aren't always a common tool in today's kitchen. Even though most of us don't do the roughest part of that work, this blade still comes in handy. If you like to make your own soup stock, this Henckels cleaver will chop through the heaviest soup bones to the marrow and the real flavor. If you barbecue for large groups of people Hawaiian-style, the Henckels will divide a whole hog into parts you can easily handle.

The full tang and polypropylene handle slabs combine with the six-inch-long cleaver blade to make a knife that's actually more axe than cutting tool. Laser cutting allows the blade to be shaped from a single blank without heating and distortion that could alter the characteristics of the high carbon stainless steel. Though this isn't a forged design and doesn't have the forged bolster of higher priced versions, the steel itself is so thick that this doesn't lower the performance of the cleaver at all.

Sharpening of any cleaver can be a problem -- expect to spend time with whetstones rather than honing steels.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/henckels-twin-meat-cleaver-knife-full-tang-high-carbon-stainless-steel/feed/ 0 Wusthof Trident Classic Tomato Knife | Kitchen Cutlery Serrated Deli 5 Inchhttp://www.onlyknives.com/wusthof-trident-classic-tomato-knife-kitchen-cutlery-serrated-deli-5-inch/ http://www.onlyknives.com/wusthof-trident-classic-tomato-knife-kitchen-cutlery-serrated-deli-5-inch/#comments Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:38:44 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7091 Wusthof Trident Classic Tomato Knife The Wusthof Trident Classic Tomato Knife solves a consistently frustrating kitchen problem that only bothers some people. Tomato knives aren't essential tools unless you spend your days behind a deli counter making sandwiches. For the rest of us, they're a convenience. Some would even feel guilty for owning one, except that the idea of a serrated slicing blade and a forked tip combined in one slim tool does work so well.

Slicing a tomato perfectly isn't essential to life, but it does make a great sandwich. For a sandwich that's perfectly sized for a lunch at work or at home, with tomato slices that aren't mangled and crushed by awkward fingers, work with a tomato knife like this forged Trident Classic. The serrated edge seldom needs sharpening -- slicing without smashing the fruit. When the wheel of tomato falls to the cutting board or plate, lift it neatly with the forked tip and place it on the sandwich stack. Another of life's small problems fades away.

Wusthof uses the same build here as for its heavier knives -- drop forging the tomato knife from a solid bar of high carbon stainless steel and riveting dishwasher-safe polypropylene handle slabs to the full tang. The knife has the look of hardwood handles without the warping problems and food filled gaps. Don't run it through the dishwasher if you care about the edge and polish -- wash and dry by hand.

Not a knife you have to have, but one you'll like.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/wusthof-trident-classic-tomato-knife-kitchen-cutlery-serrated-deli-5-inch/feed/ 0 Wusthof Classic Knife Block Set | Hardwood 26 Piece w/ Steak Kniveshttp://www.onlyknives.com/wusthof-classic-knife-block-set-hardwood-26-piece-w-steak-knives/ http://www.onlyknives.com/wusthof-classic-knife-block-set-hardwood-26-piece-w-steak-knives/#comments Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:10:26 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7085 Wusthof Classic Knife Block Set Even though eight of the knives in this 26-piece knife block set from Wusthof are steak knives, many home chefs could be overwhelmed by this many choices of working blades. Minimalists will find the collection excessive, but part of the draw is the ability to tackle any recipe and have the right tools at hand. Add the look of the oiled hardwood block and the traditional solid construction people have come to expect from Wusthof, and it makes a tempting option for the owner of any large kitchen.

This type of Wusthof knife uses a tried and true combination of riveted handle slabs and strong forged high carbon stainless steel blades. The knives are very well built with full-width, full-length tangs and machine washable polypropylene handles with the look of solid hardwood. This is an old style of knife, heavier than many modern laser-cut steel knives, but it's the style many chefs trained with or inherited. Some would own nothing less. Budget-conscious shoppers or chefs interested in modern types of kitchen blades would want to look at other possibilities as well as this old German cutlery standard.

If you're outfitting a large kitchen and need the specialty knives that make fine cuisine possible, this is an interesting choice. Four different sizes of cook's knives -- the fundamental kitchen blades -- form the backbone of the assortment. Bird's beak paring knife, forked-tip tomato knife, and a slender boning knife expand the possibilities even more. For other butchering and carving work, the carving knife, filet knife, and heavy cleaver fill the gaps. Bread knife, utility knife, and standard paring knife round out the knife set, which also includes a honing steel and kitchen shears. You'll find nothing delicate in this selection -- add a high quality slicing knife to cover all the zones.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/wusthof-classic-knife-block-set-hardwood-26-piece-w-steak-knives/feed/ 0 J.A. Henckels Four Star Knife Block Set | Forged High Carbon Hardwood 9 Piecehttp://www.onlyknives.com/j-a-henckels-four-star-knife-block-set-forged-high-carbon-hardwood-9-piece/ http://www.onlyknives.com/j-a-henckels-four-star-knife-block-set-forged-high-carbon-hardwood-9-piece/#comments Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:52:19 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/?p=7079 J.A. Henckels Four Star Knife Block Set The Henckels Four Star 9-Piece Knife Block Set provides all the fundamental cutting tools the average chef needs, along with a space-saving countertop hardwood knife block. Polypropylene handles and the trusted stain-free high carbon Friodur blades give cooks the option of fast dishwasher cleaning. Edges and finish last longer with hand washing.

Each of these kitchen knives features the forged bolster that has been one of Henckels trademark builds. Forged from high carbon stainless steel blanks, the knives are one seamless piece of tempered steel from the rat tail tangs in the handles to the tips of the flat ground blades. Henckels even makes the paring knife in this set with the same forged bolster and ice hardened steel as the chef's knife. The small tasks will be less fatiguing with these full-sized handles.

Henckels includes a serrated and plain edged utility knife -- good for sandwiches and tomatoes and other fast slicing jobs -- and 8-inch meat carving and bread slicing knives. The true workhorse of the set is the 8-inch chef's knife, built strong enough for light chopping as well as the full range of slicing prep. Kitchen shears and a honing steel each fit their own slots in the 9-slot hardwood block.

As you progress, you'll probably find need for a wider assortment of knives than this -- the utility knives could be the least essential in the group. As a starter set, this is a good assortment and made to high standards, but the lack of a santoku (and no extra slot for one) could be an inconvenience.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/j-a-henckels-four-star-knife-block-set-forged-high-carbon-hardwood-9-piece/feed/ 0 J.A. Henckels Twin Gourmet Steak Knife | 8-Piece Stainless Steel Boxed Sethttp://www.onlyknives.com/ja-henckels-twin-gourmet-8-piece-stainless-steel-steak-knife-boxed-set/ http://www.onlyknives.com/ja-henckels-twin-gourmet-8-piece-stainless-steel-steak-knife-boxed-set/#comments Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:43:12 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/ja-henckels-twin-gourmet-8-piece-stainless-steel-steak-knife-boxed-set/ J.A. Henckels Twin Gourmet 8-PieceThis eight knife set from J. A. Henckels of Germany arrives in a well made wooden storage box every bit as good as the knives themselves. With proper care and reasonable expectations, this durable array of serrated full tang blades, with gap free polypropylene handle slabs, will last many years.

Without that extra level of care, they may not survive in pristine condition. Henckels is a little secretive about the steel they use, even at one period in their company's history manufacturing the alloy themselves. The steel has been developed for corrosion resistance and edge holding ability, which in practice means that dishwashers may gradually blemish the polish of the blades. That can be touched up with polishing compounds, but to avoid the hassle wash these knives by hand. Type of diswashing agent also makes a difference; anything with lemon should be avoided.

The company makes these knife sets in both plain and serrated edges; if you have a preference, be sure to specify this when you buy. Serrated blades are often advertised as "eversharp." A dulled serrated edge cuts better than a dull plain edge, but it's a tradeoff in other ways. Plain edges make a smoother cut and are easily restored at home. Serrated edges cut raggedly, and sharpening them is a task for the factory.

The quality of the meal depends more on the steak. Cutting a good steak shouldn't be hard--if you have to saw it through, the knife isn't the real issue.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/ja-henckels-twin-gourmet-8-piece-stainless-steel-steak-knife-boxed-set/feed/ 0 J.A. Henckels International Classic Forged 7-Piece Kitchen Cutlery Set w/ Knife Blockhttp://www.onlyknives.com/ja-henckels-international-classic-forged-7-piece-kitchen-cutlery-set-w-knife-block/ http://www.onlyknives.com/ja-henckels-international-classic-forged-7-piece-kitchen-cutlery-set-w-knife-block/#comments Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:43:10 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/ja-henckels-international-classic-forged-7-piece-kitchen-cutlery-set-w-knife-block/ J.A. Henckels International ClassicFive high quality chef's tools and a sharpening steel, plus a fine hardwood 10 slot knife block--with this set from J. A. Henckels you get all the essentials and room for more. The assortment includes a 4" paring knife, 5" serrated utility knife, 7" Santoku knife, 8" Chef's knife and a 9" sharpening steel and stainless steel kitchen shears.

The quality of the Classic Forged knives is a big step above their economy line of stamped steel products. The strength of a knife and its edge holding potential depend partially on the forging process. Cheaper knives are stamped from rolls of pre-sized steel; forged knives are hammered from bars. The difference in quality results from the stretching of the crystalline structure of the steel. The more it's stretched and distorted, the higher the tensile strength.

The knives come pre sharpened but will require some touching up at home. Most will be familiar, but anyone who hasn't used a Santoku will be in for a welcome surprise. The thin Japanese style blade is ground with multiple hollows, and makes a nearly perfect slicing knife. The hollows let sliced products slip away from the blade, though its effectiveness is open to debate. The compact inclined hardwood block sits on non skid feet, keeping it above the damp of the countertop.

The stainless steel full width tang blades and gap free polypropylene handles are dishwasher safe, but Henckels recommends handwashing to reduce blemishing of the steel and protect the cutting edges.

All this being said, we still prefer the Forschner knife set we reviewed earlier. That set will hold an edge longer, so check it out before you commit to this one.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/ja-henckels-international-classic-forged-7-piece-kitchen-cutlery-set-w-knife-block/feed/ 0 Henckels International Fine Edge Pro 3-Piece Kitchen Cutlery Knife Sethttp://www.onlyknives.com/henckels-international-fine-edge-pro-3-piece-kitchen-cutlery-knife-set/ http://www.onlyknives.com/henckels-international-fine-edge-pro-3-piece-kitchen-cutlery-knife-set/#comments Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:43:10 +0000 JT Hats http://www.onlyknives.com/henckels-international-fine-edge-pro-3-piece-kitchen-cutlery-knife-set/ Henckels International Fine Edge ProThis set of three fundamental home chef's knives from J. A. Henckels Cutlery is a reasonable choice for someone starting out on a budget. The Professional Series from which these knives are taken isn't the finest Henckels has to offer, but it's serviceable if you are willing to spend time on edge maintenance.

In this set you get an 8" blade chef's knife, 5" blade utility knife, and 3" blade paring knife--all well designed blades with gap free polpropylene handle slabs securely riveted to the full tang knife blanks. Stamped from rolls of high carbon stainless steel, the blades will not have the superior edge holding quality of knives that are hand forged. Cost cutting usually also involves oven tempering in large lots and sometimes a wide variation in quality from knife to knife.

The end result is a set of knives that one person may love and another may find troublesome. In every factory batch there will be great knives, and the not so great as well. The flat grind makes getting a good initial edge a little more difficult, and often takes some hand honing with a good whetstone before a sharpening steel will be of much help. This same grind gives lower quality steel a very strong edge, so it isn't a bad tradeoff. It just requires more attention from the owner.

The stainless steel Henckels uses is not corrosion free--chosen for qualities beyond simple corrosion protection, the blades survive best if hand washed rather than run through dishwashers. The gap free construction makes hand washing simple. Check the edge while you're at it.

Looking for a better set in the same price range? Check out our favorite small set -- the Forschner 3-piece set.

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]]> http://www.onlyknives.com/henckels-international-fine-edge-pro-3-piece-kitchen-cutlery-knife-set/feed/ 0 R H. Forschner Steak Knife Set | Rosewood or Polypropylene Handles | Victorinoxhttp://www.onlyknives.com/r-h-forschner-steak-knife-set-rosewood-or-polypropylene-handles-victorinox/ http://www.onlyknives.com/r-h-forschner-steak-knife-set-rosewood-or-polypropylene-handles-victorinox/#comments Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:19:48 +0000 admin http://www.onlyknives.com/r-h-forschner-steak-knife-set-rosewood-or-polypropylene-handles-victorinox/ R H. Forschner Steak Knife Set Ah, our old friend Mr. R.H. Forschner. Is there anything he can't do?

We named Forschner's 3-piece set our best budget kitchen knife set a while back. Poke around OnlyKnives a bit and you'll see we're big fans of all of their knives. It's no surprise really -- made by Victorinox, Forschner knives have always struck a great balance between low-price and high-performance.

And the steak knives are no exception. They're sharp, made of decent quality steel, lightweight, and easy to resharpen. Check out some of the reviews on Amazon and you'll see that many others agree.

They're available with basic black non-slip Polypropylene handles, with 3-rivet handles for a classier look, or with Rosewood handles for an old-school look and feel. The polypropylene are the least expensive, the three-rivet next, and the Rosewood most expensive of the three.

The POM will probably live the longest of those choices, with the Rosewood being a bit dodgy -- wood and dishwashers don't go together well. The Rosewood sure does look nice, though, and that's why they cost a bit more.

You can't really go wrong with these knives. They're not the highest-end steak knife you can buy -- for that check out the Global Steak Knives. But they're also about one-third the price.

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