Start with just an 8-10†chefs. Go to a store and actually try them. Get one that you feel most comfortable using and has a medium to good steel like vg10 or aus10. Try to avoid "no-name" steels unless it’s from a very respected company or maker.
I recently discovered dahlstrong and for the price they are hard to beat. compared to a shun classic chefs, I usually use the dahlstrong, mostly because it fits my grip better.
Companies that use a good steel are normally proud of the fact, and want you to know what they are using. If they don't tout the steel they are using, it could still be a good one, but you will not know.
Another option to consider....
Take a look at the Spyderco knife sharpener. Get the diamond stones to add to the set which will bring dull knives back to a condition they can then be refined to an really sharp edge with the stones in the basic setup. Start with a knife or two to get your technique down. It will take some time but the long term benefits of hand sharpening pays off. This setup will work with any knife. It also can be used to sharpen scissors.
I am not a fan of electric knife sharpeners. They take too much metal off fast and don’t create a lasting edge.
Brookie
I'm with Brookie, I learned how to use various grades of whet stones from an old timer who actually knew how to make an edge and make it last. Call me old school, I still believe that's the way a knife should be sharpened.
Yeah, they jus don't (quite literally) make things th way they 'usedta do'...
I always gravitate towards th older specimens of many tried, n true brands...
I have always been a whetstone sharpener, (Scouts, as well), an have made many $$$ in my off time, doin so, fer others, under varyin circumstances of neccessity / urgency......
As previously stated, there are, one could safely say, a multitude of sharpeners / methods / systems / machines available, 'Out There'... I'll not enter into that debate.
I have a few newer things that seem to help, but, much like a whetstone, take some time to bring a knife back from 10 years dull...At a minimum, havin a good steel around, an learnin a lil proficiency on it will stave off most knife complaints...
Whatever ya decide to do, don't do like me, an go droppin yer limited money on some new knives...
I ain't, even fer one minute makin sport of ya, brother...
I found myself needin some cutlery to take on th road with me, that I had no particular sentimental attachment to, in case summat might bad happen...
I really like the cleaver! It is probably one of my favorites right now, and it was VERY reasonably priced. The handle good be bigger to fit my hand, but nothing to complain about.
Mr. Bones , I just noticed you have the 14 incher...what ya usin' that for? As a machete when your out trailblazin'? Ha! I have the 7 & 10 to tag along with the cleaver and am contemplating the 14 in the near future.
DON'T OVERLOOK THE EARLY MENTION OF GROCERY STORES. I was shocked to find out the local chain in St. Louis - Schnuck's - does it free. Then I found out a lot do - they have numbered sheaths at the store for each knife and ask 3 days here. Just make sure to use a store with an in-house butcher.
I think you can maintain Chicago Cutlery with kitchen steel after a pro sharpening for almost a year. I use kitchen steel every time I use a knife. I, too, am reticent to go electric - I don't have many disposable knives anymore. I'm also unhappy with the manuals I've used so far.
I have a couple deep investments in fish filet knives because I'm an avid angler - those are challenging too. I have a wet stone
for those.
Knife discussions are pretty much like politics and religion, and the sharpeners can be too. I'm a fan of vintage Sheffield stainless knives if the handle is real horn, and Damascus. That could start a good argument. I also have the Mercer 14" on my Amazon BBQ wish list.
To sum it up, I think you should get them sharpened and maintain them manually while you develop a long term knife investment and maintenance strategy.
JGo37, I Think You And I Fall In The Same Camp Regarding Knife
Sharpening And Maintenanceâ€¼ï¸ Our Utility Knives Are "VINTAGE"
Chicago Cutlery, Vitronix, Old Hickory Andâ“â“â“ They Are Maintained Periodically With A Wet Stone And A Steel‼ï¸â“â€¼ï¸ The
Secret Is "PROPER STORAGE" To Keep Knives Sharp‼ï¸â“‼ï¸
From A Backyard Cremator In Fargo ND, Dan
I have used Chicago knives and you can sharpen them. Currently my favorite set is a Pampered Chef collection that my wife bought. Who would have thought! I also have a Cutco clever that is a dream. I was a whetstone die-hard for my entire life but did buy an electric sharpener with three wheels about two years ago. I can do a quick touch-up with the 2nd and 3rd wheel but can use the first wheel on tough dull knives. A steel is also helpful during for on the job touch ups.
I'm considering the AG Russell ceramic rods, potentially with the diamond rods added. Henckels knives. After reading this thread, I've checked out the Spyderco Sharpmaker as well, and it appears to be superior. I'd appreciate any comments or advice.
Last edited by fkrall; September 9, 2018, 09:54 AM.
Reason: Added Spyderco as an option
I recently got the Victorinox Swiss Army 8-Piece Ultimate Competition BBQ Set with Black Fibrox Pro Handles and Knife Roll (https://amazon.com/gp/product/B01GR13642/). I have been very happy with their performance and how they fit my hand. They're not cheap (~$200), but they don't break the bank for what you get. This is a quality set of tools that you feel comfortable using for BBQ. My wife and son each have swanky Japanese chef knives that costs almost what I paid for my Victorinox kit. They're amazing knives, but I'm not comfortable using them knowing how much they cost and their sleek, polished handles get slippery in a greasy BBQ environment. I really love the handles on the Victorinox set. They don't slip and clean up is easy. A long rambling answer to say that I'm not a knife geek, but I am a big fan of the Victorinox BBQ set of knives for prepping and serving BBQ.
Good call on the handle material. For bbq the no-nonsense commercial style handles are best, because if the knife slips out of your grip that's when you get cut. I use my fancy knives when doing regular food prep in the kitchen, but use the non-slip when slicing up the 'que.
I still use Chicago Cutlery we received as a wedding present 35 years ago. Which is about the same time I bought a Lansky sharpener which allows a precise, consistent angle when sharpening. Together they equal sharp knives. I was taught electric knife sharpeners overheat the metal and that can weaken the edge over time. IMO the key is to not let them get very dull . . . and keep your family from using them as screwdrivers, chisels, and pry bars! The Lansky also works on scissors by using a steeper angle.
What angle ya been usin on yer Ol Chicagos, RustyHaines ?
I also have a Lansky setup, an like it a lot, but tryin to assemble a database of factory edge bevels fer common knives...
Or did ya re profile em, to a preferred angle?
I sharpen at a 15 degree angle with my Lansky for all my knives. I have 2 knives that were at 10 degree angles and I changed them to 15 degrees. Took some elbow grease and a little time but I got them converted. I find 15 degrees to be the best for a good, functional sharp edge that has a some longevity assuming the knives are used properly. I sharpen scissors at a 25 degree angle.
I have a shop full of sharpening machines and the Tormek is also one of favorites. Expensive now a days, but worth it if you do other tools beside knives.
Do not buy an expensive or nice bread knife. They wear out, they get dull, and they can’t really be sharpened properly. Buy cheap ones and replace as they go bad.
The Spyderco Sharpmaker uses triangle shaped rods that work quite well on on bread knives. This is for knives with rounded ridges - not the ones that look like a saw blade.
Grills/Smokers
Blaze 32" 4-Burner Gas Grill w/infrared rear rotisserie burner
Weber Jumbo Joe
Weber 22" Master-Touch Kettle w/rotisserie
Pit Barrel Cooker
Great Outdoors Smoky Mountain Series 36" Vertical Gas Smoker
Traeger Timberline 850 w/BBQ Hack griddle and Pizza oven attachment
Thermometers
Thermoworks Smoke
Maverick ET-733
Thermapen Mk4, Red
Sous Vide
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker, Bluetooth, 800W
Anova Precision Cooker Insulated Container
Lipavi C15 container and lid
Lipavi L15 Rack
Accessories
SNS
BBQ Guru DigiQ (for PBC and 22" Weber Kettle)
BBQ Dragon
BBQ Dragon Grill Table for 22" Weber Kettle
Fire Butler (for Weber 22")
Grill Grates for Jumbo Joe and Blaze grill
Hovergrill
About me
Name: Jim
Nick name: Bear
Location: Spokane Valley, Wa.
Born at a very young age at Egland AFB, Ft. Walton Beach, FL.
USAF vet, ECM (F4 & B52)/B52 Crew Chief, Computer Systems NCO, disabled
Former Computer Tech/Admin
Campus Manager/Lead Tech/Tech (IT) for The Kemtah Group contracted to Intel, Rio Rancho, NM.
Short Term Missionary to the Marshall Islands with MAPS of DFM of AOG
I like to sharpen my own knives and have been doing so since I was a kid. I now use a Worksharp KEN ONION EDITION which works quite well. I then use a leather strop.
We have an old set of Chicago Cutlery knives. I am weighing buying another set vs buying an electrc sharpener. The set is around 10 years old and very dull. We have an old manual sharpener that doesn't work at all. What do you guys think? Our budget is kinda low...
Don't buy a "SET". Decide which particular knife is most important and buy the best one you can. I just bought this...
I also needed steak knives, and I almost bought Meathead's recommendation, but glad I didn't....I think these are a better value.... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ... 4 for $21. Fantastic cutlery and fantastic value.
By the way, all three of these purchases are to replace knives in a "set" that I bought years ago.
I have a chef choice sharpener. If you hone your blade regularly then you will not need to sharpen it that often. If I was on a budget I would buy a knife sharpener and hone. You can make any blade sharp including the blades you have now.
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