[Larkston Zinaspic]

My wife likes the convenience of having one of those knives-in-a-block sets (with the shears, steak knives and that whole bit) on the counter, but the set we have is utterly pathetic and completely shot.

I never see any serious chefs recommending block sets, and probably for good reason. Can anyone recommend a suitable replacement set that would be worth investing my money in? TIA.

[satfrat]

This topic has already been discussed only a few threads down from yours,,,, lots of good info. Here's a quick link for ya.


Cheers,
Robin

[rpf]

Henckels and Wusthof make good sets at a variety of prices.

[john1970]

Own a Wusthof Classic set that I purchased ~8 years ago.  Expecting it to last a lifetiime and beyond.

John

[Bigfish]

A Chef advised my wife to purchase knives that feel the best in her hand.  She selected the classic Wusthofs.

Ken

[markC]

I like my Cutco's. Expensive, but high quality with a good feel. Don't like the serrated ones, so I just have the chef, boning and paring. I keep them sharp with a steel and have had them over 8 years now.

[Rob Babcock]

It depends upon your price range.  As a rule I don't consider the block sets to be a great value.  One piece is almost always a steel and they almost always include a kitchen shears; the coarse, ribbed steel is worse than useless and should never be used on good knives.  The shears are nice to have but do you need a $60 pair?  Block sets include the knives that the vendor thinks you should have but they may not be what you'll actually use.  That said, some blocks aren't too bad.  In the lower price range the Forschner Fibrox/Rosewood sets are a good value.  In the mid range I'd suggest Messermeister.  At the higher end you can't go wrong with a Shun block.

You could also buy a block and then choose the knives you actually need.  I think this is the best approach.  Most stuff that needs done in a kitchen can be done with a good Chef's knife (8" or 10", a serrated bread knife and a paring knife.  You can add to this for specialized stuff but 95% will be covered by those 3.

[markC]

You forgot a carving knife. Other than that,I totally agree.

[ecramer]

http://www.amazon.com/Shun-Alton-Angle-7-Piece-Knife/dp/B001L30VU4/ref=pd_sim_k_18



VG-10 is good steal and a nice assortment of knives

ED

PS Rob Babcock  nice find on the bread knife i needed one, I make all my own bread and was using a ols slicer i had which worked but thats a lot nicer

[Rob Babcock]

For anyone shopping in that price range the Shuns are great knives.  I prefer the Classic line to the Alton's Angle but both are nice.