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Cutting the Cost of Knives

By Nadine Cheung Posted 10:00AM 04/03/12 Savings Experiment, Home & Garden |
Savings Experiment: Knives
When it comes to knives in your kitchen you...
buy a new cheap set about once every two years.2156 (6.4%)
use professional ceramic knives.1471 (4.4%)
use steel knives, but are unlikely to ever sharpen them.9313 (27.8%)
have chef knives that you sharpen routinely.20500 (61.3%)
Did you find our video on knives helpful?
Yes, it's a great idea467 (19.3%)
Yes, useful and entertaining558 (23.0%)
Not sure, didn't watch910 (37.5%)
No490 (20.2%)

If you're handy around the kitchen, you know that a good set of knives is essential, but which kind of cutlery offers the best value?

There are a wide variety of options when it comes to knives, but if you're in the market for one all-purpose tool, you'll want to go with a good chef's knife. This item can cost you around $100, so keep that in mind when you're shopping. One of the most popular brands is Wusthof, which can often be found on sale at retailers like Macy's.

Ceramic knives are becoming more popular in kitchens today because they're sharper and wider than their steel counterparts. However, ceramic knives are fragile and can get damaged in the dishwasher. Dropping your knife can commonly result in a broken tip, as well.

Meanwhile, the average cost of a ceramic knife set is $250. With that price tag, you might as well invest in a high quality set of forged stainless steel knives. Sure, you'll have to get them sharpened every few years, but a good set can last up to two decades.

knivesWhen shopping for a set of knives, try going in person so you can feel out the weight and grip of various handles. Then, once you've narrowed down the brand and type, you can search for a deal online. If you can wait, try shopping around major holidays when large department stores often have home sales. You may be able to cut your costs even more by doubling up on discounts.
Tagged: best knives, BestKnives, ceramic knives, CeramicKnives, chefs knives, ChefsKnives, for the home, forged steel vs stamped steel, ForgedSteelVsStampedSteel, kitchen, knife sets, KnifeSets, Savings

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246 Comments

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kesthekill

Would love to have me a Ginsu, awesome knife :)

September 21 2012 at 6:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Sylvie

Gimme a Ginsu, anyday! At least, the ones that were made in Fremont OH by the Quikut Division of the Scott Fetzer Company. 'Consumer Reports' rated their lowly paring knife every bit as good as the best of the snooty brands.

September 16 2012 at 7:22 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bemida

I don't like Cutco, especially for professional use. they're balanced toward the handle, making large amounts of slicing difficult and tiring, versus a blade heavy balance. I do ,however, own and enjoy their 8" utility serrated slicer and their potato peeler.

September 16 2012 at 1:42 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
bemida

one of the best all purpose chef knives is the Forschner 8" chef knife. At only $30 for the knife, this stamped blade beauty will hold it's edge longer than wusthof and is perfectly balanced! I have some Kyoceras costing 8 times as much, but I always return to my Forschner for heavy use!! I don't think there's a better knife for the price anywhere!!

September 16 2012 at 1:37 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to bemida's comment
kesthekill

Totally, now if we are talking Knife's then the Forschner is indeed king of the kitchen.

September 21 2012 at 6:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tbensonny

"try going in person so you can feel out the weight and grip of various handles. Then, once you've narrowed down the brand and type, you can search for a deal online." This is unbelievably unethical. Store owners and employees are not their to inform you so you can shop online....think about it your outsourcing your purchase.

September 16 2012 at 12:19 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
tbensonny

Jerks, to suggest that shopper go to a store handle and pick one and then go home and shop on line - are you kidding me! Do you think the clerk in the store and the store owner have no right to be compensated for the time and effort they put in helping you find the ideal knife for you?

September 15 2012 at 11:29 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Raysan

Martha & Emril knife qwners check out the lawsuit against them. Solingen Germany marked blades actually made in China.

September 15 2012 at 4:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Get real.

This is SO typical of this nitwit "Savings Experiment" series. First off, the guy is cutting on a ceramic counter top directly. Way to go! Destroy your knives AND the counter both at once. LOL ... then there's the "advice" section, which never mentions ANYTHING about the importance of sharpening, which is the only way that an expensive set of knives CAN save you money. Smooth job. Why can't they hire someone who actually knows what they are doing? Answer: They have their own "savings experiment" going - how to produce videos with no talent.

September 15 2012 at 3:13 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
barbara@twcny.rr.com

I still have and use daily my grandmothers paring knife. (i am 67). I also have & love my QVC Santoku knife.

August 30 2012 at 5:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wongtpa

A sharp knife doesn't cut you. The dull one does!

August 29 2012 at 2:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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