Sorry, Fred, I'd have to disagree. While it might certainly
be POSSIBLE to produce the same quality of knife via a
stamped/blocked design, the fact remains that such knives
generally represent the lower end of the product line for most
makers. There are a few exceptions, but most typically such
knives will be thinner and lighter than their high-end, forged
counterparts, and while the basic materials might be the same,
the fit and finish are not comparable.
We are talking about Wustof Classic and Gourmet (Emerilware.) The Gourmet
do have thinner blades. That doesn't affect the ability to cut or the
quality. Remember Global have thin blades well. The Gourmet series are
lighter to sure as any blocked knife would be. Some people consider that an
advantage and an improvement over heavier knives. It isn't a quality issue.
It's a design and feel issue as I said.
Finally, the fit and finish of the Gourmet series is indeed comparable to
that of the Classic series. Sorry, but it is. I think you are disagreeing
with something other than what I actually said, not uncommon on newsgroups.
I use 'em, too, but have several examples of forged and stamped
products from the same maker (various), and the difference
is quite clear.
Then go check out your Wustof Classic and Gourmet carefully and report back.
I think you'll agree upon closer inspection that the differences relate to
design and feel, not cutting ability or quality.
I think the problem here relates to the meaning of the term quality.
Preferable doesn't mean higher quality. Materials, construction, fit and
finish and performance are parameters of quality, not preference. I prefer
the bolstered knives as well. I just don't agree that the Wustoff Gourmet
series is "much lower quality." In fact I know it isn't. It is a knife
made of comparable materials and comparable manufacturing quality but with a
less expensive construction that results in a ligher, thinner knife with
more blade heaviness than you or I would prefer. Design and feel issue.
Not a quality issue. Perhaps we're just jousting about semantics. I think
we probably agree about preference. Good cooking.
Fred
Knife Outlet
http://www.knifeoutlet.com
Bob M.