I got a Kitchen Essentials 8" chef's knife, and found it to be almost
identical in feel and construction to my Wusthof Grand Prix 6" knife,
except it has the traditional three-rivet handle, whereas the Wusthof
is a single piece. It's the same type: drop forged carbon steel, and
I like it a lot; a very good value.--Tom

On Tue, 04 May 2004 18:03:43 GMT, Newbie > wrote:

>Thanks to your comments I have learned a great deal. I also visited
>many stores, as well as web sites, and I have a short-list. This is
>home stretch now, please help!
>
>A few preliminary decisions: (1) My drwayer/counter situation simply
>requires a block. With steak knives if possible, otherwise with slots
>for them. For exceptional kitchen knife bargains I can buy a cheaper
>steak set separately. (2) I probably can't afford the very best knives
>but would like good ones. Forged, well balanced, no serrated edges
>(even if the name is Henckels), as "stainless" as possible. (3) I
>prefer non-wood handles. I don't intend to soak them overnight, but
>they will be handled by many people and I'd rather not worry about
>water damage.
>
>Here are the specific options I can find:
>
>A fancy store is recommending Wusthoff Gourmet 18 pc for $299 set as
>the best value. It has everything.
>
>An outlet has Wusthof Grand Prix 10 pc set for $269. Has slots for
>steak knives. (I think there is some dent in the block, but that's ok.)
>
>The Amazon/eopinions reviewers are also extremely impressed by
>Calphalon's Traditional or Contemporay 15 pc set, $179.
>
>An outlet store has Calphalon Kitchen Essentials 12 pc set for $99
>(possibly discontinued, didn't see it in stores I visited.)
>
>I'd greatly appreciate your advice on these choices. Which one would
>you pick and do you know of a better price elsewhere? Would you pick an
>entirely different set? Why?
>
>Many many thanks.
>
>PS: The online reviewers also like Sabatier Provence, but at $150.
>Currently it is at 250 and I don't know when it will swing tt 150.