Knives. Lots of knives! In blocks!
Unfortunately, we don't know which knife block set should be the first one you purchase. The good news is that you do! With this buying tips guide we can help you discover what you already know.
1. You know how serious you are about cooking!
Know Thyself! And buy accordingly! Would you use your knives on a near-daily basis? Do you intend to make at least 4 to 5 meals per week that require significant preparation? Have you purchased, or do you regularly reference, two or more cook books or websites? Finally, are you passionate about preparing great meals? If food prep is a routine you would rather avoid, then buy a basic, inexpensive set like the Eversharp line from Zwilling JA Henckels. But if you generally answered “yes” to the questions posed above, and you truly enjoy the process of preparing a climactic meal, then you will benefit from a quality and comprehensive collection of cutlery like the Five Star kitchen knife block set.
2. You know how many different pieces you need!
Does your current knife usage just involve the basics of slicing and dicing, or do you engage in advanced prep? For instance, do you currently use a boning knife, or would you if you had one? Would you use a good set of shears? If you enjoy your time in the kitchen and love to expand your skills, then you may be happier with a larger collection of 8 to 10 knives, not including steak knives. This will allow you to have a suitable blade for most tasks. If you are just getting started on the journey toward becoming a gourmet, a good choice might be to purchase a smaller set that you can add to over time. In other words, look for a line that offers 20 or more individual styles, so that if you can seamlessly add to your collection as you better understand your needs and desires in the kitchen.
3. You know what style you prefer!
Which style grabs your attention? Various wood-handled sets exude a traditional feel, while stainless collections feature a contemporary flair. Polymer handles are offered on a variety of styles, and speak more to good knife control than aesthetics. The various Shun lines and Santoku knives add a decidedly Eastern flavor to your cutlery choices. Spend time viewing various sets on this site until you begin to connect with a certain style. Narrow your search for exactly the right set from there, based on budget and the other criteria.
Personal preference is the final arbiter of which set is right for you. Choose a style you are attracted to and will enjoy using. Finally, it is wise to choose quality over quantity. Fewer fine knives will serve you better in the end than more knives of lesser quality. Choose the best knives your budget will allow. With that game plan, you have the option of choosing a set that is expandable, or of growing an eclectic collection of knives by adding blades of differing styles or manufacturers.
