Originally Posted by
Swanhunter
Time to upgrade some of my equipment. I'm no more than an intermediate level cook so I don't want to spend a fortune, but I do need to get some new, decent knives for the kitchen.
* What brands would you recommend (again, not GBP100+ uber-fashionable Japanese knives, something a little more practical)?
* What types are your must haves?
Thanks!
PS I'd prefer something I can buy in the UK but I will be in the US later this year so could easily wait to get something special.
SH, I have a set of Henckels Four Star knives which I think are perfect for the intermediate chef. They are no longer my primary set, but I find myself going back to my original set often as they are comfortable and familiar.
As a minimum, I would advise a set that includes:
A pairing knife
A small knife with a serrated blade (often called a utility knife)
A boning knife
A large Chef's knife
Others will have their own views and the most obvious omission is a long bladed kitchen knife. I have little use for one as I find a utility knife or a Chef's knife will do the job.
Most sets will come with a steel must I would advise buying a wet stone to keep your knives really sharp. Lakeland sell a three stage wet stone set with grooves to ensure that your knives hit the stone at exactly the right angle.