Originally Posted by
Swissaire
Hi Mike-
Global, Wüsthof, or Rösle come to mind. Some helpful tips:
1. ) BUILD a set of your own preferences, but never BUY a set as chococat states. It's also OK to build a set of both Japanese and German knives in your collection.
2.) Keep you knives sharp, and remember that different knives use different techniques and tools to keep sharp. When knives are dull it takes more pressure or force to cut, and that is where the knife slips and you get cut instead of the meat, vegetables, or fish. A big deep cut can ruin your day, not to mention your meal.
.....
If you do gift Mom a cleaver, then you better be real nice to her, continually, 24 x 7.
I am always nice to her, and I guess I am safe as I live far away. My father might have to watch out though!
I really appreciate all of the responses I have gotten, and have decided against a set. I will take mom shopping, and also send W-S gift cards for her to just get whatever she wants.
As I continue to equip my own kitchen I will also avoid sets. As with all brands of consumer products, hotels, airlines, car companies, etc. certain products from any one brand are much better than others. By buying everything piece by piece I will get exactly what I want, and nothing I don't want or need that might be included if I were to buy sets.
Also, as others have pointed out in some cases an inexpensive product - like a bread knife - might do the job perfectly well, while in other cases it makes sense to invest in a top quality product.