No Contest

There are certain things that you really just need to spend a little more money on in your kitchen and avoid marketing gimmicks. The knife block set is one of the worst traps that is set for knife buyers. You think, "Look at all the knives I get for this price. Why would I spend $100 on two knives when I can get six for the same price?" The answer is simple, you don't need six knives. There are really only three knives that you need in your culinary quiver: the chef's knife, a paring knife, and a bread knife. You can do everything that you need to do with these three knives. The knife block is full of knives that you will only use because you do either feel bad that you never use them, or because the other similar knife is dirty and you don't want to wash it.

The chef's knife will chop, cut, dice, shave, and trim everything from steak to cheese. Invest in a great chef's knife like this Wusthoff and you will never regret it, unless you buy one with the wrong handle. There are many times that I choose to chop something just so that I can use this knife. The paring knife allows you to cut anything small that requires precision. Trimming mushrooms. Slicing strawberries. Coring apples. The paring knife can cut down any small job that you have for it. The bread knife (or serrated knife) is the only other knife that you need. If you purchase a great serrated knife you will be able to use it to evenly slice your fresh bread or use it to carve your Thanksgiving turkey. There are just certain jobs that the chef's knife and the paring knife cannot do, thus the need for your serrated knife.

I know that great knives cost money. I am as cheap as they come, but I know, from experience, that when you invest the money in great knives you will be rewarded with cutlery bliss. You don't need a knife that will cut a brick or a pop can, but you do need one that is made out of great steel and feels great in your hand. Take some time to "air chop" if you need to, but find the knife that is works best for you and buy it. This is an investment that you will not regret. Don't be a blockhead. By your knives separate and save yourself the unnecessary knives that will never come out of the block.

*Notice I have yet to obtain my good bread knife!!*