The Best Kitchen Knife

[futuresoptions]

So a year ago or so I purchased two nice kitchen knife sets online. Both sets were forged blades and cost a little more than what I have paid for knives in the past. I purchased two sets because no knife sets that I was looking at had all the knifes styles that I wanted in one set, so I had to purchase two sets. While I was waiting for these to arrive in the mail, the wife and I had went to a garage sale and I had purchased a knife that resembled the "Old Hickory" type knives that your grandma would have had in her kitchen, but this particular knife appeared to have a stainless blade marked "Japan". The knife was a Kansas City 14404. I purchased it on a whim because it was cheap and because the made in japan aspect had intrigued me. I figured if it wasn't any good, I would use it out in the shop by re-profiling it into a work knife.

To make a long story short, unless I am cutting my steak, this is my go to knife. My forged blades sit in their blocks on the counter watching this garage sale knife do all the work day after day. It holds a pretty good edge, it is easy to sharpen and the design is out of this world. I can go from cutting carrots to using the tip to finely chop peppers for salsa without blinking an eye and am in total control with the perfect ergonomics. I hit the blade on the fine side of my Smith's sharpener once a week and maybe have to use the coarse side once every two or three months. Awesome knife and I would highly recommend getting one. Once you get it sharpened and begin using it, you will use it for everything and your high dollar knives will collect dust. These things are vintage and will pop up on evil bay from time to time. Get you one! They are fairly cheap, but I think you will be surprised by their performance. Get you a Smith's sharpener as well.

[futuresoptions]

Fwiw, I am not saying it is the best kitchen knife in the world lol, Just saying that you will think that it is!

[vash]

i have a soft spot for vintage cutlery.

is that knife high carbon steel?

[futuresoptions]

Originally Posted by vash

is that knife high carbon steel?

No, it is some sort of Japanese Stainless. Not sure what type. I can promise you if you find and purchase one that you will be very happy with it. I acquired a second one and I am planning on changing the handle out to a micarta handle. I didn't want to be without it while doing the job so I purchased another one lol. I will do both of them in micarta handles.

[vash]

I have some ancient mahogany if you think you can use it. Super stable.
I keep it on my work desk. I think it would be decent handle material. Yours if you want it.

[futuresoptions]

Heck yeah! Send it my way!

[vash]

Done. Mañana.

[Nostril Cheese]

These are awesome knives. Fixwell $20 on Amazon. Made in Germany too.

It took me 20 years to wear out one of them. And we are talking heavy use on meat, wood, metal, wire, drywall..

[craigster59]

Since everyone's in the giving mood, I've had this knife laying around my office for over a year. I think it was supposed to be the murder weapon on some show, but we could never find a match for it. It's from the Ontario Knife Co. which made the "Old Hickory" knives, but they all have 2 rivets, where this one has 3.

I'm sure it's carbon steel with a little bit of rust but could clean up. If anyone wants it, it's yours. here's some pics, and one for size reference (my dogs are a size 10).

[futuresoptions]

Hey Craigster, send that thing my way and I will cut it down to a work knife size and send it back to you free of charge!

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by futuresoptions

Hey Craigster, send that thing my way and I will cut it down to a work knife size and send it back to you free of charge!

Great! PM me your address and I'll get it out tomorrow. Thanks Bill!

[futuresoptions]

PM Sent!

[targa911S]

I search for old Sabatier knives on eBay and flea markets all the time. I have a 10" chefs knife of old carbon steel that "sings" when you take it out of the block. Bought it at a yard sale for $.50.

[vash]

I have a Sab! I'll keep an eye out for one for you. I see them at antique sales.

My hodgepodge mess of a collection

[targa911S]

I see it. Second last on the right.Mine is identical. I look for the old carbon steel ones. Thanks

I had another one like it but MJ threw it out in a pizza box.. I still love her though

[vash]

Originally Posted by targa911S

I see it. Second last on the right.Mine is identical. I look for the old carbon steel ones. Thanks

I had another one like it but MJ threw it out in a pizza box.. I still love her though

10-4. i've seen a newer one..stainless. it is awful. carbon or nothing.

[gtilove]

Originally Posted by targa911S

I see it. Second last on the right.Mine is identical. I look for the old carbon steel ones. Thanks

I had another one like it but MJ threw it out in a pizza box.. I still love her though

Sabatier?

[Cajundaddy]

We have a bunch of cooking knives but I only really ever use four.
1. Cleaver
2. Big ass chef's knife in the shape of the op (favorite workhorse)
3. Filet knife
4. Small paring knife

That's it. No need of a full collection for me. A few swipes on my sharpening stone now and then and we are good to go.

[Bill Douglas]

I had a knife years ago that must have been very high carbon steel. It rusted over night if it wasn't dried. But OMG was it easy to sharpen - I only ever use a steel, and stayed sharp longer than most. I've no idea where it is now sadly.

These days I buy only knifes if they have German writing on them

[rayng]

This baby's my favorite: Wüsthof Classic 200th Anniversary 8" Chef's Knife
-full tang
-well balanced
-laser sharp
-hand made by germans

i'd recommend anyone interested in knives to get one. feels like the 993 of knives.