I got myself a Wusthof knife

[eleny]

It's a Trident Classic 4.5" Multi- Prep. I love it. It's like a miniature chef's knife. It feels great in my hand and cuts like the dickens. This forum was a lot of help. I knew just what to ask. Thanks especially to H2S!

[NMDemDist2]

1. nice!!! chop chop chop

i need a new knife........

DAMN that H2S LOL

[Stinky The Clown]

3. "DAMN that H2S"

Many have beaten you to it! Sorry!

:)

[NMDemDist2]

4. you know I meant that in the most loving way

doncha??? :evilgrin:

:pals:

[Stinky The Clown]

2. Congrats! Good for you!

Once you get to using that knife, I predict there are more and more high quality knives in your future. They really do make a difference.

By the way, the style you got is exactly what I would have selected. Heavy bolster and riveted handle. No flashy handles, no flashy stying, no racing stripes, no mag wheels.. Just a good, honest, high quality knife.

[eleny]

5. Thanks again! I also got the Wusthof 8" chef's knife

But this mini one looks very different in that the blade is so big compared to others of that length.

I think I'm all set for knives, now. The woman at the store who helped said this little one was also a new knife for her and she uses for paring, too. I can see by its size that I'll be reaching for it often.

[woofless]

6. Those ar SO nice.

For those of us who find Wusthof or Henckels a little out of financial reach, Tramontina knives are a nice substitute. Craftsman ship and quality compare favorably IMO. I paid less than $35.00 for the 8" chef knife and love it. They are made in Brazil and make some pretty nice pots and pans as well.

Woof

[eleny]

7. The Wusthoff was a rare treat

After using my Chicago Cuttlery for over 20 years, I figured to go for it. But I'm going to look into the Tramonita when I'm ready for a new knife. It's good to learn about cuttlery from your personal experience. Thanks!

[Stinky The Clown]

8. Tramontina

I have seen a number of their products and they consistently compare favorably with the European stuff. And it all seems to be a very good value. That said, there are some differences worth noting.

Their multiply cookware is actually 3-ply ---- inner and outer stainless skins with a plain aluminum core. Compare that to All Clad (made in Switzerland) which is 5 ply ---- outer stainless, inner aluminum, inner/inner copper, inner aluminum, inner stainless. To be fair, they also make a 3 ply line and the Tramontina compares very well with that.

Knives .... let's use Wustoff as a benchmark: The top line Wustoffs are forged from a single piece of metal, including the bolster. Their mid line stuff is from three pieces of metal - one for the blade, one for the bolster, and one for the tang - all welded together. The Tramontina knives compare very well with the Wustoff mid line stuff.

In all honesty, these are likely to be differences without any practical meaning. I am certain that by scientific measure we can see huge differences in conductivity (in the case of the pots) and durability or stress fracture propensity in the knives. That said, these differences fade to insignificance in the hands of all but the very most demanding/discerning home cook.

Just buy the best tools you can afford and be happy with them. They will all serve you well. If you can afford the best, why not? But if you can't, don't think you're getting junk. You most assuredly are NOT. Lines like Tramontina, or some of the supply house private labels are excellent value for the money and will give service (on a practical basis) identical to the very top brands.