Victorinox 8-Piece Knife Block Set Review
Victorinox 8-Piece Knife Block Set Feature
- 8-piece Forschner cutlery set, hand-finished in Switzerland
- Includes: 4-inch paring; 6-inch boning; 8-inch chef?s; 8-inch bread; 10-inch slicing; 10-inch sharpening steel; kitchen shears; slant hardwood block
- High-carbon, no-stain-steel blades; full tang for strength and balance
- Ergonomic black fibrox handles minimize wrist strain
- Wash by hand; lifetime warranty
The five knives in this set consist of a 4-inch paring, 6-inch boning, 8-inch chef's, 8-inch bread, and 10-inch slicing. Completing the selection are a 10-inch sharpening steel and pair of kitchen shears. All come with designated slots in the solid hardwood block, angled for quick access. Covered by a lifetime warranty against defects, the cutlery in the set is dishwasher-safe, although washing by hand is recommended.
What's in the Box
8-piece cutlery set. The set consists of: 4-inch paring knife; 6-inch boning knife; 8-inch chef's knife; 8-inch serrated bread knife; 10-inch slicing knife; 10-inch sharpening steel; kitchen shears; hardwood storage block. 8 items total.
From the Manufacturer
Although Victorinox is known the world over as the creator of the Original Swiss Army Knife, the company started out in 1884 as a cutlery workshop. By the time company creator Karl Elsener delivered his first pocket knife to the Swiss Army, his cutlery business was already booming. Over the next century, Victorinox cutlery became a top-rated choice among professionals worldwide, with over 300 blades to offer.
Victorinox knives have regularly appeared as highly ranked and recommended kitchen tools in Cook’s Illustrated, Men’s Health, The Cincinnati Enquirer, New York Magazine, and Natural Health, just to name a few. In 2009, the company announced a partnership with professional chef, Daniel Humm, of Eleven Madison Park in New York City. In addition, building on the success of its cutlery business, Victorinox has brought all the same quality and expertise to a wider range of products and accessories, including other kitchen tools, pocket tools, watches, luggage, and clothing.
Who is R.H. Forschner?
Victorinox had been a staple in European commercial cutlery for over 50 years when approached by New York’s R.H. Forschner, known since 1855 as a builder of scales for butchers, to be their sole cutlery supplier. The two companies joined forces in 1937, and R.H. Forschner subsequently became North America’s dominant professional brand, as ubiquitous in the bustling meatpacking plants of the Midwest as it is in the gleaming, four-star restaurant kitchens of Midtown Manhattan.
As a division of Victorinox/Swiss Army Brands, R.H. Forschner marketed cutlery under the brand name “RH Forschner by Victorinox” and distributed to the commercial, food service, and retail trade classes. That brand has been considered a top choice of professionals worldwide with over 300 styles of blades bearing the R.H. Forschner name. However, in 2009, in conjunction with Victorinox’s 125th anniversary, the company, Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc., has decided to remove the “RH Forschner” name from all blades. Blades thenceforth only include the “Victorinox” name.
What is a stamped blade?
A stamped knife can usually be identified by the absence of a bolster. Stamped blades are cut into their shapes from cold-rolled pieces of steel and then ground, tempered, and sharpened. Creating them requires many less steps than forging and results in lighter, narrower blades. Some professionals prefer the thicker, heavier forged blades, but many pros, who spend much of their day cutting and slicing, enjoy a lighter knife since it’s less fatiguing and easier to manipulate at speed.
Stamped knives are easier to produce and therefore less expensive. They perform very well and can approach the quality of a forged blade, but not the weight or feel. Victorinox manufactures a complete range of stamped blades with unique, patented Fibrox handles and they are considered among the greatest values in the knife industry.
What knives do I need to own?
Knife choice or selection is determined by many factors--size, function, style, and preference. The most important factor is function. Different knives have different uses. It is important to use the proper knife for a specific task, since proper knife selection and the use of a proper-sized, sharp knife make for safe cutting. General kitchen tasks and the knife to use for them are as follows:
Paring: The most common to own and use, a paring knife is generally for small cutting jobs and peeling of vegetables or fruit. The blade size is usually from three to four inches. Choose the shape and size to fit your hand. Since this is one of the more versatile knives, owning more than one is recommended.
Chef's: The most important tool and essential to every cook, a chef‘s knife is most often used in a rocking method to mince, dice, and chop vegetables and herbs. This one is known as the chef’s best friend.
Slicer: Most commonly used to slice meats, poultry, and seafood, the slicer is an important companion to any host or hostess.
Boning: As its name suggests, a boning knife is used to trim or remove meat and fish from the bone.
Bread: Designed with a special edge, a bread knife makes easy work of cutting through crusty bread, pastries, or any item with a crust and a soft interior.
Fillet: Most often used by pros and seasoned home chefs, the fillet knife is used to fillet meat and fish.
Cleaver: An important addition to any collection, a cleaver is often used to cut or chop through bones.
Santoku: This knife combines the features of a cleaver with a chef's knife. The curved blade helps the rocking motion used for chopping, and the wide blade works well for scooping sliced food off a cutting board and for crushing garlic. The santoku can also be used to slice meat and has a narrow spine for making thin cuts.
Utility: An all-purpose knife often referred to as a sandwich knife, the utility knife peels and slices fruits and vegetables, and even carves small meats.
Shaping: With its curved blade, a shaping knife is great for small precision cuts where control is essential, such as peeling, trimming, or garnishing.
What are the different knife edges and what do they do?
Straight: The vast majority of Victorinox knives come with a straight or fine edge. This means it has a perfect taper along the blade and no serrations. It is designed to cut without tearing or shredding.
Serrated: An edge designed with small, jagged teeth along the edge.
Scalloped: A blade with waves along the edge generally used to cut breads with a hard crust and soft interior, as well as tougher-skinned fruits and vegetables.
Granton: This edge has hollowed-out grooves or dimples on the sides of the blade. These grooves fill with the fat and juices of the product being cut, allowing for thin, even cuts without tearing. Even with the grooves, these are still straight-edge knives and can be honed with a sharpening steel.
How should I care for my cutlery?
After use, knives should not be allowed to soak in water. The best practice is to hand wash and dry them immediately. This is especially true if they have been used on fruit or salty foods, which may cause some staining, even on stainless steel. Most knives require very little maintenance and it is worth the effort to protect your investment.
Though Victorinox knives are dishwasher safe, this is strongly discouraged. The dishwasher’s agitation may cause damage. Additionally, harsh detergents can be harmful and cause pitting and spotting on the blades. The handles may also discolor and develop a white film with constant use of the dishwasher. Plus, intense heat associated with dishwashers is not good for the temper of the blade.
How do I keep my knives sharp?
All quality knives require proper maintenance to keep them in perfect cutting shape. The best of edges will quickly dull if it strikes metal, glass, or Formica. A wooden cutting board makes the best cutting surface. And, if a slip occurs, a proper cutting board is safer for the user. Frequent use of a Victorinox sharpening steel will keep blades in tip top working condition. All straight-edge knives need steeling to keep their edges.
How to ""Steel"" a Knife
1. Hold the steel firmly in your left hand with the guard positioned to stop the blade should it slip.
2. Hold the knife in your right hand and place on top part of steel as shown.
3. Raise back of blade one-eighth inch.
4. Now, moving the blade only, draw it across the steel in an arching curve, pivoted at your wrist. The blade tip should leave the steel about two-thirds of the way down.
5. Repeat the same action with the Blade on the bottom side of the steel. Always maintain the same pressure and angle on both sides of the steel.
6. Repeat five or six times.
When a sharpening steel no longer does the job, it’s time to take the knife to a qualified knife sharpener who will place a new edge on it. This, along with use of the sharpening steel, will give you many years of sharp, safe blades.
Please note that electric knife sharpeners can be harmful. They have to be used carefully as they remove too much metal, can harm the temper of the blade, and most important can change the factory-applied edge angle.
How should I store my knives?
Safety is the biggest concern of storage, both to the user and to protect the knife's edge. Choices include a knife magnet, knife block, drawer insets, and also individual knife protectors.
The R H Forschner by Victorinox 8-piece Block Set includes: 4-inch Paring Knife, 6-inch Boning Knife, 8-inch Chef's Knive, 8-inch Bread Knive, 10-inch Slicing Knife, 10-inch Sharpening Steel, Kitchen Shears and Slant Hardwood Block. All knives feature high carbon, stainless steel blades, hand finished at Victorinox in Switzerland by skilled craftsmen. A special tempering process is used to produce an edge that can be resharpened over and over again, so the knife can keep its original sharpness throughout the entire life of the blade. Victorinox handles are ergonomically designed to minimize wrist tension. They provide a natural fit. A good heft and comfortable, positive grip are indications of a well-made knife. A sure-grip handle with a finger guard is valuable feature since the handle inevitably gets greasy, wet, or both. Although cutlery steel is naturally sanitary, materials and construction details of the handle minimize crevices what would offer hospitality to bacteria.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Mercer Cutlery Genesis 6-Piece Knife Set with Tempered-Glass Block
Mercer Cutlery Genesis 6-Piece Knife Set with Tempered-Glass Block Review
Mercer Cutlery Genesis 6-Piece Knife Set with Tempered-Glass Block Feature
- 6-piece Genesis Collection knife block set with tempered glass block
- Includes: 3-1/2-inch paring, 5-inch utility, 8-inch chef's, 8-inch bread, 6-inch boning, and glass knife block
- Single-piece forged German steel for a high-carbon, no-stain blades
- Black Santoprene nonslip handles with excellent comfort and safety
- Wash by hand; made in Taiwan with European technology and components
A handsome collection with a modern look, this 6-piece set includes five of the most popular Genesis knives and a striking tempered glass knife block. Designed to stand upright on the counter, the block holds the 3-1/2-inch paring, 5-inch utility, 8-inch chef's, 8-inch bread, and 6-inch boning knives. The knives are displayed as visibly as they would be on a magnetic strip but without exposed blades. All knives in this set are made in Taiwan using European components and technology. They should be washed by hand for best results and carries Mercer's one-year warranty. --Emily Bedard
What's in the Box
6-piece set includes five of the most popular Genesis knives and a tempered glass storage block. Knives included are: 3-1/2-inch paring, 5-inch utility, 8-inch chef's, 8-inch bread, and 6-inch boning knife. 6 items total.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
SE 6-1 Camping S. Steel Detachable Knife 4" Body
SE 6-1 Camping S. Steel Detachable Knife 4" Body Review
SE 6-1 Camping S. Steel Detachable Knife 4" Body Feature
- Quality Stainless Steel
- Durable, Sharp Knife
- Fork and Knife Detach from each other - Easy to Eat with!
- Comes with Storage Bag
Friday, January 27, 2012
Black Tom Anderson Kult Folder 6.25 inch
Black Tom Anderson Kult Folder 6.25 inch Review
Black Tom Anderson Kult Folder 6.25 inch Feature
- Kult folding knife
- A fantasy folder that features a fantasy curved hawk blade
- Aluminum handle scalloped handle with rubber inlays and a ribbed back inlay
- 6.25-Inch overall
- 4.25-Inch blade
Thursday, January 26, 2012
J.A. Henckels International Eversharp 8-Piece Steak Knife Set
J.A. Henckels International Eversharp 8-Piece Steak Knife Set Review
J.A. Henckels International Eversharp 8-Piece Steak Knife Set Feature
- Set of 8 high-quality steak knives with micro-serrated edges that never require sharpening
- Forged from a single piece of stain-resistant steel; full tang for nice weight and balance
- Triple-riveted handles provide strength and longevity
- Though the knives are designed to resist corrosion, and are listed as dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended for best care
- Great gift for newlyweds or new homeowners and comes backed by Henckels' Lifetime Guarantee
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Matrix Silver Stainless Steel Folding Knife
Matrix Silver Stainless Steel Folding Knife Review
Matrix Silver Stainless Steel Folding Knife Feature
- Futuristic folding knife with a 4.25-inch drop-point blade with partial serration
- 440 stainless steel blade construction
- Lightweight aluminum frame with integrated black acrylic plates
- Durable all-metal belt clip secured with screws
- Measures 5.5 inches long folded and 9.375 inches long overall
Specifications:
- Closed Length: 5.5 inches
- Open Length: 9.375 inches
- Blade Length: 4.25 inches
- Blade Material: 440 Sharpened and Serrated Stainless Steel
- Handle Material: Aluminum with Acrylic Plates
This folder is a spectacular piece of workmanship suitable for any knife enthusiast's collection. Unique, aluminum embellishments decorate both sides of this premium knife, giving this a sleek, futuristic design, reminiscent of design used in its cinema name-sake. Durable all-metal belt clip is securely attached to the back of this knife with screws; not rivets! This goes the same with the rest of the construction of this knife. Screws are used throughout the rest of this piece, which should last the a lifetime.
Monday, January 23, 2012
J.A. Henckels International Eversharp Pro 7-Piece Knife Set with Block
J.A. Henckels International Eversharp Pro 7-Piece Knife Set with Block Review
J.A. Henckels International Eversharp Pro 7-Piece Knife Set with Block Feature
- 7-piece knife set includes: 8-inch chef, 8-inch bread, 7-inch santoku, 5-inch boning, 5-inch tomato, 3-inch paring knives; hardwood storage block
- Cutting edges feature a specially designed serration pattern, ensuring prolonged sharpness
- Made from high-grade, rolled stainless steel
- Contoured black polypropylene handles with triple rivets and full tang
- Hand washing recommended; lifetime warranty against defects
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Smith & Wesson SWMP5L M&P Linerlock Knife with 2nd Generation MAGIC Assisted Open and Drop Point Blade
Smith & Wesson SWMP5L M&P Linerlock Knife with 2nd Generation MAGIC Assisted Open and Drop Point Blade Review
Smith & Wesson SWMP5L M&P Linerlock Knife with 2nd Generation MAGIC Assisted Open and Drop Point Blade Feature
- 3.5" blade, 5.0" handle
- 4034 Stainless Steel
- Spring assisted opening
- integrated glass breaker
- 7.1 ounces
Wusthof Grand Prix II 4-Piece Steak-Knife Set
Wusthof Grand Prix II 4-Piece Steak-Knife Set Review
Wusthof Grand Prix II 4-Piece Steak-Knife Set Feature
- Set of 4 steak knives, each with a smooth, sharp blade and pointed tip
- Precision-forged from a single piece of high-carbon, stain-resistant steel
- Sturdy, steel bolster; full tang for strength and balance
- Ergonomic, slip-resistant, synthetic handle; made in Germany; hand wash
- Measures approximately 9 by 1 by 1/2 inches; lifetime warranty
Friday, January 20, 2012
Kyocera Revolution Series Paring and Santoku Knife Set, Black Blade
Kyocera Revolution Series Paring and Santoku Knife Set, Black Blade Review
Kyocera Revolution Series Paring and Santoku Knife Set, Black Blade Feature
- 2--piece set of ultra-sharp ceramic knives with black blades; includes 5-1/2-in Santoku and 3-inch paring knives
- Ceramic blade ground to microscopic precision by diamond wheels for rock-like edge with excellent sharpness retention
- Totally impervious to acids, juices, oils, salts or other elements; will never rust
- Lightweight, extremely balanced in the hand; ergonomic handle reduces fatigue during repetitive cutting
- Hand wash only; sharpen using Kyocera electric sharpener or mail to Kyocera for free sharpening
Set 3 Ninja Stealth Black Throwing Knives with Nylon Case
Set 3 Ninja Stealth Black Throwing Knives with Nylon Case Review
Set 3 Ninja Stealth Black Throwing Knives with Nylon Case Feature
- Set of 3 throwing knives with a nylon case for carrying or storage
- Carry on your belt or in your backpack
- Knives measure 6.5-inches long overall
- Black nylon sheath included
- Circle loop on the end of each knife
Thursday, January 19, 2012
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools F03T-N Jungle Primitive, Black Hardcased
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools F03T-N Jungle Primitive, Black Hardcased Review
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools F03T-N Jungle Primitive, Black Hardcased Feature
- Large knife great for outdoor jobs
- 9.5-inch partially-serrated stainless steel blade
- Molded Kraton handle for secure grip
- Includes nylon sheath with accessory pouch
- Length: 15.3-inches, weight: 14-ounces, lifetime warranty
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The F03T is a dependable and versatile companion. View larger. |
A tough, nylon sheath offers secure, convenient storage. View larger. |
Versatile Construction Meets Military-Grade Needs
The F03T-N is versatile enough to function as a small machete, a limb saw or a hammer. The 9.5-inch, 420 stainless steel blade features a section of small serration near the hilt that can be used to make precise cuts. On the back of the blade is a long, deeply serrated section, which is ideal for sawing through dense foliage. The knife handle features hammer checkering on the bottom for precise placement when pounding, and a scratch-resistant black oxide finish reduces reflectivity.
Ergonomic, Lightweight Design Ensures Comfortable Use
Even if your blade is sharp, it's hard to make precise cuts if your knife doesn't fit comfortably in your hand. That's why this knife features a unique, molded Kraton handle. The handle features SOG's unique Digi-Grip texturing, which gives you gripping power where you need it most. And at just 14 ounces, the F03T-N is lightweight and easy to carry anywhere.
This knife is backed by a lifetime warranty that protects against defects in manufacturing and materials.
About SOG: Strong, Innovative Specialty Tools
SOG originally stood for Studies and Observation Group, an elite joint services military group designed to handle covert operations during the Vietnam War. SOG Specialty Knives & Tools was founded in the spirit of this elite group and became the first knife manufacturer to offer an expanded line that included fixed blades, folding knives, and multipurpose tools.
Each SOG product is created by company Founder and Chief Engineer, Spencer Frazer. Known for their uncompromising style and performance, these knives and tools showcase innovation, dependability, and a unique, futuristic style that has garnered awards and recognition worldwide. SOG products have also won favor among law enforcement, military, and industrial customers that rely on their tools to perform flawlessly in the toughest, most adverse conditions.
What's in the Box
F03T-N Jungle Primitive knife and nylon sheath.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Kuhn Rikon 6-Inch Nonstick Colori Chef's Knife, Black
Kuhn Rikon 6-Inch Nonstick Colori Chef's Knife, Black Review
Kuhn Rikon 6-Inch Nonstick Colori Chef's Knife, Black Feature
- Carbon steel blade is sharp and stays sharp
- Nonstick color coating on blade allows slices to slide right off
- Plastic sheath protects the blade and keeps it sharp
- Ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip