The one item we use most consistently while cooking (aside from a wine glass) is a chef's knife. Sure, we all have our favorite knife, but it's nice to have a couple on hand. So even if that gourmand on your list seems to have it all, perhaps they'll want another knife. Despite what we may counsel about buying too much "stuff," we cannot deny that other category of gifts: those that last a lifetime, those that are super-useful, and those that just make us drool....
A fun knife for a gift is the Mundial 8" Granton Edge Chef's Knife (Zabar's, $45.98). We like the red; it also comes in white and black.
For those who like a smooth, comfortable handle along with their razor sharp edge, Henckles's Four Star line is a great choice. Their 6-inch Chef Knife with the wide blade is a compact knife with a lot of stability. (Cutlery and More, 69.95).
For the modern cook, the Chroma Cook's Knives should dazzle. Their 8-inch Cook's Knife (Broadway Panhandler, $79.95) has a nice weight to it, and a very unusual look. Surprisingly, it is not as awkward to hold as it appears to be.
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Comments (23)
Does anyone know a place that will sharpen knives in Manhattan? I've ruined some very nice knives trying to do it myself. Thx!!
Karin,
As you can tell, when it comes to knives, we're fans of the Broadway Panhandler (Broome & Wooster in SOHO). They also sharpen knives, and will give you tips on keeping your blades sharp. They'll also be happy to sell you a sharpening stone, and show you how to use it. Tell them Apartment Therapy sent you!
Broadway Panhandler is having a Wusthof sale:
http://www.broadwaypanhandler.com/broadway/dept.asp?s_id=0&dept_id=6111
A Wusthuf Santoku for $70!
http://www.broadwaypanhandler.com/broadway/product.asp?s_id=0&dept_id=700&pf_id=Wusthof_Santoku&
on the giving of knives....
some of us have ethnic baggage about that "severing" a relationship...a relative had to give me the cash to buy the knife myself to get around the superstition.
So watch out who you give a knives to!
I highly recommend the Messermeister brand of knives. After months of searching for the right knife, I found that for my small female hands they have just the right weight balance along with an uber sharp blade and, of course, the best line is forged. This lesser known brand is available at Broadway Panhandle and is also on sale right now.
I'm a total Broadway Panhandler loyalist,
except for knife sharpening.
There's a Westfal place on W.30th (6/7th Ave) northside of the street that I've been meaning to go to...
I superlove an offset serated bread knife from B'way Panhandler (featured in the NYT about a year ago.) It's a fabulous multiuse dream, and stays sharp all on its own.
guido
A good friend of ours has the gift receiver give the giver a penny as payment for the knife to prevent the "severing" of a relationship that can be caused by the giving of a knife. It becomes a knife purchase for one penny, instead of a gift.
I had to throw salt over my shoulder and chant, "no backsies no backsies no backsies." while writing this comment.
Karin,
Manhattan User's Guide recommends Henry Westpfal & Co (105 W. 30th [6th/7th] 563.5990)
http://www.manhattanusersguide.com/archives_content.php?contentID=020403&category=services
Also Samurai Knife Sharpening Service is located in front of Bowery Kitchen Supplies
on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Noon to 6pm.
I forgot to mention that Samurai Knife Sharpening Service is in the Chelsea Market.
I live in Brooklyn and a couple of times I've seen an old-fashioned truck advertising knife-sharpening services. It's kind of cute -- he sits on the corner and rings a bell so people know he's out there. I would assume they do Manhattan, too, but I don't remember what it's called.
A fussy friend of mine said our knife truck guy grinds the things down too far . . . I've yet to chase down the sound of the bells for myself.
I've got to get to W.30th St.
Well, I'm on the wrong coast to be a New Yorker, but I'm here to tell you that the Sanelli knives are superb. I don't know if they'd suit somebody with very small hands, but I find them very comfortable and secure. Good edges, nice to sharpen, and reasonably priced. Sure, I covet the Kershaw Shun set, but until I win the lottery Sanelli has my vote.
Don't tell anybody, but *whispers* they're dishwasher safe!
I know, I know...heresy. It's still true.
on the top knife, the one with the spiffy red handle -- what is the purpose/benefit of the edge? (the granton edge?) it looks cool. do vegetables tend not to stick to/stack up on the side of the knife?
thanks!
Has anyone tried any of those new ceramic knives?
There is great knife sharpening at a locksmiths on Second Avenue between 1st and 2nd on the west side of the street. Can't recall the name. Little hole in the wall place. They told me they do the French Culinary Institutes's knifes.
Thanks Jennifer!
I don't WANT to go to midtown for knife sharpening!
I'd like to recommend the Calphalon Katana series knives.
I bought the complete set for the girlfriend a few months ago. After searching around for a proper blade to fit in her quite small hands, these fit the bill quite well(Having the squarish, machinist hands, I find them a bit too dimunitive for my tastes). Secondly, they are super light-weight and claim to be made in the folded steel fashion.
While I hear they work wonderfully, they also look great hanging in a position of prominence in the kitchen.
cheers!
Mundial knives are great, I got their basic chef's knife on the recommendation of one of the wonderful staffers at a Cook's Companion on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. Must cheaper than Wusthof, and still has a great heft.
I needed a decent all-purpose chef's knife, so I sprung for the Shun Santoku at $123. Honestly, I don't think the price is that bad when you consider that's how much a nice cast iron pot costs. Both will be around forever.
I don't know if it was the shallots or the razor sharp precision with I sliced them, but I wept when I used my Shun for the first time.
It's wicked sharp. When you slide your finger across the side of the knife to wipe off some food, you better not slip.
Our next buy will be the angled chef's knife which my husband likes.
Selfridges in London sells kitchen knifes that have a little pocket on the front of the plastic sleeve for you to put a penny in - thought it was a nice touch.
Hi Folks,
O.S. Osborne & Co. referred us to you as contact for their automatic awl and or replacement parts.
Please advise Price of the Automatic Awl No. 413
and also the price of the standard straight
needle if purchased separately.
If my request could be better handled via telephone I will call.
I was told I could reach you at this
number (212-563-5990) but found you on the computer.
Thanks you for any consideration.
Bob Tewksbury
Great article. Choosing the right knife can be tough, I bought a few duds before I went out and did a little research. Here's some info on that, hope this helps too!
How to Choose a Cooking Knife
I work for a cutlery company and suggest that when choosing a knife you also look at the quality of the steel. A high-carbon, stainless steel knife will insure that the knife can hold a sharp edge (high carbon) and resist corrosion (stainless). All-in-all though, Faith has it right, find a knife that is comfortable to hold and feels like an extension of your hand.