Kitchen Cutlery

[Hannibal Lecter]

Good morning, all.

Being the recent purchaser of the Santoku Chef's knife by Spyderco and having a few opportunities to use it in my own kitchen finds me begging the question: why is the Spyderco line of kitchen cutlery currently so limited?

The Santoku is an exceptional blade; I prefer it to all others in the collection I currently possess for kitchen use. I have ordered another PE kitchen knife (I believe it to be a discontinued model) that should be in sometime this week. As you may (or may not) be aware, I have a great interest in gourmet food preparation, and demand high-quality tools for such a pursuit.

(Side note: I have precious little use for serrated knives in the kitchen, save for breads, bagels and the like. Give me plain edge every time.)

Has Spyderco considered a more complete cross-section of cutlery for kitchen use? While I love the handles on the current line, possibly an upgrade of handle materials (micarta, etc.) would broaden the appeal? A full set with storage block (Spyderco logo displayed prominently, of course) would be a nice addition to my kitchen.

Have any of the rest of you tried the Spyderco kitchen cutlery? Do I stand alone in my praises of the existing models and intense desire to see the line expand?


Friends, tell me truly.


Ta,

H

[CKE]

H...while I don't have any :spyder: models I would like to get the Santuko in the near future. I have a very good set of Global Kitchen knives that I like very much. I have found them very hard to beat. Not sure if I could switch as I am so fond of the Globals.
I agree though, a fuller line of knives might make them more appealing. I would prefer Spyderco to spend as much time as possible on folders though and not too much R&D on kitchen blades :)
Take Care!!

[Hannibal Lecter]

H...while I don't have any :spyder: models I would like to get the Santuko in the near future.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised how ergonomic and useful the Santoku is, not to mention the incredible edge.

I would like to see at minimum a small cross-section of kitchen knives made available by Spyderco. A long serrated bread knife, about an 8-10" plain edge carver, the Santoku, possibly a blade similar to the Homemaker (which I postulate is discontinued as it is not in the new catalog), and a large-ish cleaver would all be wonderful additions to my batterie de cuisine.

Sorry, Sal, I know I ask a lot. :D

I loathe the thoughts of my kitchen cutlery being any less quality than that which I carry around every day in my pocket. If I carry the best, why does it not stand to reason I would want only the very best cutlery in my kitchen as well?


Ta,

H

[skcusloa]

I'm going to assume that spyderco hasn't came out with a set because other people have the market covered.

It'd be neat to have the 3 knives you mentioned and then a smaller set of steak knives below it in the block. They'd have to put a slot in the wood for the sharpmaker too :)

[klattman]

I think the homemaker is new, I had not seen it before and it is in the online catalog.

I just got a :spyder: Santoku last week and I agree, it is amazing.

I have some others currently on order.

Sal said that the MBS-26 steel was around 59-60Rc, which competes with the 100.00+ knives out there.

I would myself like to see more from spyderco, but I only really use the Santoku and a utility and a paring anyway, so I wouldn't need a block set.

I have tried to convince some kitchen knife snobs that the spyderco's are worth a try, but they would rather spend 100-200 dollars on a single knife or hundreds on a block set from a well known brand. I think a whole block set from an _unknown_ manufacturer would not sell to kitchen geeks in general.

I also know folks who put their once-sharp knives in the dishwasher, so they can bang around and be attacked by chlorinated detergent... :confused:

[Hannibal Lecter]

I think the homemaker is new, I had not seen it before and it is in the online catalog.

I just got a :spyder: Santoku last week and I agree, it is amazing.

I have some others currently on order.

Sal said that the MBS-26 steel was around 59-60Rc, which competes with the 100.00+ knives out there.

I would myself like to see more from spyderco, but I only really use the Santoku and a utility and a paring anyway, so I wouldn't need a block set.

Still, a matching set of Spyderco knives would be a definite plus in the kitchen. I am thinking the Santoku, paring, a carver and possibly a bread knife at minimum.

I have tried to convince some kitchen knife snobs that the spyderco's are worth a try, but they would rather spend 100-200 dollars on a single knife or hundreds on a block set from a well known brand. I think a whole block set from an _unknown_ manufacturer would not sell to kitchen geeks in general.

If the price was right (performance would obviously not be an issue) I still think it might fly.

I also know folks who put their once-sharp knives in the dishwasher, so they can bang around and be attacked by chlorinated detergent... :confused:

That always kills me; pay through the nose for fine cutlery and then abuse it. I have seen way too much of that myself.

There are no limits to human stupidity, at least none I have found.


Ta,

H

[boxer93]

H,
Our kitchen has 4 of the kitchen models. the santoku and a smaller one are PE and the KX05 and KX04 are SE. I find that I use the SE blades much more often. The PE's are the only ones I've had to sharpen so far too. I'm not in the kitchen for preparation much either :D The only other one I use is a PE carving knife for turkey. I almost grabbed a sushimi (sp) for that, didn't quite seem like the right shape.
My .03US
Chris

[Hannibal Lecter]

H,
Our kitchen has 4 of the kitchen models. the santoku and a smaller one are PE and the KX05 and KX04 are SE. I find that I use the SE blades much more often. The PE's are the only ones I've had to sharpen so far too. I'm not in the kitchen for preparation much either :D The only other one I use is a PE carving knife for turkey. I almost grabbed a sushimi (sp) for that, didn't quite seem like the right shape.
My .03US
Chris

I may have to give the serrated blades a whirl in the kitchen myself if you are having such good luck with them. I'll try anything once.


Ta,

H

[RLR]

Serrations are for bread and overripe tomatoes. I've picked up a few decent quality kitchen knives (Zwilling Henckels Professional S) and love them. All I really need in 5 knives:

Santoku, Carver, Paring, General Utility, Chef (which doesn't see use because I prefer the Santoku).

All you need is a bread knife and you're set.

And yes, they are worth the extra money.

[OutofGum]

Just curious how the spyderco kitchen knives compare to knives from established kitchen cutlery companies like wusthof, henckels, global. I'm sure Spydercos are better than the stamped lower end, but how about the forged lines like classic / five star (I don't think that global has a forged line)?

[klattman]

Just curious how the spyderco kitchen knives compare to knives from established kitchen cutlery companies like wusthof, henckels, global. I'm sure Spydercos are better than the stamped lower end, but how about the forged lines like classic / five star (I don't think that global has a forged line)?

Well the :spyder: handles aren't fancy, but the steel is just as hard as most of them. The edge on the Santoku is incredible, we will see how durable the MBS26 steel is. I really like the very practical :spyder: design (including the handles), but it lacks the flair of the other companies (fancy handles, damascus steel etc).
I'm willing to bet performance is just as good, and the price is _much_ better.

Does anyone have both to compare? I refuse to pay 100.00 to find out.

[JD Spydo]

I have 3 kitchen blades of the GReat Spyder Factory. I also have that Santoku as well. I also wish they would come out with a cool looking block which would hold 12 or so kitchen knives ( preferrably Spydies). Every kitchen knife I have had for the last few years I usually have to sharpen constantly. I have only sharpened one of the Spyder kitchen blades in the 3 years since I have owned them. Quality sells folks! That's why we all grace this Forum with the valuable information we are priviledged to share everyday. But one thing I really like about the Great Spyder Factory and it's leadership. They do indeed listen to us their customers. At this point I do own other knives of other manufacturers. Albeit I am finding less and less reasons to do that. I used to be a Cold Steel nut. But now other than their big knives I find no reason to stay on that path. By continuing to listen to the customers Spyderco can make the competition a moot point. :) :spyder: :cool:

[CKE]

OutofGum.
Global are forged knives. They have their handles welded to them in different ways depending on the series. The blades are forged thin for max cutting performance.

[sal]

It is my understanding that Globals are not forged. They are stamped & ground (AUS-6)

Steel wise, for edge retension, MBS-26 tested better (in our lab) than any other stainless kitchen knife steel we tested. That's why we use it.

sal

[klattman]

It is my understanding that Globals are not forged. They are stamped & ground (AUS-6)

Steel wise, for edge retension, MBS-26 tested better (in our lab) than any other stainless kitchen knife steel we tested. That's why we use it.

sal

Sal,
How does it compare to your VG-10? Seems they have a similar makeup except for the Moly. Where does MBS26 get it corrosion resistance from? I'm trying to sell people on these knives, and just saying that they're awesome doesn't hold much water. :o

[Hannibal Lecter]

Steel wise, for edge retention, MBS-26 tested better (in our lab) than any other stainless kitchen knife steel we tested. That's why we use it.

sal

I am inclined to agree; my Santoku is marvelous!

Please give consideration to a more extensive line of kitchen cutlery. As J.D. mentioned, a block (complete with Spyderco logo, of course) would also be wonderful.


Ta,

H

[loki88]

Hey Hannibal, u seem to gotten on the :spyder: bandwagon way BIG, you post about a new knife u bought almost every day! :eek: Does this has to make me conserned about your finantial status, or are u "wealthy"? I try to limit my purchases to two :spyder: a month, but the way u are going Sal is going to built a new factory just for u next door :D

How is the wife/GF taking it?

[OutofGum]

Maybe I'll try the Santoku. In the world of kitchen knives, it really isn't that expensive. The weight has me a little worried (5 oz)... I like a little bit of heft when dicing, its what I got used to and seems easier now.

[Hannibal Lecter]

Hey Hannibal, u seem to gotten on the :spyder: bandwagon way BIG, you post about a new knife u bought almost every day! :eek: Does this has to make me concerned about your financial status, or are u "wealthy"? I try to limit my purchases to two :spyder: a month, but the way u are going Sal is going to built a new factory just for u next door :D

How is the wife/GF taking it?

Loki,

There is a fine line between a hobby and a mental illness; I fear I may have crossed that line. :eek:

I am not as wealthy as one might imagine, not that it matters. Allow me to explain.

I have a gentleman's arrangement with a former employer that has a wholesale source for Spyderco knives. While I was employed there, I was permitted to purchase anything (with the full buying power of the store) at wholesale cost (plus whatever it took to ship the item). Although I have left their employ, the agreement has been extended a bit. I provide them computer support for some custom software (support is unavailable elsewhere) and do not raise my rates arbitrarily, and my "employee" discount stands. This allows me to obtain Spyderco knives at a considerable savings, which in turn means I buy more than I probably should. I also typically trade out work on the computer systems for knives directly, which saves both myself and the store a lot of hassle; sort of a gentleman's "barter" system, as it were.

A fine arrangement, and one I hope to see stand for a long time.

I just received my Spyderfly this past week. Remarkable knife. I haven't been bitten by it yet, but there is still time...

I also received at the same time a Blue Dodo for my Lady. She is thrilled and is already carrying it around.

Incidentally, she is as crazy about Spyderco knives as I. She owns a Harpy (duh) and a Dodo, and is eyeing my Cricket SS with a lustful heart. I suppose I will have to purchase one for her soon.

Very soon, lest she take mine...

I think my :spyder: source does not yet have the Meadowlark and Cara Cara in stock yet, so I will have to wait a bit on those. I am now trying to figure out which :spyder: to purchase next. What a horrible dilemma...


Ta,

H

[loki88]

Some guys have all the luck! :p