Kitchen Knives

     Those of you who do not cook may have one or two knives that you use. Some of us bought the big block of knives at a department store. Usually full of cheap and pretty useless knives. 
     At this time I have a bunch of different knives. A collection built up over the years. Most of which are just middle of the road at best. 
     The highest priced knives come from Europe or Japan. Generally the highest rated in tests. Hardly any are made in the United States anymore. With Rada being an exception. The old American brands are now made offshore for the most part. Like Chicago Cutlery. The last one of those I bought was made in Taiwan. Although the listing on ebay said it was made in the US. 
     I got some knives years ago called Sabatier. They were made in France. I see where a lot of of these knives are now made in Asia. As well as some famous German brands. I have several of these knives made in Asia. Including some of the supermarket branded one. They sure look nice. But are just not that sharp. And I cannot seem to get them sharp. I guess the offshore process just doesn't put a good edge on them do to cost saving measures. But as I have a low threshold of excitement I will continue to try to make something of them. A good thing to do on one of your zero spending days. Check out my post on A Day Of Zero Spending. 
     If I had it to do over again. As we all wish we could do things over again. I would have a good pairing knife, a medium size chef's knife, and a bread knife. The more you have, the more you have to take care of and store. You can almost do anything with these. I have a Rada pairing, 6 inch chef and a 13 inch French chefs knife. The Rada knives have a very sharp blade. The pairing knife is one of the best I have used. They are made of the best steel. Also made in The United States, giving those who want to work a job. Downside is that they are thin. When you are cutting say potatoes they stick to the knife. Minor, but an inconvienience. 
     Cook's Illustrated magazine usually rates Wusthof knives the best. But a considerably less expensive option in second place is Victorinox. Made in Switzerland. I have a couple of these knives. They are great. Not so fancy, but lightweight and sharp. After use I agree with Cook's Illustrated. 
     So in reality you probably do not need over three knives. Five at best. Just get good ones.