Knives

[frankieb]

Hi
Had some money for my birthday and would really like to get myself a couple of decent knives. Any recommendations? I need a large cooks knife and a couple of smaller. DH has already been warned about using them for DIY, don't ask, my poor knives get used for everything they shouldn't!
Also if they are decent ones should I use a wooden chopping board. I use a glass worktop thingy but DH says it will ruin the knives. I don't usually 'do' wood as I think it habours bacteria but any advice appreciated.
Thanks
Frankie

I have Global and love them. I use a wooden chopping board for veggies etc and a plastic one that can go in the dishwasher for meat, IMO both wood and plastic are kinder to knives than glass.

I would also recommend buying a sharpener, if you are going to spend a bit of money on good knives you may as well keep them sharp.

Hi - I would suggest going to a reputable kitchen equipment shop where they will let you hold various knives - and just see which feel best. Global knives are fab, but they can get slippery if wet or greasy. I think, with knives, you do get what you pay for. Def agree that you need to buy a steel too - sharpen your knives every time you use them!

I think your DH is right - glass will damage your knives - wood is the kindest to knives & "they" have now concluded that it is quite hygenic, but you can use an anti bacterial spray each time you use it (+ (obv) wash after meat etc). Lucky you - I'd love to be going on a knife buying spree!!

Another vote for Global knives - we have the large cooks knife, and a smaller one (about 15cm maybe?). That's all you need - and a breadknife (tho don't see the need for an expensive one of those). We use a Global wetstone for sharpening - about once a month I should think - makes such a difference. Another tip - if storing in a knife block, store "upside down" so blade isn't constantly resting on something (and blunting...). Also - glass chopping board a no-no. They have recently decided wood chopping boards are more hygenic than plastic ones btw!

I've got some knives from John Lewis that don't need sharpening (they really don't ) and they weren't too expensive.

Wooden chopping boards are best imho. Wood has anti-bacterial properties of its own IIRC and you will be washing it, obviously.