I really like cheap stamped stainless knives. In the photo are a Viking, a Kiwi, and something unbranded. Total was $8.20 USD. They are garbage, the handles are terrible, though the ridiculously small Deba has wood scales. They sharpen beautifully.

While you huff and curse under your breath, I have owned custom made Japanese knives, vintage carbon steel Sabatier, as well as all the other stuff, Wusthoff, Global, evs. They aren’t better, just much more expensive.

I am happiest with a cheap carbon steel cleaver (bit of a misnomer as these are really slicers) or a stamped stainless blade. Not Victorinox though, they have too much Nickel and Chromium so they aren’t as prone to rusting. It makes them a bitch to sharpen.

  • rhythmisaprancer@kbin.social
    2·
    8 months ago

    I guess I can understand what you are saying. I have lived out of my vehicle off and on for about ten years, and having a full tine, good “chopping” knife that I can sharpen with what I might use on a shovel is really nice. I have had the same maine knife for 15 years. It is ok. I don’t have to work on it much. It says “Chicago Cutlery” on it. It has been put up wet, been used in snow, and I have no money invested in it. It works great.

    I also worked in a kitchen once, with really nice knives, it isn’t that nice. But it was cheap. Full tine, and not that weird serrated but not serrated.

  • Aquila@sh.itjust.works
    0·
    8 months ago

    What do you mean they sharpen beautifully? You also say they’re garbage is that just because the handles?

    • Cheradenine@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
      2·
      8 months ago

      Cheaper stainless often has less Chromium and Nickel. Those add to cost, increase corrosion resistance, but make the steel harder to sharpen.

      I steel my knives before every use, when they take small flakes off my thumbnail I consider them ready to use for cooking, then I hone them on whatever pants I am wearing. I have issues undoubtedly, but I really like my knives sharp.

      I also like Bees, a lot.

        • Cheradenine@sh.itjust.worksOPEnglish
          1·
          8 months ago

          Absolutely praising them, cheap knives are great. I love my custom made Japanese knives, the craftsmanship is incredible, perfectly fitted to how I want to cut. But what I usually reach for is a cheap piece of junk.

          'It’s the Jungian thing Sir"

  • merde alors@sh.itjust.works
    24·
    8 months ago

    i wouldn’t consider the kiwi a shitty knife. It’s a cheap knife, yes, dulls quickly, yes, but it’s a perfect slicer.

    We have knives that cost 10 or 15 kiwis, with good steels and impeccable handles, i still reach out to kiwi for quick preparations