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CUTLERY BY WUSTHOF-TRIDENT |
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CUTLERY BY WUSTHOF-TRIDENT |
One of the most important tools for a chef is the knife. Inexpensive, poorly made knives just don't cut it (yes, pun intended). Knives which can't hold an edge not only interfere with the cooking process, but they can actually be dangerous as you must use force and press on them to try and cut things, exposing your hands to dangerous situations.
A good set of knives will last a lifetime and can be passed down to each generation. While quality knives cost more at the onset, they will actually be less expensive over the long haul.
There is only one choice for the blade material--high-carbon steel. This high grade steel takes and holds a fine edge and is basically impervious to wear and tear. It is extremely strong and can cut through most cooking ingredients.
The tang of the knife (the metal part to which the handle is attached) should be sturdy and extend the full length of the handle. The handle can be made of wood or other material, but it should be fastened securely to the tang and balanced well. Better-quality knives will have the handle in two pieces so when attached, the edge of the tang can be seen clearly between the two pieces.
The finest knife available today is the Wusthof-Trident. World-renown as the choice among professionals, this should also be the choice of the home chef. All Wusthof-Trident cutlery is German-made with the high standards of quality which has come to be expected of the company.
There is other German-made cutlery available. For years, Wusthof-Trident has been compared to another German company, J.A. Henckels. The German-made J.A. Henckels are still a fine knife. However, recently, J.A. Henckels cutlery has been available at department stores at fairly low prices. However, these knives are not made in Germany but in Indonesia and other countries and are not up to the same quality. A quick check would be to see if the tang is visible around the entire outer edge of the handle, but basically, if the price seems too good to be true, it most likely is not a German-made knife. With the advent of a second tier of J.A. Henckels cutlery, we recommend that any serious chef, professional or home, choose Wusthof-Trident.
Click below for information on care, styles, and ordering (at discount prices, free shipping, and no sales taxes) Wusthof-Trident cutlery:
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