Sharp things

[Somebody Else]

Unfortunately I have a tendency to take my aggression out on objects, (used to be people, so my flatmates are lucky) and this time 'round, whilst fuming at the complete lack of any attempt to do any of the housework (to the extent that I am now cleaning up after them) by any of my flatmates, that I was doing some preparation in the kitchen.

End result, one previously beautiful and treasured Sabatier chef's knife now with massive chunks missing from the blade.

My question is, what should I replace it with?

Contemplating just getting the same thing again - it was very handy, but then perhaps a combination of a Santoku style knife and a Chinese cleaver as well. What do those of us here who regularly play about in the kitchen think is the best option?

[Beirut]

Mmmm... Chinese cleaver. I saw a great one for $300. Unfortunately, I didn't have $300 to spend on a kitchen knife that day. Also, with two kids who constantly fart around in the kitchen, the only sharp knife we have is a serrated bread knife. All our other knives are just big butter knives for their safety (or at least my peace of mind).

But I'm all for a good Chinese cleaver. Remember: keep them fingertips curled in when cutting!

[Geoffrey S]

Unfortunately I have a tendency to take my aggression out on objects, (used to be people, so my flatmates are lucky) and this time 'round, whilst fuming at the complete lack of any attempt to do any of the housework (to the extent that I am now cleaning up after them) by any of my flatmates, that I was doing some preparation in the kitchen.

You know, funny you should mention that. I was getting so fed up of every inch being taken by filthy washing-up that had been festering for a while now that on monday, to make space, I slung a bunch out of the window onto the grassfield outside. Caused some angry words.

[Ramses II CP]

IMHO there's no reason to spend a lot of money on a knife unless you're going to take good care of it, keep it sharp, and use it often. Otherwise simply pick one that feels right in your hand, doesn't cost much, and could be replaced at the drop of a hat. After all, let's face it, even the cheapest brand still cuts.

[Mikeus Caesar]

You could just be like my friend - buy Rambo style knives off the market for 10 quid.

Remarkably durable - we cut down trees and fence posts with it, it was still sharp as hell.

Although there is the slight problem of looking like a complete nutter with one of those things in your kitchen.

[Papewaio]

Also, with two kids who constantly fart around in the kitchen, the only sharp knife we have is a serrated bread knife. All our other knives are just big butter knives for their safety (or at least my peace of mind).

I thought that like axes a blunt knife was more dangerous?

Mind you I have never heard of someone dying from a butter knife... only from the contents spread by it.

[Vladimir]

My question is, what should I replace it with?

Years of expensive therapy.

[edyzmedieval]

Make that extensive therapy.
Get something like a very sharp cleaver or something that can really cut, like a surgeon's knife. And they're pretty cheap.

[KukriKhan]

Years of expensive therapy.

The jack-of-all-trades:


Actually, just kidding; kukri's are too clumsy for kitchen work (though good for huge butchery jobs).

The Missus got me a pretty 12-item knife set a couple years ago. It looks fine on the kitchen counter, but the truth is: I only ever use the big butcher knife (for 90% of tasks), and the filet knife (for close-up work).

So, if I were in your situation, I might go with a good (cheap) cleaver (as Ramses II CP suggests), and a filet knife.

[Good Ship Chuckle]

I couldn't tell, but were you implying that you chopped up your roommates?
In which case, I would reccomend getting some roommates with lighter bones.
:)