Quote Originally Posted by Blade Wielder View Post
Yeah, like I said, I'm sure they'll work just fine. A street Rolex will still tell you the time and a Chinese or Brazilian-made Henckel is still going to cut your food.

I've decided I'm going to pay the extra money for the high end Wustofs or Henckel classic line. I figure that if you're going to buy something from a company with a lifetime warranty, you know you're in it for the long haul -- so get the best they offer and know that you'll own and cherish it until you're dead.

First off, these knives are just fine for the home and you don't need anything more - I've seen them and they're good value for the money and should last a lifetime with proper care.

Second, while I don't dispute that the Wusthofs are good knives (IMHO, they're better than Henckels), unless paying a premium just to say you have a set of Wusthofs or Henckels is worth it, you can get knives that perform just as well for much less money . There is an interesting thread at B&B on the subject:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...=kitchen+knife

One of the members is a professional chef and he had some interesting things to say about kitchen knives in general and posted some good links as well.

I've used high end Henckels (used to own a set) and I'm actually happier with the mixed set of knives I have now - none of which cost more than $50. I'm not a professional chef, but did spend a lot of time working in kitchens when I was in school and do a lot of cooking at home (FWIW). I would also never buy a set again, as I have definite preferences and while I may like the paring knife that company A makes, that doesn't necessarily mean I like their chef's knives, etc.

So buy what you like (its your money afterall), but don't think that German steel is the best there is or that you have to spend the equivalent of a mortgage payment to get great performing knives.