Registering For Knives

I actually heard on one of the cooking shows that storing knives in a butcher block is the worst way to store them. There was a couple of reasons but the ones that I remembered were possible bending or cracking the tips, dulling the knives by scraping up against the wood and the one that I never thought of was that in case you dont clean the knife all the way and there is a little food residue left on it once it goes in the wood it is a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria.

Never in a million years thought of that one. But that said I registerd for a block by FH has a good set in a case from cooking school.

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Posted by Jordan

For those who got the block...do you find yourself using all the knives or are there some that aren't necessary?

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My block has 6 knives in it, and yes, I use them all.

From Weddingchannel.com

What are the key factors I need to consider when registering for cutlery?

It's a good idea to learn to recognize a quality knife and make sure you know you're money is being well-spent. Consider the facts:

The weight of a knife directly corresponds to the quality. The heavier knife, the better the quality.
Measure the tang. The tang of a knife is the extension of the blade that fits into the handle. The farther it extends to the end of the handle, the more sturdy the knife.
High carbon stainless steel blades stay sharper longer and are highly resistant to rusting and staining.
The basic feel to a knife when you pick it up should be evenly weighted and solid.




How should I care for my knives?

One of the most important things to remember about knives is to always wash them by hand. The dishwasher dulls them, and even though it's not too difficult to re-sharpen them, it does wear the knives out faster. This is an easy thing to avoid. Also, it's recommended to store knives in a hardwood block or at least cover their blades and not throw them loosely into a drawer.



Are ergonomically-contoured handles better than the traditional design?

Many people say that the ergonomically-designed handles are less tiring for their hands, but it is ultimately up to personal preference. Our recommendation is to go into the store and pick up both styles of a knife to see which best fits your hand and feels most comfortable.

KEY WORDS:
Carbon steel
The highest quality material available for the blade of a knife, carbon steel stays the sharpest the longest. However, pure carbon steel knives are quite impractical in a home because they are very susceptible to rust and stains, even with careful attention.

High-carbon stainless steel
By mixing chromium with the carbon steel, this blade is much more rust- and stain-resistant, while still holding a sharp edge. Highest quality of knife recommended for at-home use.

Stainless steel
Able to set a sharp edge, but is considerably duller in comparison to carbon steel.

Superstainless steel
Difficult to re-sharpen once this knife loses its edge, but is an inexpensive option.

Forged
When a blade is forged, it means it was hammered out of a thick piece of steel. Forged blades are generally of higher quality than stamped because there is a natural wedge shape from the spine of the blade to the edge.

Stamped
A stamped blade is one that was cut out a a larger sheet of steel. Typically less expensive and less durable than hand-forged blades.

Bolster
The bolster measures the center of gravity of the knife and provides extra support between the blade and the handle.

Tang
The tang of a knife is the extension of the blade that fits into the handle. The farther it extends to the end of the handle, the more sturdy the knife. A full tang is when the blade runs the length of the handle.

Knives were the one the FH really wanted to register for. He picked a $400 Henckles block set, but then he thoguht it was too much $$ so we registered for a farberware oen instead, but his aunt didn't know we registered & bought us a diffet Henkles set for our engagemnet. I don't know the offical name.
It doesnt' have all the pecies that block can hold, so we can add on, later if we want, but we liek what we have so far.
they are excellent.
We are already using them, it makes cutting chicken so much quicker, & I can fianaly cut raw potatoes!


Some Henkles series have open stock & a block set, so I would think they are the same quality if they are from the same series.

We registered for individual knives because sometimes sets of knives include knives that aren't really necessary. I would go for high quality brands such as Henckels and Wustof and within those brands they make different qualities of knives too - so be careful.

We personally went for the Global brand of knives.

No one bought us knives from our registry though. We ended up buying them ourselves with the monetary wedding gifts we got. I would go ahead and register for them anyways, even though some people don't like to give knives as presents, because you can buy them yourselves after the wedding with your registry discount.

we first registered for a calphalon set since we felt guilty over the high prices of Henckels.
but now we're changing it to open stock knives (not sure which brand yet... Henckels or wusthofs). and just register for them separately, and the block separate too.

i think its worth it, FH is ALWAYS complaining about our knives... he loves a good knife!

You all are awesome! Thanks for that great info Jan05!

We're definitely registering for knives...just didn't know the 'best' way to go about it. I think buying the block and then a few good knives to start out with is a good option for us. We cook but we are by no means, chef's.

Maybe we'll want to cook more if we have some good knives!

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Posted by Jordan

Thanks for that great info Jan05!

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You are welcome! Since I live with my parents now, I did a lot of research into pots/pans, knives, bedding, appliances, etc ...
I've been obsessed with household items

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Posted by lianemarie

I registered for the block set, but some people have told me that no one will give us the knives because it is bad luck. I really want the knives!!

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when someone gives knives as a gift there supposed to tape a penny to them. im not 100 percent sure why but it some how brings good luck thats hwat they did at my shower