(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best knife blocks & storage products

An Amazon registry (I would skip the Kohls cutlery offerings) will limit you somewhat, but there are certainly decent options available. I think your selection of two chef knives, a bread knife, and a paring knife is a good choice. For the most part I'm going to suggest fairly costly knives because, frankly, this isn't /r/culinary.

Chef knives first. Everything I have to say about 8"/210mm knives I would apply to 10"/240mm knives unless I make note.

If you want a hefty Western chef knife, I find Messermeister to be best in show. They take an edge better than other stainless German knives I've owned and they keep it longer. I find the grind and profile to be slightly more modern and workable in the Elite models opposed to the highly popular Wusthof Classic and sundry Henckels lines. The fit and finish on them is on par with Wusthof, which is to say impeccable. Messermeister makes three different handles for its Elite lines and offers the blades in a thinner Stealth version, which I like. Since Messermeister's Amazon offerings are a bit wonky I would highly suggest you look around the site for the style you like. You might even find some other kitchen gadgets you like. If you are interested in a French profile, look at K-Sabatier. A carbon K-Sab is a lot of fun. And though the stainless knives they produce aren't really as magical as their carbons, they're still fine knives.

• Messermeister Oliva Elite Stealth: Olive wood handled. My favorite. Extra classy.
  
• Messermeister San Moritz Elite Stealth: Poly handle option. I don't like it as much as the wood handles, but it's much cheaper as offered here.
  
• Messermeister Meridian Elite: Classic black pakka wood handle. It's classic and black.
  
• K-Sabatier carbon: This knife is king of the hill. Yes, it's a hill out in the middle of nowhere, but it's still a nice knife. This style is timeless, but it's also out of stock.
  
• K-Sabatier stainless: I believe this knife uses the same steel as Wusthof and Henckels with a similar heat treatment. The biggest difference is the profile.
  
  There are many good Japanese companies and makers to consider. These knives will all be lighter and somewhat thinner than almost any Western knife. If you want something functional and somewhat reasonably priced, Suisin, Mac, and Tojiro have some good options. In the next price bracket up, a Kikuichi, a Yoshihiro, a Takayuki, or a Misono fits the bill, though Misono knives have become incredibly inflated in price. If you have a rich Uncle Ed, slip a Takeda into your list. I would definitely consider other knives at these general price ranges, but they're not available on Amazon.
  
  A few budget suggestions:
  
  
• Tojiro DP gyuto: A great knife line. Tojiro's VG-10 heat treatment is on par with if not better than Shun's. If you're used to a heavy 10" knife, a Tojiro DP 270mm wouldn't be out of the question.
  
• 7.25" Mac Chef "chef" knife: This is definitely a gyuto, regardless what it's labeled. I've used it on a restaurant line during service and it is quite durable. It's reasonably priced, which makes it a popular choice in the food industry.
  
• 10" Mac Chef chef knife: Though they're from the same line, this knife has a wholly more substantial feel on the board than the above. It's still light. It's not priced as well as its shorter cousin. This is the knife that opened my eyes to what Japanese knives could be. The knife is available in the 12" length which, like the Tojiro, coming from a full weight Western knife would still be light.
  
• Suisin HC gyuto: A carbon steel knife selection. These knives have good production values and take a great edge. These knives have decent asymmetrical grinds, which is a definite plus for me. Suisin also makes a comparable Inox stainless line that is quite nice.
  
  To find out who really loves you:
  
  
• Takayuki Grand Chef gyuto: To be fair, I have not used this knife. Those who have like it, though they usually consider it a bit overpriced. It's made from AEB-L, which in kitchen knives is my favorite stainless. I would prefer the Suisin HC.
  
• Misono UX10 gyuto: This knife has been around for a few years and it's pretty popular at high end restaurants. It's nice, but it's a bit overpriced for what you get; the steel and grind on it are unremarkable. The fit and finish on it is probably the best you can buy, though.
  
• Yoshihiro gyuto: This knife is again a bit pricey for what you get, but it does at least include a saya. It offers you a crack at a wa handle, which is a slightly different experience. The steel is somewhat softer than I would like.
  
  Rich Uncle Ed special:
  
  
• Takeda 210mm Aogami Super gyuto: It's thin. It's light. It's made by a wizened old master craftsman. It's got a weird grind that does a whole lot of work while cutting something. It's made out of one of the finest carbon steels being produced today. It's... really expensive. Takeda lovers swear by them, but they're much too tall on the board for me.
  
  Unfortunately I didn't spot many knives on Amazon that I have confidence in and feature a Japanese handle. That's a shame because they're a treat.
  
  Unlike my essay on chef knives, I have only one bread knife suggestion, the Mac Superior 270mm bread knife. It's the best Amazon has to offer and one of the best bread knives you can buy. Tojiro makes a clone that sells for less elsewhere if no one gives you one.
  
  Paring knives are a little different. Edge retention and grind are much less important than geometry. I have this Henckels Pro 3" and I like it; the height of the blade is very comfortable. It has no flex, though, so don't expect to use it optimally for boning tasks. I am almost as happy with any Victorinox paring knife. I would suggest you try as many as possible in brick and mortar outlets to figure out what you like.
  
  And finally, storage. A wall mounted magnetic strip is popular. Those made of wood have less chance of scratching or damaging a knife, so they're somewhat preferable, but as long as you pop the knife off tip first you won't damage it. I've used this strip from Winco for the past year at work with no ill effect. A knife block actually is a good storage option if you can find one to fit your collection. The biggest risk is catching the tip when the knife is inserted into the block, but that's not much of a concern if the user is careful. I use a Victorinox block that was a gift at home for most of my house knives. This block is great, I've been told. A drawer insert is another good low space option. I like my Knife Dock for the stuff I want to keep safe. It lets me slip in as many knives as I have space for the handles. This insert from Wusthof is also popular.

Silicone spatula's are one of the greatest inventions ever for no stick. Be sure to spend some money, buy a small and large saute pan in no-stick, a small, medium, and large pot, and practice. Then, once you have some XP and level up, get a large stainless saute pan like this:

Cuisinart MCP33-24HN MultiClad Pro Stainless 3-1/2-Quart Saute with Helper and Cover https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009W28RRA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7kHkDb93NS6Q4

You can use it for most things, and it will heat a lot more evenly. Build from there. Get a good 8" chef knife set like this:

J.A. Henckels International 31419-001 Fine Edge Pro Starter Knife Set, 3-piece, Black/Stainless Steel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004RFNM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_JmHkDbZQGCHGK

and a magnetic knife holder:

Magnetic Knife Strips, 15 Inch Magnetic Knife Storage Strip, Knife Holder, Knife Rack, Knife Strip, Kitchen Utensil Holder, Tool Holder, Multipurpose Magnetic Knife Rack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K1P1BPN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.oHkDbBFMEQBR

And you're off to a great start. Knife blocks are a waste imo. Good luck and have fun! Learning to feed yourself and others is one of the best things you can do.

Holy ____.

It's your money, but I wouldn't spend over $100 on a knife roll. Knife rolls are pretty straightforward things. I have one fairly similar to this and it works just fine for me. If your son is the chef as opposed to a cook - I presume he's not, because you said graduation gift - a $100+ knife roll would run the risk of getting stolen. Even if it isn't stolen, a knife roll is a functional product and there is very little return to the additional $$.

Much more useful would be a couple great cookbooks, or a couple great sharpening stones if he doesn't have them yet, or . . . well, not knowing your son, hard to say. Difficult to recommend a good knife without knowing what he has / likes.

Thanks for the reply.

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Yeah I know that Rockwell hardness is the "megapixels" if the knife world, but I do read that higher hardness (as long as it is heat-treated right) holds a better edge and allows the burr of the knife to be thinner (which allows a knife to be more sharp). I know that harder knives are more prone to chipping, but most examples given are where someone is trying to cut a metal can in half to impress their friends or accidentally hits a hard bone when cutting up really large chunks or meat.

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From what I have watched/read, people recommend santoku knives for chopping vegetables as they are less prone to veg sticking to the blade and the profile of the blade makes it more manageable. I also kinda like how they look.

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I looked at that Wusthof combo on amazon earlier, and considered getting that and then other knives singularly, but I'll have to do some maths to see what is the most worth.

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I do love the hammered damascus finish, though unfortunately my girlfriend doesn't (and she will be using them too), so I think a standard damascus finish will be as much as I can sway her to.

I DO like that cobalt finish bread knife, I wonder if it comes in a set (or if buying single knives in that range wont cost too much)?

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I do like the magnetic strips, and will probably get one when I move into a house I own, but sadly I rent so fixing things to a wall is a no-go.

I was looking into getting something like this though: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnetic-Bamboo-Holder-Coninx-Included/dp/B01DTC62RK/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1542393500&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=magnetic+knife+board&psc=1

The Morakniv is fine, but what are the chances that in a year from now, the sheaths are all gone and you're carrying the knives loose in tupperware?

You should look at getting a knife roll; good leather ones are a bit expensive, but you can find some cheaper nylon ones like this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSFTWQ7

You can buy plastic edge guards to protect the blades, which will also get lost and need to be replaced... or you can just use some manila envelopes folded over and taped to make a sleeve.

Good knives are an investment, even good cheap knives... it's certainly worth buying something to keep them organized and protected.

Thank you for all the tips!! I've been looking at knives basically all day (there goes my Black Friday lmao) and after going back and forth between stainless steel, worrying about rust, Victorinox, Henckels, sets, individual, and even ceramic, I think the final decider was whether I believe my dad is more likely to sharpen a steel knife (if I give him a sharpener too lol) or deal with the fragility of a ceramic knife but not have to sharpen it.

I was leaning toward ceramic for its rust-free, stays-sharp properties, until I saw this KitchenAid set (thanks for the KitchenAid rec!!), which says it is "tested to withstand the toughest dishwasher cycles", which was my main 'con' for stainless steel knives. Plus this set is super cheap and has the 3 core knives you mentioned, and full-tang (I assume triple rivets is also full-tang), then for the price I don't mind adding on a cool universal knife block and a small sharpener. I figured even if I'm the one who ends up sharpening these things a few times a year, a durable dishwasher-safe steel set is a safer bet than a ceramic set, which he might break from crushing garlic or cutting cheese or something.

Oh also I wanted to add that I know my parents will be relocating (to a different country, so a big move) within the next 5 years, so I didn't want to drop big money on super nice knives when I know they're not going to bring it with. Though I will totally keep those recs in mind for myself!!

Anyway thank you and /u/Xub543 for all the help!

i love my backpack! that said, i got through culinary school on something like this, and once i started to expand my kit a bit, i got one of these, which i also love. the second is a bit bulky, though. best for carrying everything you need, like if you're doing some offsite catering or something like that.

edit: my backpack is what i use everyday now, though.

A good fillet knife is a pretty solid gift. He undoubtedly already has one, but with two he can switch knives when one gets dull. I'd recommend the Cutco Fisherman's Solution as it is the best, but unfortunately it's out of your price range at $90.

So some other options follow:

• [Buck Silver Creek Folding Fillet Knife] (http://www.amazon.com/Buck-Silver-Folding-Fillet-4-Inch/dp/B00389TOWK/ref=sr_1_6?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1417483864&sr=1-6&keywords=fillet+knife) He probably doesn't have a folding fillet knife and a folder is nice to have because it's more handy to carry.
  
  
• [SK-130 Fishing Knife Kit] (http://www.amazon.com/Sarge-Knives-SK-130-Serrated-Sharpener/dp/B003BR17HE/ref=sr_1_8?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1417483864&sr=1-8&keywords=fillet+knife) Cheap knives but it's a whole set with a carrying case and cutting board.
  
  
• [Buck Silver Creek Large Fixed Blade] (http://www.amazon.com/Buck-0225BLS-Silver-Creek-Stainless/dp/B001DBBE5A/ref=sr_1_15?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1417483864&sr=1-15&keywords=fillet+knife) It's a big knife, guaranteed forever.
  
  You get the idea, a good fillet knife is a decent gift for fishermen.

Had to edit my link but here it is. They have two versions in the "color section" one is leaning and one is dual sided.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMVKJ5J/

The magnets are super strong. Pretty great product for the price.

I can't tell if you cut the wrong way across the grain or not but you definitely need to up your knife game. That frozen fish knife you're using will hack the meat to shreds no matter which way the grain is running.

I highly recommend this Victorinox 12-Inch Granton Edge Slicing Knife for carving up your finished BBQ, one long cut instead of back and forth makes for beautiful slices. And if you get it be sure to get an edge guard like this too, this knife is wicked sharp and you'll want to protect it when not in use. I have one and trimmed the end of the guard at an angle so it fits the knife perfectly.

Regardless of the cuts the brisket looks like it turned out great!

How to wash a knife safely.

Don't get a set. Sets are designed to get you paying for knives you'll never use. I recommend starting with a chef's knife and a paring knife. The chef knife is your workhorse, you'll use it for almost everything. The paring knife is traditionally used for peeling and detail work, but just think of it as what you reach for when the job is too small for the chef knife. If you bake bread or buy unsliced loaves of it, you'll probably also want a bread knife.

Victorinox Fibrox knives are great knives for a new cook and an excellent value for the money. Here's their chef's knife, their paring knife, and their bread knife. That leaves you with enough money to buy a block and stay under $100. I like the wall mounted magnetic ones with a wooden face like this one myself, but there are plenty of other options if that's not what you want.

If you don't have one already, how about a magnetic knife rack?

http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Inch-Aluminum-Magnetic-Knife/dp/B0014WNVHC/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header

If she likes things to be tidy, she'll appreciate the simplicity and cleanliness this provides.

To go along with it, you could get some good knives. I'm not really knowledgeable on this subject so I can't really provide any input on brands to purchase.

After this, you could make her favourite dish for supper and then play some kind of sport she enjoys with her (you said she's the outdoorsy type haha, but if she's not into sports then just take her some place).

Hopefully you can use one of my ideas :)

Magnetic knife strips like you'd find at a kitchen/restaurant supply store. You can mount these to a wall and your steelbooks will stick to them easily. They come in varrying lengths and styles... You can even get some that are made from wood.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0714BBCXL

Also, regardless of what sytem you use, order some clear steelbook protective covers. magnets will hold through them easily, but will also prevent the mounts from scratching the shit out of the steelbooks. (this is a good idea anyway, even if you shelve them, so they dont get scratched)

Not really dumb. I see a lot of super aesthetic leather sheaths and all this showy stuff and I ask myself the same questions about the choice from a practically perspective. I also wear mine scout style specifically when wearing just a backpack, like you mentioned.

Anyway, to answer your question: There is a retention strap that goes from the back of the sheath over the guard and across the front and has a snap button, at least on my kydex sheaths. There is also another one closer to the hilt that keeps it from moving away from your body. That is specific to my mini KABAR style knife, as I'm not a fan of big knives. I keep another 2.5 inch fixed blade (about 5 inch oal) on my left side next to my multi tool. Again, it's really only for when carrying a backpack or just a belt loadout. A lot of times, at least from a tactical perspective I have a riggers overbelt and a plate carrier so scout doesn't work.

Each setup really is objective oriented and depends on what you're doing, as they all have pros/cons. If you're thinking it may work for you, tie some cordage around it to create belt loops and wear it for awhile, see if it works.

For reference with overstrap and ability to use cordage to try it:

https://www.amazon.com/Kydex-Sheath-For-Short-Ka-Bars/dp/B000UPWYMM/ref=pd_bxgy_200_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=B7CKW9YB3XWZS06SK5S5

Stay safe!

If you really want to get a block set then try the Victorinox 7 piece set. But honestly building your own is better.

• Get a universal block like this or this. Avoid wooden blocks, they may look nice but sooner or later unseen crud is going to build up. The Polymer blocks can be taken apart and the insides cleaned out.
  
  
• Victorinox 8 in Chef's Knife best bang for your buck ~$35
  
  
• Mercer Bread 10 in Bread Knife ~$17
  
  
• Victorinox Paring Knife ~ $9. Wusthof is supposed to be better but I'm not spending $40 for a paring knife.
  
  
• Kitchen shears depends on what you are going to do. Light duty shears get a Victorinox Classic ~$14. You'll be able to do all kitchen tasks and occasionally break down a chicken. If you plan to break down chickens more than occasionally then get a Shun Kitchen Shears ~$70. If you plan to break down chickens often then get dedicated heavy duty chicken shears (can't help you with that) and a Victorinox for the light stuff.
  
  
• Get a sharpener. If you're willing to learn how to sharpen get a Spyderco Sharpmaker and a cut resistant glove, if not get a Chef's Choice 4643. The Chef's Choice is a poor 2nd choice I urge you to get a Spyderco, but DO NOT forget the cut resistant glove. Most people after they get good at sharpening become less paranoid about cutting themselves and that's when they cut themselves.
  
  
• Get a honing steel any will do but I like the Wustof 9 in it's magnetic so it'll pick up any metal dust even though I always wipe my knife on a damp towel. Honing and sharpening do two different things. You should hone often, sharpen rarely.
  
  Here is something from r/ATKgear if you want another opinion.
  
  

i use this thing and LOVE it but look around for better prices... it was like $75 brand new on Amazon when I got it.

They all look OK. "Best" depends on how many knives the giftee has. The first one has the smallest footprint, which can make it better on small countertops.

I like this style:

https://www.amazon.ca/Kyocera-Bamboo-Slot-Knife-Block/dp/B000UVT3G6/

with open slots (but this particular one is tiny, only 3 knives, and only 7").

I would include your price range. How many knives you own. What the length of your largest knife is. Do you own all one type of knife, like Shun? William Sonoma is a good place to check out too.

Instead of a knife block I recommend a magnetized wall mount like this. If you live near an Ikea they sell one for $8.99. I have the wall magnet and it's awesome. Knives are all at the ready and there is no counter or drawer space taken up. Plus then people think you are a bad ass so that is a plus.

I used to have a wusthof bag like this and I think it would have lasted me much longer if I hadn't abused the HELL out of it. I Currently have a bag really too big than what I need but it was on sale. I am looking at this right now as it came recommended.

I've got this one - pretty happy with it -

https://www.amazon.com/Storage-Display-Cabinet-Drawers-KC01-BLA/dp/B00H2WMUIY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1496461838&sr=8-2&keywords=knife+display+case

I like this roll a lot - I have three of them currently, one for the day job, one for catering prep and one for catering events. Very good build quality, decent pocket for tools and will actually hold 8 knives. I've a few other bags but these are the ones I use the most.

https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Edge-2001-8BN-8-Piece-Knife/dp/B0001KOBUE/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1510078757&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=the+ultimate+edge+2001-8bn&psc=1

Ultimate Edge also makes a larger, $100ish bag that will hold everything but the kitchen sink I prefer going small.

I got mine at the hardware store. For Knives, you will need something stronger like this.

Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Shun-Knife-Roll-8-Slot/dp/B00457KAA4 is what chefs do use.

But adapt it to your other kinks. PM me

For camping/fishing, what about fishing knives, this fish finder, or any yeti product?

For aviation, what about aviation themed whisky glasses, a model aircraft or drone, replica propellor, or a flight simulator.

There are also a lot of cool aviation themed lamps 1, 2, 3, 4

I have the same box, from Amazon.

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https://www.amazon.com/Storage-Display-Holder-Cabinet-drawers/dp/B00H2WMUIY

I haven't confirmed this, but I've heard some bad things about the kapoosh style holders because of your knife basically cutting into the plastic sticks, but maybe if you use bamboo skewers it'll be better.


Also you can check out drawer style holders like this or this

https://www.amazon.com/Storage-Display-Cabinet-Drawers-KC01-BLA/dp/B00H2WMUIY

You can buy a knife block separately, or a magnetic wall-mounted knife holder, or if you do store them in a drawer, get a set of these guys

They make bags for knife sets too

I would rather spend [20 bucks] (http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-Inch-Aluminum-Magnetic-Knife/dp/B0014WNVHC/ref=zg_tr_13840861_14) than have that hideous thing on my wall.