Kitchen knives are the number one most used utensil in the kitchen. They are also the number one most neglected tool in the kitchen. Most home cooks ask a lot of their cutlery, especially when you consider the fact that most of us own a sub-par set. We tend to buy a cheaper set than we should, and then we abuse that set and wonder why it doesn’t live up to our expectations. Next time you’re on the market for a set of kitchen knives, instead of going cheap, consider buying a more expensive set.
While a large Calphalon Katana series set will set you back several hundred dollars, you can get a smaller set for just over 200. The nice thing about them is as long as they are properly cared for, they will stand up to the test of time. They are forged from thirty-three layers of stainless steel, in a manner similar to how samurai swords were made in ancient Japan. If the Japanese samurai trusted their swords to last through many battles, this set of innovative cutlery should be able to handle anything we throw at it in the kitchen. One thing’s for sure…these blades are exceptionally sharp, and they tend to hold their edge for much longer than your average best knife brands.
One quick note is in order…Even though they are advertised as stainless, they will eventually start to discolor if left wet. Stainless steel needs to be hand-washed, dried and returned to the block shortly after use. No matter what the advertising says, this is the case with ALL stainless steel. Don’t be fooled into thinking they are bulletproof. If taken care of correctly, they will last a long time. If not cared for, they will not last.
The blades are designed to give clean, precise cuts every time. The handles are well-balanced to the blades, which ensures you’re able to get a clean cut. They feature full-tang construction, meaning the blade extends to the end of the handle. This make for a strong, rigid blade that is accurate and produces clean, smooth slices, no matter what you’re trying to cut. They can handle meat, poultry and vegetables with ease, and will make short order of any task you decide to throw their way.
The handles are made of an ergonomic polyresin material that has been patented by Calphalon. It feel good in your hand, and it is reinforced with fiberglass to make it resistant to dings and chips. If you’ve ever owned a set of cutlery with plastic handles that easily chip and crack, you’ll appreciate the fact that this polyresin material is engineered to last. It is resistant to chipping and cracking, and is guaranteed not to peel.
