santoku knife

[mentality]

I want to buy my bf a santoku knife for xmas. There is a limited edition 1 bein produced, inscribed by gordon ramsays signature, whom he likes. I am just wondering if this is a good choice of knife for a chef, as it is expensive and I want to be able to warrant it! thanks x

[Jugglering]

This knife is really aimed at Japanese cooking so if your b/f does a lot of chopping etc, then it will be an awesome gift for him... however, it will need to be sharpened regularly - does he own a proper *steel* ? (and know how to use it!)

I quite like Global knives, for the simple reason that they are made from one piece of steel (no rivets or separate handles) and will never separate but once again they will need to be sharpened regularly (most pro chefs will sharpen their knives before cooking).

Maybe a better pressie would be a good quality steel and a decent knife block instead, so he can add the knives he likes to the set (knives really are a personal preferance, everyone has different likes and dislikes).

[Donquixote]

I'd be thrilled to receive a good quality knife as a christmas gift...but...if your boyfriend is a professional chef then you have to be a little careful when choosing a knife. It's important to try a knife for it's 'feel' before buying it, as what may feel perfect for one person's hand may not for another. For example, i use Wusthof knives as they fit my hand perfectly but i don't like Global as i find the shape of the handle a little awkward. A santoku knife is much smaller than a classic western chef's knife, so if your boyfriend has big hands he may find this awkward to use.
Chances are he'll love it and put it to good use, but it's always better to be aware of the pitfalls before buying.

ps. if you do buy the santoku i'd recommend a good whetstone to go with it as even a diamond steel will struggle to preserve a good edge.

[mrrobbo15]

you shouldnt give a knife as a gift, it cuts friendship (old saying)

make sure he pays u a penny for it......

[mentality]

thanks very much guys, you both have given me really helpful answers. To me a knife is a knife, ha ha. I am hopeless in the kitc and cant stand cooking, but he loves it and yes is a professional chef. We have spoken about some of the ones he uses b4, only I cant rem the damn names of them all! I am sure it will be put to good use, and was really just goin by what I,d heard the most of. I know this is a popular product in the pampered chef range. It seems the global is quite popular aswell. I can see that a lot comes down to personal preference which is handy 2 know. What I was more concerned about was it bein considered a good quality knife, and your comments do suggest this. It further appealed to me as it limited edition, so hopefully he,ll be happy with it. :- )