Was looking for a top of the line knife set and stumbled across this old ozbargain deal and, incredibly luckily, the exact same Wustof deal is on now… two years later.
It's obviously not as cheap this time around, but considering the exchange rate was around USD0.95+ back then and which way the dollar is headed… I wouldn't be expecting these sorts of prices on a top of the line set for quite a while.
EDIT: Thanks to dogboy for the tip about the free knife sharpening mail in service
Thanks for the tip, I had no idea about the free sharpening service! And yes, technically dishwasher safe, but they recommended hand washing.
I would +1 on hand washing and then drying immediately after using them. I've had this brand of knife for twenty years and they still look like new.
I've run my Wusthof's through the dishwasher many times, but I've only had mine for about 18 years and they also look like new :)
My tip for dishwashing knives is to put the blades upwards if you can. If any surface has been stripped of any protective coating, it's the sharp edge. I've never had a problem doing this. I have one of those dishwasher cutlery racks - they're awesome. It also means that you can put your sharp knives at the back and significantly reduce the chance of cutting yourself when the blades face upward. Those cutlery baskets are woeful in just about every way (reduced cleaning, drying, access to the racks, etc).
Your knife will still cut after going through the dishwasher but you're dulling the edge much quicker than hand washing.
It's not just the edge striking another hard object but the harsher detergent needed for a dishwasher to clean without scrubbing. There's not much metal at the apex of a really sharp edge and the water, debris and detergent in a dishwasher is enough to damage it.
It's also not a good idea to leave dirty knives sitting around too long before washing them…especially if you've been cutting fruit or anything else acidic.
@OzBragain: I would also be concerned about the abrasive action of the dishwashing powder on the handles as well.
Don't put knives like these in the dishwasher if you want them to stay sharp.
Classic may be your favourite but the handles aren't great for larger hands. The big chunky return at the end of the heel on classic makes it difficult to sharpen the entire blade and will eventually hold the edge off the cutting surface if it's not ground off.
Ikon series have a handle that doesn't restrict hand size and no return makes sharpening much easier. They're a fair bit dearer though.
Just wanted a single knife, shipping itself is $48AUD so kills the deal for me. Not sure if it’s a flat rate for all AU orders, in which case the price is still pretty good for a block.
True, not worth it for one. For me it was regular post ~$38/express post ~$48 to country Vic and Sydney (had to get myself a set at these prices)
Might be a blessing in disguise. Wusthof use X50CrMo15 steel like most euro knives. It's a relatively soft steel at 54-56 HRC. For around the same price you can get a Tojiro DP3 gyuto.. a Japanese made knife in a western shape (though probably with less of a belly than the Wusthofs) with a VG10 core hardened to somewhere around 60HRC. Its a better steel that will take a better edge and hold it for longer.
You had me at X50CrMo15
Where would you recommend purchasing these Tojiro DP3 gyuto knives from?
THey have them at Peter's of Kensington for $113 + $11 shipping or free click and collect http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Tojiro-DP3-Chefs-Knife-24cm-/…
I bought sharpening stones things from Japanissimo (Kenji) when ebay had the 15% off sale. He sells the same knife for $98 delivered : http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Tojiro-DP3-Chefs-Knife-24cm-/…
This guy has them for $92: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Tojiro-Kitchen-Knife-DP-cobalt-al…
If you search around ebay international sellers you may well find it cheaper. And the 210mm model can be found for quite a bit less, but it depends on what length of blade you prefer.
As has been mentioned on here and everywhere else, I wouldn't bother with a block set. Spend 90% of your knife budget on a good chef knife.
The rest of your knife money can go towards any specialty knives you find yourself wishing you had access to often, this may or may not include:
- small paring/utility/petty knife (cheap ones are fine)
- People mention a serrated bread knife - which you only really need for very fresh crusty bread (I find cheap, thin stamped steel ones actually work better).
- cleaver for chopping through bone and the like (kiwi brand from Chinatown does the job)
- a boning or filleting knife (Victorinox fibrox knives are great if you're sticking to western shapes)
as far as I can see Macys is an overseas company, don't expect an au company to sharpen the knives bought elsewhere overseas for free, buy from Peters of Kensington they have specials and free freight every now and then you will be safe to get the knives sharpened - we did
correct me if I'm wrong
I bought my knives from Amazon [US] a number of years ago and have had them sharpened in Australia through the service without any problems. As long as the knife is a Wusthof, that is all they care about. Was very impressed with the new edge on my knife as was worried the blade may get scratched by the sharpening but came back looking great!
Thanks dogboy good to know
we have not had ours sharpened yet, but they get better treatment than anything else in the house.
Great knives
Don't put these in a dishwasher, before we new better we did. Not only does it blunt the knife it also erodes the rivets in the handle.
Was looking for a top of the line knife set and stumbled across this old ozbargain deal
Just don't expect these to be quality of the Classic series:
Note that the Classic knives use a different (better) alloy, and are forged, whereas the Silverpoint and Gourmet knives are stamped, which is not nearly as good.
Good points tonester thanks! FYI I originally settled on these Victorinox, as Amex 15% off negated shipping costs.
Great knives. Dishwasher safe. Also, there is a free sharpening service for their knives available in Australia. The 'classic' version are the best imo.