Chinoiserie Chic Knives?

Shun Hikari

My  kitchen mini reno is going absolutely great. I LOVE my new induction range and French door refrigerator. Read all about them here. The dishwasher and island are due soon. Then I will post lots of pictures. Everything is really coming along despite supply line issues.

As I posted on last week, I am super happy with my new Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless 12 Piece Cookware Set. Read all about it here.

I would like a new knife set. I saw this set on Williams Sonoma, but it costs $2,000! Click on the captions to link.

Shun Hikari 12 Piece Block Set

Named after the Japanese word for "illumination," the masterfully crafted, award-winning knives in this collection are distinguished by stunning birch PakkaWood handles and "hornet's nest" blade patterns. Extraordinarily sharp with a long-lasting edge, each blade has microserrations that reduce friction for clean, effortless slices that enhance the flavor of ingredients. This essential Hikari set includes a honing steel, kitchen shears and a birch block to showcase and grow your collection.

These are Asian style knives. Do you know the difference between Asian knives and Standard knives? Standard knives (usually German) are heavier and thicker with a sturdy 20 degree angle. Asian knives (usually Japanese) are thinner with a more delicate 15 degree angle.

According to Chef's Choice, the difference between the two knife angles has developed due to the difference in local cuisine. European and American cultures tend to prepare heavier foods with a wide variety of meat and fibrous vegetables. In contrast, Asian foods are often lighter, with more seafood and less fibrous vegetables. Due to this, Asian-style blades have a more delicate edge.

I was reading reviews on knives on Consumer Reports and I was delighted to see that one of their absolute favorite choices is the Ginsu Chikara that are Asian style knives.

CR's Take -

"For some, the name Ginsu is synonymous with hammy 1970s-era infomercials, but this a serious cutlery company. Its 8-piece set offers incredible value, providing the cutting performance and handle comfort of knives costing three and four times as much."

It costs $120 for an 8 piece set which is a fraction of their other highly rated knife sets. 

This Ginsu Chikara forged knife set includes a Bamboo Finish Block, 8-Inch Chef's Knife, Honing Rod, 5-Inch Utility Knife, 7-Inch Santoku Knife, 5-Inch Serrated Utility Knife, 3.5-Inch Paring Knife, and Kitchen Shears.

Ginsu Chikara 8 Piece Block Set

Click here for the 12 piece set with steak knives.

Does anyone have this set?? It gets rave reviews and the price is certainly right. I of course love the idea of Asian style knives and in fact most of what I cook is Asian and lighter so these sound perfect for me. Chinoiserie Chic knives - LOL!

I highly recommend this knife sharpener - it can be used on both Asian and Standard knives. I have this one and it keeps your knives sharp and is much more economical than taking them to have them sharpened.

Wusthof Knife Sharpener