These are the three knives you need in your kitchen

And this is the one sharpener you need to keep them sharp

https://www.costco.com/Chef's-Choice-M115-Electric-Knife-Sharpener.product.11181284.html

 

That's what we've got and it is the BEST - unless you go to oil & stones - which I no longer do.

 

I agree with TBO on minimum knives needed. I'll stick with my Spyderco Sharp-maker for difficult to sharpen knives and a steel for touch ups. YMMV. tom.


ETA for really banged up edges I use a Norton two sided wet stone.

 

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This should be the FOURTH kitchen knife you buy

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/7...point-1095-carbon-steel-blade-hardwood-handle

 

I use a Work Sharp now and then to get them really sharp and hone in between.

 

Agree. Can't live without a filet knife.

I would also add clam and scallop knives too, if you shuck them.


This is a great sharpener. I use it for all my knives.


https://www.amazon.com/Gatco-6224-S...578085&sr=8-19&keywords=gatco+knife+sharpener

 

Nobody mentioned a cleaver. I get some good use out of it. Can’t beat a razor sharp cleaver. -Many uses.

 

TBO - Your must-have kitchen knife picks are good ones, but we're eating more fruits and veggies at my house these days. Thus, the knife I reach for most is my Wusthof 'tomato knife'. I actually have 3 of these so one is clean and ready at all times. This tool makes tomato slicing/cutting a dream, and it works well for other fruits and vegetables.

 

Interesting recommendation, and available from Costco. The 'Chef's Choice' sharpener might be very helpful for most knives I use, even though I've always avoided this type of sharpener. It might not work so well on my beloved serrated 'tomato knife' blades.

The linked Costco ad includes some excellent testimonials about the strengths and limitations of this sharpening tool. I might give it a try.

 

Regardless of knife brand the trick is to never let them get truly dull. A leather strop w/compound will keep them razor sharp with minimal effort. A steel doesn't sharpen, it only straightens the edge.

 

GINSU Serrated for the win.

Lifetime sharpness, will cut a brick and a copper pipe and still slice a tomato, are dishwasher safe and they arrive in your mailbox.

 

But hitting them with the steel after use doesnt hurt.

 

I don’t need expensive knives. My wife uses the granite as a cutting board.