Need a new chef's knife

Not really fair or entirely correct. Cutco is also sold online. Why not just accept that some people like these knives, rather than assigning greedy motives. This site is meant to be helpful, but if you don't like someone's opinion, just ignore it.

I think the best advice here is that 1) you need to go with what feels good in YOUR hand that feels good on your budget. I have large hands, so my favorite knife doesn't feel as good to our daughter, who is more finely boned...and 2) buy the best quality you can afford. I'm a big Bed, Bath & Beyond coupon user...they have all of the major brands there and you can feel them. If you have a small specialty cookware shop, they'll even let you try dicing/slicing. (and they'll probably price match for you)...my other advice? Don't buy a set...you need 3 knives..a good all purpose chef's knife, a paring knife and a bread knife. The bread knife can be any inexpensive brand. If you ask for a particular knife of your desire...be creative in your request...ask multiple relatives to chip in...or ask for them to bundle presents over the course of a year and give you the present when they can...that's how I got my kitchen aid mixer...it was a birthday, anniversary, Christmas and "don't ask for anything else for the year" present from my mother...27 years later, I still use it, and love it! Good luck building your collection!

MAC! Like many brands, MAC have different series of knives that command different prices. You can pick up a good quality chefs knife for under $100 in the lower end category. Also, you can get a very inexpensive sharpener (Rollsharp - $16.50) that works with MAC knives. Thomas Keller is a fan of MAC.

I have had Cutco knives....I sold Cutco knives for a while. Frankly, MAC makes better knives for similar prices.

I have a paring knife, boning knife and slicer by Victorinox. I am happy with the quality, especially for the price. Not sure about their chefs knives though.

Cutco is sold like Mary Kaye or Tupperware - ie phone sales and parties/shows. Chances are very high that if someone "recommends" them strongly they are in the biz and trying to boost sales.

Although I got some nice Global knives when I "grew up" (i.e., created a wedding registry) I also do just fine with an Oxo chef's knife. A good knife is a terrific investment, but having been young and poor for a long time I can say that it's not worth getting into financial trouble for. Keep the blade protected and sharp and it will do just fine for you until you can upgrade.

I use Cutco, and my mother has hers, that she bought back in the fifties. They are great, I have used others, but these are the best and the lifetime guarantee is wonderful. I sent mine to be sharpened, and they sent them back promptly, and replaced the sandwich spreader because it can't be sharpened. No charge!

Shun is the only knife I would buy! So much nicer than a German knife in my opinion and much prettier!

If you go to a Japanese or Chinese or Korean market (Marukai, 99 Ranch, HMart) you can find inexpensive knives. It's work to keep them sharp but they don't cost much.

I'd still go with Cutco. Wustof, Global all VERY expensive, plus you need to think of the cost of sharpening (you can do a somewhat adequate job yourself, but it's a pain). Cutco is American made, guaranteed FOREVER & they will sharpen for free (you pay postage). They're not cheap, cheap- a Chef's knife is more than $100, but you can wait for a sale. Remember, they're guaranteed FOREVER! How often do you get a promise like that? My daughter in college asked for these as a gift, after using mine. I'm 60 years old and a very experienced cook & I'm also very happy with them. When you're older & richer you can always get the other brands, but unless you're a professional cook, I doubt you'll need them. For myself, I have used many of the "best" brands of knives & haven't felt they were better or worth the extra cost. Good luck!

If you are poor, you probably can't afford a Wusthof, as mentioned above. I recommend a Mundial. They are stamped, but have the appearance of a Wusthof classic. They are awesome knives, with steel made in Germany, but assembled in Brazil. Their 5100 Series is awesome, and my everyday knife. As long as you hone it after every use, it will stay sharp for about a year, before you need to sharpen it.
http://www.amazon.com/Mundial-8-Inch-Chefs-Knife-Black/dp/B0002LXWAM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1328142444&sr=8-2

Have you seen this question? -- http://www.food52.com/hotline/11883-getting-ready-to-do-a-knife-hunt-my-beloved-wusthof-classics-are-on-their-last-leg-suggestions
Most of the knives discussed are pricey, but some less expensive lines are mentioned. Also, the brands usually have different lines with different price ranges. The knife I use most is a Japanese cleaver which I've had for 25 years. It's not a known 'name' knife, but it's carbon steel, sharpens well, fits my hand and my cutting style well.

Wustof classic. You will have it the rest of your life, so save for it and invest. Mine is practically the only knife I ever use.

I have had some of my wusthof knives for almost 50 yrs. Get a quality knife that feels good in your hand

Victorinox makes some good value knives. But you do need to hold knives first and see how they feel in YOUR hand. they should be like an extension of your arm.

Well it might be a little of a investment but it will last you a good time... Get a wustof