Knives

[old sarge]

Now for some SPAM (?):  Growing up in the 50's/60's, I remember using knives made by Rada. Actually, I was in charge of sharpening them. My mother used them until she passed away a couple of years ago at 95. Same old aluminum handles.  They are made in America and are inexpensive.  And a real pain to sharpen.  But they are nearly indestructible.  They might be a good addition to any outdoor culinary excursions.  For those preferring wood handles, there is the Old Hickory line.  Also Made in America and inexpensive. And yes we had a couple of those as well. Those would also be good for outdoor adventures. 

https://www.radacutlery.com
https://ontarioknife.com/cutlery/old-hickory

UPDATE:  I got a little nostalgic there and well, I ordered the following set.  Just because.
http://www.amazon.com/Ontario-Knife-Co-5-Piece-Hickory/dp/B000M2R6C6

 

[SuperDave]

My wife recently came home with and expensive set of metal handled knives and handed them to me like they were a present.  I hate the way the cold metal feels in my hand but I think that I am stuck with them taking up space in the knife drawer.

 

[old sarge]

It's the thought that counts. And eBay for everything else.

 

[Libohunden]

Dave,

I got a set of Globals for Christmas from my wife. I felt the same way.  $500 for 5 knives and a really cool block. I had a gift receipt and was going to take them back.  I decided to check the reviews on them and then read further.  In the end, I decided to keep them and try them out. Im actually starting to warm up to them and can see why most professionals think they are the great. They won't replace my 14" Victorinox carving knife by any stretch of the imagination. But that's not what they are made for.

I can't say I'm 100% sold yet but I am starting to like them and see the benefits of them.

 

[DivotMaker]

Nice set, Dave.  I have a Old Hickory boning knife that I bought about 30 years ago.  It's a pain to keep clean, but it sure holds an edge!  I use a little CLR with steel wool on it, every now and then, and it looks like new!

 

[old sarge]

I'm hoping the quality is the same as I remember.  Just don't like taking the good knives outside.

 

[pax238]

Dave,

I got a set of Globals for Christmas from my wife. I felt the same way.  $500 for 5 knives and a really cool block. I had a gift receipt and was going to take them back.  I decided to check the reviews on them and then read further.  In the end, I decided to keep them and try them out. Im actually starting to warm up to them and can see why most professionals think they are the great. They won't replace my 14" Victorinox carving knife by any stretch of the imagination. But that's not what they are made for.

I can't say I'm 100% sold yet but I am starting to like them and see the benefits of them.

I've been using Global knives for years. They felt a little strange when I first got them, but I got used to them quickly and now every time I pick up a knife in someone else's kitchen, I'm reminded how good they are.

 

[old sarge]

Global has a great reputation of that there is no doubt. My reasoning behind my post was to toss out an idea for some relatively inexpensive USA made cutlery for outside use and save the expensive stuff for inside use.

 

[va_rider]

taking up space in the knife drawer.

Please don't keep knives in a drawer, unless in a drawer knife block.

 

[pax238]

Global has a great reputation of that there is no doubt. My reasoning behind my post was to toss out an idea for some relatively inexpensive USA made cutlery for outside use and save the expensive stuff for inside use.

Absolutely. Sorry for taking the thread off track.

 

[old sarge]

Good info on the steel handles on Global and taking the time to get used to them. The same 'getting use to it' would apply to the Rada knives with their aluminum handles.

 

[old sarge]

Just a quick review on the knives:  The RADA arrived razor sharp, an even grind on both sides of the blade.  The Old Hickory knives were reasonably sharp, and one knife had an uneven edge.  That will take some work with the wet stone. The blades on the Old Hickory are easily twice as thick as the RADA on the larger knives.  But overall I am happy with the purchase.

 

[TheLocNar]

This isn't even 1/4 of what I have but I have an excuse. Being a Chef and all. lol

 

[old sarge]

One can never have too many tools. The vast majority of our knives are decades old Chicago cutlery.  Maybe 17 total plus a cleaver you could fell a tree with. Have a few Victorinox, a Decter Russel pizza knife and one piece of Lamson Sharp.  A couple years ago I bought a veterinary bone saw on eBay. Waste of $20.00. I thought it would well on large boney cuts but it did not.  Live and learn.

 

[SconnieQ]

This isn't even 1/4 of what I have but I have an excuse. Being a Chef and all. lol

Looks like you have a preference for eastern-style knives.

 

[DivotMaker]

This isn't even 1/4 of what I have but I have an excuse. Being a Chef and all. lol

You could equip a horror movie set, quite easily! ;D

 

[Lcole]

Rada knifes are awesome. They sell a knife sharpener that has 2 washer disks on it. I would suggest that for sharpening. 2 or 3 passes and back to shaving hair off your arm. They also have a tomato knife that cuts through tomatoes  like butter! I personally like the metal handle but they do have plastic and I believe wood handle as well.

 

[old sarge]

For the money, they are very good.