Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife Review

First Impressions of Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a good set of knives is its pulse. Enter the Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife, a comprehensive collection promising to elevate your culinary game. Chicago Cutlery has a long-standing reputation, and this set aims to deliver both quality and value.

My quest for a new knife set stemmed from years of battling dull, mismatched blades. I needed a reliable, all-in-one solution for everything from prepping vegetables to carving roasts. Unboxing the Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife revealed a complete package: a chef’s knife, bread knife, utility knife, paring knife, steak knives, kitchen shears, and a sharpening steel, all neatly housed in a storage block. The walnut finish on the block offered a classic aesthetic. The initial heft of the knives felt promising, though I reserved judgment until I could put them to work.

Compared to other sets I considered, like the Cuisinart C77SS-15PK and the Victorinox Fibrox Pro Knife Set, the Chicago Cutlery offered a compelling balance of completeness and price. I was drawn to the inclusion of a sharpening steel, a feature often missing in competitor sets. I was cautiously optimistic – hoping for a significant upgrade over my existing, rather sad, drawer of cutlery.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My first foray with the Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife was a Sunday roast. The 8-inch chef’s knife made short work of dicing onions and carrots for the roasting pan. It felt well-balanced in hand, offering decent control. The 8-inch bread knife, with its serrated edge, sliced through a crusty baguette with ease, minimizing tearing.

The kitchen shears tackled the trussing of the chicken, proving surprisingly sturdy. There were no immediate issues, but I noticed the handles on the shears felt a little plasticky. I also used the paring knife to peel apples, and it felt nimble.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few months of consistent use, the Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife has become a regular part of my kitchen arsenal. The initial sharpness of the blades has dulled slightly, but the included sharpening steel helps to maintain a decent edge. Regular honing is key!

The steak knives, with their serrated blades, have held up well to repeated use. They still cut cleanly through steak without requiring excessive sawing. The walnut block shows no signs of wear, and the knives store securely. My biggest gripe is the durability of the shears; the polymer handles feel a bit flimsy and I worry about their long-term survival. Overall, the set performs adequately, though it doesn’t blow me away. It’s a noticeable improvement over my old knives but doesn’t compare to higher-end forged options I’ve used in professional kitchens.

Breaking Down the Features of Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife

Specifications

• The Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife includes an 8″ Chef’s Knife, an 8″ Bread Knife, a 5″ Utility Knife, eight 5″ Steak Knives, a 3.5″ Paring Knife, Kitchen Shears, and a Sharpening Steel. This provides a complete range of blades for various kitchen tasks.
• The set features full tang construction for improved balance and durability. Full tang means the blade extends the entire length of the handle, offering more stability and control.
• The knife handles are made of walnut, adding a touch of classic style. The walnut provides a comfortable grip, although it might not be as slip-resistant as some synthetic materials.
• The knives are stored in a matching walnut storage block. This keeps the knives organized, protected, and readily accessible.
• Chicago Cutlery identifies the “Knife Application” as simply “Kitchen Knife”. This indicates its primary purpose for general kitchen use.

Performance & Functionality

The Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife performs adequately for everyday kitchen tasks. The chef’s knife is versatile enough for chopping, dicing, and mincing, though it lacks the finesse of a higher-end blade. The serrated bread knife slices through crusty bread and tomatoes effectively, preventing crushing.

The included sharpening steel is essential for maintaining the blades’ edges. However, it is not a substitute for professional sharpening. The sharpness out of the box is decent but will diminish with regular use.

Design & Ergonomics

The Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife features a classic design. The walnut handles provide a traditional look and feel. The weight of the knives is balanced, contributing to comfortable use.

The full tang construction adds to the overall sturdiness. However, the transition between the blade and handle could be smoother for improved comfort during extended use. The steak knives, although functional, feel a bit lightweight and less substantial than the other knives in the set.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife should last for several years. Regular honing with the included sharpening steel is crucial for maintaining the blades’ edges. Hand washing is recommended to preserve the integrity of the walnut handles and prevent corrosion of the blades.

Avoid cutting on hard surfaces like glass or granite, as this can damage the blades. Over time, the knives may require professional sharpening to restore their original edge. The polymer handles of the kitchen shears seem to be the weakest point, and care should be taken not to overstress them.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife comes with a complete set of knives, a sharpening steel, and a storage block. There are no additional accessories or customization options available directly from Chicago Cutlery.*

The knives are designed to be used as-is, without modifications. While some users might prefer different handle materials or blade shapes, the set offers a comprehensive selection suitable for most kitchen needs. You could theoretically purchase aftermarket knife sharpeners of higher quality.

Pros and Cons of Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife

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Who Should Buy Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife?

The Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife is perfect for home cooks looking for a comprehensive and affordable knife set. It’s a good option for new homeowners, apartment dwellers, or anyone upgrading from a mismatched collection of knives. It is a nice starter set.

This set might not be ideal for professional chefs or serious culinary enthusiasts who demand the highest level of sharpness and durability. Those individuals might prefer to invest in individual, high-end knives instead. If you value edge retention above all else, consider other brands or forged knives.

A must-have accessory for this set is a good quality cutting board (wood or composite) to protect the blades. Additionally, learning proper knife sharpening techniques will extend the life of the knives.

Conclusion on Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife

The Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife offers a solid value proposition for the price. It provides a complete set of knives for various kitchen tasks. The included sharpening steel helps maintain the blades’ edges.

While the steel quality and handle materials may not match those of higher-end brands, this set represents a significant upgrade for many home cooks. The price of $107.99 is justified for the completeness of the set and its general performance. The Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife is a worthwhile investment if you are looking to equip your kitchen with a functional and affordable set of knives.

I would recommend the Chicago Cutlery Precision Cut Kitchen Set Knife to anyone seeking a versatile and budget-friendly option. It is a good starting point for building your culinary skills. Equip your kitchen today!