<gasp> My chef's knife broke

I really am distraught. My bosom companion, my trusted friend, my Henkels chef's knife broke. I was ably demonstrating my superior knife skills when the handle cracked and split at one of the rivets. I could not complete the culinary task at hand and settled into catatonia.

The knife is still usable, but its presence depresses me. I know I abused it -- but I did love it so.

I'm afraid that funding is such that I should put off replacing this knife for some time. In the mean while, I have ample opputunity to research and seek recommendations for its more worthy successor. For some reason "Damascus Steel" has a nice ring to it.

I used to love my German knoves - Henckels or Wustof Trident. Until I tried MAC knives. Now I could never go back to my German knives - although they are very good knives. MAC is simply amazing with a really light handle - which gets a little being used to, which you will. The blade is so sharp you cant believe it and it keeps its edge unbelievably. You can find them on Amazon or on Charlie Trotters website...

Looking at the MAC knives I'm intrigued by the Superior Utility (Chef) Knives. They have a blunted, but honed tip, and a hole in the blade for hanging -- I think this makes sense. So many choices!

I'm not trying to start any "best of" topics here regarding knives. The one I'm retiring was the best, not due to its alloy or components, but because of the shared road. The knife was also a present, and present at so many gatherings. Get a grip!

But the holidays are fast approaching, and I cannot survive improperly armed.

I will give a strong recomendation for MAC Knives. I currently have the below knives in my collection:
MBK-95 Mighty Chef's Knife 9.5"
MSK-65 Professional Santoku 6

Henckels Warranty:
Lifetime against defects in materials and workmanship

If they set the handle rivets too tight it will eventually split the handle.
You should send it in to get it repaired or replaced.
Don't know where though.

Yes I checked the warranty on their website. Handles are not included because they are not man made material. Do you still think its worth sending in?

Hi,

I think it is worth inquiring how much. Sometime they will 'fix' or replace it for a nominal fee. It can't hurt to ask.

Last night, I dropped my Chef's knife and the tip nipped off. I've done this before, which can be remedied by a very good knife sharpener. ReneG knows someone reliable, I will contact him and provide the information here later.

I have been told by several people that MAC knives are great & I plan on making that my next (and somewhat superfluous) knife purchase. I just haven't decided which one to get yet.

Cathy2 wrote:Last night, I dropped my Chef's knife and the tip nipped off. I've done this before, which can be remedied by a very good knife sharpener..

Cathy,

Northwestern Cutlery on Lake St does an excellent job of sharpening knives and, I'm sure, will do a fine job of re tipping your chef's knife. I'd also suggest taking a few of your most used knives for sharpening, Northwestern hand sharpens, first on a bench wheel, then hone, by hand and the result is extremely sharp knives with an edge that lasts exceptionably well, with the proper touch up on a steel.

One word of warning, unless you are a master home sharpener the knives you get back from Northwestern will be much sharper than you are used to, as in verging on razor sharp, though with the proper bevel for kitchen use, and it is quite possible to cut the living daylights out of yourself.

A few years ago I was cutting scallions, took my eye off the ball for a split second, 5-stiches, thank you very much. Even highly accomplished home cooks, such as MAG, now referred to as Stumpy, can make a 3-stitch mistake with newly sharpened knives from Northwestern.

Enjoy,
Gary

Northwestern Cutlery
810 W. Lake St
Chicago, IL
312-421-3666

Hi,

Newly sharpened knives are quite scary indeed. The problem is as the knife dulls, you exert more force to get the same result. Once your knives are resharpened you continue to use more force than necessary, then these kitchen accidents happen.

Long time ago, I nipped the tip off my thumb.

Just last week, I cut my hand on a Cuisinart blade. I was being a little casual while cleaning. I had a friend who dropped a Cuisinart blade on her foot, multiple stitches and in a wheelchair for 3 weeks.

My regrets to MAG for her inconvenience.

I guarantee - every time I've cut myself I've either been using someone else's blade or sampling the sauce.

I must mention my knife sharpener of choice by convenience, results, and history:

Maestranzi Sharp Knife Service
4715 Ronald St
Harwood Heights, IL

--> This is one block east of Harlem and Lawrence

They can usually take care of you while you wait (don't show up at lunch time) and are eminently reasonable.