Australian Members - Part II - if you read the first post, you'll get what this is all about.

[The Ernesto]

A cook's knife, a carving knife, a 15 cm and a paring knife. And some good scissors. All you need.

Wusthof, mundial, global, all reliable.

 

[mercury]

I use a set of Global knives as recommended by GF above.

They were recommended by Anthony Bourdain in his first book, Kitchen Confidential.
Both the four knife Global blocks and the six knife blocks can be had on sale from various eBay sellers.

If you're deadset on Damascus steel, I saw House selling cheap sets when walking past e.g. https://www.house.com.au/product/baccarat-damashiro-knife-block-7-piece-oak

However before purchasing something like that, be sure to read reviews. I don't know anyone who's bought them, and it's practically 7 knives for the price of one Japanese knife from a reputable brand.

 

[The Ernesto]

Like any iGent purchase you really want to fondle the goods before pulling the trigger on any kop.

Weight, how the handle feels etc.

 

[Foxhound]

Thanks again for everyone's replies. After a bit of reading this morning, and reading some of Bourdain's comments, I really don't need a big block/set. What I need (I think) is a chef's knife, a paring knife, and also a bread knife. I'd like to get them all the same, at least the chef's and paring knife, so I'l look out for a decent small combo set.

 

[Bravo Sierra]

Hey! That's a bit harsh now isn't it.

On a different note. Does anyone know a decent shoe polishing service in Sydney? None left here in Adelaide. I have a pair of Tan DMs that I've completely ruined somehow (whitish sheen over the who shoe and antiquing reduced to intermittent dark splotches) and I think need to be stripped back and repolished and antiqued from scratch. Must be beyond my skills since I did such a terrible job with them in the first place

@ovlov / all - try this guy out if you haven't been to Baxter yet. He is conservative business dress based and does a personal pickup/drop off (as far as I remember). I know someone who is currently getting shoes re-stained/patinated (SIC?) by him, and having seen his previous mirror shines (high gloss captoes and gradual fades) I think he may be a good alternative.

Contact details:
Anoush
0452 221450

 

[Bravo Sierra]

Greetings and happy new year fellow sartorians!

I've been out for the count since July with a new bubba but am back in full swing.
Here is the little tyke in full elf garb at Christmas time. Not SF sanctioned but fun none the less.

Hope santas sack was good to you in the man-cessories department.

....Speaking of which, as a heads up, I will be cleaning up my wardrobe and have several items like 7-fold ties (Bulgari, RLPL etc.), brand new eSpadrilles (New in box unworn - too small) that I need to offload which I will post over the coming days.

Hope you're all well,
B.

 

[fxh]

Thanks again for everyone's replies. After a bit of reading this morning, and reading some of Bourdain's comments, I really don't need a big block/set. What I need (I think) is a chef's knife, a paring knife, and also a bread knife. I'd like to get them all the same, at least the chef's and paring knife, so I'l look out for a decent small combo set.

What others said - you'll get a decent block set with scissors for almost the price of a single knife at times.

Pro Tip: A good bread knife will do anything. Slice tomatoes, carrots, bread, frozen tomato paste, ice cream, a roast beef/lamb/pork /chicken, and for @Prince of Paisley chop up a mull.
Scissors are a must have.
The least used utensil in my kitchen is the paring knife.

The most dangerous, so dangerous its been wrapped up and put way, is the Kinmen Knife - from a visit to the Island.
http://sp-store.com/kinmens/store09.html
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2004/10/31/2003209161/1

 

[Geoffrey Firmin]

The most dangerous, so dangerous its been wrapped up and put way, is the Kinmen Knife - from a visit to the Island.

Hannibal Lecters sashimi kit?

 

[Foxhound]

What do people actually use kitchen scissors for?

 

[Journeyman]

What do people actually use kitchen scissors for?

Cutting things.

Seriously, though, you can use them for roughly cutting herbs, spring onions and various things, and depending on how heavy-duty they are, you can use them for cutting up poultry, crustaceans and other such tasks.

 

[California Dreamer]

The least used utensil in my kitchen is the paring knife.

Agree; I never use the one I got in my Mundial set.

Since I started working in the local op shop I've been staggered at what comes into kitchenware. Because they're dangerous, knives go into our display case in a place where people don't readily see them. So far this year I've picked up knives by Wusthof, Mundial, Dick and Dovo Solingen for a few dollars each. So I'd say buy your basics according to your wallet, but keep your eyes peeled for the chance to add to them on the cheap.

 

[meister]

What others said - you'll get a decent block set with scissors for almost the price of a single knife at times.

Pro Tip: A good bread knife will do anything. Slice tomatoes, carrots, bread, frozen tomato paste, ice cream, a roast beef/lamb/pork /chicken, and for @Prince of Paisley chop up a mull.
Scissors are a must have.
The least used utensil in my kitchen is the paring knife.

The most dangerous, so dangerous its been wrapped up and put way, is the Kinmen Knife - from a visit to the Island.
http://sp-store.com/kinmens/store09.html
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2004/10/31/2003209161/1

Is that the one they advertise on Instagram? Looks evil.

 

[Geoffrey Firmin]

What do people actually use kitchen scissors for?

Turkey wing joints.

 

[Prince of Paisley]

What do people actually use kitchen scissors for?

Impromptu brises.

 

[Henry Carter]

just tried to log on to Henry Carter only to find they are no longer around... (Looks like the thread was locked in '15, so perhaps i am slightly behind the times...)

where do you guys buy ties <$150?

Hello mate, and hello everyone. It's been a while, yeah the business was closed a few years ago now but good to hear people are still talking about it occasionally. I don't have much need to come here these days, am now a landscape gardener which was always a passion before and have a thriving little business just out of Canberra. My days are now spent in blundstones, work shorts and t-shirts and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Now I think of it, I have a few nice pairs of Carminas and a few others in boxes that haven't seen a foot in a few years. I might post them up to see if anyone is interested in them. Being a landscaper changes the physique quite a bit and none of them fit me anymore.

Cheers
Jason