opinions on kitchen knife blanks

[fast14riot]

Due to circumstances I now am going to need a set of my own kitchen knives, and knowing my abilities I am not able to grind my own how I would like. I am serious in the kitchen, and like my knives to be as well. So I have decided to look into the various knife blanks offered and would like opinions of what you guys think is the better quality blanks. Not nesecarily steel choice, but quality grind, HT, and handle options. For steel, even the AUS8 would be just fine for me and the price is even better. I would be looking for a basic 3 piece set, chef's knife, 6" utiliy, and a paring. Those three see the most use for me, and I like my knives thin.

I know many of you guys here have done kitchen knife blanks as gifts and such, so I would like your opinions.


Thanx

-Xander

 

[fishface5]

I made several using blanks from texasknife from their "favorite" line, using the cryo'd versions. these blanks were "voted best kitchen blades by the staff" of the website. I gave them to several people as gifts and they have all really liked the knives, however none but one of them are serious cooks. They are thin and very slicey. I also tried some of the other blanks on the site but did not like thenm as much as the "favorite" models.
Jantz sells similar-looking ones as "keen edge cutlery" blanks - I don't know if they are the same though.
Jantz also has ZDP189 blade blanks that are pricey. They also have VG10 blanks. I haven't used either of them so can't comment, but in theory both are great steel for a kitchen knife (slicers not cleavers).
USAknifemaker sells some very nice looking AT34 blanks but I haven't used them myself.

 

[ERIK KNIVES]

Cutlery and more has a sale right now on a Shun Classic Starter Knife Set that is everything you need. 8" Chef, 6" utility, and a paring. Slam dunk for me.

 

[Horsewright]

I have used both the ZDP189 and the VG10 blades as well as the Keen Edge blades from Jantz. The ZDP189 blades have been for customers. The others for family including the wife. If ya can afford them the ZDP189 blades are WOW! Just finished one yesterday using some of that CA Sycamore from Mark. They are scary sharp before ya sharpen them. After you sharpen them its something else, a whole different realm. In a 2 year side by side the wife pulls out the Keen Edge chef's knife before she does the VG10 chef's knife. She doesn't dislike the VG10 she just likes the other better.

 

[jawilder]

I have used the "Favorite" knives from TKS for gifts and the people who received them love them. They are ground very well and are easy to put a handle on.

Here are some that I had to drill some holes for bolsters with hidden pins. I used a carbite tipped bit to drill the holes, which was easy on the thin metal.