Topic: Global Knives - Set for ?140

[Mattie]

For those who appreciate a good knife...

http://www.tesco.com/direct/global-knives-knife-block-set-5-piece/213-3779.prd?sc_cmp=tp4_aff_1018132

Use code for ?10 off - TDX-KHPX   brings the price down to ?140

[Peripatetic Phil]

I know of Global Knives, having watched a video demonstration of the technique for sharpening Japanese knives by Mino Tsuchida ("Mr Global"), but the price still took my breath away.  But then I looked further at the web page and was amused (and saddened) by the number of so-called "celebrity chefs" who are willing to prostitute themselves by allowing their name to be associated with an over-priced knife set.  Even Michel Roux Jr, for whom I have the greatest respect, is happy to allow his name to be used in this way (for financial reward, of course).  But what staggered me most of all was the final item on the page : a bread knife costing

[Invisible Mike]

I think they're overrated. I was at Indian ladies house being taught how to make samosas once and she gave me her new pride and joy ?100 Global knife to chiffonade an onion with. If I do say so I have pretty good technique but to be honest it felt like chopping with a lump of wood with a blade that was way too thick to work with at any speed. It generally just felt very cumbersome. One of the best knives I've owned is a ?10 Stellar James Martin 10" chefs knife. Absolutely brilliant for the money. Victorinox are also seem good.

[Sverige]

The fact there are so many celeb endorsements should itself be an alarm signal. Only a business with massive margins can afford to pay celebs to put their name against the product, and doing so implies nothing about the quality of the product - it's sheer marketing.   In fact the opposite is the case - the more and higher profile the endorsements, the cheaper the base product has to be to allow for the margin to sustain the promotional work. I take it to be a contra-indicator of quality.

[Invisible Mike]

And if it was such a great product it wouldn't need endorsement. It would sell itself!