If you're posting here for suggestions, then one would believe you would pay good money for quality items. I urge you to contact nova512. He make custom cutlery of all types. Here's a pic of the knife he made for me.
Look at Cutco knives, they are made here. I believe there is still a Cutco store in indy.
Really? I gave those away that we got as a gift in the 90s...
You probably should have kept them, a small set can easily be 500 bucks to 1300 for large set of knives.
https://www.cutco.com/products/thumbnail.jsp?shop=knife-sets
Thats very nice. I have a few nice folders (ZT, Microtech, spyderco) and some nicer fixed blades(ESEE, BUSSE, survive!). Our kitchen knives however are calphalon and were a wedding present. They were nice for a few years but not they are starting to rust. Would also like to spend the money on something made here. Is Nova512 just a member on this site, or does he have a website?
My knife is made from a variety of Damascus steel. Like any artist, he likes to work with high-end materials and could make something to fit your taste that would last for years (and hold an edge). He's a member here but has a greater presence on facebook. DM me for a link.
You probably should have kept them, a small set can easily be 500 bucks to 1300 for large set of knives.
https://www.cutco.com/products/thumbnail.jsp?shop=knife-sets
They ain't worth it, though.
Their edge retention is crap.
Plus, the serrated ones are near impossible for mortals to sharpen.
Cost has no bearing on long term quality as Jetta points out. They hawk them a Costco regularly, so better deals can be found on them, but still not like my others, and I have had a few.
Just another thought: Cutco knives are for people that put their knives in the dishwasher (e.g. my mother); they do handle that abuse with aplomb. You'll still ruin the edge, but no rust.