Originally posted by: Crab cake
Henckels are not what they used to be. Most of them are now made in Spain and somewhere in the former Eastern Bloc. They are not as durable as they used to be. My parents are still using the same set they have had for more than 20 years. The ones I got as housewarming gift didn't last more than a year. Global is new rage among home chefs. Most surgeons I know absolutely love them. They have a surgical feel to it that no other knives possess. They are quite heavy and the grips aren't quite as comfortable as Henckels. My current love is Wusthoff. These tend to stain quite easily. Wash them right away and they should keep you happy for a while.
Depends on what line you are talking about. Their top knives are still fantastic, though they, like many companies, are trying to cash in on their name with slightly lower quality knives for the mass market.
As for your comment about Spain, Spanish steel has been known as among the best in the world for centuries, and I certainly wouldn't denigrate that pedigree.
My brother swears by Sabatier, though they're a little more brittle and prone to breaking as a result. They're covered by a lifetime warranty, though, I believe.
Anyone know good Japanese knife brands? Since I'm living here, I figured there's probably some knives I should look into buying, but I have no idea what brands here are good. Probably the best place in the world to find a good cleaver.