R H. Forschner by Victorinox 7-Inch Granton Edge Santoku Knife, Black Fibrox Handle Reviews

• Chef's best friend

  
  By ARD49W5MLJ9SM on 2007-11-25
  Forschner is by far the best knife for the money. They always arrive razor sharp, and have the ability to hold an edge far longer than much more expensive knives. I purchased one for all of my line cooks as they are very durable and can be used to perform almost any task in a professional kitchen.
  
  The "sports mom" comment that it "felt cheap" was probably due to its light weight and composite plastic handle. To an untrained eye, it could be confused for a "cheap" knife, but after de-boning a chicken, slicing through a butternut squash, it still glides through tomatoes like butter and can perform the most surgical of cuts. The composite plastic handle has an amazing grip even when your hands are covered in duck fat, it won't slip.
  
  I own knives that can run up into the $1200 range, but still prefer this little powerhouse for everyday use. If you only own one sharp knife in your entire kitchen, this should be the one. I also have the 10 inch forschner chefs knife, but prefer the graton edge on this one, especially while slicing potatoes.
  
  

• A must have

  
  By A2QF786L4I38PQ on 2007-12-22
  The Victorinox Fibrox line of knives are all composed of the same high grade metal and well built handles. Cooks Illustrated did indeed rate these knives. However, this santoku was not one of them I believe. The article I read was of the chef's knife.
  
  I have tried many different santoku knives but this one feels the most at home. For me the handle is a little small but it's light. Deceptively light. You wouldn't believe how easily it can go through anything you put it against.
  
  The Granton edge does indeed help with food coming off of the knife. Unless you are chopping something that REALLY sticks to the knife, like I do many times.
  
  Even though I prefer the chef's knife version of this line, the santoku is probably the best one I've ever used. You won't be sorry that you bought this blade. And if you are... it only cost you around $30. Sure, it's no Ken Onion, but then again, it's not over $180 either. For the price, you just can't beat it.
  
  

• Great value, with great feel

  
  By AXAGX5MKOTHC5 on 2008-01-29
  I bought this knife because I owned an 8 in. Chef's knife by same Company (with same handle). I saw the Chef's knife recommended by America's Test Kitchen, as the fav. and for the price it was a great deal!! I therefore jumped at the chance to purchase the Santoku knife at less than 20 bucks. I was not disappointed, it was comfortable (I have big hands/knuckles)and I felt like I had more control with it. To chop herbs, veggies, etc. it is excellent, but the blade is a little too flexible for harder stuff. That is why if u buy both the Chef's knife and this Santoku knife, u can handle most things with great comfort and ease. And the best part of all is u can buy both without spending $100.
  
  

• Inexpensive but a great knife

  
  By A307JY9YZ5GFZE on 2008-04-07
  This is the 3rd R H Forschner knife with Fibrox Handle that I've purchased. The 3 combined cost less than 1 of my big name knifes. I prefer to use these, the plain handles give a good firm grip and the blades remain sharp longer.
  
  

• Great quality for $$$

  
  By A201WQ5P55X6A4 on 2007-12-29
  Outstanding quality, excellent value.
  
  This design does in fact help food come off the knife, but not as much as I had hoped. Still, it does a good job and has a good "feel." I enjoy using it.
  
  
  
  
• Excellent
  By A1YL4NC6HZ37WI on 2008-03-08
  I purchesed this product after some serious debate on whether to go with one of the German products. This knife is made in Switzerland, and although not forged, is very nicely finished with a very sharp edge. It is lightweight, but is very comfortable. The handle, although Fibrox, has a different shape and feel than the other Fibrox handles. At a verfied 50% of the retail price at a local shop, it was a steal for me!
  
  
• Sharp
  By A1U5WGVBP2CZ9S on 2007-12-12
  This is a great, very, very sharp knife. I am very pleased. I use it to cut vegetables mostly and it works extremely well. My only complaint is that the veggies still stick to the sides even though they are not supposed to.
  
  
• Great Knive
  By A2F54PHA9KVRD4 on 2008-02-13
  R H Forschner 7-inch Santoku Knife, Granton Edge, Black Fibrox Handle
  Great value. Knive was razor sharp out of the box, keeps it's edge and easily takes an edge with a stone. Compares well to other more expensive knives that I own. I now find myself reaching for this one for most task in my kitchen.
  
  
• Dangerously sharp
  By A4LBRD6T8RG5Y on 2008-04-30
  Aside from the santoku's incredible popularity right now, this blade offers razor sharp utility at an entry level price. Cook's Illustrated and chefs world wide agree that with Forschner you are getting the most bang for your buck in the industry, and this knife is no exception.
  
  It remains well balanced despite its light weight, which allows me to use this blade for a wide range of applications without any hand fatigue. The edge returns to form time and time again, and stays so sharp that I exercise special care when handling it.
  
  I know there is a time and a place for bringing out more spendy pieces, but more often than not I find myself reaching for a Forschner instead of a much higher priced, heavier blade.
  
  
  
  
  
• Forschner Santoku
  By A98W430LW7F2O on 2008-05-01
  I did a lot of research before purchasing this Santoku. I am into cooking. I was prepared to buy one of the two hundred dollar plus hand forged Japanese Santoku's available from one of my specialty catalogs when I read in Cook's Illustrated that in their tests the Forschner Chef Knife had beaten out some of the most expensive chef knives available and had become a favorite of chefs in their test kitchen. I figured the construction and quality of the Forschner Santoku and the Forschner Chef Knife would be equivalent. I bought it from Amazon and have used it on numerous occasions and I love it. Well balanced, sturdy, yet light weight, it is incredibly sharp right out of the package and easy to maintain. The handle is very comfortable and grips well even when wet. What more could you ask for from a knife under $30?
  
  
• Curiosity Satisfied
  By A33KNR67O8JYJH on 2008-04-10
  I received my knife a couple of days ago. I own an expensive set of German knives and was curious about how a santoku knife works. Yet, I didn't want to spend a lot of money to find out! So far, I've used the knife to slice a frozen roll of sausage, peel an orange, chop an onion, slice bread, and chop a tomato. The results were fantastic! The blade is extremely sharp, so be careful. I've knicked my fingers a couple of times, but I'm sure I'll improve as I become more familiar with how to use the knife. My husband enjoys the knife too. Good knife and good value. I only wish I had a way to store it because it won't fit in the knife block I have.
  
  
• Forschner 7" Santoku
  By ALCO70A0Z9KT2 on 2008-04-18
  The Forschner is just about the best Santoku in a shorter length that I have tried so far. The Forschner chef's knife was rated the best by America's Test Kitchen so I thought I'd give this one a try. For the low price, it's great. I've tried lots of other knives by other manufacturers and some of the higher-priced, big-name brands I wouldn't give 2 cents for. On one in particular, the spine was so sharp that it sliced open my hand. The only downside to this line of Forschners is the handle. It is not ergonomic and is hard to hold in a "chef's pinch grip".
  
  
• Beautiful knife
  By A2SKEQT0WTB954 on 2008-06-16
  A great knife with nice weight and balance. Once you use it you will never go back to other knives. Mine arrived not very sharp but a few swipes of the sharpening stone and it was great. I love it.
  
  
• A cut above the rest
  By A4OX3B6UWWL0J on 2008-08-03
  Based upon dollar value and performance an excellent knife and great addition to any kitchen. Blade is sharp, retains its edge with use, and well balanced regardless of use with your right or left hand. Very pleased with purchase.
  
  
• BEST QUALITY SANTOKU AND FOR THE BEST PRICE. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
  By A2NLDC9V8LVKG9 on 2008-09-08
  By far the best Santoku knife that you can buy for the money. I purchased this for $20 +ship and would spend $30 +ship if I had to. Don't waste your money or overpriced Henckels or Wusthof, you will get what you need right here with the R.H. Forschner.
  
  PROS:
  1. Ergonomic and slip resistant handle. No concern at all of it slipping out of your hand.
  2. Razor-sharp edge. Watch out, the blade on this knife is unbelievably sharp. Slicing through raw potatoes for steak fries was like cutting through butter.
  3. Easy to clean. No cracks or crevices for food to build up.
  4. Lightweight and well-balanced. This is not a heavy knife. When in use it feel like an extension of your arm. Not a dumbbell. I see the lightness as a positive.
  
  CONS:
  n/a
  
  If you do not already have, I recommend purchasing a Blade Saver (holster) for this knife. (1) Because you don't want to dent or damage the blade wherever you place it and (2) So that you don't cut yourself when locating it in your drawer. This is what I recommend: "The Ultimate Edge BS4 4-Piece Knife Blade Saver Set"
  
  
• Super Sharp Knife
  By AQUVRJQ7MI8NE on 2008-06-29
  Since I bought this Victorinox Santoku type knife in April I use it almost exclusively. It's light weight is a bit disconcerting only at first, in comparison to a 8 inch chiefs knife. When it got slightly dull I tried a very fine old Lamson steel at a shallow angle. It worked, but the angle was not as consistant as I wanted. I then tried the Wusthof Knife-Life Santoku sharpner it's great. It's sharpening angle is 17 degrees, my guess is the Victorinox's angle is slightly less. It only takes a couple of swipes through the fine ceramic stones and you are good for another weeks chopping. The quality of Victorinox's steel is very impressive. This is the best of their knives that I have purchased.
  
  
• Good knife good price
  By A3AITTW9OAB1Y on 2008-07-22
  Bought this knife based on a review of a like knife in Cooks Illustrated. Really like the weight. Very shape, very good value.
  
  
• Forschner Number 1 Choice of Professionals
  By A14KC988NE3WSH on 2008-10-07
  I purchased the 8 piece Forschner block set (plus the 7 inch Santoku), and highly recommend this set and the extra 7 inch Santoku which fits in the same block.
  The deciding factor for me were the comments by professional chefs and butchers on various web sites
  including this one.
  The problem with purchasing individual knives is that the cases are very expensive (with shipping and handling the mark up over mfg cost must be 1000%?), but you just cannot have sharp knives loose in a drawer. The block is $30+ if you compare the piece part prices, and if you have small kitchen it uses the least space, further away from kids hands, less fiddly than the knife safes as well.
  As for what you get in the block set, it has just about the right combination of knives for me, the Santoku
  knife fits in one empty slot as well (thanks to reviewer who commented on that). There's a steel included as well
  which is essential. The boning knife is longer than the one in my old set, but I don't do use it that much. There's one spare slot for a smaller knife.
  These knives are all very sharp, and I'd say the 8 inch chef's knife is the largest I would ever need,
  better for heavier cutting, but also OK for fine cutting as well. The 7 inch Santoku is lighter and I like using it-I can see why it's popular, better for potatoes/vegetables but can also handle heavy cutting as well. They both are great for fine chopping using a rocking motion, and with plenty of knuckle room. With a 2 cook kitchen having the two knives in the block seems a good plan. The Santoku has slightly different handle shape than the other knives which may be for Asian style chopping (versus rocking), I'll have to experiment.
  As for using in a dishwasher, one Forschner supplier recommends no, the reason being the plastic
  cover on the dishwasher rack will be cut and may cause the underlying metal to corrode, not to mention
  knife edge wear, and change in blade temper (although I am sceptical about this last one) . If you clean them as you go this isn't a problem.
  
  
  
• Forschner 7 Inch Santoku Knife - Agile and Reliable
  By A17BUUBOU0598B on 2008-10-16
  The R H. Forschner by Victorinox 7-Inch Granton Edge Santoku Knife gets almost as much use in my kitchen as the R.H. Forschner by Victorinox 8-Inch Chef's Knife. They both have the black Fibrox handle, which is very comfortable in the hand. They also each have a nice balance to the blade for extended use. The Santoku knife is a little shorter, making it slightly more agile for deboning or butchering. But the slightly greater heft of the chef's knife make it a tad better on larger jobs.
  
  The ridges on the side of the Santoku knife relieve pressure when slicing and dicing. The edge seems to be less aggressive than the chef's knife, but the difference is rather subtle. Both are excellent, but the chef's knife just seems to holds its edge for a slightly longer time. Either of these could be your primary knife, and both are a worthy addition to your kitchen. These two particular models are my personal favorites and make up half of the four knives I use most when preparing meals.
  
  Other than those two knives, I mainly only use a filet knife and a paring knife when cooking. The R H. Forschner by Victorinox 3-1/4-Inch Paring Knife is very highly rated, though I use a different older knife that I had before purchasing these other knives.
  
  For those who prepare a smaller amount of fish than I do, the filet knife's role can really be filled by the Santoku knife. When preparing certain fruits and vegetables, I know the Santoku knife needs sharpening when it does not effectively break the skin unless you start from the point. While I sometimes will use my smaller paring knife for prepping such items, this is a good way to know when it's time to sharpen your knives.
  
  The Forschner line-up of knives are impressive, and give you a lot of knife for a reasonable cost. I purchased too many budget knife sets that ended up collecting dust. I have come to rely on my four favorite knives and find that they do 99% of everything I need in the kitchen.
  
  Definitely consider this knife in combination with others, instead of a knife and block set. A few carefully selected knives are better than a set of average knives any day. Though if I were to purchase a block set, you can get a decent compliment of Forschner knives in the R.H. Forschner by Victorinox 8-Piece Knife Block Set. I don't own that set yet, but I'm just putting that info here for anybody determined to get a knife block set that plans on buying one or more Forschner knives anyway. Perhaps for those that don't have a sharpening steel or chef's knife, it may be worth the investment.
  
  If I had to choose between the 8 inch chef's knife or the 7 inch Santoku, I would take the chef's knife. But for the person who likes to cook often, you will find that both of these knives get plenty of use in your kitchen.
  
  For those that want to gain the 3 most commonly sought knifes, the R.H. Forschner by Victorinox 3-Piece Fibrox Chef's Set is probably ideal for many. For me, I prefer the 8 inch chef's knife to the 10 inch, and I like the Santoku knife over the more slender slicing knife. Either way you go, you really can't go wrong with these.
  
  Enjoy.
  
  
  
• Not as good as recommended
  By A3COXYIK12SPND on 2007-11-24
  This product although recommended by Cooks was disappointing. It cuts just fine, but it doesn't feel balanced in my hand--it feels cheap.
  
  
• Love this knife!
  By A3PY6AT5968BYE on 2008-05-04
  This is my favorite knife! It is great for just about anything; I also bought the wavy-edge 4.5 inch knife- these are the only 2 knives I grab anymore! Perfect size, great for chopping veggies, herbs, fruit, etc! The angle lets you rock it back and forth for finely chopped items.
  love it!
  
  
• Excellent value!
  By A3B4WKGDWL42OY on 2008-06-15
  After receiving a pricier Cuisinart set, where the knives weren't that sharp out of the box, one knife chipped, and some knives developed rust spots, we returned them. After reading reviews I decided to buy a couple of Forschner knives and they are excellent. They are super sharp, well balanced, and a great value! I would recommend these knives to anyone!
  
  
• Forschner santoku knife
  By AAOF4IDLD3ES6 on 2008-06-15
  This knife is excellent for slicing fruits and vegetables, and does quite nicely on meat, too. The blade grooves really work to keep stuff from sticking, the edge is holding up very well, and the grip doesn't slip. We have found it to be a much better kitchen tool than a traditional chef's knife. Oh, yes, ordering and delivery were smooth and timely. Good job!!
  
  
• I really like this knife
  By A3PM4D4OE2UOV on 2008-06-24
  I've used other expensive brand name knives for years, and recently bought the RH Forschner 7-inch knife, and LOVE IT!!! It cuts finely, and sharply. I've never enjoyed cutting vegetables more than with this knife.
  
  
  
• good sturdy knife
  By A1S06N8FQFBJT0 on 2008-06-27
  This is a good knife, sharp, and can cut very thin slices without effort. I've found that it does not cut thru tomato skins as easily as the smaller paring knife. Cutting from the backside is a breeze, but wish it was a tad bit sharper. Love the balance and strength.
  
  
• I love this knife!
  By A3FRH1V0KW8UAU on 2008-06-28
  I use this knife whenever I'm cooking. I even took it to a friend's house that I was helping cook for a party. The knife is easy to handle and makes slicing, dicing, chopping a breeze. I love it!!
  
  
• Comfortable knife..
  By A11F1JQZRYM6JW on 2008-07-27
  great value, reasonably priced. It's very comfortable to use, not too heavy, not too light. I recommend it for daily use. You don't have to struggle with your knife. It has a sharp edge and makes cutting quick and easy.
  
  
• Fantastic for the Price
  By AGZ4W7NWVDDB3 on 2008-08-17
  I read a review of this knife in Cook's Illustrated and decided to buy this product based on that review. I've since bought several by this company and have to say that it is beyond a doubt the best knife I've ever owned. It feels great in my hands and holds a excellent edge. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who spends as much time in the kitchen as I do.
  
  
• Fantastic Knife ~ The Best I have used.
  By A1YKALI5YG2IEU on 2008-09-06
  I have owned good german Wusthof knives ~ an eight inch chef's knfe and a 3 1/2 inch paring knife. They were of substantial heft, served me well and I enjoyed them, though they were not particularly ever super sharp, especially the paring knife. None the less, I enjoyed them. They were stolen when I left them on the patio after preparing some food for the grill. I replaced the Wusthof knives with some Japanese knives that were highly rated by a respected serious culinary magazine. The Japanes knives were sharper than the Wusthofs and were of acceptable to very good quality but were fragile. They were costly too, but less so than the Wusthofs. I have also used other German and French knives of equal repute as the Wusthof line. Why this background? Just to indicate I have used high quality knives, cook often, and have the experience with decent knives to compare to the Forschner knife in question.
  
  This Forschner 7-inch Granton Edge Santoku is superior to all my previous knives and 80% less costly than the Wustoff eight inch chef knife I previously owned. It is EXTREMELY SHARP and cuts thin slices of tomato perfectly with no effort whatever. I find it a has more a sense of weight than the Forschner six inch chefs knife in the same line. By the way, that is a great little knife too. But this knife has a satisfying bit more heft for heavier jobs, yet is still light and easy to use. It has a great shape for me, and is angled just right to my cutting block. I love the feel of the fibrox handles they use in this line and this one fits my hand perfectly. I have a moderately sized hand.
  
  In my opinion, you cannot find a knife that touches this one for the price. I doubt you will find a better one at five times the price. I would be quite surprised if you found a sharper one. If you want to treat yourself to an excellent, user friendly knife at a very reasonable price, you cannot go wrong with this knife. You will be very pleased you decided to select it. It is a gem. It is simply an excellent kitchen tool you will find excuses too use.
  
  
• A knife to make you smile
  By A7OX2379DZ79Q on 2008-10-05
  Every time I pick up this excellent knife I smile, knowing that it's going to be fun to use. It was a gift, and one of the best gifts I have received in a long time. After ten months of heavy use it looks like new.
  
  This knife is lighter than you might expect, which I feel helps me to work rapidly, and is just the right size for excellent control-- I tend to "choke up" on the knife and grip the blade with my thumb for extra control. Its slim profile and the granton edge mean easier chopping and the ability to easily create very thin slices. The light weight means less fatigue. As a result of excellent design, this tool can mow through great quantities of all sorts of veggies. It's also incredibly sharp. A winner and an amazing bargain.
  
  I own other Forschner products, including the R.H. Forschner by Victorinox 8-Inch Chef's Knife, Black Fibrox Handle and R H. Forschner by Victorinox 3.24-Inch Paring Knife, Small Black Polypropylene Handle. Both are also excellent.
  
  

• DMT CDT6 Diamond Ceramic Triangle Sharpener
• Diamond Machining Technology CS2 12-Inch Ceramic Steel

• R.H. Forschner by Victorinox 8-Inch Chef's Knife, Black Fibrox Handle
• R H. Forschner by Victorinox 3-1/4-Inch Paring Knife, Large Black Handle
• R.H. Forschner by Victorinox 3-Piece Fibrox Chef's Set, Molded Handles
• R H. Forschner by Victorinox 3-Piece Paring Knife Set, Black Poly Handles
• R.H. Forschner by Victorinox 8-Piece Knife Block Set