I'm looking to buy a set of kitchen knives, any suggestions on brand?

I have used J.A. Henckels, Wusthof, and Viking knives, they are all quality products. My personal preference is Wusthof Classic, I like the balance and feel it has to it. Stay away from "serrated" or "ever sharp" products they just don't make the cut (ha!).

I recently added a Wusthof 7" Santoku to our set and both my wife and I love it. Good Luck in choosing and be careful these are professional knives

Chicago Cutlery is probably the best brand for the average cook. I have Henckels but they are very expensive. Don't let them sit in the dishwater, wash off right away. Cuisinart also makes a good line of knives that have the plastic handles, which I like better. Also, while a steel will "true" the blade, that is not the same as having them professionally sharpened a couple of times a year. If you take good care of your knives, they will last forever. They say most cutting accidents occur from using dull knives, makes sense as you are using more pressure than you would with a good knife.

do not buy any knife sets where all the blades that are serrated or "self-sharpening" You end up tearing the food instead of cutting/slicing.

I like J.A. Henckels, Wusthof, Chicago Cutlery and Victorinox.

Chicago Cutlery, typically, being the least expensive.

Look for a knife that's full length (full tang)... some cheaper knives extend to the handle and plug in. These tend to break at the handle. The full tang is a knife that's exends through the entire handle and the handle is riveted on.

Also for me, my preference was for a "German" style chef knife. The one pictured in the link below is a French style chef knife which is narrower and the cutting edge is not as curved. The German style blade is deeper at the heel and there cutting edge is more parabolic. This allows me to roll the knife a lot easier through the food than with the slightly straighter french style knife.

Chicago Cutlery is what I recommend for home use. Not near as expensive as the high end brands but very good knifes. They are easy to find and they make many different types. Get a simple sharpener also. If you run your knife across a sharpener everytime you take it out of the block, your knifes will always stay sharp.

Try a brand called Rada cutlery, they're excellent. You'll never have to buy knives again. It's so cool, when you're old, to still be using something you got when you were younger, that's been faithful and sturdy.

I like Wusthof's but they may be more expensive than what you are looking for - Costco carries a sets of Henckels and Cutco knives that are pretty good.

CUTCO makes some very nice cutlery and its NOT expensive. Look them up on the internet.

We have purchased numerous types including steak knives, bread, paring, chefs, butcher, utility and kitchen sears. We also have the butcher block knife holder and are satisfied.

Chicago Cutlery Classic Chef 14-Piece Knife Set

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?dest=999...

Kitchen Collection 41Pc Cutlery and Gadget Set

http://www.kitchencollection.com/Temp_Products.cfm...

Gourmet Traditions 10-piece Kitchen Knife Set

http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PRODU...

Rogers Pro Chef 44-piece Kitchen Set

http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PRODU...

Wusthof Trident are very good, as are J.A. Hinckels. I have used both in a professional setting, and know they both have home-use lines. You probably will not ever buy other knives.

For your specific needs, you don't need the most expensive or finest, such as Henckels. Chicago Cutlery is very good and if you take care of them, will last you for many, many years.