Knife Life
What It Is: For Christmas this year, my husband got me a gift card so I could finally buy a nice, new, SHARP Japanese-made knife. I don’t think I can ever go back! If you’ve never held one of these beauties in your hand, they slice through vegetables as though they were butter. It’s pretty incredible and not just a novelty – I’ve found chopping to be far less of a chore and I’m getting meals on the table faster. If you want to gift someone with the most valuable gift of them all (time), then consider this amazing set of knives from respected brand Shun. This particular set is called the ‘Student Kit’ because it includes all of the essential knives a culinary student needs – yet the knives are quality enough that they’ve been approved for use in commercial kitchens. From a handy paring knife for small and elaborate jobs to a handy bread knife for serving up bread with oil and vinegar before dinner, this eight-piece set includes six quality knives, a sharpening rod, and a handy storage case.
Who It’s For: Your niece or nephew that’s about to embark on a culinary school experience. Your dinner-making spouse, to speed up their prep work. Your kid that just moved in with their partner, as a fabulous housewarming gift they’ll truly treasure.
What It Costs: This set retails for over $1,000, however the price I found for it makes it a cool $649. Looking at the knives alone – that’s barely over $100 a knife!
Where It’s At: You can pick up this particular set at Kitchen Virtue, which also offers free shipping.
Bonus entry into this month’s go-comb giveaway; tell me what you think of this gift idea in the comments below. Do you own any super sharp knives? Love ’em as much as I do?
Canadian Gift Guide 
I love this gift idea! My boyfriend and I really need sharper, better quality knives – the one we have now aren’t great and it can be super annoying for food prep.
Well, I personally would never give anyone a gift this expensive and would be super uncomfortable receiving a high end gift like this -from anyone. BUT I love very sharp knives and do own one that is my go to knife.
A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one. This is on my dream list, one day!
I like the idea of having some good name, sharp knives, but I probably would only want one or two. I did buy my husband a set of more expensive steak knives one year for Christmas and that was a hit.
Have you seen (or taken) this online Knife Technique course? http://www.craftsy.com/class/complete-knife-skills/560
I would sooooo need that, to go along with the knives!
What a great looking set of knives and a wonderful gift idea for a culinary student or a serious at-home chef. I too find that a sharp knife is a real time saver in the kitchen.
I haven’t investedin good knives yet. But it’s definitely on my to save for list.
For an inexpensive, but still fairly good quality paring knife, I would recommend Superstore brand!
It’s true, a good knife makes all the difference. I don’t have a Japanese one, but I do have two lovely Swiss ones.
Good knives can last a long time, I think this is an excellent gift.
I would totally love good knives. I have a few that are decent (and I’ve been keeping ’em sharper ever since I got a diamond sharpening thing for regular sharpening, but those are gorgeous and wonderful! I purchased a Japanese knife for my brother once for a Christmas gift.
I don’t own any super sharp knives at the moment, although it is an investment I would like to make in the future.
All my knives are dull as anything… maybe someday I can own really good ones!
I just got a very sharp knife and would love to have more.
This set would make a great gift for a few of my friends but is not something I would buy for myself. I’m pretty sure toast and KD don’t require super sharp fancy knives!
I love a sharp knife. I would love to win this knife set since it is a bit too expensive for me – thanks
Being a foodie I think this is a great gift idea. Unfortunately, no one in my circle would give gifts of that price range.
I would LOVE a set of these knives. I’m using 37 year old knives that have never been sharpened! I can’t imagine what these knives could do! Wish they were in my price range (sigh)
Great knives but I can’t imagine gifting them – I do have great sharp knives for myself.
I don’t have a good set of knives and these are pretty too! My dad is obsessed with kitchen knives so he would love this set.
We need new knives for sure. Married 45 years and definitely new good knives would be great.
I could really use some sharper knives!! Great idea, but i can’t see myself gifting this to anyone.
i think its a great gift i would love it! i own one really great Japanese knife and its amazing the difference it makes having a truly sharp knife !!!
I would love some seriously good knives. I have a set that are ok and just love my chefs knife. I do have to sharpen often.
I love a good sharp knife and I have several. This is a great set that would make an amazing gift.