The Ranting Reviewer does not get paid or receive any revenue from manufacturers or retailers of products reviewed. I occasionally receive products that I am asked to use and see what I think. I take a look, try them out and tell you all about them.
Another box arrived from a familiar source: Anolon. I am used to high quality cookware from Anolon, but this time they sent me a surprise.
The Anolon Imperion 3 Piece Damascus Chef Knife Set.
Included with the set of three knives and corresponding sheaths.
First the sheaths – They are made from hard plastic and fit the blades perfectly. The cut out design allows for the smooth removal of the blade when needed. Time to look at the knives.
The tang of the knife (the part that is inside the handle) extends the full length of the handle. This provides for a stronger and more controllable knife.
The blade is made up of 65 layers of Damascus Steel. I have to admit that I didn’t know much about Damascus steel but as it turns out it is a historical way that swords and knives were made in the Near East in the past. The process leaves marks that look like flowing water across the blade. The 65 layers are clad onto a VG-10 core which provides exceptional strength and performance. This also means the blade will hold up very well and will require less sharpening.
The extra thick bolster helps to provide a great balance to the knife, which helps you control it better. Time to try it out.
First, I am trying the 6″/15cm Utility Knife. There is nothing better than an overripe tomato to test the sharpness of a knife. If the pliant, tough skin causes the knife to compress the tomato, it is not sharp enough.
This knife cut right through with hardly any pressure at all.
The next knife is the 3.5″/9cm Parer.
Easy to cut through the ribs of this jalapeño.
Time for the big boy, the 8″/20cm Chef knife.
I use a chef’s knife almost exclusively in my cooking, so it better work well or it leaves the kitchen very quickly. I liked both the heft and the balance of this knife. It did not feel like work to wield it and it was easy to slice through vegetables, fruits and even this southwestern crusted pork tenderloin.
My Take: These knives are a no-brainer. You get three key sizes, they are well made, durable, start and well-balanced. The protective sheaths are a great bonus for those who keep their knives in a drawer (knives in drawers get damaged and dull due to the constant jostling around). I have been a fan of other Anolon products and happy to report their knives are up to the high standards of their cookware. You can find the knife set at many retailers and online.
Rantings of an Amateur Chef 
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