maestro wrote:
> I'm trying to build a collection of high-quality knifes and I'm
> currently looking for a all-around knife that is usually there for most
> occasion's that don't require the big knifes. What sized blade and type
> should I consider?

First thing to consider is how much money you're willing to invest...
then armed with that info look only in that price range... it'd be
silly to look at the Lexus when all you can afford is the Corolla..
either will get you there. I suggest an 8" chefs knife and a paring
knife for starters, no one actually needs more, just nice to have more.
If your budget is tight you can find both those in decent utility
quality for around $30... if you are more flush then go for top of the
line, about a C-note. Familiarize yourself with knife use, care and
cooking before sallying forth into building a collection. If you're
suckered into buying a set because it looks like a bargain, it's not,
you'll not ever use half those knives... I'd put that extra money into
buying the pieces that rarely if ever are included with a set, like a
good quality bread knife, a flexable boning knife (a stiff boner is
only good for one thing), a substantial cleaver is nice (a wimpy one is
no better than the back forty of your chefs knife), and a quality steel
(the steels typically included in sets are small and of poor quality).
Later on you may want to consider a few plain carbon steel knives, for
slicing roasts and ripe tomatoes nothing beats carbon steel.
Eventually you'll want say a 10" chefs knife, but only after you
develop some skill... and one can never have too many parers, I
actually have a couple in every room of my house including the
bathrooms, basement, and garage... in my tractors and automobile too.
I have three parers right here in my desk drawer, great for opening the
mail, opening packages, or when having a snack. I just know someone is
going to question why I need a small knife in the bathroom... have you
ever tried to remove the tamper proof seals on some items, practically
need a sledge and mason's chisel. Bought a set of ten metric wrenches
at Lowes yesterday, needed heavy duty tin snips to cut through that
thick plastic packaging... would have destroyed a kitchen knife.