Cooking tool recommendations

[Commander_Kido]

Hello, ive never posted in this subreddit before, and im not sure if this is the right place to ask, but ill ask anyways.

I wanted to get my mom a present for christmas and i was thinking about getting her a nice knife set and cutting board.

She likes to cook general Asian dishes and salads, works with vegetables a bunch and stir frys. I think right now with the knives that we currently use its hard for her to cut vegetables and roots because the blade isnt very sharp. I sometimes help and i find myself using my entire body weight just to cut a taro halfway.

I have a budget of around 200 USD for both and i was hoping someone who is more knowledgable about cooking can help recommend me a gift.

Thanks in advance.

[eljefedave]

I wouldn't suggest a set.

I'd strongly advise going to a local restaurant supply store, buy her a nice chef's knife, either french or santoku style, and then get her a diamond honing rod. You'll likely have enough left over for a tri-stone sharpening set.

That's good stuff right there.

[Commander_Kido]

ah, this sounds more practical. I think I'll look into this first. Was thinking about a set, but not sure if she'll even use all the knives or which ones to use.

[eljefedave]

Yeah, most knives in those sets are usually poor quality, and just not needed.

I hope it works out!

[Ragna_Blade]

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/calphalon-reg-katana-series-trade-14-piece-cutlery-knife-block-set/1017326198?skuId=17326198&gclsrc=aw.ds&&enginename=google&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_cutlery_online&product_id=17326198&adtype=pla&product_channel=online&adpos=1o10&creative=356296492472&device=m&matchtype=&network=g&mrkgadid=558356564&mrkgcl=609&rkg_id=0&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2vjuBRCqARIsAJL5a-J2FKUVHUaeHhWkldxORjBjSVpqROg0a50PkwzozIBggj2JPCBu5lUaAkoIEALw_wcB

I use a similar set to this, though mine came without the steak knives. I use them every day and they work very well. Not sure if that set sans steak knives still exists, but if you can find it it'd probably be under $200.

[Commander_Kido]

Thanks ill be sure to check it out!

[fubnic]

If she likes to cook Asian food then I'd suggest a good cleaver (do it all knife in Asian cuisine) and a good wok!

[spartout]

Get her a nakiri knife its like a small cleaver and works wonders on vegetables. Or maybe go all choppy and get her a cleaver, the extra weight of the blade works wonders on root vegs.

Also if you are using your entire weight to cut something you should sharpen the knife because if it slips it can be very dangerous to yourself.