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Chef David's Recommendations
Shop Chef David’s picks by category
The knives, cookware, sharpening supplies, and kitchen tools our chef recommends to customers. Choose a category, or scroll down to browse every pick.
Knives
Cookware
Sharpening
Kitchen Tools
Appliances-
Master Grade 11 in. White Ceramic Rod
The Master Grade ST-3700 receives our top recommendation for a ceramic honing rod.
Please note that a steel honing rod is used to straighten the edge of a knife that has "burred" or rolled over. Ceramic rods are used to remove metal and restore an edge. Knives with a Rockwell hardness of 61 or greater tend to not roll the edges, but will abrade and dull. Ceramic may be the best choice for these knives.
Not all ceramics are equal: At 9 mohs of hardness, the Master Grade ST-3700 is significantly better than others. (Diamonds are 10 mohs). The vast majority of ceramic rods on the market are 8 mohs.
Impact Resistant. Handle is square, so it is less likely to roll off the table. Rubber tip and metal core also help to make this rod more likely to survive a fall. The level of abrasiveness on a ceramic rod is anecdotal as they are textured ceramics that lack a grit that has been sieved to a particular grain size. These are roughly equivalent to a 2000 grit stone. Learn More$49.95 -
RH Preyda 3000 Grit Natural Waterstone
The Pinnacle of Natural Sharpening Performance In a world of synthetic abrasives, the RH Preyda 3000 Grit Natural Arkansas Waterstone stands as a testament to the superior power of nature. Mined from high-quality Novaculite deposits in the United States, this stone offers a unique crystalline structure that synthetic alternatives simply cannot replicate. For professional chefs and home enthusiasts alike, the search for the perfect edge usually involves a complex progression of stones. However, the unique density of this 3000-grit Novaculite allows it to perform the work of multiple stones, bridging the gap between medium refining and fine polishing. Why Chef David Selects This Stone Above All Others When precision is non-negotiable, the tool matters. If we had to choose only one stone to sharpen every knife in our store it would be the RH Preyda 3000 grit. This is Chef Davids top choice for single stone sharpening. Its secret lies in the 'abrasive-hardness' balance. Unlike synthetic stones that wear down quickly and require frequent flattening, the natural Novaculite is incredibly durable, providing a quicker dull-to-sharp process while maintaining its surface integrity for years of service. Whether you are working with high-carbon Japanese steel or rugged German stainless, this stone adapts to the steel's needs. It provides enough 'bite' to remove micro-dullness while simultaneously burnishing the edge to a mirror-like finish that glides through proteins and vegetables with zero resistance. Accompanied by a custom-fit silicone non-slip base, it ensures your sharpening process is as safe as it is effective. Learn More$84.00 -
Wusthof Gourmet 4 Piece Steak Knife Set
The Wusthof Gourmet Steak Knife Set includes 4 knives that are one piece stamped chrome molybdenum vanadium steel with POM, full tang handles. These knives are light weight, easy to sharpen and especially easy to maintain with a honing steel. David Recommends these knives for anyone looking for a cost effective and functional steak knife set. WÜSTHOF GOURMET SERIES – 4 Piece Steak Knife Set with triple riveted synthetic polypropylene handles that resist fading, discoloration, heat and impact. Precisely laser-cut stamped knives offer superb quality and value RAZOR SHARP – High Carbon Stainless Steel Blades, precisely cut with the latest state of the art technology for incredible sharpness and easy maintenance. WÜSTHOF kitchen knives are Hand Wash Only WÜSTHOF STEAK KNIFE SET – Includes four 4 1/2 in. Steak Knives. Ergonomic handle design made from a long-lasting synthetic material to resist fading and discoloration DURABLE – WÜSTHOF Cutlery is crafted to resist corrosion and dulling. This German made Kitchen Knife set measures approximately 10” x 5” x 15” and comes with a limited lifetime warranty CENTURIES OF TRADITION – Family owned for seven generations, WÜSTHOF was founded in Solingen, Germany over 200 years ago. WÜSTHOF’s cutlery carries the Solingen name, a designation reserved for products that meet the strictest quality standards Learn More$134.95 -
Masahiro Virgin Carbon 8.25 in. (210mm) Gyuto
The Masahiro Virgin Carbon 210mm Gyuto is one of chef David's favorite knives. A reliable workhorse with scalpel like precision. The asymetrical shape of this knife drops through food with remarkable ease, pushing each slice cleanly from the blade. This blade size is an excellent choice for line cooks who don't have the space to accomodate a larger knife. This knife takes a beautiful edge that can be maintained between sharpenings with a quality honing steel. We highly recommend this knife, it is one of our most popular models (with good reason)! Learn More$106.00 -
Victorinox Rosewood 10" Curved Breaking Knife
Engineered for the Deck and the Butcher Block The Victorinox 10-inch Curved Breaking Knife (SKU 5.7200.25) is a specialized tool designed for the high-intensity demands of professional meat and fish processing. Originally developed for 'breaking' primal cuts from hanging sides of beef, this knife has evolved into a legendary piece of equipment on the sport fishing boats of San Diego (our original hometown) and commercial fisheries across the West Coast. Its unique geometry allows for the smooth processing of large-game saltwater fish with a level of control that standard fillet knives simply cannot match. Constructed from high-carbon martensitic stainless steel, the 10-inch blade provides a superior balance between edge retention and ease of maintenance. In a high-volume environment where you are processing 40+ lbs of protein, the ability to quickly hone the edge back to a razor-sharp state is critical. The scimitar-style sweep of the blade is specifically designed for long, singular draw-cuts, reducing the need for 'sawing' and ensuring the integrity of the muscle fibers. The handle is crafted from modified maple wood—often referred to in the industry as the Rosewood line—providing a traditional, warm aesthetic without compromising on the rugged durability required for wet environments. The ergonomic shape ensures a secure grip even when processing slick, fatty cuts or working on a moving vessel. This isn't just a kitchen knife; it is a specialized industrial tool built to endure the rigors of commercial butchery and professional angling. Learn More$79.99 -
Demeyere Alu Pro 10 inch Ceramic Fry Pan
Demeyere Alu Pro 10-Inch Ceraforce Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan
Experience the perfect fusion of nonstick convenience and professional-grade performance with the Demeyere Alu Pro 10-Inch Fry Pan. Forged from cold-rolled aluminum, this pan is exceptionally lightweight yet incredibly durable, providing a responsive cooking surface that heats up rapidly and evenly for flawless results every time. It's the ideal pan for delicate tasks like frying eggs, searing fish fillets, or making pancakes, where easy food release is paramount. At the heart of the Alu Pro is Demeyere’s innovative Ceraforce™ ceramic nonstick coating. This high-performance, 5-layer coating allows you to cook with minimal oil and ensures your food slides effortlessly from the pan. Free from PTFE and PFOA, the Ceraforce™ surface provides a healthier, scratch-resistant alternative to traditional nonstick coatings while delivering exceptional browning and searing capabilities. The pan’s superior performance is further enhanced by the TriplInduc® base technology, which makes it remarkably efficient on induction cooktops while remaining compatible with all other heat sources. This unique base ensures the bottom of the pan stays perfectly flat when heated, guaranteeing complete contact with the cooking surface for uniform browning. Designed for comfort and control, the pan features an ergonomic, stay-cool stainless steel handle that is securely riveted for lasting stability. The lightweight body makes it easy to maneuver, toss, and sauté, bringing a new level of ease to your everyday cooking. Learn More$139.95 -
Edlund 12 in. Locking Tongs
These scalloped tongs are ideal to use for flipping meats, serving salads and other foods in a buffet or gathering. Stainless steel construction. Easy to clean. Locking mechanism for easy storage. Learn More$15.80 -
Knife Merchant 18-Slot Deluxe Culinary Knife Bag
The Professional’s Mobile Armory: Premium 18-Slot Culinary Luggage When you handle this bag, the first thing you notice is the weight and density of the PVC-laminated polyester shell. This isn't a soft-sided hobbyist case; it is premium culinary luggage designed to withstand the high-impact environment of professional kitchens and constant transit. During our testing, the double-stitched seams and reinforced pockets showed no signs of stress, even when loaded with heavy 12-inch breaking knives and weighted honing steels. The bag's architecture provides a tactile sense of security. The 18 slots are divided into three distinct zippered sections, allowing you to isolate your primary prep knives from your bulkier pastry tools or plating equipment. Each pocket is specifically reinforced to prevent the sharp tips of high-carbon steel from puncturing the liner—a critical failure point in generic bags. The interior flap, featuring its own zipper closure, acts as a secondary buffer, ensuring that even if the bag is jarred, your blades remain stationary and protected from edge-to-edge contact. From a merchant’s perspective, this bag offers fantastic value because it replicates the exact specifications of the cult-classic Ultimate Edge Deluxe Knife Bag. We have verified the dimensions, pocket depth, and material tensile strength to be identical. Whether you are a culinary student moving between stations or an executive chef managing off-site catering, the sturdy handle with its ergonomic Velcro closure and the attached D-rings for a shoulder strap make transport effortless. This is a tool built for the long haul, protecting the investments you use to make your living. Learn More$84.00 -
NutriMill Classic Grain Mill
Reclaim the Soul of Your Sourdough: Mill Nutrient-Dense, Artisan Flour at Home with the NutriMill Classic For the serious baker, flour is not just an ingredient; it is a living foundation. Most store-bought flours are stripped of the germ and bran to extend shelf life, resulting in an 'oxidized' product that lacks flavor and vital enzymes. The NutriMill Classic Grain Mill solves this by putting the power of a professional mill in your kitchen. For over 20 years, it has remained the gold standard for those who demand the highest concentration of vitamins, minerals, and oils found only in the grain's germ. The Science of Nutrient Preservation Standard food processors and inferior mills generate excessive friction heat, which can destroy heat-sensitive B vitamins and essential oils. The NutriMill Classic utilizes advanced high-speed impact technology. By utilizing stainless steel milling heads that process grain in a high-velocity air stream, it keeps the temperature low. This ensures that the einkorn, spelt, or hard red wheat you mill today retains its biological integrity for your bake tomorrow. This cool-milling process prevents the degradation of delicate proteins, resulting in a significantly better oven spring and more complex crumb structure. Engineering Meets Artistry Whether you are crafting a high-hydration sourdough that requires a specific protein extraction or a delicate pastry requiring ultra-fine powder, the NutriMill Classic adapts. Its fully adjustable texture control allows you to move from 'Pastry Fine' to 'Cracked Grain' in a single session. Unlike stone burr mills that can gum up with moisture or require frequent dressing, the NutriMill features a patented clog-proof airflow design. This ensures that even your largest weekly batches—up to 20 cups of flour at once—are processed without interruption. Experience the undeniable difference in aroma and performance that freshly milled flour provides, transforming every loaf into a nutritional powerhouse. The Nutrimill Classic Grain Mill is in stock and ready to ship! Learn MoreRegular Price: $329.00
Special Price $279.00
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Knife Merchant 8 Slot Knife Bag
The 8 slot knife case features: Double stitched, reinforced pockets with a fully zippered interior flap to protect your knives. PVC laminated polyester shell and an interior mesh pocket flap. Attached D-rings will accommodate a shoulder strap which can be purchased separately.
This is the most often used size in knife luggage. We supply many culinary students and these can be a big part of the expense of their kits. We wanted to bring the cost down and the quality up, so these are made to our specifications; with extra padding, the best zippers and 600 Denier shell. You will be pleased with both the price and quality of this bag. Learn More$34.95
