Chicago CutleryChicago cutlery walnut tradition chefs knife, 13.4 Ounce

I purchased a second Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 8-Inch Chef's Knife to add to my collection originally purchased from Marshall Fields years ago. The knife I received is greatly reduced in terms of quality and design from the original design. It ships in packaging that hides the detailing. It appears to be the same, but you need to ruin the packaging to inspect the knife, and once opened, you will immediately see the handle is not carved like the original, the weight is lighter, thinner, and the blade itself is not smooth/finished like the original. This knife feels horrible in your hand and feels cheaply made. Do not buy these new knives if you think you are going to get the same quality as the original. If Chicago Cutlery is stamped on the blade, it is not like the original with the identification carved on the handle. I'm disappointed enough to take the time to write a review and can't return it because I had to ruin the packaging to get the knife out.

We received a similar knife when we were married in the early 90's. It was one of the best knives we have ever had but over time it did wear and had a harder time maintaining a sharp edge. We decide to purchase another knife, similar to our original, and found the new knife wonderful - at first. We have had this current knife for just over month but have found that the handle is already loose. NO, we do not let is sit in water, we take care of our knives with the best of care.Unfortunately this is NOT a knife I could recommend. So very very disappointed in this knife. We are already looking for a good replacement.

Nearly exactly as described. It IS made in China. The wooden handle does have cleanly and precisely finished edges--meaning they are nearly square and uncomfortable. A few swipes with sandpaper fixed that. It was sharp right out of the package. It would slice 18# printer paper with no snags from rough spots the entire length of the blade. It is full tang. It is the proper size with good balance for an 8 inch chef's knife. The blade stock is slightly thiner than my old Chicago Cutlery similar knife, but this one is 6 dollars less in price today compared to when I bought the other knife more than 40 years ago at Pennys. But DO NOT run this through a dishwasher. The high temperature water will ruin the handle and the highly caustic dish washing detergent will eat the metal blade.

Sharp, but who knows for how long. I have the same knife (same part number) that I bought over 20 years ago. I recently sharpened that knife and bought the new one to see just how much sharper (if any) it is. It is sharper now, but the blade is made from much lighter gauge steel. China has a reputation for inferior quality steel. The fit and finish is inferior compared to the 20 year old knife and it is evident that in addition to lighter steel, some manufacturing steps have been changed to make a cheaper knife. I have only used the knife a few times in the week that I have owned it. It cuts tomatoes fine now, but I can feel the knife flex cutting through a big block of cheese. I will update in review in 3-6 months.

I'm stunned at the low quality of this knife. I've had one of these for decades and it looks better than this one. The wood looks like it's been used a lot, it's patchy. Knife is really lightweight. Feels like half the weight of our old one. Disappointed.