Cutco Knives — All You Need to Know

Cutco knives, also known as Alcas Cutlery Corporation, is an American company that has been manufacturing high-quality knives since 1949. The company started out as a commercial knife manufacturer, but over the years it has evolved to create knives for home cooks and outdoor enthusiasts. Today, Cutco knives are known for their durability, sharpness, and ergonomic design, making them a popular choice among professional chefs, home cooks, and outdoors enthusiasts. In this article, we will take a look at all you need to know about Cutco knives – from the company’s history, to the unique features that make them stand out in the market, to the types of Cutco knives available, to how to care for and maintain your knives.

Cutco Knives History

Cutco knives have a long and storied history that dates back to the late 1940s. The company, originally known as Alcas Cutlery Corporation, was founded by Alcoa Aluminum Company. At first, the company focused on creating high-quality knives for commercial use, such as for butchers and restaurants. However, as the company grew and evolved, it began to focus on creating knives for the home cook and outdoor enthusiast.

In the 1970s, Alcas Cutlery Corporation was purchased by Vector Marketing, a direct sales company. Under Vector Marketing’s ownership, Cutco knives became known for their unique direct sales model, which allows customers to try the product before they buy it. This unique sales model has been a key factor in Cutco’s success and has helped the company to build a dedicated following of loyal customers.

Throughout the years, Cutco knives have remained true to their roots as a high-quality, American-made product. The company continues to use only the best materials and manufacturing processes to create knives that are not only sharp and durable but also comfortable and easy to use. Today, Cutco knives are a favorite among professional chefs, home cooks, and outdoors enthusiasts alike, and the company’s Forever Guarantee means that customers can enjoy their knives for a lifetime.

Where are Cutco Knives Made

Cutco knives are designed and manufactured in the USA. The company is based in Olean, New York, where it has a manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters. The company prides itself on being an American-made product and adheres to strict quality standards to ensure that each knife is of the highest quality. The company uses high-quality materials, including high-carbon stainless steel and a unique handle material called thermoplastic elastomer, which is designed for a comfortable and secure grip. Cutco is also known for their unique sales model which is Direct Selling, which allows customers to try the product before they buy it, and also provides a great opportunity to be engaged with the product and the brand.

Why Cutco knives are unique and stand out in the market

• Cutco knives stand out for their unique double-d edge design, which provides a sharper and more durable edge than traditional knives.
• The company uses high-quality materials, including high-carbon stainless steel and a unique handle material called thermoplastic elastomer, which is designed for a comfortable and secure grip.
• Cutco knives are designed and manufactured in the USA, which means they are held to strict quality standards.
• Cutco knives are backed by a Forever Guarantee, which means they will sharpen and repair the knives for free for the lifetime of the product.
• Cutco knives also known for their unique sales model which is Direct Selling, which allows customers to try the product before they buy it and also provides a great opportunity to be engaged with the product and the brand.

Features and Benefits — How Good are Cutco Knives

Materials and Construction of Cutco Knives

Cutco knives are known for their high-quality materials and construction. The blades of Cutco knives are made from high-carbon stainless steel, which is a type of steel that is known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to hold a sharp edge. The steel is heat treated and cooled to ensure that it is tough and can withstand heavy use. The blades are also hardened to a Rockwell hardness of 56-58, which is a measure of the steel’s resistance to wear and tear. The blades are then ground to a razor-sharp edge, which is designed to stay sharp for a long time.

The handles of Cutco knives are made from a unique material called thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which is a type of plastic that is known for its durability and comfort. TPE is lightweight and easy to grip, making it comfortable to hold for long periods of time. The handle is also designed to be ergonomic, which means it is designed to fit the hand comfortably and provide a secure grip, even when the knife is wet. The handle also features a “finger guard” a small protrusion that separates the fingers from the blade while cutting. The handle is also designed to be easy to clean and maintain.

Benefits of Using Cutco Knives

Cutco knives are known for their many benefits, making them a popular choice among professional chefs, home cooks, and outdoors enthusiasts. One of the main benefits of using Cutco knives is their durability. The high-carbon stainless steel blades are heat treated and cooled to ensure that they are tough and can withstand heavy use. The blades are also hardened to a Rockwell hardness of 56-58, which is a measure of the steel’s resistance to wear and tear. The steel is also corrosion resistant, which means it can withstand exposure to water and other liquids without rusting. This makes Cutco knives ideal for use in the kitchen, as well as for outdoor activities such as camping and hunting.

Another benefit of using Cutco knives is their ease of use. The knives are designed to be ergonomic, which means they are designed to fit the hand comfortably and provide a secure grip, even when the knife is wet. The handle is made from a unique material called thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which is a type of plastic that is known for its durability and comfort. The handle is lightweight and easy to grip, making it comfortable to hold for long periods of time. The blade is also easy to sharpen and maintain, as it comes with a Forever Guarantee, which means they will sharpen and repair the knives for free for the lifetime of the product. The unique double-d edge design also provides a sharper and more durable edge than traditional knives.

How Good are Cutco Knives

Cutco knives are considered to be high-quality knives that are well-regarded by both professional chefs and home cooks, and are a great investment for anyone who needs a durable, sharp, and comfortable knife.

Types of Cutco Knives

Cutco offers a wide range of knives that are designed for different tasks and purposes. Some of the different types of Cutco knives available include:

• Chef knives: These knives are designed for general-purpose use in the kitchen and are typically used for chopping, slicing, and dicing. Cutco’s chef knives come in different sizes and styles, such as the Classic chef knife and the Trimmer chef knife.
• Paring knives: These knives are designed for precision tasks such as peeling, coring, and trimming fruits and vegetables. Cutco’s paring knives come in different sizes and styles, such as the Classic paring knife and the Petite paring knife.
• Utility knives: These knives are designed for a variety of tasks such as slicing meat, spreading condiments and cutting sandwiches. Cutco’s utility knives come in different sizes and styles, such as the Classic utility knife and the Dressing fork utility knife.
• Carving knives: These knives are designed for slicing and carving meats, poultry, and roasts. Cutco’s Carving knife comes in different sizes and styles, such as the Classic carving knife and the Carving fork.
• Bread knives: These knives are designed for slicing bread, rolls and pastries. Cutco’s bread knife comes with a serrated edge that allows for easy slicing without squishing the bread.
• Spatulas: These are designed to spread condiments, frosting and flip foods. Cutco offers different types of spatulas, such as the Classic spatula and the Spreader spatula.
• Scissors: These are designed for cutting various materials such as paper, fabrics, and foods. Cutco offers different types of scissors, such as the Classic scissors and the Kitchen shears.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of Cutco knives available. The company also offers knife sets and specialized knives such as fillet knives and hunting knives.

The Best Cutco Knives

In general, the Series 17 and Series 18 are two of the most popular options. The Series 17 is perfect for heavy-duty tasks, with a serrated blade that easily cuts through tough foods such as squash and potatoes. For those who need lighter-duty slicing needs, the Series 18 provides incredible precision no matter what type of ingredient you’re preparing. No matter your culinary type and preferences, there’s a Cutco knife that will make food prep easier and help you expand your kitchen skills.

The Series 17 (more on Amazon)

How Much are Cutco Knives

The price of Cutco knives can vary depending on the type of knife and set you are looking for. Generally speaking, Cutco knives can range in price from around $50 to $500 or more for a set. Some of the factors that can affect the price of a Cutco knife include the size and style of the knife, the type of blade and handle materials used, and whether the knife is part of a set or sold individually.

Individual knives, such as a Classic paring knife, can range from $50 to $90. While a knife set, such as a 17-piece set, can range from $500 to $800.

It’s worth noting that Cutco knives come with a Forever Guarantee, which means they will sharpen and repair the knives for free for the lifetime of the product, making them a great investment for anyone looking for high-quality knives.

Where to Buy Cutco Knives

Cutco knives are top of the line tools that are designed for both professional and home cook use. Thankfully, it’s easy to get your hands on a set of these exceptional utensils! From in-person shopping experiences at authorized Cutco dealerships to convenient online ordering from Cutco’s official website or Amazon, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect set of Cutco knives for your kitchen. With so many purchasing options available, you’ll be able to find quality cutlery that fits every budget and preference. Check out any local seller today and you’re sure to be impressed with the wide range of high-performance Cutco knives available.

Care and Maintenance

How to properly care for Cutco knives

Proper care and maintenance is essential to ensure that your Cutco knives last a long time and perform at their best. Here are some tips on how to properly care for your Cutco knives:

1. Keep them sharp: Regularly sharpen your Cutco knives to ensure they maintain their sharp edge. Cutco offers free sharpening and repair services under their Forever Guarantee.
2. Clean and dry them thoroughly: After each use, be sure to clean your Cutco knives thoroughly and dry them completely to prevent rust and corrosion. Hand wash them with mild detergent and warm water and dry them with a soft cloth.
3. Use the right cutting surface: Always use a cutting board or other protective surface when using your Cutco knives to protect the blades from damage.
4. Properly store them: Store your Cutco knives in a safe place, such as a knife block or sheath, to protect the blades from damage.
5. Avoid putting them in the dishwasher: Avoid putting your Cutco knives in the dishwasher, as the high temperatures and harsh detergents can damage the blades and handles over time.

How to Get Cutco Knives Sharpened

Sharpening Cutco knives is an important part of maintaining their performance and longevity. Here are some tips on how to sharpen Cutco knives:

1. Use a honing steel: A honing steel is a rod-shaped tool that is used to realign and maintain the edge of a knife. Hold the honing steel vertically, with the tip resting on a cutting board or other protective surface. Hold the knife at a 20-degree angle and swipe the blade along the steel, starting at the base of the blade and working your way up to the tip. Repeat this process on the other side of the blade.
2. Use a sharpening stone: A sharpening stone is a flat surface that is used to sharpen and hone the edge of a knife. Hold the knife at a 20-degree angle and swipe the blade across the stone, starting at the base of the blade and working your way up to the tip. Repeat this process on the other side of the blade.
3. Use a electric sharpener: Electric sharpeners are easy to use and quickly sharpen knives. Most electric sharpeners come with different slots for different types of knives and different levels of sharpness. Follow the instructions of the electric sharpener to sharpen your Cutco knife.
4. Remember Cutco’s Forever Guarantee: Cutco offers a Forever Guarantee, which means they will sharpen and repair the knives for free for the lifetime

How to sharpen Cutco serrated knives

Having a sharp knife is essential for cooking safe, precise meals. For those who use Cutco serrated knives, there are several easy steps to take to make sure your knives stay sharp and safe. First, you will need an appropriate tool such as a Cutco Knife Sharpener or even a flat file. Once secured, make sure each serration on the edge of the blade is level with all the other serrations before beginning the sharpening process. To sharpen the blade, you’ll want to begin by making small circular motions with either one of the tools and move up the blade direction until it’s been completely done and has been done on all sides evenly. After this step is complete, your Cutco serrated knife should now be nice and sharp!

What Knives are Comparable to Cutco

There are many high-quality knives on the market that are comparable to Cutco in terms of quality, durability, and performance. Some of the knives that are comparable to Cutco include:

1. Wusthof vs Cutco: Wusthof knives are made in Germany and are known for their durability and sharpness. They are made from high-carbon stainless steel and feature a full tang construction, similar to Cutco knives. They come with a lifetime warranty and are comparable in price to Cutco knives.
2. Shun Classic: Shun Classic knives are made in Japan and are known for their sharpness and precision. They are made from high-carbon stainless steel and feature a full tang construction. They come with a lifetime warranty and are comparable in price to Cutco knives.
3. Global G-48: Global G-48 knives are made in Japan and are known for their sharpness and precision. They are made from high-quality stainless steel and feature a lightweight design. They come with a limited lifetime warranty and are comparable in price to Cutco knives.
4. Mac Professional: Mac Professional knives are made in Japan and are known for their sharpness and precision. They are made from high-quality stainless steel and feature a full tang construction. They come with a lifetime warranty and are comparable in price to Cutco knives.
5. Henckels International Classic: Henckels International Classic knives are made in Germany and are known for their durability and sharpness. They are made from high-carbon stainless steel and feature a full tang construction. They come with a lifetime warranty and are comparable in price to Cutco knives.

It’s important to note that while these knives are comparable to Cutco in terms of quality, durability, and performance, they may have slight differences in design, materials, and features. It’s a good idea to research and compare different options before making a purchase to ensure that you are getting the knife that best meets your needs and preferences.

FAQ