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It’s hard to find a quality product that’s built to last these days. That is especially true of knives. Which is why it’s so refreshing to see a company like HexClad producing premium products built to last. It's even more refreshing to see them utilizing ancient, but proven design techniques.
The company is best known for its high-end hybrid and specialty cookware. Award-winning celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey uses their pots and pans. It's an impressive resume. However, we're more interested in their signature chef's knives.
Specifically, HexClad has a seven-piece kitchen knife set unlike any we’ve seen before. Hexclad's Damascus knife set will change the way chefs prepare meals. Here’s our breakdown of why it deserves a spot in your kitchen.
An Introduction to Damascus Steel
We can’t talk about this set without breaking down the steel HexClad used in the construction. Damascus steel was first developed by Middle Eastern blacksmiths hundreds of years ago. Thus, the name Damascus for the modern-day capital of Syria. Metallurgy wasn’t a thing in those days. Steel artisans of the past developed their best blades through guesswork and experimentation.
An unknown blacksmith eventually added in a new steel type from India. Called "Wootz" steel, it was the missing magic ingredient. What resulted was composite, layered blades that were strong and lightweight. The forging process also resulted in distinctive patterns many people found aesthetically pleasing. A legend was born, and Damascus steel blades became high demand items. Soldiers, kings, and royalty alike pined for swords constructed from Damascus steel. Other parts of the world were soon producing their own takes on the steel.
Many of the techniques for making ancient Damascus steel have since been lost to time. However, modern science has figured out some of the secrets. Thus, today’s modern Damascus blades are different from the ancient productions. That's not a bad thing. Modern knifemakers can now be more precise in their steel combinations. They can add in the perfect amount of carbon, and heat to the perfect temperature. It allows them to ride a fine line between hardness, durability and ease of maintenance. HexClad uses Japanese Damascus for their newest knife set. The idea behind this steel is the same as the ancient version. Take various forms of steel and forge them together. HexClad forges 67 layers of Damascus on top of an AUS10 steel core. The result is a knife built for maximum durability and edge retention.
HexClad Damascus Steel Knife Set
It’s safe to say HexClad nailed the aesthetically pleasing part of this set. They offer it in two color schemes: green and espresso. Either one makes for a striking design. It's modern while still invoking the beauty of a traditional blade. HexClad includes a gorgous walnut block for counter storage. We already mentioned how HexClad forges these blades. Also worthy of mention is the use of Eastern and Western knife styles. HexClad wanted the agility, hardness, and sharpness of Japanese blades. They also wanted the durability of German blades. Thus, they combined these principles.
It starts with the AUS10 steel core we mentioned earlier. Ancient Japanese blacksmiths often designed with a exceptionally strong core in mind. Additionally, HexClad hones the factory edge using the three-step Japanese Honbazuke method. That means these knives are all sharpened by hand to ensure the finest edge. HexClad puts a 12-degree on these blades. It is the perfect angle for cutting and slicing. These knives won’t need touched up often. The different layers also give these knives their distinctive pattern.
The German engineering principles show in the overall durability of these knives. They feature a hybrid full tang. HexClad fuses this tang to the Pakkawood handle. HexClad infused the handle with resin. This helps protect from moisture while cooking. It will also help the handle resist cracking. The tang has a ton of strength and leverage for tougher tasks. HexClad also beefed up the bolster. This reinforces the area between the blade and the tang. The result is a knife with no strength deficiencies along the spine. HexClad advertises a Rockwell hardness rating of 60+ for the set. It should handle everything an experienced chef can throw at it.
The workhorse of this set is the 8-inch Chef’s knife. It features a deep belly for precise slicing and trimming tasks. The length helps with the handle ergonomics and balance. Again, that beefed-up bolster is obvious here. This is a knife we won’t be afraid to put leverage on for tough tasks.
We like the seven-inch Santoku knife for dicing and chopping tasks. The sheepsfoot blade doubles as a tool for scooping finely minced ingredients. This blade is where the Damascus steel will shine. The edge retention will hold up when there's no time for maintenance on larger meals. There is also little worry about damaging it while working with tougher vegetables.
The most versatile knife in the set might be the five-inch utility knife. It features a drop point style blade that will excel for meat prep. The length is perfect for making thin, precise cuts in steaks and tenderloins. This is the knife that we can see ourselves using frequently. It should also excel for light cleaning and preparation tasks on medium-sized fish.
The final plain edged knife in the set is a 3.5-inch paring knife. This one will be ideal for cutting and peeling potatoes, apples, mangos, and more. It’s a perfect blade for those small jobs where accuracy and precision take precedence.
HexClad has one serrated blade in this set, and it’s an eight-inch bread knife. It has wide serrations that will slice even the largest loaves with minimal effort. We also appreciate the wide nature of the serrations. This means they won't be too aggressive for softer foods like cake. At the same time, they will also be easier to maintain over the life of the blade.
HexClad also includes a 9-inch honing steel as a bonus for minor maintenance. Most serious chefs likely already have one, but it’s a nice extra that adds more value to the set.
This set is very versatile and appropriate for chefs of all skill levels. Professionals will find a lot to love here. It would be a solid wedding or graduation gift for foodies. This set works for anyone who wants a set that performs as good as it looks. At $500, it's an investment. Some of that cost is materials. While some comes from the hand finishing and sharpening required. We see this investment as a worthy one. It's a long-term thing. This set has the strength and durability for years of use. HexClad's lifetime warranty gives a little extra peace of mind for long-term use.
Conclusion
From a form and function standpoint, HexClad knocked this one out of the park. This knife set looks as good as it functions. Any kitchen counter they're sitting on becomes a conversation piece. These knives are too beautiful to ever store in a drawer. It’s also hard to find kitchen knives that are truly full tang and built with quality steel. These knives are built to last through years of use and abuse in the busiest kitchens.
For more information on the Espresso Chef’s knife set, check out the HexClad website.
