HILUXURY – Hawaii Luxury Magazine

Photo courtesy Williams- Sonoma

Shun Ken Onion Essential Three-Piece Knife Set
Kaneohe-based knife designer Ken onion is much-touted for his keen sensibility in creating exquisitely functional knives from fine materials (see sidebar). This three-piece set - made from 16 microthin layers of VG-10 high-carbon steel - is contoured perfectly for easy and ergonomic handling and razor-sharp for smooth slicing.
Available at www.williams-sonoma.com
$399.95

Photo courtesy Kyocera

Kyocera Ceramic Knife Set
Ceramic knives have many benefits. In comparison to their metal cutlery counterparts, ceramic knives are much harder than steel, allowing them to go years without sharpening. Ceramic's inert chemical nature also prevents rust and reactions to food that normally result in taste changes and discoloration. These knives are best used for slicing boneless meat, vegetables and fruit.
Available at www.KyoceraadvancedCeramics.com
$99.95

Photo courtesy Microplane

Microplane 45000 Gourmet Grater Set
Microplane began as a noted brand in woodworking tools, specializing in sharp equipment with fine cutting edges made through photo-etching. The company now parlays that technology into a top-notch line of specialty graters and kitchen tools.
Gourmet Grater Set features the Coarse Grater, medium Ribbon Grater, Fine/Spice Grater, Large Shaver, Small Shaver, Extra Coarse Grater and Grater attachment.
Available at us.microplane.com
$95.95

Photo courtesy John Boos

John Boos Maple Fusion Board
Made in the U.S. from renewable american hardwoods, this maple fusion board features eagle grain construction and a beeswax finish. also available in black walnut.
Available at www.johnboos.com
$49.95

Knives, sharpeners and more for a cutting-edge cutlery set

Ken Onion

“Knife-making for me is a lifelong pursuit and passion for not only the craft itself, but understanding the history and purpose of knives …” says Ken Onion, a master knife maker based in Kaneohe.

Onion is a much-touted name in the knife industry and a recent inductee in Blade magazine’s Cutlery Hall of Fame. Having designed knives for stars such as Pamela Anderson, Steven Seagal and Nicolas Cage, Onion’s knack for thoughtfully researched and produced cutting tools is highly recognized.

The local knife expert offers these tips to purchasing the best cutlery:

* “A good rule of thumb: If a knife costs less than $50, it’s going to be made from substandard steel.”

* “Visit your local gourmet store … and ask an employee to let you handle the knives you are most interested in.”

* “Buy the basics first: Start with an 8-inch cook’s knife, 5- or 6-inch utility, bread and paring knife. You can always add others as you need them.”