about some knives

Having good knives is important — not that I do much cooking, but I do cut up a lot of things.

For years I've relied on my 5 inch serrated Zwilling J.A Henckels knives. I own three. Not enough. Why I have three is a mystery. But I also have three wooden salad bowls. 

Recently I notice that the handles on the knives are chipped.

I  check the Henckels site and their guarantee reads:

You will be pleased to know that all merchandise distributed by Zwilling J.A. Henckels is fully guaranteed against defects in materials and/or craftsmanship.

The Zwilling J.A. Henckels warranty does not cover wear from normal use or any damage resulting from use other than the intended purpose.

Wood products (including wood handle knives) are not covered by the warranty as wood is a natural element and thus cannot be guaranteed.

Since it's the handle that's damaged I assume I'm not covered, but I write anyway.  I take a picture, explain the problem, and email the company. They suggest I send them the knives. I do, and get this email a few days later.

Dear Valued Zwilling J.A. Henckels Customer, 

We received your package and carefully reviewed the merchandise you returned. 

Please allow for about 2 to 4 weeks for delivery of the merchandise replacement or repair. 

We thank you for purchasing Zwilling J.A. Henckels products and are pleased to be of service. 

It often pays to ask.  

In the meantime, I need cutting knives. So I purchase a couple of Wusthof 5 inch serrated sausage knives on sale, even though sausage is something I don't eat.

Maybe it's because I never sharpen my knives.  But this knife is amazing. I can even cut through potatoes, no problem. And it just glides through tomatoes.

Soon I'll have five knives. Another odd number. But worth it.

Addendum:

I'm talking to my friend M who goes on and on about her favorite-must-have knife: the spatula spreader by Cutco. This is a knife I can rationalize getting, as I love making sandwiches. Maybe that'll be my next knife purchase.