On this topic, anyone know of American made kitchen knives (middle to mid-high price range).
Some Chicago cutlery are, some aren't. I really like my Henckels (but they are made in China,
Spain, and Germany depending on which line you buy).
As I was checking into Libbey Glassware I noticed something about their acquiring Oneida flatware. Have no idea whether their cutlery is up to snuff in terms of both USA and quality, but Libbey Glass seems to be legit. They're a couple hours away from me in Toledo, OH, with a long history and some glassware I hope to own some day. Just the simple stuff that lasts.
Check Lamson & Goodnow. The company is the oldest American knife manufacturer in the business, and it had the contract during the Civil War to provide Union Army soldiers with their field knives. That field knife, which, at least in terms of design, exists largely unchanged today, IS their hand-forged 8" Chefs' Knife. Imagine that . . . A kitchen knife that is as durable as a fighting knife! I remember one writer for Fighting Knives Magazine saying that he would be proud and completely confident carrying it into battle in a modern war.
I can't believe there are people in here dissing American made knives! Sheesh! American made knives are the best knives in the world today -- if you know what you're looking for, and you know where to look.
One thing about Lamson & Goodnow: As with most other manufacturers they make a whole range of products, from cheap to expensive. If you want what is arguably the best kitchen knife available in the world today, you'll buy their top of the line LamsonSharp, hand forged knives (forget the stamped and stock removal crap . . . it must say 'FORGED' on the blade!) having rosewood handles, full-tangs, three brass rivets, with the center rivet having a hollow head. Looking at my 8" Chefs' knife, it's model #750. Buy your set to match and with proper care, it'll definitely be heirloom stuff, something your great-great-great grandkids might inherit.
Warther kitchen knives made in Dover Ohio are the best I have found. Nice web site. Better blades (sharper and more sharpenable)than my Henkels and Wusthufs. Pretty handles are perhaps overly slick. $20-$40 range. Staight carbon are the best for the money if you can still find them. Ugly but easily sharpened. Read some blub by a guy in a culinary site saying he prefered his $7 Chinese carbon to his $100 ceramic that chipped. Good luck.