Serbian Chef Knives

A friend, knowing my interest in knives and growing interest in cooking, introduced me to the Almazan Kitchen Original Knife via the AlmazanKitchen cooking channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcyVMTuY8QE). Although the recipes and cooking were entertaining (it’s a popular channel), I was intrigued by their very large chef’s knife which looks like a rounded off cleaver. After reading up a bit, I’ve found quite a few copies being sold at a much lower price. Of course, some say the copies are no good and some say they are just as good. I ordered several variations in order to make my own evaluation. I first ordered an authentic Almazan Kitchen Original Knife; $147 without sheath. It looks nice and feels good but was very dull. Next I ordered the lowest priced look alike knife from Amazon: XYJ Full Tang Serbian Knife 3CR13 Stainless Steel Butcher Chef Knife for $16. It is slightly smaller and thinner than the Almazan Kitchen Original Knife but arrived quite sharp. I also ordered a Promithi Full Tang Forged Handmade Professional Kitchen Chef Knife from Amazon for $36. It has a slightly different shape from the Almazan Kitchen Original Knife but also arrived quite sharp. I also ordered the 3/32” thick Almazan Chef Style Kitchen Knife from Spain in Damascus metal. Here are the links to these knives: • Almazan Kitchen Original Knife - $147 without sheath, $176 with sheath (https://www.almazankitchen.com/product/hand-forged-knife/?gclid=CjwKCAjwiaX8BRBZEiwAQQxGxwwIM3PRJJNEaH3KuWCUQlailPqmVQ0z_VDoWOO1_gcrBoaMDedINRoCKzwQAvD_BwE) • XYJ Full Tang Serbian Knife 3CR13 Stainless Steel Butcher Chef Knife - $16; no sheath (https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/E2CC234A-C5DC-452F-A88A-49E52F152BF4?ingress=2&visitId=6a7ef7f7-95bc-4704-a35d-8f8330489ad4&ref_=ast_bln) • Promithi Full Tang Forged Handmade Professional Kitchen Chef Knife - $36; no sheath (https://www.amazon.com/Promithi-Professional-Vegetable-Household-Dual-purpose/dp/B089M46R1Y/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Promithi&qid=1603555412&sr=8-5) • Almazan Chef Style Kitchen Knife (3/32” and 5/32” thk) - $89; with sheath (red handle) https://almazanknives.com/) Each of these knives has its own set of pros and cons: 1. Knife #1, the Almazan Serbia, started it all – at least, it seems to me that it did. Its YouTube channel is well worth watching and adds to the story. The knife is attractive although I think the handle is a bit small and plain. The knife itself, after sharpening, works well. I like the wide “thumb rest” on the spine near the handle. However, the blade is soft and is subject to corrosion. The Almazan Serbia was the most expensive and had the longest delivery of these four knives. 2. Knife #2, the TYJ, is a decent knife and has the advantage of being inexpensive. I like its handle. The blade is hard and seems to be somewhat resistant to corrosion. Although it feels a bit heavy, it works fine but there is no background story for this knife. There are a number of similar looking knifes sold under various names. 3. Knife #3, the Promithi, is perhaps the most attractive knife but I wonder about its handle. The blade is hard and seems to be somewhat resistant to corrosion. I don’t like the sound made when the Promithi is dropped on the counter. Like the TYJ, there are a number of similar looking knifes sold under various names. 4. Knife #4, the Almazan Spain, was purchased with the optional Damascus blade. I really like the look of the Damascus blade and the hollow ground edge. On the other hand, the blade is soft and is subject to corrosion. The handle is the right size for me but is simple and straight; also, I don’t care for the reddish color. The story behind this knife is the link – whatever that may be -- between the Almazan chefs in Serbia and the town of Almazan in Spain. See the video for more details. Good Luck!