Sharpening our knife-buying skills

Chicago Cutlery is introducing the Fusion Collection, a line of professional stainless steel forged blades featuring non-slip, thermoplastic polymer handles. The black non-slip, cushion-grip handles on the utility knives are designed with contrasting stainless steel end caps for a sleek, contemporary look.

The blades are crafted of high-carbon forged professional stainless steel—for stronger, harder blades that resist stains, rust and pitting—and are engineered with Chicago Cutlery’s signature Taper Grind edge for optimum sharpness and easy resharpening. Forged bolsters—the raised area between blade and handle—provide weight and balance and keep fingers safely away from blade edges.

The centerpiece of the Fusion series is the 18-piece block set that includes a 3” peeler; 3¼” parer; 5” utility; 5” Granton-edge partoku (an Asian-style knife that melds a parer with a santoku); a 7” Granton-edge santoku; 7 3/4” chef knife; 7 3/4” reverse scalloped bread knife; 8” slicer, all with black non-slip handles, plus eight 4¼” fine-edge steak knives and a sharpening steel with stainless steel handles.

The knife block is made of sturdy, eco-friendly bamboo with a stainless steel faceplate. Edge-saver polymer slot inserts protect and preserve blades. The 18-piece block set carries a suggested retail price of $179.99.

The Fusion series also includes cutlery sets and open stock items. They are: 4-piece set of 5” fine-edge steak knives ($39.99); 3-piece set that includes a 3¼” parer, a 5” utility and a 7 3/4” chef knife ($39.99); 2-piece set of a 3¼” parer and 5” Granton-edge partoku ($24.99); a 7 3/4” chef knife ($24.99) and a 7” Granton-edge santoku ($24.99).

The Chicago Cutlery Fusion collection, which carries a full lifetime guarantee, is available now at select department stores. For local outlets, call 1-800-999-3436.