Robert Welch Signature Essentials 2 Piece Knife Set
Robert Welch Signature Essentials 2 Piece Knife Set
- In stock, ready to ship
Age Verified Delivery at £6.95 will apply (regardless of the total cost of your order) and delivery driver may require proof of age, if you are lucky enough to look younger than 21!
- Free Mainland UK delivery over £49 - No Quibble Returns
Robert Welch Signature Essentials 2 Piece Knife Set
This limited edition set combines two essential knives from Robert Welch's award-winning Signature range: a 16cm cook's knife for everyday chopping and a 22cm serrated bread knife for slicing bread and cakes. Both knives are fully forged from a single piece of German DIN 1.4116 stainless steel, hardened to Rockwell 56 for durability and edge retention. The hand-applied 15° Japanese-style edge provides superior sharpness compared to standard European knife edges.
Developed in consultation with professional chefs over several years of research, design, and testing, Signature knives address the practical needs of everyday food preparation. The ergonomic handles are made from tactile DuPont™ material, shaped to minimise hand fatigue during extended use. Each knife features a full tang - where the blade extends through the entire handle - providing exceptional strength and balance. The set arrives in a presentation gift box.
Key features:
- 16cm cook's knife: Curved blade for chopping, rocking actions, and preparing meat and vegetables
- 22cm bread knife: Scalloped serrated edge with pointed tip for effortless slicing of bread, loaves, and cakes
- German DIN 1.4116 steel: High-carbon martensitic stainless steel with excellent corrosion and wear resistance
- 15° Japanese-style edge: Hand-applied for superior sharpness and precision cutting
- Full tang construction: Blade extends through entire handle for strength and balance
- Fully forged: Made from a single piece of steel rather than stamped
- Ergonomic handles: DuPont™ material with RW insignia as permanent steel detail
- Lifetime Guarantee: Covered by Robert Welch's warranty
- Multi-award winning: iF Design Award, Red Dot Design Award, GOOD DESIGN Award, Excellence in Housewares Awards, Which? Best Buy
This set suits cooks seeking professional-quality knives for everyday kitchen tasks. The 16cm cook's knife handles the majority of prep work, whilst the bread knife provides clean slicing without crushing delicate baked goods.
What Customers Ask About This Knife Set
What makes the 15° edge special?
The 15° edge angle is sharper than the standard 20° edge found on most European knives. This Japanese-style edge provides finer, more precise cutting and requires less force to slice through ingredients. Each edge is hand-applied rather than machine-ground, ensuring consistent sharpness. The trade-off is that sharper edges require more careful handling and slightly more frequent maintenance, though the hardened German steel (Rockwell 56) helps the edge last longer than softer steels.
What does "fully forged" mean and why does it matter?
Fully forged knives are made from a single piece of steel that's heated and hammered into shape, rather than stamped from a steel sheet. This process creates denser, stronger metal with better weight distribution. Forged knives typically have better balance, last longer, and maintain their edge better than stamped knives. You can identify forged construction by the presence of a bolster (the thick junction between blade and handle) and the full tang visible through the handle.
Will these knives fit in my knife block?
The 16cm cook's knife measures 16cm blade length (approximately 27cm total), whilst the 22cm bread knife measures 22cm blade length (approximately 33cm total). Measure your existing knife block slots to confirm compatibility. If your block doesn't accommodate these sizes, consider storing them on a magnetic knife strip or in protective blade guards in a drawer.
How does German steel compare to Japanese steel?
German DIN 1.4116 steel (used in these knives) offers excellent corrosion resistance and is easier to maintain at home than traditional Japanese steels. It's hardened to Rockwell 56, which is harder than most Western knives but softer than many Japanese knives. This makes it more forgiving - less likely to chip if dropped or used on hard surfaces. The combination of German steel durability with a Japanese-style 15° edge provides a practical balance of sharpness and resilience.
What's the difference between a cook's knife and a chef's knife?
The terms are often used interchangeably. A 16cm cook's knife (like this one) is slightly smaller than the traditional 20cm chef's knife, making it more manoeuvrable and suitable for home kitchens with smaller cutting boards. The curved blade allows the same rocking motion for chopping herbs and vegetables, whilst the reduced length provides better control for detailed work. If you have smaller hands or prefer a lighter knife, the 16cm size often proves more comfortable for extended use.
What We've Learned About Kitchen Knives Since 1972
In over 50 years selling kitchen knives, we've noticed that customers often focus on the number of knives in a set rather than the quality of essential knives. The reality? Most home cooks use just two or three knives for 90% of their tasks. This 2-piece set addresses the two most frequently used knife types: a cook's knife for general prep work and a bread knife for slicing without crushing.
The Sharpness Question
Customers frequently ask whether sharper knives are more dangerous. Counter-intuitively, dull knives cause more accidents because they require more pressure and are more likely to slip. Sharp knives cut cleanly with minimal force, giving you better control. The 15° edge on these Robert Welch knives provides exceptional sharpness whilst the hardened German steel (Rockwell 56) maintains that edge longer than softer steels, reducing how often you need to sharpen them.
Award Recognition Matters
The Signature range has achieved the highest possible rating from the Craft Guild of Chefs and won multiple international design awards including iF Design Award (Germany), Red Dot Design Award (Germany), and GOOD DESIGN Award (US). The cook's knife specifically earned Which? Best Buy status. These aren't marketing accolades - they reflect professional assessment of functionality, ergonomics, and long-term performance.
Specifications
16cm Cook's Knife
22cm Bread Knife
Universal Specifications (Both Knives)
Care & Maintenance
Hand Washing (Recommended): Rinse knives immediately after use to remove food residue. Wash in warm soapy water using a microfibre cloth or soft non-abrasive brush. Avoid soaking knives. Dry thoroughly immediately after washing with a microfibre cloth. For best finish, occasionally apply non-abrasive metal polish.
Dishwasher Use: Whilst dishwasher safe, hand washing extends the life of your knives and maintains optimal sharpness. If using a dishwasher: wash on short hot cycle (65-75°C), use quality branded all-in-one tablets, maintain rinse aid and salt levels (for hard water areas), rinse knives before loading, and wash separately from other metals like silver.
Sharpening: The hardened German steel allows for easy home maintenance. Use a quality knife sharpener or honing steel to maintain the 15° edge. The steel's Rockwell 56 hardness means it holds an edge well but can still be sharpened at home without specialist equipment. Sharpen when you notice the blade requires more pressure to cut cleanly.
Storage: Store knives in a knife block, on a magnetic strip, or with blade guards in a drawer. Never store loose in a drawer where blades can knock against other utensils - this dulls the edge and creates safety hazards.
Cutting Surfaces: Use wooden or plastic cutting boards. Avoid cutting on glass, marble, ceramic, or metal surfaces as these will quickly dull even the hardest blade. The serrated bread knife is specifically designed for bread and should not be used for other chopping tasks.
Safety: Always cut away from your body. Use a claw grip when holding food (fingers curled inward). Never attempt to catch a falling knife - step back and let it fall. Keep knives sharp - dull knives require more pressure and are more likely to slip.
What to Avoid: Don't use knives to open packaging, pry items apart, or for any task beyond cutting food. Don't put knives in the sink where they can't be seen. Don't leave knives in soapy water where you might reach in blindly. These practices damage both the blade and pose safety risks.
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over 50 years helping customers choose the right knives and cookware. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for the quality of our customer care.
Robert Welch Heritage
Robert Welch, M.B.E., Royal Designer for Industry, founded his company over 50 years ago, specialising in stainless steel design. His award-winning work appears in museums worldwide. The company remains family-run, with designers continuing his vision of excellence, innovation, and value for money.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
- ✓ Robert Welch Lifetime Guarantee
We believe you shouldn't have to take a risk when purchasing knives. If any item doesn't do what you wanted, return it for a refund - even if you've used it. That's our promise.
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page or call us on 01737 222996
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you price match?
Yes. If you've seen this knife set cheaper elsewhere and it's available with our competitor on the day, we'll match the price. The item needs to be identical in specifications. Contact us with the details and we'll arrange the price match.
How does Robert Welch's Lifetime Guarantee work?
Robert Welch provides a Lifetime Guarantee covering manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. This doesn't cover normal wear, damage from misuse, or loss of sharpness from regular use. Contact us if you experience any manufacturing defects and we'll help process your warranty claim.
What's covered by your half-price replacement guarantee?
If you accidentally damage a knife within 2 years of purchase, we'll replace it at half price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. We accept photos. If you registered your purchase or bought online, we'll have automatic records.
Do I need to sharpen these before first use?
No, these knives arrive hand-sharpened and ready to use. The 15° edge is applied by master craftsmen during manufacture. Simply rinse and dry before first use.
How often will I need to sharpen these knives?
This depends on usage frequency and cutting surfaces. With proper care (wooden/plastic boards, hand washing), most home cooks sharpen their knives every few months. The Rockwell 56 hardness helps these knives maintain their edge longer than softer steels. Hone regularly with a steel between sharpenings to maintain the edge.
Can I sharpen the bread knife?
Serrated bread knives are difficult to sharpen at home because each scallop must be sharpened individually. However, they maintain their cutting ability for many years - typically longer than plain-edge knives. If the blade eventually needs sharpening, contact Robert Welch or a professional knife sharpening service experienced with serrated blades.
Why does the age restriction apply?
UK law prohibits selling knives to anyone under 18 (Criminal Justice Act 1988 and Offensive Weapons Act 2019). We require age verification for all knife orders. This is a legal requirement, not a store policy, and applies to all retailers.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill. Note: Knife deliveries require age verification (£6.95 age verified delivery charge applies for all orders).
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“ Master knife selection with our expert guide. Learn blade types, steel grades, maintenance tips, and find your perfect chef's knife. 50+ years of expertise.” Read more about my views on Kitchen Knives in my article Kitchen Knife Buying Guide  by Andi HealeyArt of Living - Web Manager |
