Robert Welch Signature Essentials Kitchen Knife Set with Knife Sharpener
Robert Welch Signature Essentials Kitchen Knife Set with Knife Sharpener
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- Free Mainland UK delivery over £49 - No Quibble Returns
Robert Welch Signature Essentials Kitchen Knife Set with Knife Sharpener, 3 Piece
This limited edition starter set combines two essential knives with an award-winning sharpener to maintain them: a 10cm paring knife for detailed work, a 14cm cook's knife for general chopping, and a hand-held ceramic wheel sharpener designed specifically for the Signature range's 15° Japanese-style edge. Each knife is fully forged from a single piece of German DIN 1.4116 stainless steel, hardened to Rockwell 56 for durability and edge retention.
The paring knife's short blade handles peeling, trimming, and slicing fruits and vegetables. The 14cm cook's knife provides a curved blade for chopping and rocking cuts - compact enough for detailed work yet large enough for everyday prep tasks. The included sharpener features an advanced ceramic wheel housed in an angled guide that aligns blades at the correct 15° angle. A weighted non-slip base keeps the sharpener stable during use, whilst a solid handle provides secure grip.
Key features:
- 10cm paring knife: Short plain-edged blade ideal for peeling, trimming, and slicing fruits and vegetables
- 14cm cook's knife: All-purpose knife with curved blade for chopping, rocking actions, and general prep work
- Ceramic wheel sharpener: Advanced sharpening system with angled guide for consistent 15° edge
- 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 single piece of steel rather than stamped
- Ergonomic handles: DuPont™ material with RW insignia as permanent steel detail
- Water or dry sharpening: Sharpener works both ways, with water providing best results
- Dual warranty: Lifetime Guarantee on knives, 10 Year Guarantee on sharpener
- Multi-award winning: iF Design Award, Red Dot Design Award, GOOD DESIGN Award, Excellence in Housewares Awards 2023
This set suits home cooks seeking professional-quality knives with the tools to maintain them. The included sharpener means you can keep the 15° edge sharp at home without professional sharpening services.
What Customers Ask About This Knife Set
Why does this set include a sharpener?
The 15° Japanese-style edge on these knives provides exceptional sharpness but requires proper maintenance to keep it performing optimally. The included ceramic wheel sharpener is specifically designed for this edge angle - using a standard sharpener might alter the angle and reduce performance. The angled guide ensures you maintain the correct 15° angle every time you sharpen, without needing professional equipment or guesswork. This makes the set self-sufficient for long-term use.
How does the ceramic wheel sharpener work?
The sharpener features a ceramic wheel housed in a clear angled guide that positions your blade at the correct 15° angle. Hold the weighted base firmly on a flat surface, align your blade in the guide, then slide it back and forth through the ceramic wheel 10-20 times from heel to tip with light pressure. Water sharpening (filling the recess under the wheel) provides best results, though dry sharpening works for quick touch-ups. The ceramic wheel micro-sharpens and hones plain-edged knives without removing excessive metal.
Is a 14cm cook's knife large enough for everyday use?
For most home cooks, yes. The 14cm (5.5 inch) size provides sufficient length for general chopping whilst offering better control than larger 20cm professional knives. This size suits standard home cutting boards and works well for people with smaller hands. If you regularly process large quantities of vegetables or large cuts of meat, you might eventually want to supplement with a larger knife. However, as a starter knife or for everyday cooking, 14cm handles the majority of tasks effectively.
What's the difference between a paring knife and a cook's knife?
The paring knife (10cm) has a short, straight blade designed for detailed hand work - you often hold the item you're cutting rather than using a cutting board. It excels at peeling apples, deveining shrimp, trimming fat, or creating garnishes. The cook's knife (14cm) has a longer curved blade designed for board work - chopping, slicing, and rocking cuts. Think of the paring knife for precision tasks in your hand, and the cook's knife for volume work on a cutting board. Together, they cover most kitchen knife needs.
How often will I need to use the sharpener?
The manufacturer recommends sharpening twice monthly for regular home use, though frequency depends on how often you cook and what you're cutting. The Rockwell 56 hardness means these knives hold their edge well. You'll notice when sharpening is needed - the blade will require more pressure to cut cleanly. Regular light sharpening (10-20 passes) maintains the edge better than infrequent heavy sharpening. The ceramic wheel removes minimal metal, so you're honing rather than grinding.
What We've Learned About Knife Sharpening Since 1972
In over 50 years selling kitchen knives, we've observed that most home cooks avoid sharpening their knives, either from uncertainty about technique or lack of proper equipment. This set addresses both concerns by including a sharpener designed specifically for these knives' 15° edge angle. The angled guide removes the guesswork - you simply can't sharpen at the wrong angle.
Why Ceramic Wheel Sharpening Works
Unlike traditional sharpening steels that only realign the edge, or aggressive grinding wheels that remove excessive metal, ceramic wheels micro-sharpen by removing minimal material whilst creating a consistently sharp edge. The ceramic material is hard enough to sharpen the Rockwell 56 steel effectively but gentle enough for regular home use. Customers who use the sharpener as recommended (twice monthly with water) report maintaining factory-sharp edges for years.
The Replacement Wheel Reality
The manufacturer recommends replacing the ceramic wheel every 12-24 months depending on use frequency. This isn't a design flaw - it reflects that the ceramic wheel gradually wears with use, like any sharpening surface. Replacement wheels are available as a set of two. Factor this ongoing cost (approximately £15-20 every 1-2 years) into your purchase decision. The alternative - professional sharpening services - typically costs £5-10 per knife per visit, making the home sharpener economical despite replacement wheels.
Specifications
10cm Paring Knife
14cm Cook's Knife
Hand-Held Knife Sharpener
Universal Knife Specifications
Care & Maintenance
Knife Care - 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.
Knife Care - 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 (free from chlorides and citrus additives), maintain rinse aid and salt levels (for hard water areas), rinse knives before loading, and wash separately from other metals like silver.
Sharpening - Water Method (Best Results): Remove the clear guide, fill the recess under the ceramic wheel with water, and replace the guide. Hold the sharpener firmly on a flat surface. Align your blade within the guide, slide the blade back and forth through the ceramic wheel 10-20 times from heel to tip, applying light pressure, until desired sharpness is achieved. Rinse and dry your knife thoroughly. Sharpen twice monthly or as needed to maintain edge sharpness.
Sharpening - Dry Method (Quick Touch-Up): Follow the same process as water sharpening but without filling the water recess. This provides quick touch-ups between water sharpenings but doesn't produce as refined an edge as water sharpening.
Sharpener Maintenance: The ceramic wheel gradually wears with use. Replace it every 12-24 months depending on frequency of use to maintain your knife's cutting edge to a high standard. Replacement wheels are available as a set of two from Robert Welch.
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. The compact sizes in this set fit most standard storage solutions.
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, requiring more frequent sharpening.
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 on Knives
- ✓ Robert Welch 10 Year Guarantee on Sharpener
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 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. You'll need to sharpen them for the first time after a few weeks of regular use.
Is this set suitable as a gift?
Yes, the set arrives in a presentation gift box. This is an excellent gift choice because it includes the sharpener, meaning the recipient has everything needed to maintain the knives. Many customers purchase these as wedding gifts, housewarming presents, or for anyone setting up a new kitchen.
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).
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.
What if I've used these knives and don't like them?
Return them anyway. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items - if they don't do what you wanted, we'll refund you. This applies even after you've cooked with them.
How do the warranties work?
Robert Welch provides a Lifetime Guarantee on the knives covering manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. The sharpener has a 10 Year Guarantee. These don't cover normal wear, damage from misuse, or consumable parts (the ceramic wheel is expected to need replacement every 12-24 months). 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. This applies to the knives but not the sharpener.
Can I use this sharpener on other knives?
Yes, the sharpener works on all plain-edged kitchen knives, not just Robert Welch Signature knives. The ceramic wheel and 15° angle guide suit Japanese-style edges. However, if you have European-style knives with 20° edges, this sharpener will gradually convert them to 15° edges, which is sharper but may not be what the manufacturer intended. It won't work on serrated knives.
Where can I buy replacement ceramic wheels?
Replacement ceramic wheels are available from Robert Welch and from us. They're sold as a set of two. Contact us if you need assistance ordering replacement wheels.
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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 |
