Cutco Knives Why buy I them used?

Cutco Knives

Brand New Cutco Knife 1723 from Amazon

I purchased the above Cutco Carver 1723 knife on Amazon for my wife as a birthday present.  She absolutely loves it.  I paid $119 for it brand new and my wife claims it is worth every single cent of it.

I have seen many discussions in the Traeger groups on which are the best knives to buy and frankly I don't have enough experience to claim that one brand is better then the next,  I do know that Cutco makes a top of the line product and many chefs, butchers and Pit masters use their knives.

Why do I now buy my Cutco knives used.  Cutco will sharpen or replace your knives forever free of charge,  All you need to do is follow this link to send the Knives to Cutco with a small check to cover return postage,  They will sharpen the knives and polish the handles free of charge.  If they can't sharpen them they will replace them.  If you have a vintage knife and don't want it replaced let them know.

If you have multiple knives send them in all at once to save on return postage. The return postage fee for up to 10 knives is only $9.   The return postage fee for 11 to 25 is $11 and over 25 its only $13 with a maximum of 40 knives.

If you are lucky enough to have a Cutco knife store near where you live they can sharpen them on sight for free or they will send them to the factory for free. If you don't mind picking them up in store about 10 days later you will have factory sharpened knives.  The lady in the store explained that factory sharpened is better then in store sharpened.  I can't wait to get my factory sharpened knives back and start using them. My wife is pretty excited also.  Click here for retail stores

Buying Strategy 1

I don't mind sharing my buying strategy since I am fairly certain I have purchased all the cutco knives my wife and I want in only about 1 weeks time. When I purchase my Knives on E bay I like to use the Buy it Now option.  Some Buy it now options also have a make offer option.  If it has a Make offer I will offer 50 to 70 percent of buy it now price. My goal is to get the knives at below $20 but no more then $25 if at all possible.

I do an E bay search on Cutco Knife.  I will filter on Buy it now and sometimes knife type.  I then set up sort Price Low to high.  I may also set up a filter for $15 to $100 to filter out things like $7.99 polishing cloths.

As an alternative strategy I do a search on cutco and order by ending soonest.  I place a bid with about 1 minute left if I see a Knife I like.  I just won an auction using this strategy and after I get the Knife sharpened I will use it as an incentive on a promotion I plan to run.  Because I have a Cutco store in my area they will send them to the factory for free for service, it takes 10 days  I got this set for only $13 plus 6.50 for shipping.  Cutco 22 Butcher and 26 Fork.

The alternative strategy just keeps on giving.  I have won 3 more knives using this strategy.  I set a timer to tell me when to bid.

A cutco 1798 DD mini trimmer.  It is brand new.  It is a mini version of the 1721 knife.  It is not availabe for sale but used as samples and is a rare knife.  I purchased this knife for $22.09 plus $3.00 shipping.

A cutco 38 spatula spreader.  This Cutco product was only $5.00 plus $3.02 shipping.  It is a first generation product made between 1949. and 1951.  It looks similar to the modern day 1768.

A cutco 1034 bread slicing knife.  This knife was purchased for $9.99 plus 7.00 shipping.  It is a 3rd generation knife and compares to 1724. 

Purchase History

I have purchased the following cutco knives on Ebay using the above strategy 1.  The most expensive knife I purchased was only $23 I purchased a 2 piece carver set for $34.99 with shipping ($17.50 each) and a 9 piece steak knife set for 107.08 (11.90 each)

I recently came across this article about the 4 generations of Cutco Knives and knives numbered in the 30's and 47 are 1st generation dating from 1949 to 1951.   The second generation in the 20's ran from 1952 to 1959.  The third generation the 1000 series were produced from 1960 to 1971 and the 4th generation ran from 1971 to present.

For full article click here

Petite Carver 1721

The Petite Carver 1721 for $19 with free shipping.  Seller indicates knife is in good condition with scratches on handle. This knife is stamped 1721 JI indicating a 4th generation Knife produced in 1998 according to above mentioned reference, This knife was purchased using the make offer option,  The seller was asking 27.99. 

The 9 inch Vintage Carver 23 for $23 with free shipping.  I have already received this knife and its in really nice conditioned with a nicely polished handle. This is a 2nd generation knife produced from 1952 to 1959  This knife was purchased using make offer option the seller was asking 29.99. Compare to 1723.

A set of 8 Vintage 1950's Steak knives #47 with wooden storage block for $99.99 plus $7.09 shipping.  The seller description stated he had to post this item as used because he purchased it at a garage sale but they look in excellent condition like they have never been used and the only sign of wear was the box looked weathered.

A Vintage Carving set Butcher Knife 32 and Turning fork #37 for $29.99 + 5.00 shipping. The seller indicated the set was in excellent condition and factory sharpened and polished.  This is a 1st generation set produced from 1949 to 1951.  I assume the cardboard sheaths are part of the set since they are pictured.

Pictured are 6 Cutco 1720 paring knives.  I purchased one of them for $20 with $2.62 shipping.  The seller was asking $35.  I used the make offer feature.  These are a 4th generation knife produced from 1971 to present.  I won't know the production date of mine till it arrives.

A Cutco French Chef  knife item number 35 a first generation Knife produced from 1949 to 1951.  This item was purchased for 39.95 with free shipping using the buy it now option.  This knife completes our set.






Although we feel our Cutco knife set is now complete, we do have a few other we wouldn't mind having and I'll keep a lookout for them using both strategies and purchase them if I get the price I am willing to pay.

Searing Meat -Traeger Tips and Tricks

Searing Meat -Traeger Tips and Tricks

Sear Steaks Grill Marks

I have gotten really nice grill Marks on my steak from my Traeger directly from my grill grates.  If you want a good sear on your steaks to lock in those juices then you should be doing the reverse sear method.  When I first got my grill I saw a recipe that talked about searing in a cast Iron pan.  I went out and purchased a reversible cast Iron Griddle/Grill.  I wish I had not been so fast to pull the trigger on that purchase because I soon found out about GrillGrates.  They are way better for the Grill then Cast Iron,  They have holes in them so you can get that grill flavor.  

GrillGrates

Will my grill run hotter with GrillGrates?
Yes. GrillGrates cook via all methods of cooking: conduction, convection and infrared. GrillGrates with their extra mass and surface area literally radiate heat and provide more direct food contact than conventional grills. In addition they convect heat between the rails. Aluminum is a superb conductor of heat smoothing out hot spots and cold spots and focusing the heat of the grill to the raised rails. Adjust grill temps downward and enjoy gas savings or use less fuel. Keep in mind that most grills typically run 100-150F degrees hotter at the cooking surface than the air in the hood anyway and GrillGrates will be hotter still. Kamado grills run 200-300F hotter at the surface, gas grills 100-200F hotter and pellet grills you can expect to see about 100F hotter. --- Directly from GrillGrate Webpage, Notice the very end expect to see Pellet grills run 100 degrees hotter.  Click here for Grill Grate website.

There are five elements to the the Science of GrillGrate

1. Amplifies the Heat of any Grill

GrillGrates act like a lens on top of any heat source. They magnify and focus the grill's heat converting it to infrared heat.

2. Flare-Up Protection from the Bottom Plate

The underside and hole pattern of GrillGrates blocks flare-ups from engulfing food preventing charring and drying out.   --- No Flare ups on Traeger anyway.  Ive heard of people removing drip pan and  using grillgrates on top of firebox either with or without the Grills Grate on

3. Conducts Heat More Efficiently

GrillGrates are made from hard anodized aluminum, which conducts heat more efficiently than cast iron or stainless steel.

4. The Valleys Vaporize Drippings

Juices and drippings fall into the hot valleys where they sizzle and vaporize into flavor and retained moisture. The valleys of GrillGrates are a flavor enhancing system.

5. Perfect Sear Marks

GrillGrates conduct and focus heat up the raised rails for steakhouse quality searing. Sear marks can be controlled from golden brown to dark, crispy and flavorful.

Above taken from GrillGrate website Science of Grill Grates 

Here is a review about different kind of Grates including GrillGrates Click Here

In the above review of different type of Grill Grates from amazing ribs they do rate GrillGrates very highly and state you can add Pellets or chips in the Valleys of the Grates for extra flavor.  I will be trying this out ths weekend.

Click Here for Tri-Tip using GrillGrates

Reverse Sear Video below
Here is the Link just in case https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ4xl7XJM08

Tongs a Review - Grilling Tools

Tongs a Review - Grilling Tools

OXO 16 inch Spring Loaded Tongs

Tongs are the tool I use the most when I BBQ.  I rarely use a Spatula or Fork.  It  is important to get good quality tongs that you are comfortable with.  I really enjoy My Oxo Good Grips 18 inch tongs.

They have a silicon grip so they do not get too hot,  They are Spring loaded so they are easy to use even with my mild arthritis in my hands.  I did recently acquire the below Bobby Flay Tongs on sale for about $6 originally 14.99.  They seem well made with wood grips and are about 16 inches long.  Sometimes you need 2 pair to avoid cross contamination of foods.  I like my 2 pair to look very different and while My U shapped tongs work the spring loaded ones seem to be much better for me.

Bobby Flay BBQ Locking Tongs

U shape Tongs Guy Fieri ones in the Middle

Above are some u shaped Tongs the ones in the Middle are Guy Fieri, I purchased these in a pinch at Walgreens.  They don't lock but they do have a clasp that holds them closed, of the 3 U shaped Tongs I own I like the Guy Fieri best.  They are much closer together then the other 2 pairs and don't require as much strength to hold closed.  They also seem to align better.  I don't personally see a reason to buy non spring loaded tongs ever again.  The other 2 pair were parts of sets and as the below review of grill tools states it is almost always better to buy each tool separately  then to purchase a set.

Comprehensive Review of BBQ Tongs

Tools for a Successful cook

My BBQ Tool Kit

Here are a few tools I need for a stress free cooking experience on my Traeger.  I know people cook amazing food with just tongs but I need a bit more.

Leave In Thermometer

I Griil 2 by Weber

A leave in Thermometer because as they say if you are looking you are not cooking.  I currently useI Grill II  by Weber.  It works well for me and tells me the temperature of my grill as well as what I am cooking.  I do have all 4 probes.  I have used 3 probes for food and one for the Traeger. The Igrill sends the results directly to my android smartphone via Bluetooth.  They also have an App that works with the Iphone.  I was extremely impressed with Weber's customer service, they sent me a replacement probe at no cost when mine broke.


Another great feature of the Igrill is that it creates Graphs so you can see your Temperature swings

I also have a Maverick ET-732 remote BBQ Thermometer which I was not impresed with.

Some people seem to like the Tapeccue Wifi Thermometer.  There are a few other wi fi thermometers including 1 by thermoworks.

Instant read Thermometer 

Thermapen and Thermopop by thermoworks

When it comes to an Instant read Thermometers  nothing beats thermaworks.  I have a Thernapen and Thermopop they both work well the Thermapen is more accurate and faster, The thermopop is slower and a lttle less accurate.  Buy the best one you can afford between these 2.  Last time I looked there were multiple versions of the Thermapen the classic and the MK4. are the same when it comes to accuracy and speed the MK4 has more features.  Buy the best one you can afford between these 3.  

It looks like the newer Thermopops are even faster.  If you already have a Thermometer and just want an upgrade if you sign up for the Thermoworks newsletter they have sales often.  Sometimes they sell open box stuff at a discount but you get the same warranty ason a brand new one.

Thermoworks has great customer service.  For most things on the Traeger I agree its a matter of personnel test, but when it comes to an instant read thermometer I say get a thermoworks you will be happy you did.

                             

Tongs

Tongs, I have multiple sets of Tongs but my go to set is my 18 inch OXO.  Sometimes you need to use 1 set for raw chicken and another for cooked food.

Oxo Tongs

My Toolbox 

My Toolbox, Yes I actually have a toolbox which holds most of my grilling tools and supplies.  It is a Stanley flat max waterproof toolbox.  I have My Tongs, Spatulas, Grilling Gloves, Thermometers, Hand sanitizer, bleach wipes and even spices in my Fat Max.  It makes it easy to have everything all in one place.

I no longer store my spices in my toolbox they cake up.

Toolbox

Toolbox

Grill Tools

Some of My Spices and Rubs

Wet Dry Shop Vac

A wet Dry Shop vac is a must have tool to clean out your Firebox of excess ash.  I usually clean the Firebox when I replace the Foil on the Drip pan every 4 to 6 cooks.  Unless I do long cooks like Pork Shoulder then sometimes before and after the cook.  The brand doesn't seem to matter as long as it has enough HP to do the Job.

wet dry shop vac



Here are more posts about Tools I use
http://traegerrecipesbymike.blogspot.com/search/label/Grilling%20Tools?m=0

A-Maze-N Products 12 inch Tube Smoker - Helpful Traeger Modifications

A-Maze-N Products 12 inch Smoke Tube

I

I have the A-Maze-N Products 12 inch Smoke Tube. I sometimes use it to add extra smoke during a cook.  It worked real well when I made, ribs, Pulled pork, corn beef, Pork Loin and Pineapple.  I have never used it for cold smoking but some people have.  The first few times I used the Tube smoker it was hit or miss if would stay lit.  I have found by placing the opening towards the front of the grill once it was smoking I could push the pellets in with a metal poker and keep it burning (smoking).

I received the A-Maze-N Products 12 inch Tube Smoker as a present.  It seems to be the most popular one used on the Traeger Facebook user group pages.  Other people have talked about a Char Broil Tube smoker at target for 1/2 the price.

I use an inexpensive heat gun that I purchased at harbor freight to light my tube smoker.  I found this YouTube video very helpful when learning to light my smoker, 

How to Light your Tube Smoker

 

Traeger Junior Rack - Helpful Traeger Modifications

Traeger Junior Rack

Double Decker Cooking

I love my extra rack.  It virtually doubles the size of my Junior.  It allows me to cook twice as much food with the same number of  pellats.  It also saves time because I can do 1 batch instead of 2 or 2 batches instead of 4 .....   It is a high quality product that I highly recommend.  You can get your extra rack by clicking the link http://www.barbieqt.com/product-p/jr55.htm.  You can also use this rack in larger grills to get extra space.

Ortech Digital Temperature Controller - Helpful Traeger Modifications

Ortech Digital Temperature Controller

When I first got my Traeger it had a very simple Temperature controller with only 3 settings, low medium and High.  I wanted a Digital Temperature Controller because I wanted the ability to set grill temperatures.  It has multiple settings Off, smoke, 180, 225, 250...375, High

I added the Ortech Digital Temperature Controller model Tr-100  because it is a good Controller at a reasonable price.  It has a  dial for P-Settings a feature not found in the Traeger Digital Temperature Controller.  The Ortech controller automatically does a shutdown cycle whenever you turn the grill off. 

Grill Grates - Helpful Traeger Modifications

Grill Grates - Helpful Traeger Modifications

While not technically a Traeger Modification the Grill grates are an amazing addition to my Traeger.  They allow me to get an amazing sear on steaks and chops and they do concentrate the heat and get hotter then the Grill does by themselves.  I use them mainly for things I want to cook at high temperatures steaks, burgers and chicken.  I have also used them just to reverse sear steaks, Burgers and pork chops. Click here for Grill Grates

See the below YouTube video on the Reverse Sear Method

Double Decker on the Traeger

Double Decker on the T Traeger Recipe

Lower Level

Upper Level

Burgers, ham steak pineapple and watermelon.  Went double Decker on T.  Burgers and pineapple were great. Ham may have cooked to long 15 to 20 min next time.

Traeger Recipe

Start up Procedure

Smoke for 10 minutes with Lid open
Preheat Grill to 375  with Lid Closed

Hamburger Recipe

After Grill reaches 375
Cook Burgers to an Internal Temperature of 165
Flip after 5 Minutes or Internal Temperature of 120

Ham Recipe

After Grill reaches 375
Cook Ham about 7 to 10 minutes per side
I Like a nice Char on my Ham 

Watermelon Recipe

Watermelon cook about 5 minutes per side

Please Note:

Any recipe I make is just a guideline.  I am not a big fan of gooey sauces so almost everything is I cook would be a dry rub.  You of course should experiment and see what works best for you.  I don't often recommend a rub because it is a matter of personnel taste.  These recipe would also work well on most other pellet grills or charcoal and gas grill using indirect heat for the low temperature recipes.

Duct Work Reducer - Pellet Extension Hopper Extension

Duct Work Reducer - Pellet Extension Hopper Extension

Duct Word Reducer Pellet Hopper Extension

The Traeger Junior only has a 14 pound pellet hopper which works great on short cooks. But sometimes you just want to do an overnight cook or find the need to leave the house for a few hours and dont want to run out of pellets. I have seen many solutions like taping a 12 pack box to the Hopper or purchasing an expensive after market Hopper extender.

I think the person who posted this called it a redneck Hopper extension. It Just flat out works.  I have Duct work reducer 8 inch  to 6 inch  I use it only on long cooks. when filled to the top it supplies 5 hours of pellets. They also make Duct work reducer 12 inch to 6 inch  and 10 inch to 6 inch.  My local hardware store only had they 8 inch one. For less then $10 it has served me well.