The chef's knives look good, but one can't stow in carryon luggage for return home. So, options: American Air charges $75 for one checked bag. Or, knife shop will ship for about $60, wait up to six weeks, and pay customs.
In either case, the price of the knife nearly doubles.
Can these knives be found in U.S.? If so, any recommendations?
What knives (manufacturer, etc) are you asking about?
Google is your friend, my guess is you can purchase any knife you desire from the comfort of your home.
I bought my made in Spain Serrano ham carving knife online. As jojo rabbit said, check online.
Where ever you buy, get good information on exactly where the knife (or any product) is actually made, and how.
For example, shops in Toledo sell lots of knives and even swords, but there is maybe one manufacturer and a few craftsmen still working in Toledo, and they sell out of their shops. Where do all the other places get their stock? The quality may be fantastic, it may be cheap Asian mass produced cutlery in a nice case.
A bit further, even the "authentic" guys are not using Toledo Steel, that really does not exist any more. They are using modern alloys from big name steel companies, probably higher quality, but anyone claiming "genuine Toledo Steel" is suspect, and "Knives from Toledo" may just mean they were shipped to Toledo and sold there.
What ever knives you are asking about, may not involve Toledo, but if you can verify the quality, and the price is right, then why not. Yeah, getting them home sounds like it may cost you, but maybe get a bottle of good wine, or two, to help justify checking that bag.
Of course if the knives are not unique, there are lots of great knives available in the US. If you share the brand you are looking at, and more info, you may get more help.
As Paul mentioned, most swords sold in Toledo are not made there. I believe the only remaining local producer is Mariano Zamorano Swords. Its handmade items (mostly swords) are very pricey and easily distinguishable from the cheap ones. If you visit Toledo and the factory is open, stop by. It is worth visiting especially if someone is forging items while you’re there.
I do believe however, you’re referring to kitchen knifes.
Thanks everyone for your quick replies! I've decided against buying a chef's knife here in Spain. That, after reading some of the comments here and reviews on TripAdvisor.
Safe travels!
