If you’re in search of affordable yet high-quality kitchen knives, you’ll come across numerous options available in the market. Among them, The Cooking Guild and Coolina knives have garnered considerable attention and left people undecided about which one to choose. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have prepared a comprehensive and detailed comparison guide highlighting the unique features and drawbacks of each brand. So, let’s delve into the details and determine which knife set cuts through the competition with precision!
Final Verdict
In the comparison of The Cooking Guild and Coolina knives, several key factors are noticeable. The Cooking Guild, although newer, displays a high commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, offering a popular and well-crafted knife set. The Dynasty series knives showcase high-grade materials, intricate design elements, and significant versatility.
In terms of pricing, it provides a cost-effective option, with sets priced lower than the cumulative cost of individual Coolina knives. Coupled with strong customer feedback, The Cooking Guild seems to offer superior value for money.
The Cooking Guild Dynasty Knives
In contrast, Coolina provides a unique rustic aesthetic and the flexibility to build your own knife set. Although their individual knives are more expensive, they also offer high-quality materials and are suitable for heavy-duty tasks. Customer feedback is comparatively limited, making it difficult to gauge overall satisfaction.
Conclusively, The Cooking Guild seems to offer better value overall in terms of quality, versatility, aesthetics, and price. However, Coolina could be a compelling choice for those seeking rustic, handmade knives, and the flexibility to choose individually.
The Cooking Guild vs Coolina Knives Comparison Table
Service | Editors Choice The Cooking Guild  | Coolina  |
Website Link | ||
Blade material | Japanese AUS-10 High Carbon Stainless Steel | Selected knives: German Tungsten Steel High Carbon Steel |
Handle material | Rosewood with metal bolster and butt | Color wood |
Blade hardness | 60+ HRC | 57-60 HRC |
Blade sizes | Click for full details: | Click for full details: |
Price point | $$ | $$$$ |
Warranty | Lifetime warranty | n/a |
Money Back Guarantee | 30-day | 30-day / Sale items cannot be refunded |
ONLINE REVIEWS | ||
 | 4.2 | 3.2 |
PRICING | ||
Prices | The Cooking Guild Chef Knife (Individual) $64.99 + S&H | Coolina Promaja Knife $99.97 + $24 shipping |
Total prices | $203.98 with Petty Knife + free USA shipping | $362.91 + $24 shipping |
About The Cooking Guild and Coolina History
Despite being a relatively new player in the market, The Cooking Guild has quickly gained recognition and popularity due to their unwavering commitment to producing high-quality knives. Founded in 2019, The Cooking Guild was born out of a deep love for the art of knife-making and a passion for cooking. Their skilled blacksmiths boast an impressive 20 years of experience in forging knives.
To ensure the utmost craftsmanship, The Cooking Guild pays meticulous attention to every detail of their knives. From the utilization of hammer-forged high-carbon steel to the implementation of quenching techniques, they go the extra mile to create knives that are truly exceptional. Each blade exhibits a natural surface texture, making every knife a unique piece of art. The quality is unmistakable when you hold the knife in your hand for the first time.
Similarly, Coolina knives have made a name for themselves since their establishment in 2017. Sharing the same passion for handmade knives, Coolina strives to deliver high-quality products at affordable prices.
Their dedication has been reflected in their global success, with over 150,000 knives sold and a growing customer base. Coolina’s unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction ensures top-notch service before, during, and after every purchase.
The Cooking Guild vs. Coolina Product Range
When it comes to the product range, The Cooking Guild stands out with their well-known knife set, the Dynasty Series Warriors Knife Set, which initially gained significant popularity. This set comprises three main knives that cater to different culinary needs.
Dynasty Serbian Cleaver
 | |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | San Mai AUS-10 core with 430 stainless steel |
| Blade Length | 7.9 inch / 20 cm |
| Blade Width | 3.9 inch / 9.9 cm |
| Blade Thickness | 0.1 inch / 0.3 mm |
| Total Length | 12.8 inch / 32.5 cm |
| Handle Material | Carbonized Rosewood |
| Handle Length | 4.9 inch / 12.5 cm |
The first knife in the set is the Serbina cleaver, which boasts a razor-sharp edge and excellent weight and balance for efficient chopping. Despite its size, it offers enough heft to handle even the toughest cuts without being unwieldy. This knife excels at tackling large cuts of meat, slicing effortlessly through thick layers of fat and gristle.
Chef Knife
 | |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | San Mai AUS-10 core with 430 stainless steel |
| Blade Length | 8 inch / 20.5 cm |
| Blade Width | 2 inch / 5 cm |
| Blade Thickness | 0.1 inch / 0.2 mm |
| Total Length | 13.2 inch / 33.5 cm |
| Handle Material | Carbonized Rosewood |
| Handle Length | 4.9 inch / 12.5 cm |
Next, the set includes a versatile Chef knife that delivers a perfect hand feel for various purposes, such as slicing, cutting, and carving. It is designed to be your go-to knife in almost any culinary situation, providing reliable performance and precision.
Dynasty Series Santoku
 | |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | San Mai AUS-10 core with 430 stainless steel |
| Blade Length | 7 inch / 17.9 cm |
| Blade Width | 2 inch / 5 cm |
| Blade Thickness | 0.1 inch / 0.2 mm |
| Total Length | 12.1 inch / 30.7 cm |
| Handle Material | Carbonized Rosewood |
| Handle Length | 5 inch / 12.5 cm |
For those who prioritize vegetable preparation, the Santoku knife in the set is an ideal choice. It is slightly smaller than traditional chef knives, offering enhanced versatility and precision. This knife excels at slicing and dicing, making it a favorite among chefs when it comes to handling vegetables.
Petty Knife
 | |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | San Mai AUS-10 core with 430 stainless steel |
| Blade Length | 5 inch / 12.7 cm |
| Blade Width | 1.1 inch / 2.7 cm |
| Blade Thickness | 0.1 inch / 0.2 mm |
| Total Length | 9.3 inch / 23.7 cm |
| Handle Material | Carbonized Rosewood |
| Handle Length | 4.1 inch / 10.5 cm |
As an additional option to the Dynasty set, The Cooking Guild offers the Petty Knife, which can be purchased separately at a reasonable price. This knife serves as the go-to tool for peeling, slicing, and shaping, thanks to its durability and razor-sharp edge.
On the other hand, Coolina takes a different approach by allowing customers to build their own knife collection. Instead of offering pre-defined sets, Coolina offers a range of individual knives from which customers can choose based on their preferences and needs. Their knives predominantly cater to heavy-duty tasks like deboning meat, although they do have versatile options suitable for multiple uses. Let’s explore some of Coolina’s knife selections that are comparable to the knives in The Cooking Guild’s Dynasty set.
Promaja
 | |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | Sarchach steel |
| Blade Length | 6.6 inch / 17 cm |
| Blade Width | 3.9 inch / 10 cm |
| Blade Thickness | 0.1 inch / 0.3 cm |
| Total Length | 11.8 inch / 30 cm |
| Handle Material | Color wood |
| Handle Length | 4.9 inch / 12.5 cm |
One notable option from Coolina is the Promaja, which they describe as a multipurpose Chef’s knife with cleaver-like qualities. Crafted using ancient techniques by Master Artisan bladesmiths, the Promaja features a weighty blade that ensures effortless cutting, minimizing exertion in the kitchen. The large rustic two-tone blade not only stands out but also adds a visually appealing touch to any knife collection.
Altomino Tungsten
 | |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | German tungsten steel clip steel |
| Blade Length | 7.2 inch / 18.5 cm |
| Blade Width | 3.9 inch / 9.9 cm |
| Blade Thickness | 0.1 inch / 0.3 cm |
| Total Length | 11.4 inch / 29 cm |
| Handle Material | Color wood |
| Handle Length | 4.8 inch / 12.4 cm |
Another noteworthy choice is the Altomino Tungsten Steel slicing knife. This knife is specifically designed for achieving even and thin slices, a crucial requirement for delicate meals. The blade is made of German Tungsten steel, renowned for its exceptional strength and durability. Its razor-sharp edge retains sharpness over extended periods, and the wooden handle offers a comfortable grip and well-balanced feel.
Altomino Handmade
 | |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | High carbon steel |
| Blade Length | 5 inch / 12.9 cm |
| Blade Width | 1.9 inch / 4.8 cm |
| Blade Thickness | 0.2 in / 0.5 cm |
| Total Length | 9.2 inch / 23.6 cm |
| Handle Material | Wood |
| Handle Length | 4.2 inch/ 10.8 cm |
Coolina also offers the Altomino Handmade fixed curved blade knife, which excels at separating meat from the bone with ease. The wooden handle is ergonomically designed for optimal comfort during use. While you may notice some natural rust or black spots on the blade due to the handmade nature of the knives, these can be easily maintained by regular use and cleaning with a whetstone.
In summary, The Cooking Guild impresses with their Dynasty Series Warriors Knife Set, featuring carefully crafted knives suitable for specific culinary tasks. Coolina, on the other hand, allows for a personalized knife selection experience, offering a range of individual knives that cater to heavy-duty as well as versatile usage. Both brands exhibit a commitment to quality craftsmanship and unique aesthetics, providing options that can meet different preferences and cooking needs.
Materials and Quality Of Knives
| Knife | Material | Quality | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cooking Guild’s Dynasty Set | Japanese AUS-10 High Carbon Stainless Steel | Sharp, corrosion-resistant, long-lasting | 60+ HRC |
| Coolina's Promaja Knife | Sarschach Steel | Sharp, durable | 60 HRC |
| Coolina's Altomino Slicing Knife | German Tungsten Steel | Sharp, durable, rust-resistant | 57-58 HRC |
| Coolina's Altomino Handmade Fixed Blade | High Carbon Steel | Sharp, high edge retention, may require more maintenance | 58 HRC |
When it comes to the materials used in the knives, there are notable distinctions between The Cooking Guild and Coolina.
The Cooking Guild’s Dynasty set knives are crafted using high-carbon Japanese steel. What sets them apart is the blade’s composition, consisting of a core of hard steel encased in two layers of “softer” steel. This unique construction ensures prolonged sharpness, enhanced corrosion resistance, and exceptional longevity. The high-carbon Japanese steel is renowned for its remarkable sharpness and edge retention, often boasting a hardness rating of 60+ HRC.
On the other hand, Coolina employs different types of steel for their three highlighted knives. The Promaja knife features Sarschach steel, which registers a hardness rating of 60 on the Rockwell scale. This high-carbon steel provides excellent sharpness and durability. The Altomino slicing knife utilizes German Tungsten steel, known for its balanced performance, combining hardness, durability, and resistance to rust. Lastly, the Altomino curved knife is crafted from high-carbon steel, which falls under a broad category encompassing various types of steel. Generally, high-carbon steel delivers outstanding hardness and edge retention, although it may require more maintenance due to its susceptibility to rust and a potentially more challenging sharpening process.
Choosing the best steel for your needs depends on your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize ultimate sharpness and edge retention and are willing to invest time in maintenance, a high-carbon Japanese steel knife would be an excellent option. On the other hand, if you seek a balance of durability, sharpness, and ease of care, a German tungsten steel knife might be the ideal choice. However, it’s essential to research the specific type of steel used in each knife, as there can be significant variations within these broader categories.
Design and Aesthetics of Knives
When it comes to the design and aesthetics of the knives, The Cooking Guild’s Dynasty set takes the lead with its captivating features. These knives showcase a combination of visually appealing elements, such as a blade adorned with rust-resistant hammered marks and exquisitely polished rosewood handles. The inclusion of a high-polished metal bolster and butt, adorned with the custom TCG emblem adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall design.
In contrast, Coolina knives have a distinct handmade look, which some may perceive as lacking the refinement and polish of the Dynasty knives. They have a more rustic appearance, giving the impression of being crafted in a garage. It’s worth noting that Coolina knives generally have a lower price point, which we will discuss in more detail later.
The handles of Coolina knives are made of wood and lack the bolster and butt found in The Cooking Guild knives, which are elements that enhance the visual appeal. Additionally, some of the Coolina blades may appear rougher, resembling pieces of old scrap metal. In certain product images, it can even be observed that the blade has been made with an angle grinder. This process can potentially damage the heat-treated edge and render it irreparable.
In summary, The Cooking Guild’s Dynasty set boasts an attractive design featuring hammered marks on the blade, polished rosewood handles, and a well-crafted metal bolster and butt. Coolina knives, while offering a handmade aesthetic, may be perceived as having a cheaper appearance due to their rustic look, wooden handles, and blades that may lack the refined finish of the Dynasty knives.
Price
| Brand | Knife / Set | Price | Total Price as Set |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coolina | Promaja Knife | $99.97 + $24 shipping | $362.91 + $24 shipping |
| Altomino Tungsten Knife | $157.97 + $24 shipping | ||
| Altomino Handmade Knife | $104.97 + $24 shipping | ||
| The Cooking Guild | Chef Knife (Individual) | $64.99 + S&H | $203.98 with Petty Knife + free USA shipping |
| Chef Knife and Serbina Cleaver Set | $119.99 + free USA shipping | ||
| Chef Knife, Serbina Cleaver, and Santoku Knife Set | $149.99 + free USA shipping | ||
| Petty Knife (Add-on) | $53.99 |
When it comes to pricing, there are notable differences between Coolina and The Cooking Guild.
Coolina offers their knives for individual purchase, which generally results in a higher overall price. Currently, their Promaja knife is priced at $99.97, the Altomino Tungsten knife at $157.97, and the Altomino Handmade knife at $104.97. If you were to purchase all three knives, the total price would amount to $367.91, excluding shipping costs. Coolina also provides the option to use AfterPay, allowing customers to make four payments of $91.98.
In contrast, The Cooking Guild provides pricing options that cater to different preferences. For the Dynasty set, customers have the choice to purchase the Chef knife individually for $64.99. Alternatively, they can opt for the Chef knife, and Serbina Cleaver set, priced at $119.99, which includes free shipping within the USA. There is also an option to purchase a set comprising the Chef knife, Serbina Cleaver, and Santoku knife for $149.99, again with free shipping within the USA. Additionally, customers can add the Petty knife to any of these options for a special price of $53.99.
Both Coolina and The Cooking Guild offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing customers with reassurance and flexibility in their purchase.
It’s important to consider the pricing options and included knives when making a decision, taking into account your specific needs and budget.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
When considering customer reviews and ratings, we conducted a thorough evaluation by referring to Trustpilot, in addition to the official websites of both brands, to gather more transparent insights.
The Cooking Guild has garnered a positive reception with a rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 739 reviews. This indicates a significant level of customer satisfaction with their knives and overall experience. Furthermore, The Cooking Guild’s website features a review page where customers can view testimonials accompanied by pictures showcasing the knives in use. This added feature allows potential buyers to have a visual representation of customer experiences, enhancing transparency and trust.
In contrast, Coolina has a lower rating of 3.2 out of 5, based on only one review on Trustpilot. While this limited number of reviews makes it challenging to draw definitive conclusions, it suggests a relatively smaller sample size of customer feedback compared to The Cooking Guild.
Considering the available information, it appears that The Cooking Guild has a more established and positively received reputation based on customer reviews. The inclusion of customer-submitted pictures on their website further adds to the credibility and transparency of their offerings.
Abdo is a Zoopy writer who loves spending his free time outdoors, camping, and enjoying the peace that nature brings. He also enjoys fixing things - he's particularly good with electronics. His favorite movie is I Am Legend, and he's fascinated by survival gear and safety.