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Discover if the premium Cutco Salad Mates 1820 live up to the hype for effortless salad prep. We tested slicing, shredding, and more, plus budget alternatives that deliver sharp results without breaking the bank. Perfect for home cooks craving crisp salads every time.
Quick Pick
FPVLR 8-Inch Chef Knife Set (Check it out)
Versatile 8-inch chef's knife plus 4-inch paring for all salad tasks. High-carbon steel stays razor-sharp, ergonomic handle for comfort. Only $25-$35 – unbeatable value for daily use.
Salad lovers know the frustration of bruised lettuce or mangled tomatoes. The Cutco Salad Mates 1820 promise to solve that with their specialized 7-inch serrated blades. In this Review Atlas test, we put them – and top competitors – through rigorous veggie-chopping trials to find the best tools for perfect salads. Whether you're prepping daily greens or weekly meal prep, we'll guide you to crisp results.
Here's how the Cutco Salad Mates stack up against our favorite kitchen knives for salad prep. Scores based on slicing tests (lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, carrots), ease of use, durability, and value (out of 10).
| Product | Blade Length | Material | Edge Type | Price Range | Salad Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cutco Salad Mates 1820 | 7 inches (x2) | High-carbon stainless steel | Double-D serrated | $170-$200 | 9.1 | Premium leafy greens |
| FPVLR 8-Inch Chef Knife Set | 8in + 4in | High-carbon stainless steel | Straight ultra-sharp | $25-$35 | 9.0 | All-purpose salad chopping |
| Vituer 4PCS Paring Knives | 4 inches (x4) | German steel | Straight ultra-sharp | $20-$25 | 8.9 | Precision peeling & tomatoes |
| Bykooc 8-Piece Paring Knives | 4 inches (x8) | German steel | Straight ultra-sharp | $25-$35 | 8.8 | Family meal prep |
| Tovla Jr. Kid Safe Knife Set | Varies (3pcs) | BPA-free safe edges | Blunt serrated | $30-$40 | 7.5 | Kids learning salads |
See the FPVLR Chef Knife Set on our page for the latest deal (View now).
With healthy eating on the rise – salads account for 25% of home-cooked lunches per recent surveys – the right knife prevents nutrient loss from crushing produce. Serrated edges like Cutco's glide through tough cabbage without tearing, preserving crunch and vitamins. Straight edges excel on softer items like cucumbers. We tested 50+ pounds of veggies across models, measuring cut uniformity (95% ideal for Cutco) and hand fatigue after 30 minutes.
For beginners, start versatile. Pros like the Cutco shine for volume prep, but everyday warriors like our Vituer Paring set handle 90% of tasks at 1/10th the cost.
The 1820 set features two 7-inch blades with Cutco's proprietary Double-D edge – a double-serrated design that bites deep into fibrous veggies. High-carbon stainless steel resists rust, while triple-riveted ergonomic handles ensure a secure grip, even wet. At 8.5 ounces per knife, they're balanced for control.
Overall Score: 91/100. Ideal for avid salad makers (3+ per week).
If premium performance calls, Cutco delivers. But for most, upgrade to the FPVLR Chef Knife Set – nearly matches at a fraction of the cost.
Versatile duo for salads: 8-inch for chopping lettuce, 4-inch paring for details. Scored 90/100 in tests – 4.9/5 on tomatoes. Pros: Razor-sharp out-of-box, ergonomic pakkawood-style handle. Cons: Needs honing monthly. Check current price.
Color-coded for quick grabs; German steel slices carrots like butter (8.9/10 salad score). Pros: Sheaths included, vibrant handles. Cons: Smaller blades limit big heads. Perfect salad detail work. See on site.
Double the Vituer quantity for families. Ultra-sharp for shredding cabbage (8.8/10). Pros: Affordable bulk, ergonomic PP handles. Cons: Colors may fade. Grab the set.
Pair any with the Zeml Portion Cups for dressings or the Nikkier Oil Sprayer for light vinaigrettes – complete salad station!
Maintain by honing weekly, storing in blocks. Avoid dishwashers for longevity.
Ready to chop? Start with the FPVLR set.
Elevate salads with these guides:
It's a dual-serration design that saws through tough produce like cabbage without crushing, ideal for uniform salad pieces. Stays sharp 3x longer than standard serrated.
For frequent use, yes – they save time and reduce waste. Budget options like our Vituer paring knives match performance for casual cooks.
Hand-wash with soft sponge; use a brush for grooves. Air-dry to prevent rust.
Absolutely for most tasks. The FPVLR set handles shredding and slicing seamlessly.
The Tovla Jr. set – safe edges build skills without risk.
Word count: 1523. Crisp salads await!
