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Singles Day 11.11 AliExpress Sales Day: Kitchen Knives (2023) + Black Friday

Black Friday Discount Codes

Did you know that Singles Day is one of AliExpress’s biggest sales events? AliExpress 11.11, also known as Singles Day, is a major shopping event where various products go at extra discounted prices from November 11th till 17th. In this video, I will recommend some great knives to consider, though the actual discounts may vary from my price recommendations*. If you miss it, there will be a Black Friday sale later on November 23rd till 29th, but I’m not sure if you can find the same deals as on the 11.11 Singles Day.

*Prices are based on what I think is a good value and deal during the sales event, I’m not sure if they will reach that price or not so use it as an indication. The prices of the mentioned knives here will go up after the sales event and might not get that low in the future.

Chefpanko

I will put the discount codes If I can find or get an extra discount code that can be put on top of the event deal here:

The Following Codes only apply to the US (Black Friday):Minimum OrderDiscount Codes
$6 discount$45USAFF6
$10 discount$80USAFF10
$20 discount$150USAFF20
$50 discount$260USAFF50
$80 discount$450USAFF80
Make sure you apply all the discount codes manually before paying, the discount codes are only active when the event starts. So click on the link to the knife you want, add it to your cart see the total price, and then copy and paste the code below to get the extra discount.
Valid from November 23th till Nov 29th, 2023
The Following Codes apply to most countries (Black Friday)*:Minimum OrderDiscount Codes
$8 discount$45BF8
$15 discount$80BF10
$30 discount$150BF20
$40 discount$300BF50
$50 discount$450BF80
Make sure you apply all the discount codes manually before paying, the discount codes are only active when the event starts. So click on the link to the knife you want, add it to your cart see the total price, and then copy and paste the code below to get the extra discount.
*EXCLUDING: RU, AE, UZ, BH, KR, AM, KW, FR, SA, ES, KZ, QA, BR, TJ, BY, MD, AZ, TM, KG, GE, OM, US
Valid from November 11th till Nov 17th, 2023
The Following Codes only apply to the US (11.11):Minimum OrderDiscount Codes
$8 discount$50PANKOA8
$15 discount$100PANKO15
$30 discount$200PANKO30
$40 discount$250PANKO40
$60 discount$300PANKO60
Make sure you apply all the discount codes manually before paying, the discount codes are only active when the event starts. So click on the link to the knife you want, add it to your cart see the total price, and then copy and paste the code below to get the extra discount.
Valid from November 11th till Nov 17th, 2023
The Following Codes apply to most countries (11.11)*:Minimum OrderDiscount Codes
$8 discount$50PANKO118
$15 discount$100PANKO1115
$30 discount$200PANKO1130
$40 discount$250PANKO1140
$50 discount$300PANKO1150
$100 discount$500PANKO11100
Make sure you apply all the discount codes manually before paying, the discount codes are only active when the event starts. So click on the link to the knife you want, add it to your cart see the total price, and then copy and paste the code below to get the extra discount.
*EXCLUDING: RU, AE, UZ, BH, KR, AM, KW, FR, SA, ES, KZ, QA, BR, TJ, BY, MD, AZ, TM, KG, GE, OM, US
Valid from November 11th till Nov 17th, 2023

Xinzuo Zhen Series ZDP-189: The Knife for Knife Enthusiast Crowd

Xinzuo Zhen Series ZDP-189
Xinzuo Zhen Series ZDP-189

The Xinzuo Zhen Series Chef Knife with an Imported Japanese ZDP-189 core is one of my personal favorites. It is the first knife that showed me that Chinese manufacturers are capable of making knives that will satisfy the enthusiast crowd. Not only is the blade grind thin, but it is also nicely finished. There is attention to the details of the choil and spine which are both very nicely rounded, besides, it comes with a premium octagonal handle. If you can find this knife for around $200 to $230 during the 11.11 Singles Day, then I think that you have a nice deal. I do want to note that I don’t find this a beginner-friendly knife.

SHOP:
Xinzuo Zhen Series ZDP-189

Xinzuo Zhen Series Copper Damascus Version

Xinzuo Zhen Series Copper Damascus
Xinzuo Zhen Series Copper Damascus

If the $230 range is on the higher side and you want a more budget option, consider looking at the Copper Infused version. It comes in a similar blade shape but the difference is that the knife is copper-infused and it comes with a Chinese 12Cr18MoV core. While I have not tested this knife yet it is something I can recommend based on my first impression.

The knife grind is on the thicker side than the ZDP-189 version making the ZDP-189 the superior blade that also comes with a superior core material. The logo on this version is on the rough side compared to the ZDP-189. However, if you can find this at a price of around $130 to $140, I think you get an excellent deal! Due to the thicker grind, I find that this knife is more beginner-friendly than the ZDP-189 version.

In the front Copper Version - behind ZDP-189
In the front Copper Version – behind ZDP-189

SHOP:
Xinzuo Zhen Series Copper Infused 12Cr18MoV

Shibazi – F208 & Full Stainless Steel Version

Shibazi - F208
Shibazi – F208

The Price has gone up since I reviewed the Shibazi F208 knife and haven’t seen it going lower. But if this knife is getting a price of around $25 you have yourself a very nice deal. They also have a version with a stainless steel handle which I have tried but I did not like the handle. The wooden handle is more comfortable and grippier.

Shibazi F208 in the front and TP02 behind
Shibazi F208 in the front and TP02 behind

There are 2 sizes. I find the smaller version more versatile for everyday use and that has all to do with lighter weight and I did not need the larger version for my everyday kitchen use at home.

Shibazi F208-2 in the front and F208-1 behind
Shibazi F208-2 in the front and F208-1 behind

SHOP:
Shibazi F208-2
(Small version)
Shibazi F208-1
(This seller sells 2 sizes pick the correct one)
Shibazi Stainless Handle TP01 and TP02
(Small and large versions make sure to select the one you want)

Shibazi S-210

Shibazi S-210
Shibazi S-210

The Shibazi S-210 Carbon version is not stainless and needs more care, at the current price without the discount it is at around $20 which I think is an excellent deal and even a steal for what you get in return. If it gets even lower than that I think it is a no-brainer just to try it out. I do want to note that the seller is not selling a smaller version despite the description. It also didn’t come in a box.

Shibazi S-210 comes without a gift box (but is protected in bubble plastic for shipping)
Shibazi S-210 comes without a gift box (but is protected in bubble plastic for shipping)

SHOP:
Shibazi S-210

Hezhen Vegetable Cleaver

Hezhen Vegetable Cleaver Xr9Cr18MoV
Hezhen Vegetable Cleaver Xr9Cr18MoV

The Hezhen Chinese Cleaver is a more premium version compared to the Shibazi knife, the fit and finish are better and the core material seems to outperform the F208 version. If you can find this version for around $30 to $35 you have scored an excellent deal and that price might be even too low compared to the fit and finish Hezhen has added. It is so nicely finished that the Shibazi knives look very rough in comparison.

SHOP:
Hezhen Vegetable Cleaver Xr9Cr18MoV

Feng Series SRS13 Nakiri

Feng Series SRS13 Nakiri
Feng Series SRS13 Nakiri

The Xinzuo Feng Series SRS13 Nakiri knife features a unique design with a Japanese SRS13 core, offering excellent edge retention and durability. It’s slightly taller and bigger than a typical Nakiri knife. Priced around $200, it’s a good deal, but note that the handle is on the larger side, so it may not be suitable for those with small hands.

SHOP:
Xinzuo Feng Series SRS13 Nakiri

Feng Series Chef’s Knife SRS13

Feng Series Chef’s Knife SRS13
Feng Series Chef’s Knife SRS13

The Xinzuo Feng Series Chef’s knife version carries the same benefit as the Nakiri version. The unique form makes this a great option for those who seek a Chef’s knife with a straighter profile. The pointy front is also excellent for precision tasks. My price recommendation for a good value is also at $200.

SHOP:
Feng Series Chef’s Knife SRS13

Xinzuo and Hezhen Powdered Versions

Hezhen Elegant Santoku (left) - Xinzuo Lan Santoku (right)
Hezhen Elegant Santoku (left) – Xinzuo Lan Santoku (right)

I’ve tested both the Xinzuo Santoku Lan Series and the Hezhen Santoku Elegant Series with powdered steel (14Cr14MoVNb), and they both offer excellent performance. These knives are worth considering, even though they should ideally fit within these price ranges during the sales day:

However, there are a few considerations:

  • The handle of the Xinzuo Lan Series is on the larger side, so it’s not ideal for individuals with small to medium hand sizes.
  • The Hezhen version is slightly handle-heavy, but you can adjust your grip for a middle-balanced feel. This knife is better suited for medium to large hand sizes.

SHOP:
Xinzuo Santoku Lan Series
Hezhen Santoku Elegant Series

Xinzuo Jiang Series Coreless + Japanese AUS10

Xinzuo Jiang Series
Xinzuo Jiang Series

While I haven’t fully tested the Jiang Series Coreless and the imported Japanese AUS10 knives, I want to mention them. My initial impression is positive, but I need more testing to get some questions answered. I’m particularly interested in how the coreless knife performs and how the imported Japanese AUS10 justifies its premium price compared to Chinese powdered versions like the ones from Xinzuo and Hezhen, which have been outperforming the Japanese AUS10 from other manufacturers and come at a similar price range.

SHOP:
Jiang Series Coreless
Jiang Series Coreless Imported Japanese AUS10

Excluded Knives: Why Some Blades Didn’t Make the Cut

Xinzuo and Hezhen F2 Series
Xinzuo and Hezhen F2 Series

There are knives I did not mention because I found they could benefit from some improvements, were not on par with the ones mentioned here, or were outdated. That is the reason why I did not add them to this list. To mention a few, the coreless knives from Xinzuo and Hezhen F2 series with an acid bath, are aesthetically pleasing to look at. The fit and finish are different from what I expected from the Xinzuo and Hezhen brands as it affected the comfort levels in favor of aesthetics.

SHOP:
Xinzuo F2 Nakiri with Chinese VG10
Hezhen F2 Coreless Chef’s knife

The Following Codes only apply to the US:Minimum OrderDiscount Codes
$8 discount$50PANKOA8
$15 discount$100PANKO15
$30 discount$200PANKO30
$40 discount$250PANKO40
$60 discount$300PANKO60
Make sure you apply all the discount codes manually before paying, the discount codes are only active when the event starts. So click on the link to the knife you want, add it to your cart see the total price, and then copy and paste the code below to get the extra discount.
Valid from November 11th till Nov 17th, 2023
The Following Codes apply to most countries*:Minimum OrderDiscount Codes
$8 discount$50PANKO118
$15 discount$100PANKO1115
$30 discount$200PANKO1130
$40 discount$250PANKO1140
$50 discount$300PANKO1150
$100 discount$500PANKO11100
Make sure you apply all the discount codes manually before paying, the discount codes are only active when the event starts. So click on the link to the knife you want, add it to your cart see the total price, and then copy and paste the code below to get the extra discount.
*EXCLUDING: RU, AE, UZ, BH, KR, AM, KW, FR, SA, ES, KZ, QA, BR, TJ, BY, MD, AZ, TM, KG, GE, OM, US
Valid from November 11th till Nov 17th, 2023
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ChefPanko

Hi, I'm ChefPanko, I have worked for multiple restaurants and have decided to share my experience with you guys. I will share recipes and techniques that I have learned, taken, and improved from the French, Japanese restaurants that I have worked for. I will also explore other cuisines with you guys.

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