Amazon.com Review

This knife block set carries a useful assortment of standard knives for outfitting a kitchen. The set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, an 8-inch carving knife, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, and a 4-inch paring knife as well as a sharpening steel and a pair of shears. All components fit within an 11-slot hardwood block, which offers four extra slots for future knife acquisitions.

Part of Henckels’s Twin Signature of knives, the cutlery in this set have high-carbon, stainless-steel blades that have been stamped from one piece of metal. The edge is cut by laser for a more consistent angle on the blade and hand-honed for sharpness. Blades have also undergone Henckels’s Friodur ice-hardening process, which further strengthens them and protects them from discoloration. The ergonomically designed traditional-style polymer handles are securely fastened to the balanced full tangs with three rivets. Handles seamlessly encase the tangs on these knives so no food particles can ever become trapped in a gap. Twin Signature knives are all dishwasher-safe (although Henckels recommends washing by hand) and are covered by a lifetime warranty. --Cristina Vaamonde

What’s in the Box
8-inch chef’s knife, 8-inch carving knife, 5-inch serrated utility knife, 4-inch paring knife, shears, sharpening steel, 11-slot hardwood block. ... Read more

Features

• 7.8 pounds; lifetime warranty
• Includes 8-inch chef's; 8-inch carving; 5-inch utility; 4-inch paring
• Also: sharpening steel, shears, 11-slot hardwood block
• Stamped high-carbon stainless-steel blades with laser-controlled edge
• Ice-hardened blades for strength; hand-honed for sharpness

Reviews (3)

A good starter knife set but don't expect too much
Having used some of Henckel's higher-priced professional lines, when the time came to buy a new set of starter knives I figured I'd stay with the brand. I ended up choosing the Twin Signature line 7-piece block set because it was a good compromise between quality and price.

Because the knives are stamped, not forged, you won't get the precise lines you get on the $80-a-knife lines, but the edges are well-finished and stay fairly sharp if you hand-wash them. I've been generally pleased with how they cut, and the chef's knife in particular has an excellent heft and balance for my somewhat larger hands.

The paring knife and the serrated utility knife are also gems. They're extremely well-sized, and have just enough flex to get the job done without feeling flimsy.

The scissors are sharp and extremely sturdy; I'm hard on this particular piece of kitchenware so I'm very pleased by that. Finally, the block is well-made and thought out. It has room for several more knifes as you expand your set.

The tips on the larger knifes aren't as well-finished as I would like, but that's about my only complaint. Just don't expect the sort of sturdiness you'd find on professional knives; these won't last quite as long without sharpening and you can't bang them about quite as much. For a serious home cook on a budget, though, they'll do just fine.

My plan is to use these for starters, and over time pick up two more Twin Signature paring knives, and one more 8-inch chef's knife from the Five-Star series for serious work.

Excellent quality, excellent price...
My mom & aunt bought these Henckels Twin Signature 7-Piece Block Sets and they absolutely love them.
I bought a Pro S set at Macys last year but didn't get a good discount like Amazon does... The knives are 1 of the best investments in my kitchen.

More Bang for Your Buck!
I SPENT A GOOD FEW HOURS LOOKING OVER ALL THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HENCKELS KNIVES AND REALIZED THAT THE TWIN COLLECTIONS HAD PRETTY MUCH ALL OF THE SAME FEATURES AS THE 4 AND 5 STARS YET THEY WERE ATLEAST HALF THE PRICE. THEY ARE MADE IN GERMANY, FORGED, ICE HARDENED, FULL TANG, STAMPED HIGH-CARBON STAINLESS STEEL BLADES WITH LASER-CONTROLLED EDGE ETC. I ALSO LIKED THAT THIS BLOCK SET CAME WITH KITCHEN SHEERS AND A SERRATED KNIFE, WHICH SOME OF THE OTHERS DON'T. FOR AN AVERAGE PERSON WHO COOKS AT HOME AND IS LOOKING FOR A DEPENDABLE KNIFE TO DO THE TRICK, THESE ARE WELL OVER QUALIFIED. JUST ONE NOTE: I GIVE THUMBS DOWN TO AMAZON FOR SHIPPING THE KNIVES ONLY IN THEIR MANUFACTURER'S BOX AND NOT IN AN AMAZON BOX AS WELL. THESE WERE TO BE A GIFT BUT CAME UNDISGUISED AND RUINED THE SURPRISE. I WOULD THINK AMAZON WOULD HAVE ENOUGH BRAINS TO KNOW BETTER BUT THEN AGAIN I'M SURE THEY ARE LOOKING AT IT FROM THE POINT OF VIEW THAT THEY ALREADY COME IN THEIR OWN BOX SO WHY SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY TO PUT IT INDSIDE ANOTHER ONE. THAT'S PRETTY BAD! SHAME ON AMAZON! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The blades in this set of slim, lightweight knives are stampedin stainless steel, and their edges are microserrated and thereforetouted as never needing sharpening. The handles are formed of toughpolypropylene and are seamless, allowing for better hygiene. The setincludes six kitchen knives, six 5-inch steak knives, and arubber-footed wood block that has slots for them all. The kitchen knivesinclude an 8-inch chef's knife with a curved blade for rocking througha chopping task; a 5-inch tomato knife with a narrow, curved blade; an8-inch bread knife; a 6-inch utility knife; a 6-inch boning knife formeats, poultry, and fish; and a 2-1/2-inch paring knife for peeling andcleaning vegetables and fruits. As a bonus, a pronged-tip knifedesigned to slice cheese and spear the slices is included. While theknives are dishwasher-safe, they should be hand washed to preservetheir edges. Unlike Henckels's premier knives, which are made inGermany, these knives are made in China; however, they do carry thecompany's lifetime warranty against defects. --Fred Brack

What's in the Box
8-inch chef's, 5-inch tomato, 8-inch bread, 6-inch utility, 6-inch boning, 2-1/2-inch paring, six 5-inch steak knives, hardwood block ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty against defects
• Includes 8-inch chef's, 5-inch tomato, 8-inch bread, 6-inch utility, 6-inch boning, 2-1/2-inch paring, and six 5-inch steak knives in hardwood block
• Bonus cheese knife ideal for slicing cheese and spearing slices
• Stamped, mirror-polished, stainless-steel, micro-serrated blades
• Durable, hygienic, polypropylene handles

Reviews (27)

Great set for a new kitchen
Several years ago, I purchased this set as a housewarming gift for a friend, who raved about them so much that I ended up buying a set for myself. As an impoverished college student at the time, my selection really came down to the price being right. Fortunately, the knives were right, too. I still use these knives every day, 4.5 years later, often mistreating them, with no ill effects. Now that I'm ready to move on to one of the premiere lines, I will hand these down to a younger sibling, as they still have numerous years of use left in them.

For the money... you can't go wrong!!
We purchased these knives...and think they've been worth every penny. They're sharp, comfortable to grip, aesthetically appealing, and come in a nice assortment. Certain knives like the Chef's knife and the table/steak knives have become the proverbial 'work horse' of the set while the tomato knife hasn't really seen the light of day since it left the box. The polypropylene handles are capable of withstanding high temperatures and, because of their nature, do not harbor bacteria like some sets that contain rivets or those with wooden handles.

While this is a great set, it is not a high-end set, so you may want to look elsewhere if that's what you're after. None of the knives have a full-tang (where the steel goes all the way through the handle) or rivets. The handles are plastic. Also, the steel is from Japan (if I'm not mistaken) instead of Germany and boy, do the Germans know how to make steel!

So, dear friends, if you're looking for a set that you can pass on to your children and your children's children then you should indeed move up the Henckels line or look into Cutco (my favorites) or another high-end set. If you're looking to buy a good, inexpensive set that looks great and is every bit as functional, then look no more!

Also, consider looking into a pair of kitchen shears... they're indespensible!

Great knife for it priced
This is a very great set knife for its value! I heard Henckels made great knife but very priced. I am not a professonal who needed a expensive knife so this set will do it. It helped me so much when I cook, also I love how it comes with the knife holder. Only thing I don't like about this set it's maybe water stain gets on the knife and my roommate keep on using my knife!!

Henckels should be Ashamed
This product does not live up to Henckels reputation. The quality is inferior and completely not what I expected. The knives are unbalanced and flimsy. The handles are too small to provide adequate support for the blade.

So sharp my husband cut off half his finger the first time!
Really sharp. I mean, really sharp! If you're used to dull knives, be prepared. These are sharp. They'll slice through anything- frozen food, fresh tomatoes, my poor cutting board, and that bouquet of flowers that you need to trim the stems on. They work great. This company is great, and these knives are amazing, even besides the price. Love 'em. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

A great gift, this seven-piece set equips a cook with fiveessential kitchen knives, a 9-inch sharpening steel to keep blade edgesaligned, and a hardwood block to store knives and steel on the counter.The knives are a 3-1/2-inch paring knife, a 5-3/4-inch utility knife,an 8-inch carving knife, an 8-inch bread knife to slice crusty loaves,and an 8-inch chef's knife for rocking through chopping and mincingtasks. The knives don't have bolsters and are stamped, not forged fromstainless steel. The steel is of lesser quality than Henckels' premierlines. Handles are also formed of stainless steel, and their satinfinish contrasts stylishly with the blades. The knives aredishwasher-safe and carry a lifetime warranty against defects.--Fred Brack

What's in the Box
3-1/2-inch parer, 5-3/4-inch utility, 8-inch slicer, 8-inch chef's knife, 8-inch bread knife, 9-inch steel, hardwood block ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty against defects
• Set includes 3-1/2-inch parer, 5-3/4-inch utility, 8-inch slicer
• Also: 8-inch chef's knife, 8-inch bread knife, 9-inch steel, hardwood block
• Knives stamped from stainless steel
• Satin-finish stainless-steel handles

Reviews (3)

Just OK
I am not a professional chef, but I am an avid cook and I found this knife set to be a bit disappointing. I purchased it with hopes of getting a good set of Henckels knives with a longwearing stainless steel handle. Instead, these knives feel VERY light, the shape is hard to handle for fast chopping or dicing, and the handles frankly just feel strange in your hand (they have a sort of a sandpaper texture.) I would only recommend these knives for someone who prefers beauty to function- they are attractive in the block on the counter. In my house, however, they never leave the block.

A bargain at twice the price
By far the best cutlery set you will ever own.
A+ in my book, even if this set was twice the price.

Very Polished
The same quality founded in all Henckel's family but with a very polished and contemporary finish at a very affordable price. It looks great in any Stainless Steel countertop, ideal for people who likes quality and beauty in the same object. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

If top-shelf Henckels knives will break your bank, you can still get high-quality performance and construction with the mid-range Henckels Gourmet line. A full-size collection, this 18-piece set thoroughly outfits a chef, as well as eight steak dinner guests. Each Gourmet knife is stamped from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel, honed by hand, and hardened by the Friodur ice process, for maximum strength and stain-resistance. These knives boast a full tang, which is triple-riveted to a contoured handle made of Novadur polypropylene. This construction is impact-resistant, comfortable to hold, and durable. Complete with its own storage block, the set includes seven kitchen knives: a 3-inch parer, a 6-inch utility, an 8-inch carver, an 8-inch chef’s, an 8-inch bread, a 6-inch chef’s, and a 5-inch serrated utility. It also includes eight steak knives, a 9-inch steel for sharpening, and a pair of kitchen shears. The block has three extra slots for adding knives as needed. The set is safe for the dishwasher, but washing by hand is recommended. Henckels includes a lifetime warranty. --Emily Bedard

What's in the Box
3-inch parer, 6-inch utility, 8-inch carver, 8-inch chef's, 8-inch bread, 6-inch chef's, 5-inch serrated utility, 9-inch steel, kitchen shears, 8 steak knives, and storage block ... Read more

Features

• Friodur ice-hardening results in superior cutting performance
• Includes 3-inch parer, 6-inch utility, 8-inch carver, 8-inch chef’s, 8-inch bread, 6-inch chef’s, 5-inch serrated utility
• Also comes with 9-inch steel, kitchen shears, 8 steak knives, and storage block
• Stamped high-carbon stainless steel
• Hand-honed, laser-controlled edge, and balanced full tang

Amazon.com Review

This set supplies a cook with a variety of cutting edges and a solid wood block to store them in. The set consists of four kitchen knives, sturdy kitchen shears, a sharpening steel, and the block, which has four extra slots. An 8-inch chef's, a 3-inch paring, an 8-inch carving, and a 5-inch serrated utility knife make up the knives in the set. Classic three-rivet handles distinguish Pro S from Henckels's other quality knives. That makes Pro S handles heavier and knives less weight-forward. Handles are also smaller, which those with small hands might appreciate. Except for fully forged blades less than 6 inches long, such as the paring and utility knives in this set, the blades and bolsters of Henckels's first-rate cutlery lines are formed by a high-tech welding process that combines three high-carbon, stainless-steel types into what appears to be a single piece so a knife's parts have distinct, desirable characteristics. All pieces in the set carry a lifetime warranty against defects. --Fred Brack

What's in the Box
8-inch chef's, 8-inch carving, 3-inch paring, 5-inch serrated utility, sharpening steel, shears, and wood block ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty against defects
• Knives include 8-inch chef's, 8-inch carving, 3-inch paring, 5-inch serrated utility
• Set also includes sharpening steel, shears, and wood block
• High-carbon stainless-steel blades
• Black synthetic, three-rivet, full-tang handles

Reviews (4)

a bit disappointed, but okay and will keep it.
i just got this set after reading the rave reviews posted here. Upon receiving the item, i did a thorough examination and was a bit disappointed with the quality and the packaging. the packaging used is cheap thin corrugated cardboard box and the knives are loosely placed in it where rattling and banging are sure to occur during shipping; though, individual blades are protected with a clear plastic sleeve, except the sheer, that can only be removed by torn it into pieces from the blade and thus made it unusable for future storage purposes. i also examined the sharp edges of the blades the way a carpenter would examine the straightness of a long piece of wood and found that the blades are all crooked, with the chef knife having the most noticeable skewness. With this kind of price, one would expect, at the LEAST, that the sharp edges of the blades to be straight. As for the wood block, all the opening slots where knives are inserted are roughly carved with wood sprinkles noticeably shown all around. Overall it's a good product, but not worth this kind of pricing. Another overhyped and overpriced European product. I would say if you are not looking for brand name, you can get lesser expensive non-European products that are as effective and save your money for your kids' education.

Great for a start
I'm not an expert in the kitchen, but I wanted a good set of knives. I debated between this and the 9 piece set. The 9 pc. set adds an 8" bread knife and a 6" utility knife to this set, for more [$$$]. I opted instead for this set, and purchased a bread knife (actually the 9" French bread knife) . Instead of the utility knife, I bought a carving fork through open stock to complement the carving knife. Total cost was about the same as the 9 pc. set.

Do a little searching on the Internet; you will find plenty of tutorials on how to hone your knives, how to sharpen them, and how to use them correctly. I had never really used good knives before, and now I actually look like I know what I'm doing. These knives wipe clean easily; don't ruin your investment by putting them in the dishwasher.

Incidentally, I thought I would never use the utility scissors, and I find myself using them all the time.

Great set
I love this set. I wish I had it years ago. It would have saved alot of tearing. Cuts through a cabbage in less than 2 seconds. Steel scratches easily though, but other than that, the quality is great. I thought of buying a non-German brand that came with more knives for less cost, but it turns out that this set has all the knives most people need, except the bread knife.

The Best Knives I'VE ever used!!
I'm no knife expert, but I've never regretted purchasing this set: they're beautiful and they really do the job! To be able to easily slice through raw meat, vegetables, tough skinned tomatoes - well, it's a pleasure to work with these knives! I can't recommend them highly enough! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Known primarily for their well-crafted knives, Henckels also makes scissors and employs the same high-quality standards in their construction. This set includes five different pairs of scissors that cover a variety of household uses: standard 8-1/2-inch bent scissors for cutting paper or fabric, 8-inch kitchen shears for poultry or herbs (this pair also features a screw-cap opener between the handles), a6-inch straight trimmer for cutting hair or trimming beards, 6-inch flower shears for clipping rose stems or trimming house plants, and a pair of extra-sharp, pointed 4-inch embroidery scissors for sewing. Henckels uses the same high-carbon stainless steel for its scissor blades as for its knife blades to ensure durability and alonger-lasting sharp edge. The blades (except the flower shears) are held together with a screw that provides the perfect amount of tension and is removable so blades can be individually resharpened. Handles on all scissors are made of comfortable, nonslip, black polypropylene to reduce strain on hands. This set is fully guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• Full warranty against defects
• Set includes 8-1/2-inch bent scissors, 6-inch hair trimmer, 4-inch embroidery scissors
• Shears include 8-inch kitchen, 6-inch flower
• High-carbon stainless-steel blades with perfect tension
• Ergonomic black polypropylene handles

Reviews (3)

These Scissors Are Cutting It Fine!
Wow! There are five different scissors for everyone who needs these. But I don't scissors, says one of friends. I tell him three reason to buy this Henckels International 5-Piece Scissors Set. 1.reason: - You have a very big paper ark, which have to divide many little pieces. Scissors saves your day! Use them and problem has forgotten!

2.reason: - Your fingertails are very long. Use a small scissors and your fingertails are comfortable short.

3. Your hair is very long and you don't have enough money for hairdresser' Don't worry! I can cut your hair but don't blame me if your new style is radical.

Finally a great scissor set!
I had problems finding a pair of scissors when I was near the kitchen because every set got dull and rusty in no time at all. So I bought this set and am very delighted to see scissors that I can use no matter what room of the house I'm in.

The quality stainless steel construction will keep them from rusting and the kichen shears are so versatile that they do an awesome job of clipping coupons or cutting through the joints of a chicken and still ready to clip more coupons and gristle. It's taken me years to find a pair of scissors to do that!

Besides that, there are flower cutting shears, embroidery scissors and several other useful scissors in this quaility set. If you ever find yourself looking for a sharp set of scissors, do yourself a favor and buy this set! You'll be very glad you did!!

Wonderful gift
Was thrilled at the quality and cost of these five Henkel scissors. They from the start were a gift for my daughter and she is thrilled .. I now have put them on my birthday list ... want them for myself. ... Read more

Features

• Hand washing recommended; limited lifetime warranty; made in Germany
• 3-inch paring knife, 5-1/2-inch boning knife, 5-inch serrated knife, 7-inch hollow edge Santoku knife, kitchen shears, sharpening steel, and hardwood block
• Ice-hardened forged high-carbon stainless-steel blades
• Bolster and full tang on every blade for superb weight and balance
• Ergonomically shaped one-piece polypropylene handles

Amazon.com Review

A revelation to any cook with a drawer full of stained, blunt knives, this set satisfies every basic kitchen-cutlery need in a package compact enough to keep on the counter within easy reach. The set includes an 8-inch chef's knife, a 6-inch utility knife, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, an 8-inch bread knife, an 8-inch carving knife for slicing tasks, and a 3-inch paring knife for peeling and cleaning vegetables and fruits. A 9-inch sharpening steel keeps their edges in order. A pair of kitchen shears to snip herbs, flowers, or string is also included. Everything fits snugly in the rubber-footed, solid block. The block even has two extra slots, for future acquisitions or loyalty to old knives. Henckels' Pro S knives have heavy, three-rivet handles and are less weight-forward than those in the company's other lines. Their handles are also smaller, a feature those with small hands might appreciate. While this set is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. --Fred Brack

What's in the Box
8-inch chef's knife, a 6-inch utility knife, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, an 8-inch bread knife, an 8-inch carving knife, 3-inch paring knife, 9-inch sharpening steel, kitchen shears, block with two extra slots ... Read more

Features

• Made in Germany; lifetime warranty
• Includes 8-inch chef's, 6-inch utility, 5-inch serrated utility, 8-inch bread, 8-inch carving, 3-inch paring knives
• Also includes 9-inch sharpening steel; kitchen shears; rubber-footed, solid wood block with two extra slots
• High-carbon stainless-steel blades
• Black, synthetic, three-rivet, full-tang knife handles

Reviews (26)

Overall ok, but not as good as I expected.
I'm like the reader from New York. I needed a good, stong set of knives so I looked at .... I saw all the great customer reivews on these knives and I ran out and bought my very own set.

Now, I'm a little disappointed. Overall the knives are ok, but not as sturdy as I expected. After only two months of use the plastic handles have scratches. The handle on the Chef's knife is loose and I just sent it back for replacement. I just received a letter from the store where I bought the knives and they are sending me back the knife so I can send it to Germany for replacement because it's supposed to be a manufacturing error. I have a feeling it's going to be harder then I thought just to get one knife replaced. As if that's not bad enough, I just noticed the handle on the kitchen shears are also not as tight as they were when I first got the set.And this is just from everyday cooking and use.

The blades are sharp and durable, so the knives aren't that bad. For the high price of these knives, I expected a little more durability, stronger and slightly bigger handles that were somewhat scratch resistant and a better replacement policy.

I've done some research into these knives and I know they are rated highly by consumers, maybe I just got a bad batch, but nevertheless, I'm not 100% satisfied with these knives and rightfully so if the handles are loose and scratched.

Excellent quality
This is a very nice set of knives. I love them. They are very high quality. In case you don't know it, one of the key things to look at when determining the quality of the knife is the way the blade connect to the handle. In the case of a cheap knife, if you flex the blade you will likely see a gap between the blade and the handle. This is evidence of how flimsy the knife is, and how flimsy it can be when you are cutting something. The Henckels Pro S knives, on the other hand, are very solid. The blade itself actually forms an integral part of the handle. Notice how the silver line extends up the handle in the picture? This is a continuation of the blade up into the handle, and this makes for very solid construction. The attachment of the black portion is amazingly smooth and very comfortable. And it is very hard to even get the blade to flex. The whole knife is very solid feeling and fun to use. The sissors are great too. They are so sharp and sturdy, and easy to find since they are always stored right there on the face of the block. The biggest knife is great for cutting meets and vegetables. The bread knife is great is great for slicing french bread or bagels. The paring knife is for cutting up fruits. It is really a neat set. I've had a set of these for over 3 years. I hardly ever sharpen them and when I do it is mainly just for kicks because they don't really even need it much. I also HIGHLY recommend the matching steak knifes. We bought a dozen or so of them (I think they come in sets of 4). These are so much better than my old cheapy knives, and I know that they will probably last a lifetime. This is one of my favorite purchase ever. We even bought a set for my inlaws, replacing the set of knifes they had used for years. It is such a thrill to have a nice, high quality set of knives.

These are great knives
I bought this knife and block set as a Christmas gift for my wife. She loves it. Our only disappointment was that the block was a different style than that shown on Amazon or, for that matter, on the box it arrived in. The picture showed a block with six slots for steak knives. The block we got is the one now shown in the Amazon add. Apparently Henckel made a change in their set about the same time I ordered it. We can live with the substitution though as the knive set is now selling for $50 more than what I paid for it in December 03. I would have bought the set regardless of the block design but the steak knive slots was a nice feature that appealed to me. The knives are well crafted, have a great feel, extremely sharp and we love them. There were two extra slots in the block that accomodated another Henckel knife we already owned and one other. We also love the selection of knives, especially the paring knife and small serrated knife. Some other reviewers have mentioned scratches or uneven sharpening but we've not noticed either of these conditions.

Defective
The chef knife in the set I received has forging defect. The support person kept telling me that Henckels had almost perfect quality control. The knives should not have any defect. But, it did. I had to return the chef knife for replacement. The sufaces for couple other knives were scratched also. after two weeks, I did receive the replacement knife, but it didn't match the original set. I didn't bother to send it back again. Quality: poor. Support person: not knowledgable.

what's the problem?
not until i read the customer reviews did i notice the scratches on the handles. as with any product, there are occasional rejects that make it to the market. but, overall i'd say the knives are well worth the money especially if you wait till they are on sale ... instead of the usual [price]. the "scratches" are grinder marks left when the bolster is "hand-finished" by a living person who is capable of mistakes. i myself find that the marks give character to the knives knowing that no two will be alike. i think that most complaintants are [people] who bought the knives to impress others as an art piece and have no intention of using them. if they did, they would notice that knives,that are used ocasionally, will become "scratched" and "dinged". maybe these people should look at cheaper knives that are stamped and tooled by a machine in order to achieve that pristine, picture-perfect look which is so much more important than how the knives perform. ... Read more

Features

• Never need sharpening; resist corrosion; dishwasher-safe
• Set of 8 steak knives; blades feature a serrated cutting edge
• Each knife forged from a single piece of stain-resistant steel
• Triple-riveted handles provide strength and longevity; full tang
• Ideal as a wedding or shower gift; attractive and classic design

Reviews (2)

Great Product!
I received a set of these knives aboout 5 years ago as a wedding present and bought another set to complete 12. These are great quality, durable and I've even used them combined with more formal silverware. I highly recommend it.

Best EVER
These are absolutely by far the best knives I have ever used. They are perfect to cut anything! They are a little expensive for my taste, but are worth every penny. You will not be disappointed at all when you buy these! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

This set places a lot of useful kitchen cutting edges within reach. The set consists of an 8-inch chef's knife, a 6-inch utility knife, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, a 3-inch paring knife, a pair of multipurpose kitchen shears, and a 9-inch sharpening steel to keep knife edges in order. It all fits in a heavy wood block with four extra slots for future acquisitions or old favorites. Except for the fully forged paring knife, the knives in this set--like other top-grade Henckels knives--are formed by a high-tech welding process that combines three steel types into what appears to be a single piece so a knife's parts have distinct characteristics. Traditionalists might insist on single-piece forging for strength, but Henckels says the invisible welds are stronger than the steel. These knife handles don't have full tangs, but they're made of tough polypropylene. Hand washing is recommended. --Fred Brack

What's in the Box
8-inch chef's, 6-inch utility 5-inch serrated utility, and 3-inch paring, shears, 9-inch sharpening steel, storage block with four extra slots ... Read more

Features

• Polypropelene handles
• Knives include 8-inch chef's, 6-inch utility 5-inch serrated utility, and 3-inch paring
• Set includes shears and 9-inch sharpening steel
• Storage block has four extra slots
• Forged of three types of steel for added strength

Reviews (10)

Excellent starter set for the burgeoning chef
When first advised to buy Henckels by a friend and culinary aficionado, I hesitated; $200+ for a set of knives? But after purchasing this 7-piece Henckels set, I was pleasantly surprised. There are excellent knives and definitely worth the money.

I would advise you go to a store that carries most of the Henckels knife series before you purchase online. While I recommend all of Henckels' forged blades, the handles are key; there are at least 4 handle types, each with personal pro/cons depending on your hand shape and size. The four-star handles are mid-size poly; the five-star handles are similar but a bit larger and more ergonomic. Henckels also makes a "classic" handle, both in poly and wood, and also an all-metal handle.

Excellent knife set
This is a great knife set. The knives are high quality and well balanced. The utility knife is great. After using this set for almost two years, I only have two complaints. The paring knife is a little small to cover all potential uses. Another 1/2 inch and it would be perfect. Also, the bread knife is almost useless. In addition to the fact it is the least used knife in the set, it is too short to be effective on all types of breads (varying loaf sizes, etc.). Add a longer paring knife and a carving or boning knife instead of the bread knife and this set would get five stars.

No comparison...
First, I can't attest that these knives are better than similar knives by other makers, like Wusthof or Global. I did my share of research based on comments but I haven't had the privilege of using knives by other high end manufacturers. My wife and I mostly just cook relatively simple foods for ourselves.

This being said, the experience I can relate with authority is the absolute joy I've felt using the Henckels 4-Star knives over the past several months after previously being stuck with no-name, bargain basement serrated knives.

Our old knives were given to us as a wedding gift. Over two years, what had been a 15 knife set was whittled (pun intended...) down to 7 knives, four of which now have loose handles. Two of the knives in this set had blades which broke, and the others had the blade break loose from the handle since they were not full tang. Of course quality, or lack thereof, was just one major deficiency of this set. The main problem was their awful performance. The handles were poorly contoured. The blades were light and thin, would wander aimlessly through the food, and the densely serrated edges shred your food. Ingredients clung to the blades, which were so flimsy you'd continually be worried they'd break in midstroke. They also became stained over time, and showed signs of spot rusting

Why am I detailing our terrible, dollar store quality knives in such detail? Because I think it's necessary to illustrate why it's absolutely NECESSARY, if you do any amount of cooking at all, to buy good quality knives as soon as you possibly can!

In contrast with the old knives, the Henckels cut through our ingredients with authority and precision. Food slides off of them easily. Handles are solid and fit the hand like a glove. They are weighty, but they slice through the food so effortlessly, you really don't feel the extra heft. Also, because they are so efficient, you'll fly through cutting chores that take twice as long with lesser quality knives. In the end, I now get tasks done much faster but more deftly. I cut thinner, smaller, more accurately. It's a WORLD of difference!

Anyone who says that you can get by with cheapo knives and don't need 'them 'spensive knives...' is leading you astray. They can't have possibly EVER used good knives. They are advising based on ignorance. Even the simplest task is made better with our Henckels set. Do yourself a favor, pass by whatever is being hawked by the hucksters on HSN and the late night infomercials and get something with quality.

These might cost 4 times as much as lesser brands, but they will last far longer, and make your time in the kitchen immeasurably less stressful. In fact, they restore the pleasure to cooking.

High quality and user friendly
The Henckels 4 star knives are wonderful. I am able to get such a good grip on these. Very happy with the set. The only difference between this 4 star set and the 5 star set is the handles. I personally liked how my hand contoured to these handles. Previously owned the famous and expensive cutco knives. These are just as well balanced. Highly recommend.

It's not a bread knife
Just to clarify on those who commented that the "bread knife" in the set is too short. Technically, it's a serrated utility knife, not a bread knife and is fabulous for cutting tomatoes. The bread knife is also serrated, but is much larger...I have one myself and it's great for cutting big loaves of bread. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

From one of Henckels' moderately priced cutlery lines, theseeight steak knives divide any rib eye, chop, or roast into bite-sizepieces and then store in a handsome wood box. The thin, curved bladesare perfect for precise cutting, although their fine serrations tend totear meat fibers rather than slice neatly through them. Stamped fromhigh-carbon stainless steel, the knives are lighter in weight thanforged knives and don't have bolsters, which might not be essentialwhen confronting a thick prime rib. The synthetic handles featureclassic three-rivet styling with full tangs for strength. The storagebox is stained a rich auburn. It has brass hinges and snap closures andmeasures 15-1/4 inches long, 1-3/4 inches high, and 5-5/8 inches wide.The knives are dishwasher-safe and carry a lifetime warranty againstdefects. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty against defects
• 4-1/2-inch serrated blades slice steaks, chops, roasts
• Made of high-carbon stainless steel with synthetic handles
• Wood storage box has hinged top, two snap closures
• Dishwasher-safe knives; made in Germany

Reviews (2)

Great Set Of Knifes!!
I just received these knifes and I was very pleased. The quality was great on the knifes and the box was even nice. You are always hesitant buying something without seeing it, but I was pleasantly surprised with this set. For the money you just can't beat it.

A winner!!
Don't let the price fool you. Yes, they seem expensive but they are worth every penny. If you are a meat and steak lover, these are for you!! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The Japanese version of the chef’s knife, the santoku is useful for straight chopping, mincing, and slicing of larger quantities of vegetables and meat. Cooks with smaller hands may prefer this 7-inch blade as the shorter length offers better control while cutting. The width also provides a great platform for transporting chopped vegetables from cutting board to sauté pan. This version of the santoku actually has a hollow edge or oval cut-outs along the blade. The benefit to this blade style is that cooks can cut paper-thin slices and individual slices won’t stick to the blade.

Part of the Five Star series of cutlery, this santoku has a fully forged high-carbon stainless-steel blade. The blade, bolster, and tang are welded of one piece of metal using Henckels’s Sinter Metal Component Technology, which distributes the right quantities of metal to each part of the knife. The result is a longer-lasting edge and a more consistent angle on the blade. The blade has also undergone Henckels’s Friodur ice-hardening process, which further strengthens it and protects it from discoloration. The ergonomically designed black polypropelene handle offers a secure and comfortable grip and is hygienically attached so there are no gaps between the handle and blade for food to become trapped. Knives in the Five Star series have larger handles than other Henckels knives so this santoku would be most comfortable for chefs with bigger hands. This santoku should be hand washed and is covered by a lifetime warranty. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• 7-inch hollow-edge blade allows for paper-thin slices, keeps food from sticking
• High-carbon stainless-steel; optimum grades of metal welded into each part of knife
• Friodur ice-hardening process strengthens knife and prevents staining
• Full tang and bolster; black ergonomic polypropelene handle

Reviews (3)

Great wedding present!
I have never had good knives before. After looking around and trying a few on for their feel, we picked a few of these five star knives and put them on our registry. Excellent wedding present! And this is the most useful of all our new Henckel knives. Not a day goes by when I do not marvel at this knife. I've never before been able to thinly slice tomatoes without a serrated edge! Slicing lemons or veggies is like going through soft butter, but with precision.
I highly recommend this knife.

Best knife I've ever had
This knife is no less than awesome. It does everything a traditional chef's knife does, and then some. It chops and dices almost effortlessly, but it also slices razor thin slices of vegetables that make presentation a dream. The knife feels solid, balanced and strong, and the hand grip is perfectly contoured to fit the hand - a far superior grip to the Wusthof, which is thinner, straight and flat. I recently purchased Global's highly rated 8" Chef's knife too - I love it, but not quite as much as the santoku. The deeper blade on the santoku makes cutting and slicing a bit smoother, especially with thicker foods. Buy one and enjoy - it is truly a staple of the kitchen.

Fantastic Knife
This knife is a kitchen wonder. The shape of the blade makes it easier than a chef's knife for chopping. The handle fit is very comfortable. Food doesn't stick to the blade and fall off on the next slice (try cutting carrot rounds without having them roll off the blade-this knife makes it possible). It's worth every penny. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Henckels Twin Sharp Duo knife sharpener is suitable for allknives with a fine edge, with the exception of coated knives. Thestainless-steel sharpener comprises two modules, which are marked onthe sharpener. The first module features steel wheels for coarsesharpening and presharpening, and the second module uses ceramic wheelsfor fine sharpening and smoothing. This sharpener works well for bothright- and left-handed people, features rubber feet so it won't skid onthe countertop, and measures approximately 8 inches across and 3 inchestall, so you can store it in a drawer or display it in a small space.To use, place the knife sharpener on a flat surface, pressing downslightly with one hand. Draw the knife blade with a little pressuretowards yourself, repeating up to five times for the dullest blades.For very blunt knives, use the first module and then the second. Kniveswith a bit of bluntness may require only the first module to bring backthe original sharpness. Check the results by cutting into a sheet ofpaper. ... Read more

Features

• Works well for both right- and left-handed people
• Suitable for all knives with a fine edge
• Comprises two modules: one for coarse sharpening and one for fine sharpening
• Rubber feet prevent skidding on the counter top
• Measures approximately 8 inches across and 3 inches tall

Reviews (9)

Avoid this item
This product simply does not work. I kept it for two weeks and attempted to sharpen knives 6-8 times. The first attempt on a carbon steel blade was a partial success. Subsequent attempts were totally unsatisfactory. It is useless on stainless steel. Jim Richards

Have reasonable expectations
I own a set of Henckels knives that are several years old. They are used every day and despite regular honing they were becoming dull. Keeping knives razor sharp is a skill that requires some practice and the right kind of sharpener, and so I was skeptical that one of these quick sharpeners would do a good job at sharpening them, but I decided to give it a try.

Does the sharpener make dull knives sharper? It certainly does, in just a few minutes. Does it make them sharp enough for routine use? I would say yes; I am not a professional chef, but I find that I am much happier with the performance of my knives after sharpening. Does it return them to their factory degree of razor sharpness? Unfortunatley, no. I think there is no question that my knives were sharper out of the box than I can achieve with this hand sharpener. But that does not mean that this was a bad purchase. It has restored my knives from being a bit dull to being perfectly adequate for the use they get in my kitchen.

If you want to achieve like-brand-new razor sharpness, this sharpener will not do that for you. If you want to bring your dull knives back to a degree of sharpness that will be adequate for 99% of home cooks, this would be a good item to have.

Great for all knives
While I have a great set of Henckels for home use, I bought this more to use on my work knives as a bartender. At work we have cheap generic knives that are highly abused.

It took some time with the steel wheels to clean up the edge on the cheap knives, much more than "5 passes", but once I got the edge down and nicks out, the ceramics gave them terrific edge. Almost a month later the edges are holding up great despite heavy abuse and constant runs through the dishwasher (dishwashers take the edge off of knives - hand wash), since I have no control over the abuse my coworkers dish out.

I am really looking forward to using these to clean up my personal knives out home, as soon as I get them out of storage.

Highly recommended.

Better than nothing
This sharpener uses two sets of wheels, one to sharpen and one to hone. It hones well but is limited in its ability to sharpen. The wheels are in the same slot. In theory you might use both in one pass, but in practice I found that changing your hand position changes which set of wheels contacts the blade. Knowing this, you can sharpen and hone separately. The Twin Sharp is handy for touch-ups and I used it between regular sharpenings until I gave it to a friend. Learn more at http://www.ameritech.net/users/knives/index.htm

Highest Rating
I give this thing an A+. I have a set of 14 year old Henkle four stars that I have never sharpened with anything other than the steel. I needed something more. This thing worked very, very well for me and the price is not bad at all. Needless to say my knives are now as sharp as when they were new. I'm pleased with my purchase. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Henckels is acknowledged as one of the world's finest cutlery manufacturers of high-end knives. Henckels developed its International line, featuring knives that still perform admirably in the kitchen, for a more moderate price. This six-piece Classic set is manufactured using high-carbon stainless steel, a premium material but one that's of slightly lesser quality than the company's other cutlery lines. The knives are well balanced in the hand, with narrow yet still heavy handles for thorough slicing. This set includes a 4-inch paring knife, 6-inch utility knife, 5-1/2-inch boning knife, 7-inch bread knife, 8-inch chef's knife, and 9-inch sharpening steel, all stored in an attractive natural hardwood block. The variety of knives gives you an arsenal to handle virtually any kitchen task, from slicing vegetables and meat to mincing garlic to dividing a long loaf of French bread. Durable and attractive, the knives feature Henckels' trademark black polypropylene handles, each fastened by three rivets to the fully visible tang. While the knives are dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. Like all Henckels knives, this cutlery set carries a lifetime warranty. --Rivers Janssen ... Read more

Features

• Protected by lifetime warranty
• 4-inch paring, 6-inch utility, 5-1/2-inch boning, 7-inch bread, and 8-inch chef's knife, plus 9-inch sharpening steel and hardwood storage block
• High-carbon stainless-steel manufacture for long-lasting performance
• Black polypropylene handles are well balanced in the hand
• Dishwasher-safe, though hand washing is recommended

Reviews (10)

Well balanced forged knives at a very competitive price
Thses knives stack up quite well when compared to Henckel's made in Germany forged knives. The feel and balance are excellent, they are razor sharp (though you will need to hone them regularly to keep them that way) and the quality is apparent when you hold them in your hand. I would also reccomend getting the 5 inch serrated utility knife for slicing ripe tomatoes and smaller pieces of bread. Women with small hands may also like to get the 6 inch chef's knife if they find the large version included to be too cumbersome and tiring to use.

Overall an excellent set, so far I am completely satisfied with them.

All the quality at half the price
Okay, so they are made in Spain rather than Germany...so what? These knives are a great starter set for anyone looking to "upgrade" from the dull knives they got as a hand-me-down or when they went off to college.

Chefs say that a safe knife is a sharp knife, and you just can't get that with inferior knives. This line by Henckels probably gets overlooked because you don't find it on the shelves of Williams-Sonoma, but they are just as good. Cutting is also faster with a well-balanced knife with some weight behind it, which this set has as well. I've added kitchen shears since I bought mine, and I'll probably add the utility knife, carving set and cleaver before I'm done. The knives you start with though are all you need. I find myself using just about all of them (except the boning knife) almost every day.

Two caveats though...don't put them in the dishwasher and don't forget to use the steel either before or after you use your knives. My sister put her knives (not Henckels, but of similiar quality) in the dishwasher on a consistant basis and the edges got nicked from all the banging around that goes on. Also, using the steel will keep you from having to have the knives professionally sharpened.

Great knives for the amateur chef
I bought this block set to replace my Chicago Cutlery chef's knife and paring knife, which I've owned for years. The Henckels are excellently balanced and construction is solid. Out of the box, they are not the sharpest knives ever. However, they're likely to be sharper than the knives they're replacing, and if you get them sharpened, they'll hold an edge with good maintenance. I've used every blade in the set and have been satisfied with them all. I have some slight discoloration of the blades, but nothing too terrible. I've been hand-washing them religiously, but a friend has the same set and tosses them in the dishwasher, and his knives have held up better than mine.

Con:
1. Not the sharpest knives ever.
2. Require significant maintenance.
3. Shears should be included in this set.

Pro:
1. Excellent balance, highly functional.
2. All the basic blades are included.
3. They hold an edge well.
4. Block is utterly functional.
5. You will never be able to buy cheap knives again.

Overall, this block set was a fantastic investment. I'd recommend it to anyone getting into cooking. If you're a professional, you'll probably want something better (there are better Henckels, and Wustof too). If you don't cook much at all, this set is probably overkill.

Well balanced and pretty...but dull. Get the 4 star instead
These knives were really nice looking and felt good in the hand...much like the Henckels Pro S line, but they were not very sharp. This could have just been a bad set, but that may be due to lower standards at the manufacturing facility in Spain. I recommend spending the extra few bucks and getting the Henckels Four Star knives made at the original facility in Germany. When I got the Four Star set they were razor sharp, felt great and worked beautifully. There is a reason the International line is so much cheaper...

Wonderful knives!
These are great knives, especially for the price. They are just like the Pro-S line from Henckels only are not hardened the same way. They are sharp. The chefs knife sliced a very ripe tomato straight out of the box. They have excellent weight and balance and the handles are comfortable. All in all, a great buy! I can't believe I used dull knives for some many years when these wonderful and affordable knives were so accessible. Definitely worth their weight in gold. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Most of the Henckels lines--including the popular Four Star series--feature blades made of Friodur, a special ice-hardened, no-stain steel created and patented by the company in 1939. This special formula was designed for exceptional hardness and high resistance to corrosion. The blades on these steak knives are slim and narrow to facilitate even, precise meat cutting and flexible enough to allow thin slicing. The ergonomically designed polypropylene handles--like that of all the products in the Four-Star line--are designed to balance perfectly in the hand.

Founded in 1731, the J.A. Henckels company is not only one of the world's oldest cutlery manufacturers, it's also one of the most well-respected, creating best-selling knives guaranteed to last a lifetime. --Kim Harwell ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• Celebrate Henckels 120th with a great price on this set of four knives
• Specially formulated high-carbon stainless-steel blades
• Sturdy black molded polypropylene handles
• Dishwasher safe, but hand washing recommended

Reviews (2)

Excellent
The cost of these knives probably puts them out of reach for the average household (who wants to spend $35 a piece for a steak knife for company to scratch against stoneware plates?), but if you want top-of-the-line knives that cut through anything, hold their edge, and feel sturdy in your hand, give these knives a second look. They compare favorably to the other more expensive Henckels, as well as the pricey Wusthof lines.

Wonderful steak knives
These are wonderful knives. They cut the meat as easily as a case knife going through butter. I am very happy with this product and plan to purchase more. ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime Warranty
• high quality stainless steel
• Micro serrated edge stays sharper longer
• molded Santoprene handles with brushed stainless steel accents
• Durable, balanced and hygienic safe

Amazon.com Review

The Japanese version of the chef’s knife, the santoku is useful for straight chopping, mincing, and slicing of larger quantities of vegetables and meat. Cooks with smaller hands may prefer this 7-inch blade as the shorter length offers better control while cutting. The width also provides a great platform for transporting chopped vegetables from cutting board to sauté pan. This version of the santoku actually has a hollow edge or oval cut-outs along the blade. The benefit to this blade style is that cooks can cut paper-thin slices and individual slices won’t stick to the blade.

Part of the Four Star series of cutlery, this santoku has a fully forged high-carbon stainless-steel blade. The blade, bolster, and tang are welded of one piece of metal using Henckels’s Sinter Metal Component Technology, which distributes the right quantities of metal to each part of the knife. The result is a longer-lasting edge and a more consistent angle on the blade. The blade has also undergone Henckels’s Friodur ice-hardening process, which further strengthens it and protects it from discoloration. The black polypropelene handle offers a secure and comfortable grip and is hygienically attached so there are no gaps between the handle and blade for food to become trapped. This santoku should be hand washed and is covered by a lifetime warranty. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• 7-inch hollow-edge blade allows for paper-thin slices, keeps food from sticking
• High-carbon stainless-steel; optimum grades of metal welded into each part of knife
• Friodur ice-hardening process strengthens knife and prevents staining
• Full tang and bolster; black polypropelene handle

Reviews (2)

iowa cook
I received this knife just a few days ago by accident and was told to keep it. I am extrememly happy for the mess up. I love this knife, it is extremely sharp and makes cutting large quantities of food a dream. It is also well balanced and the handle fits my hand rather nicely. My husband loves the way the knife just "sings" as it is being pulled out of the block. The stainless steel is a very high quality.

ultra sharp!!
It is a very sharp knife. Must use with care.
I am very pleased with it. It is pricey. I hope it last a lifetime. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

An alternative to a countertop knife block, this wood tray stores 12 knives and a sharpening steel in a drawer where they are conveniently at hand and their blades are protected from nicks. The tray is cleverly designed in two levels so all handles point in the same direction. The top level holds six knives with blades up to 5 inches and can also be used to store steak knives. The bottom level holds blades up to 10 inches long. The sharpener slot is large enough for a 10-inch tool. Measuring 17 inches long, 9 inches wide, and 2 inches deep, the tray fits most kitchen drawers. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Made of wood; fits most kitchen drawers; 17-by-9-by-2 inches
• Safely, conveniently stores 12 knives and sharpening steel in drawer
• Bi-level display, with top holding blades to 5 inches, bottom to 10 inches
• Top level also suitable for six steak knives
• Sharpener slot large enough for 10-inch tool

Reviews (6)

Best Value, Best Quality
If Tim Allen got into cooking and cutlery the way he salivates after handyman tools, he'd be grunting his "can't-wait-to-get-my-hands-on-it" love song. This thing's a monster. Big. Beautiful. Solid. Just like your knives. The only way to go if you can't bring yourself to give up counterspace for a knife block, or prefer the open slide of a knife drawer to getting fallen crumbs, hidden dust, and possibly grime (ugh!) out of those narrow knife block slots.

One of the most practical things you'll ever purchase -- even if it seems like a "luxury" item now or something you'll "eventually" get (uh-huh) -- paying for good knives but failing to pay for proper storage (I discovered the hard way) is like buying a good bicycle then leaving it outside to rust. At this affordable price, consider it a "knife" purchase -- one you don't have but can't do without. Even if you're just discovering the value of high quality cutlery, this knife drawer is not only a good investment for all subsequent purchases, but also it lets you know how many you do and don't have, keeps them all together, and, if need be, you can put everything in one place with a child-proof mechanism. It makes a great gift when you'd like to give something unique but practical and affordably priced.

Another advantage is the opening for the knife hone:It's centered and can act as a dividing mark. If you're a "two knife set" household like we are (knives are like shoes -- they tend to wear and adjust to the user), each person can have one half of the tray (3 short, 3 long slots each). The depth of the slots keep the handles easy to grasp without too much wiggle room, the color of the wood is as pictured, there are no rough edges or splinters, and the double (not single) Henckels logo appears prominently on the base.

Before you buy, however, *measure* the place you intend to put it, including any offset space you have to account for in sliding it into the drawer; if you're going to place it on a shelf, make sure your cupboard door will close. (See measurements in product description).

Keep it well-maintained according to manufacturer's directions and the feeling of sliding open a drawer and seeing this finely crafted object safely cradling your finely crafted full-tang fully-forged bolstered collection, well, .... it's just everything you hoped it "wood" be. With free shipping, you can't go wrong.

Concerned daughter
I purchased this knife tray for my mother a few years ago, because she used to throw her knives in the drawer. It keeps them protected and neat; and I don't have to worry about her fingers getting sliced. I recently went back to the store I originally bought them at to purchase one for myself, but much to my disappointment they no longer carry it. I was thrilled to find out that Amazon.com has them in stock.

Practically Perfect
Frees counter space by putting knives into a drawer, while protecting fingers from sharp edges...a great idea in a quality-built product. Knives drop horizontally into the slots, which I find easier than sticking them pin-cushion style into a counter block. Enough room here for all your kitchen and steak knives.

Elegant and top quality
We recently upgraded our kitchen knives and soon found the need to store them. We didn't like the big blocks that you set on the counter to store knives because it takes up valuable counter space. At first, I was a bit reluctant to spend this kind of money for something to store knives. But once we put it in our drawer and placed the knives in the slots, I was very impressed. The quality is superb and it really looks nice. It certainly beats just throwing your good knives in the drawer. Ouch!

I've searched the web over ...
I searched the web over to find the best "In Drawer Knife Holder" and this one was it. I purchased my first Wusthof Grand Prix knives recently and was looking for an in drawer knive block and saw (and read reviews) of the Wusthof brand. None were very positive or very pretty. When I saw this I really liked the looks of it and thought "do I need my block to be the same brand as my knives?" Well of course not. I bought it and its great. It looks nice (should anyone decide to snoop into your knife drawer) and it holds a good amount of your best knives. If you are looking for a good knife block and don't want to pay a small fortune, I would recommend this one. With free shipping you can't beat the price! ... Read more

Features

• Friodur ice hardened blade for longer lasting sharpness and easy to re-sharpen
• German high quality carbon no stain steel
• Full tang blade construction and triple riveted handles
• Some knives have new edge features updated for today's kitchen needs
• Precision honed for longer blade sharpness

Amazon.com Review

This set is sure to cover every chopping, paring, slicing, skinning, or mincing need any cook could possibly have in the kitchen. The kitchen shears are heavy duty, great for use with fresh flowers or poultry skin, and the sharpening steel makes it easier to maintain a sharp edge on all knives between professional sharpenings. The knives cover a terrific range--the list includes a 3-inch paring knife, 5-inch serrated utility, 6-inch straight utility, 8-inch carving, 8-inch chef's, and an 8-inch serrated bread knife. The handles are smooth and comfortable--the curve takes a bit of getting used to, but after a week, straight-handled knives just won't feel right. The balance is exceptional in each piece, and the serrated items work equally well for lefties or righties. Every bit of the set--minus the block--is dishwasher-safe, and has a full, lifetime guarantee. --Jill Lightner

What's in the Box
3-inch paring knife, 5-inch serrated utility, 6-inch straight utility, 8-inch carving, 8-inch chef's, 8-inch serrated bread knife, kitchen shears, sharpening steel, 8-slot knife block ... Read more

Features

• Dishwasher-safe; full, lifetime guarantee
• Includes 3-inch paring knife, 5-inch serrated utility, 6-inch straight utility
• Also includes 8-inch carving, 8-inch chef's, and 8-inch serrated bread knives
• Forged high-carbon stainless-steel blades, full tang and bolster
• Ergonomically designed polypropylene handle

Reviews (18)

Handles may be scratched and discolored
I purchased the 5 piece set which is a nice combination. However, the handles were marred and discolored. I sent them back and got another set with the same problem. I have since visited many retail stores and seen the same problem. I contacted Henkels and they told me that they were aware of the problem and to try rubbing some oil on them. I did which darken them up but did nothing to the scratches.
The blades are excellent, however the 5-star handles have issues. Just check them out carefully before you buy.

How many Cutco(s) in use in professional kitchens
Just a word... ask a chef (one who wears whites and checkered pants 15 hours a day and smells of fish and garlic) How many Cutco knives are in their kitchens.

If you're using a knife 8 hours a day, trust me... your cutco knife will be relegated to the trash can or cutting boxes.

Test before you buy
I have one Henckels Five Star knife (5 inch blade approximately, cost about 70$), and a set of Cutco. Both are pretty good, but I'd go with the cutco, as the Henckels gets dull pretty quickly when it contacts either a plate or cutting board, and the handle is definitely not dishwasher friendly, it gets marred quite readily. As for balance, both are balanced pretty well, but the handle of Cutco feels better. Cutco is expensive, and so is Henckels, so be smart when you buy, and try to get the most free stuff you can from the Cutco rep if you choose to go that route. The warranty for Cutco is definitely better than Henckels, which basically has no warranty. Hope this was helpful.

First-time knife buyer
My mom always told me that when I go to buy my first set of knives, buy ones that will last a lifetime. My parents have their Cutco knives at home, however she recommended the Henckels brand to me. I love these knives, they came very sharpt, are ergo, and cut beautifully!!! There's even some extra slots in the block to add more knives to the set.

Henckels v Cutco
These knives are of superior quality but really do not match up to Cutco. I have both sets in my kitchens in US and France, the Cutco knives are more durable and are weighted better. If you want to impress people then buy Henckels if you want a blade to serve you for a lifetime buy Cutco.

Chris. ... Read more