Received these for a Christmas gift. I use Henckel Profi S at home, and was looking for a cheaper set to stash in my locker at the fire station. Using German Henckels, my standards are pretty high, and I have to say that these inexpensive knives were a pleasant surprise! They have good balance, and are most definitely ice-hardened stainless, same process as Henckels uses. Tradeoff with stainless is that you can't get quite as sharp of an edge, i.e. you probably couldn't shave with them, but they are well beyond adequate for most kitchen tasks. If you need razor sharp (sushi, filet knife, etc.), you will probably want something other than these for a couple of reasons. They come with a great edge right out of the box, but this stainless doesn't hold up quite as well as other stainless knives I've used. I have been surprised to see that the faces of the blades have scratched all over from handwashing with a green scrubby on one side of a sponge--I would never expect hard stainless to do that. I don't care about that cosmetically, but that just tells me that the steel is a bit softer, and I definitely have to hone and/or sharpen before preparation of each meal. I have definitely been spoiled by the abuse that Henckels will take before needing honing!The downside in my opinion is the case. The knife pockets are created by sewing a piece of flat nylon stock to a flat backing, which leaves the threads fully exposed to the edges of the knives (there is no permanent insert in the sleeves). The knives come in thin plastic sleeves, and with a plastic cover on the tips, but these will probably be quickly lost or cut through. Replacing the plastic covers on the tips is not a good idea anyway, much like re-capping a needle. In any case, I have used the plastic sleeves every time, yet the stitching has come out of the case to the point where it no longer holds the knives (after two weeks' use). The knives also have a velcro tab around the handle, which I find to be a hassle--a well-designed case won't need this and it's one more thing to mess with when your hands are covered in food. If you use this case, I'd suggest getting some edge covers that are more substantial and designed to last.
I am returning my defective set, but will likely order another of this product in hopes the case defect on my case was an isolated incident. The quality of the knives is worth the hassles of the case. Alternately, I may buy a better case and keep just the knives--at $48, the knives are a steal even without the case!
For another excellent budget knife brand, look at Forstner by Victorinox. They are a stamped blade (not forged), but their 9-inch filet and 14-inch slicer (with granton edge) are the finest function I've used at any price.
These knives are X30Cr13 stainless steel, the same steel used in many high-quality chef knives, and it is decidedly NOT carbon steel.
If you honestly believe that stainless steel means it will never stain, you should likely drop out of culinary school and choose a vocation where you won't be exposed to such illogical concepts.
Stainless steel doesn't develop the patina that carbon steel does, and cannot be sharpened to the same razor edge. It stays brighter and is easier to clean, but can definitely stain or discolor with use.
These knives are an excellent bargain I'll be using them as a Christmas gift, myself. I may even get several sets, depending on who needs them. :)
For research :
Buy Top Chef by Master Cutlery 5-Piece Chef Basic Knife Set with Nylon Carrying Case Now
After losing my beloved Shun Kaji knives in a divorce, I had to find a new set of knives for a bargain price more in line with my new budget. Being a Top Chef fan and foodie, I decided to take a chance and get this inexpensive set.One thing I love about these knives is the nicely round shaped handles which are great for eliminating hand fatigue. I've recently been suffering with severe carpel tunnel and arthritis in my right hand which makes it hard to use most kitchen utensils for an extended amount of time without pain and hand fatigue. These knives I can use for hours without any pain.
These knives are also very sharp. I've cut, chopped, diced and minced carrots, potatoes, cheese, onions, etc., all with no problem. It was very important to me to have a knife that could cut a carrot with ease and these knives fit the bill. If you have any knife skills at all you should have no problem using these knives with ease.
So far, my set hasn't stained or discolored. Though, I always hand wash them with a soft cloth and dry them immediately.
I love the nylon carrying case as well, as it keeps my good knives out of sight from my fiance who used to grab my good knives to use for some outdoor project!
Overall, this is a good basic set at a great bargain price and they should work for any basic kitchen tasks. I love them.I bought these knives for my girlfriend because she need a set of cheap knives for work. I am a chef as well and use nothin but hand crafted Japanese knives and was skeptical about the quality of these. I was shocked they have a good weight to them and are very sharp. I would recommend these to anyone that needs a nice set for the home or just getting started in the kichen
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A great HIGH Quality item. Great set of travel knifes!I bought this set to have as an extra set when I go camping. I was surprised when the knifes arrived and they were as nice as the one I use daily in my home, that I spend 5x as much for. I mention Amazon had these delivery to my door with in 20hours of ordering them for no extra cost. Amazing service!Save 58% Off
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