Thomas O'Brien by Reed & Barton Austin Bee Stainless Steel Spreaders, Set of 4

Seem to be good quality. Bought these as a test to determine whether or not to spring for 8-10 place settings...I suppose I can't avoid CHINA printed on some things and I will not buy Chinese made anything if I have a choice. In this case, the word CHINA is boldly etched onto the blade. Some makers print nothing on some flatware pieces, but this maker prints in-your-face on each piece. I don't want to be reminded each time I see a piece, that I violated my own "rule" to buy nothing made in China. So, no more purchases of this line made by our economic adversary and probably, someday, our serious military, economic and social enemy.

These are heavy and very nice. They feel really good in my hand and seem well-made and built to last.

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Wusthof Le Cordon Bleu 3.5 inch Paring Knife

The Wusthof Classic 3-1/2-Inch Paring Knife is close to perfection as a kitchen tool. But how do you improve on perfection? In this case, by making a paring knife that's a little less idiot-proofed, and a lot more powerful.

Wusthof's Cordon Bleu line has the same handle as their Classic line. But:

The knives have no bolster behind the cutting area. This gives you a second point at the back of the knife perfect for things like pricking the skin of a tomato to insure a clean slice, or scoring an apple or potato skin as you rotate it against the blade. However, because there is nothing between your finger and the blade, you have to balance the knife properly as you use it, and pay attention to where the knife is resting in your hand. Yes, you can hurt yourself with this knife. Much more easily than with the Classic.

The blades are thinner, harder, and more highly polished than the Classic, with a shallower and sharper angle on the cutting edge. As a result, they will keep their razor edge longer, but you'll have to baby the knife more, and the edge will be harder to steel. (The metal is the same amalgam as the much older Wusthof knives were, before they changed the formula. I finally gave up on using my Wusthof steel, and I'm using a Kyocera ceramic steel rarely to keep my Cordon Blue knives sharp).

This is not an entry-level knife. But if you know what you're doing, it will become the go-to paring knife in your arsenal. Think of it as the turbo version.

I ordered this knife to replace one that had been used as an icepick (by a nameless spouse), and this design is even a bit better -good length and taper -than the one we replaced (which was part of "Emeril" Wusthof knives). We won't be testing its usefulness as an icepick, however.

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I bought two Wusthof knives and I love both of them. They are the best knives I've ever owned and worth the money. They are easy to sharpen with the Wusthof sharpener and hold the edge for a long time. I would highly recommend these knives.

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I do not like serrated knives.

After I bought a set with one of these in it, I realized that I loved this as a steak knife as well as a paring knife. I have purchased a full set of these for just this use, but I end up using these for all kinds of knife work in the kitchen.

I like that it doesn't have the back catch for nice clean continuous cuts, and I have never come close to injuring myself with this feature.

Great look. Great handling. Allows precise control.

Great knife.

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The Cordon Bleu series must be the pinnacle of the Wustof line. This knife is a joy to look at, a joy to hold, and a joy to use. If you, like me, like your sopressata sliced razor thin, this is the knife you need. The blade is very sharp and so far I've been able to maintain its edge with the finest grade diamond sharpener.

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Jean Dubost Laguiole 3-piece Cheese Knives Corkscrew Set--Copper-Ivory-Olive

Frankly I presented this as a gift to myself because I fell in love with the quality and functionality of this set.

Unlike some legitimate Laguiole products that are now being made in China, this is French made, so you know the quality is going to reflect that which you'd expect from Laguiole.

What I love is the bold use of color in this set. At first I was a little put off because each piece looks like it comes from a different set, but I've grown to love the contrasts. Another thing I love is the corkscrew is the traditional T-handle design instead of the more common double hinge design. I prefer the T-handle, so for me this is a major plus. I also recognize that some folks are unfamiliar with using this style, so factor that in when you are making a purchase decision.

The presentation knife the one with the reddish handle is my most used tool from this set. The blade is very sharp, and the feel and balance have that Laguiole quality. Although a cheese cleaver is included presumably for the harder cheeses like Romano Percorino and Parmigiano-Reggiano the presentation knife can handle those.

Another thing that I love about this set is the handles are acrylic instead of wood. This allows you to toss them into the utensil basket in your dishwasher with the confidence that you will not ruin the pieces in this set. Frankly, I still hand wash mine.

A final, very nice touch is the presentation box. This is an open box with routed cutouts for each of the tools that make it perfect as a drawer organizer. It also protects the blades (and you from the blades) while they are stored.

Overall this is a perfect wine and cheese set that is handy in your kitchen or as a gift to a special friend.

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Stanton Trading 12 by 18 by 1/2-Inch Cutting Board, Red

I bought similar cutting boards several years ago and, while they're not the best in the world, they're serviceable. It was time to replace them, so I ordered six more. Unfortunately, the entire set of cutting boards have warped within 2 months of purchase. Now they spin when I cut something on them, which isn't safe.

I won't purchase these again and would strongly recommend that you don't buy them, either.

This is a great cutting board with a good thickness that I am sure will help to maintain the integrity of my knife blades. I ended up getting this one and the green one here: Stanton Trading 12 by 18 by 1/2-Inch Cutting Board, Green. I will use the red one for meats and the green one for veggies. I do a lot of cooking and have gone through many cutting boards in my time working as a professional cook for over 15 years, so I know a good quality board when I see one. I love the simplicity, with no useless handle cutout, raised sides or bumper edges, all which just get in the way of cutting and sliding food off a board. The medium size of the 12 by 18 works well for just about any task you will encounter in the kitchen and fits nicely on most any size counter top. Also this is the perfect size for picking up and transferring food from board to pot. It has just enough grip on its surface to not slide around, even when wet, yet is slick enough to easily slide food off of. This board is absolutely perfect for any home or professional restaurant; I would not change a thing. In fact, I plan on buying many more of these, just to make sure I can stock up on them in case they ever run out or discontinue these models, because it really is hard to find such an all around performer in a cutting board that will truly fit my high standards of kitchen ware.

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I bought 3 different cutting boards, by different manufacturers and this one spins like a top. It spins because they it is not completely flat. To keep it from spinning I put a folded kitchen towel under the center of the board.

It should sit flat and there is no reason for it not to since it is a molded product, this is a sign of inferior production. I won't buying from this company again.

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I absolutely love this cutting board! I've only had it for a couple weeks, but so far it has been great. It is heavy, but I like that because it doesn't move on the counter while I'm chopping on it. It just fits into the dishwasher, which is great. I didn't realize when I bought it that the surface is textured, but that is not a problem at all. On the contrary, it makes food slide off of it easily when I want to transfer the food to my pan etc. It feels very durable and I have high hopes that it will last me a long time!

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This cutting board is worth buying. It is sturdy and doesn't show cut marks as easily some others I have used.

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Rachael Ray Dinnerware Little Hoot 20-Piece Flatware Set

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program Cute little owls make this a very popular pattern. This set has been selling like mad since it was introduced earlier this year. It's something that would be nice if you have kids, since it's either whimsical or juvenile, depending on your point of view.

This is not expensive stainless, so the price point makes this attractive. You can find less expensive flatware, and also more expensive, so this is moderately priced. But I have questions about the durability of this over time according to my internet research.

Since this is 18/0 stainless flatware, I took a look at the differences between the various types of stainless steel:

18/10:

* Brilliant luster

* Rust-resistant material

* Durable construction

* Easy to maintain

18/0:

* Soft shine

* Zero nickel content

* Economical design

* Subject to staining

18/0 --18 percent chromium and 0 percent nickel

18/8 --18 percent chromium & 8 percent nickel

18/10 --18 percent chromium & 10 percent nickel

Like most flatware, this is made in China, although there is at least one company that advertises that it's flatware is made in the USA.

I wanted my review to be as accurate as I could make it so I have included the problems I found with this set.

On these flatware pieces, owls are not uniform from piece to piece. Some are deeply embedded while others are shallow. On some pieces you can see the pupil of the owl's eyes and on some pieces you can barely even see the outline of the eyes. On some pieces, the owl is actually not completely engraved, with one full side missing, or the design looks smudged in some places.

Also, four pieces had areas that were defective. It looked like tiny dents in the surface.

The finish on some pieces, mostly the bowls of the spoons, looks dull, and more cloudy grey than shiney silver. The handles are nice and shiney though.

The pieces seem a tad larger than usual, but they are strangely lightweight for their size.

There are reports on other websites that this set starts to show rust spots after only three months, even without them being left standing in water.

I put these in the dishwasher, and there were an unusually large number of water spots on them when I took them out. It may be better to simply hand wash and dry these.

I think, considering the reasonable price, that as long as you know this probably won't last forever, you will be pleased with it.

I showed this set to my sister, who is an owl lover and collector, and she was instantly in love with it. She immediately got her own set.

This set is also available in a 70 piece service for 12 that includes some serving pieces.

Rachael Ray Little Hoot Flatware is a winner in terms of originality and popularity. Today this was the top selling flatware set on Amazon, and it most likely will continue to be a top seller. I love the coordinating dishes with the Little Hoot pattern: Rachael Ray Dinnerware Little Hoot 16-Piece Dinnerware Set. Together with this flatware set it creates an adorable table setting.

The price here on Amazon is the same as the lowest price available on other sites, and some lucky people snagged this set at half price for a short while today here. Black Friday is almost here so keep your eye on short term sales to add to your collection of Little Hoot flatware and dinnerware.

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program We find the owl pattern fun for use at our mountain cabin where owl and bear patterns fit in nicely.

All pieces of the set look good (shiny, solid, medium size) and handle well (balanced, shaped nicely, and with smooth edges).

These are dishwasher "safe" but came with a recommendation to hand wash if you want to keep the original smooth luster.

We've been putting them through the dishwasher and while they may not keep the "like new" luster, they continue to look good.

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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program Of course these were meant to coordinate with the Little Hoot dinnerware collection and so they do! I thought at first the little owl was perhaps a bit too juvenile but I've received several compliments on them and directed people to them online.

I use these for my everyday flatware and run them through the dishwasher. So far so good. I tend to use the lemon detergents which can sometimes be a problem with flatware but I've noticed no ill effects.

I did get one spoon where the edge wasn't very smooth and I had to set that one aside for just stirring coffee and such. A little too sharp for eating but overall I'm satisfied with this cute set.

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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program A little on the pricey side but a welcome accompaniment to the Little Hoot collection of plates. The cutlery feels heavy and well made though doesn't hold up quite as well as the Reed & Barton set recently sold at Costco for the same price. As Bernadette pointed out, the owls are not completely uniform across every item in the way they are imprinted. This is a fun casual dining set but definitely not meant to rival formal dining ware if you like the design, it's a good purchase otherwise you will likely find highly quality elsewhere at this price point.

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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program Okay, the owls are little different for me, but the silverware has been in and out of the dishwasher several times now and there has been no issues. I like that it feels like a solid piece of utensil and not something lightweight and cheap.

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Swiss Army Brands 40019 Boning Knife, 6-Inch

I bought this on the recommendation of my brother-in-law (an artisanal butcher and formerly sous chef at a Michelin star restaurant). He uses this as part of his daily butchering kit. Since good knives are a critical part of his trade, I trusted his advice and couldn't be happier with the decision.

For the last two years I have participated in small scale hog slaughter with friends and family. The Victorinox Forschner knives paired with a good steel (F. Dick Multicut) made a huge difference the second year; breaking and butchering 5 pigs in about half the time we butchered 4 pigs the year before. The flexibility is great for maneuvering around bones and executing a clean cut, even in novice hands.

The rosewood handle soaks up fat, preventing the handle from getting slick thus preventing dangerous situations. I was worried about the clean-up with the soaked up fat, but had no problems cleaning with soap and water. While fibrox may be slightly easier to clean, I'd rather spend an extra minute cleaning than hours in an Emergency Room waiting to get stitches from an accidental cut.

Will gladly buy more Victorinox Forschner knives in the future.

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Rösle 12724 Cheese Knife

Excellent cheese knife. I have many Rosle kitchen utensils and they are all wonderful. Quite pricey, but in my opinion worth the money, as you'll have them forever. I've had this knife for years and it is still extremely sharp and looks in perfect condition, due I'm sure to the high quality metals they use. Recommended, no question.

One of the few knives that really does what it is supposed to do: cheese doesn't stick and you can cube cheddars, slice Brie, etc. easily. Buying more as hostess gifts.

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This is the best cheese knife we've ever owned. It stays sharp and it's great for other things like tomatoes and fruit. It slices through cheese very easily because of the large cut outs. It's an excellant marriage of form and function. It also makes a great gift and emulated the high quality of the Rosle brand.

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Have been looking for a cheese knife for over a year since the handle broke on my old one. This is a great cheese knife. It is solidly constructed so I am not worried about the handle breaking again. It cuts through cheese without sticking. It is very good looking. It was not the cheapest knife available on Amazon, but definitely worth the extra money. Also love Amazon Prime, which is a great deal if you live in an area where there is limited shopping.

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This knife has what it takes to cut and serve cheese properly. The design allows cutting cheese without sticking to the knife. Very handy and the price was right. I saved $8 by buying it on Amazon.

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GRAPES Flatware 20pcs. Beautiful Grape Bundles *NEW!*

I loved the way they looked at first, and they go great with my kitchen which is all decorated with grapes. After the first use, they just started to look cheap and flimsy. Even after washing them, they still look dull and dirty.

I read some negative reviews about this product prior to purchasing it. The one that stuck with me was that after putting the silverware in the dishwasher, they still seemed dirty and old looking. I have had this experience as well but I belive it is my dishwasher (it is very old), and the detergent I am using. I rub them with a kitchen towel prior to putting them away and they are fine. Also, if I buy a cheap dishwashing liquid I notice I have water marks and spots not only on the silverware but everything else as well. In any case, my kitchen has a "wine" theme and these are a perfect addition. Since I have not found anything that comes close, I can deal with using a towel on them before I put them in the drawer. This would not stop me from buying them.

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Wusthof Classic Ikon 4-Piece Steak Set

These are beautiful, extremely sharp, well made steak knives. Holding them, you can just feel the quality, and they cut through whatever it is that they're supposed to. They clean easily (I don't run them through the dishwasher though you're supposed to be able to), cut well, and feel great when I hold them. An expensive luxury, but I think well worth it.

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Joyce Chen 6-1/4-Inch Unlimited Seafood Scissors

Joyce Chen does not make Seafood Scissors. It has not made Seafood Scissors for several years. To verify: Simply contact the Joyce Chen Corporation itself. I was sold these seller-described "Seafood Scissors"... and when the package arrived... I received the red Joyce Chen Original Unlimited Scissors instead. I was told, and I quote: "Yes, these scissors are one in the same and are advertised differently for broader appeal." Still, it took well over one month for an excellent, hard-working, and ethical Amazon representative employing earnest diligence to right this situation and get my money back. A word to the wise: Always read the exact product branding description and check to see if you are receiving exactly what products are described.

These are a God-send for jewelers who want to speed up production of jewelry. Rather than filing, the scissors cut metals and wire(silver, brass, copper) up to 18 gauge easily.

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This pair of scissors was recommended to cut through copper at relatively thin gauges. I use it for up to 20 g and it works great. They are very sharp and do a fantastic job. I would highly recommend them. Keep in mind the metal will curl up as you cut; you'd need a guillotine cutter (at a MUCH higher cost) to get a clean edge.

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I already have had a pair of Joyce Chen Scissors for several years. I used them for everything from hard plastic wrap to the most fragile meats. I thought I had lost them and quickly ordered another pair. I have since found them and doubly happy now to have two pair.

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We live in the Pacific Northwest and bought these to help in cleaning Dungeness crabs. Instead of cracking the crab legs, we just cut them with these incredible scissors. They have a thin enough edge to get into even the smallest leg, yet are strong enough to not bend or break. Obviously, they can be used for other simpler cutting chores, but cutting a tough crab or lobster shell demonstrates how incredibly good they are.

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MATFER BOURGEAT Plain Pelton Spatula Exoglass

This is the first spatula my wife has been satisfied with. The others have been either too flimsy, the edge too blunt, or the food sticks to them. I've always said you need the right tools for the job, hence the various and sundry implements in my garage. This is just as true in the kitchen.

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Dansk Bistro Cafe Stainless-Steel Flatware 3-Piece Hostess Set

It's as you'd expect. It matches the pattern and arrived in excellent condition.

Each piece was in a protective plastic sleeve and in a Dansk box.

I bought this to complete my 12 place settings purchased over 7 years ago. It matches perfectly and looks just as beautiful as the rest of the flatware. I use this everyday and wash in the dishwasher without any issues.

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Oneida Sheraton 5-Piece Place Setting, Service for 1

The Sheraton stainless that was made in the USA is simply exquisite and easily rivals any sterling set and I would highly highly recommend those. However, I recently purchased service for 4 from Oneida through Amazon. Big disappointment. Although Oneida failed to mention where the flatware was made on their website, when it arrived a 1" bar code sticker affixed to back of the box stated in very tiny print "Made In Indonesia" and after examining the set I found serious flaws.

The beautiful detail of the Sheraton pattern was not evenly imprinted. There were areas on the knives, forks and spoons where the pattern actually became lighter and then invisible. I have never seen anything like this! In addition the Oneida mark was not done well at all. It was much too large and garish and actually interfered with the pattern even tho it was on the reverse side. The Oneida mark on the Made in USA set was very fine, subtle and tastefully done.

It is sad to see such a lack of quality control from a great company like Oneida. On the plus side, Oneida responded very sympathetically to my complaint and promised to send a postage free return label. So I give them 2 thumbs up for that. Also their customer service person Jennie was extremely courteous and accommodating. It is still possible to find Made in USA Sheraton that is new or like new in sets and/or pieces which I am happy to say I was able to do.

I've had the same 5 5-piece place settings for the last 12 years. Anytime we eat out or at other people's houses I always notice the difference. I'm 36 but with arthritis. The pieces have a good weight and rounded barrel, so they're fairly easy to hold. They're not heavy; they're not weightless. They are easy to care for, simple and elegant looking. I love this pattern!

My only complaint is that they're cold in the morning, but that's just because they're metal. LOL!

I bought some rubber coated flatware from IKEA about 4.5 years ago and they've literally fallen into pieces.

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I have an obsession with tableware and often buy odds and ends of flatware or silverware just to enjoy it. Such is the case with Sheraton. I have had just a few pieces for years and they are by FAR my favorite pieces to hold and to use. I'm completing my set now because I know for a fact that this set will always look and feel the nicest of any flatware available. That's saying something from me!

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Yeah! I finally found the set!

I was looking for a set of nice flatwares for my new house so I went to a dept store and found this set out of 100 other selections they had. This one definately stood out. I am going to order from Amazon because they have the best price! I am so glad Amazon carries this!

I liked this set because it didn't say 'china' on the flatwares like some others do(even on high quality flastwares). They were heavy and had weight. I highly recommend this set!

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I waited for years to buy quality flatware, mainly because my kids used the spoons to dig holes in the backyard. One day, I realized they are grown up, and I am still using mismatched, mystery flatware. My research led me to this pattern, and I ordered a 5 piece setting just to make sure they had a good weight and felt comfortable. They are very comfortable, with a good weight and balance. I was afraid they would too ornate for my taste, but they are not. They are very classic and understated in appearance. Some reviews seem to indicate that the modern version of this line has a large unsightly manufacturer stamp on the back. I don't think it is very big, and it won't be keeping me up nights! Highly recommend.

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Mikasa Classico Satin 18/0 45-Piece Flatware Set, Service for 8

I had bought this product in a Mikasa store a while back and was looking to add servings to the flatware I had. I was so excited to see Amazon had these, but when I got the box, it was completely different than those I had purchased from the Mikasa store. The original Mikasa flatware I have is made in Korea and is 18/10, the ones from Amazon I got were made in Indonesia and are 18/0, quite a difference in appearance, weight, etc... The Mikasa pieces I have came individually wrapped and in their box, these came all together in bags wrapped in a rubber band, and all together in 1 box. Very poor presentation and not to mention quality. The original flatware I have is dishwasher safe, these are not! So I'm definitely returning! I was looking in the Miksasa online store and they have this flatware, but again in 18/0 and they don't mention wether made in Indonesia or Korea... I assume Indonesia, but very disappointing to see they have lowered their quality standards.

I ordered this to replace pieces of this original flat ware made in Korea and it is 18/10 steel. This is low quality attempt that does not match. It is very crude and disappointing even if it was not a mismatch for replacement. They should give this another name since it is so different and low quality.

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I bought a service for 8 at a Mikasa store in 2002 for our vacation home. It is beautiful, 18/10 flatware that has held up well. (I would rate that flatware 5 stars.) Now someone we let stay at our home has lost three salad forks and I am having difficulty finding replacements that are 18/10 and not 18/0. (I would not purchase 18/0 flatware because it won't match.) I looked on the Mikasa site where they still sell sets of 18/10, but did not find a way to purchase individual pieces. All of the replacement pieces I have found online are 18/0. The set is not serviceable with only five salad forks, so now I'm looking for a new set of flatware. Not happy.

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This flatware has a very solid feel. It's hard to believe that such an inexpensive price was had for this quality product.

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Wusthof Gourmet 8-Inch Flexible Fish Fillet Knife

I have a number of forged Wusthof knives, and I love them. Until I ordered this knife, I did not know that Wusthof had a line of relatively ..., stamped knives. The difference in quality between this knive and my forged Wusthof knives is significant. I must add, however, that the superior forged knives have prices to match. A forged Wusthof fillet knife would be three times the price.

The word flexible in a knife description gives one an image that doesn't hold true here. It flexes a little, but so does any knife with a longer blade.

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Wüsthof knives are perhaps the best knives on the market today. For home use to resturants these knives have proven themselves.

durable, high quality, ergonomic, there is nothing I can say that will prove to you how excellent these knives are. You will just have to purchase a set and see for yourself. I have a wide variety of Wüsthof knives and I plan on collecting as many as I can. I have used no other knife that does it's job so well. from deboning to slicing bread Wüsthof knives will be a kitchen companion you will not want to live without!

Now go buy yourself a set! and take a look at Analon cookware while your at it. you will never buy a pot from Wal-Mart again!

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Messermeister San Moritz Elite 11-Piece Knife Block Set

I spent quite a bit of time researching and evaluating "high-end" forged kitchen knife offerings. Considered Shun Classics, Wusthofs Classic and Wusthofs Ikons. Wusthofs Classic are out due to the full bolster construction making them difficult to sharpen. Ikons are okay in this regard, but I wasn't sold on the design and they were bit expensive and I also did not like composition of the sets available. Shuns look very attractive, but are very expensive and their super hard and brittle steel is a concern lots of reports of chipping during normal use. I decided Messermeister San Moritz line represents better value and is ascetically pleasing. Turns out they are not too heavy and fit our hands really well. And they are sharp. Really sharp. After using cheap dull knives the difference is unbelievable. Messermeister are sharpened to 15 degrees (like Shun), unlike traditional 20+ degrees of other German brands. Finally, I liked that Messermeister offers free sharpening service.

Regarding this particular set I like it does not have somewhat pointless utility knife like other brands' sets, but 2 very useful paring knives and 5 inch serrated knife (great for small breads and perhaps tomatoes). I wasn't sure about getting both chef and santoku. Turns out that santoku's thinner blade works great for chopping some types of veggies like cucumbers, where chef feels bit too imprecise. Carver and the fork are bit of an excess, need yet to use them, but they can come handy as well. I also bought 10 inch slicer. Fantastic for, well, slicing.

Overall a great set and great value. Wish I bought them before dollar plunged vs. euro.

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Gibson Anneville 9-Piece Hostess Set

I don't host many dinner parties and I generally use an OXO and All-Clad cooking set when making food. I wanted something that had a few different pieces for serving that wouldn't break the bank. I really didn't care about quality that much...it isn't like you use this type of flatware all that much to begin with, and you use it for serving rather than eating.

Having bought four flatware sets that all stunk, I finally took the plunge and paid the $250 for Liberty's 45 piece American-forged flatware set. It is absolutely amazing quality and I expect it to last centuries...that's something I'll use every day and given the flatware you use for eating, it's something you interact for many times longer than what you serve the food with...I wanted something of exceptional quality to eat with and I got it...BUT, at the same time, I didn't feel a need to spend another $100 on multiple serving pieces that I'll rarely use. This was further because between the Liberty set and a few All-Clad pieces, I spent a small fortune the past month.

So when I ordered these, I was not expecting anything well-made...I mean, at 75 cents per item (and that price is DELIVERED), expectations should not be that this is something that competes with high-end American-forged flatware...it doesn't, but for it's purpose it is a great product. Still my emphasis here is that one should have a realistic expectation of what they are buying beforehand. I was surprised because these really exceeded my expectations. I'd place their quality close-but-slightly-lower than most of the JA Henckel and Oneida flatware products that are made in China. These look good, get the job done, clean up pretty easily, are very easy to restore a shine with a mild abrasive such as Nevr'Dull wading cloth, and are priced so cheap if they get messed up it's no worry at all. It's great for family dinners when you may have young children beating up the flatware...you know anything used to serve is going to get beaten up, and most people do not even notice what they are serving with.

The two biggest downsides are the ones you would expect with entry-level flatware...bending and staining. These do a good job resisting bending, but if you put a hella good of bit of force on these, they will bend. They are not going to be ideal for prying/makeshift cutting. Also, they have a stain resistance that is far lower than something like (true) 18-10 stainless...again, this is expected. They still do have good staining resistance, but these are NOT serving utensils you want to leave in a dishwasher for an extended period after they are clean, expose them to acidic fruits or very salty foods and not rinsing them off immediately after serving is complete, or leave sitting somewhere in which drying will be slow/humidity is 100%. The easy solution to this is to clean them promptly after usage and dry them after cleaning...do that and they will keep the high polish finish for a long time. If they do stain/pit, any mind abrasive will quickly take care of it. Worst case, if one piece bends or heavily pits, you're out of a whopping 75 cents.

These get the job done and if you are looking for an inexpensive serving set that looks good and will last for many years, I think you will be most satisfied given the dirt cheap price and good-quality product. When taking both price and quality in mind, I give these 5 stars hands down.

Started my party serveware / tableware / flatware collection and this is great. I got a good deal through the warehouse deals. The box was trashed but I didn't care. The serving utensils were in perfect condition. They are thin but it's fine for the casual parties that we have.

Buy Gibson Anneville 9-Piece Hostess Set Now

I bought this hostess set because it has long handles, which is great for use at potluck lunches or similar. These look nice, but they are not heavy duty, in fact they are kinda thin but for what I need it for, that doesn't matter. I like that there are many different pieces such as a slotted spoon, pie server, cake server, ladle, serving fork, a butter knife, and a few others. I recommend this hostess set to anyone that needs a lot of serving pieces and doesn't want to spend a lot of money on it.

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This set has it all! Very sturdy too. Perfect for party's picnics or any occasion. It is also nice enough for holiday dinners

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I love the Hostess set, the pieces are really nice, shinny and clean very easily on the dish washer without leaving water residue.

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Bottle Neck Tie with Cork Cheese Spreader, Set of 2

I bought these to add to wine gifts and they were very well received. Lots of fun with the flashing lights. :)

I bought these to add to wine gifts and they were very well received. Lots of fun with the flashing lights. :)

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Messermeister Meridian Elite 9-Inch Bread Knife

I had a hard time bringing myself to fork out $80 for a bread knife, but I'm glad I did. This is a superbly crafted knife, and very useful. It does a great job biting into crusty loaves of bread, and it's so amazingly sharp you can cut tomatoes without any sign of tearing. It fits my (largish) hand perfectly, and the slight upward curve of the blade really helps when you've cut almost through the loaf: it keeps you from needing to bang your knuckles on the cutting board trying to get that last little bit of crust on the bottom. I love it!

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Wusthof Classic Ikon Two-Piece Carving Set, Black

This is a terrific addition to my Ikon starter set. I am a big fan of the Ikon line and this set is no exception. Comfortable in the hand and well balanced, it carves meat like butter and really holds an edge. Highly recommend!

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