Chroma Type 7-Piece Knife Set with Block

Let me start by saying I was so excited to get these knives when I ordered them from Amazon. I had previously ordered the Chroma 301 Chinese Cleaver separately and I love it. So when Fed-Ex delivered this I tore open the box and visions of the gourmet meal I would be preparing that evening using these knives flashed through my head. As I lifted the box up into my lap to open the cardboard flap I head what sounded like 7 Chroma knives tossed into a spinning clothes dryer might sound like (Well... not quite that bad). To my dismay, I discovered all the knives were located in one small cardboard box. They were loose and each was individually protected by a thin bag and a thin cardboard sheath. Each knife also had a hard plastic knife tip protector but 5 of the seven had fallen off and their tips were free and exposed. In addition, two of the knives had lost their bags and cardboard sheath completely and looked like they had been rubbing together for an extended amount of time. They were scratched and the handle edges were rough. Upon closer inspection two other knives had rough scratched handle edges.

Now I know why they say don't buy your knives in a block set. The individual Chinese cleaver I ordered came in perfect condition in a beautiful black padded custom presentation box. It seems that all Chroma individual knives receive this nice extra touch. For the amount of money these knives cost in a block set they should arrive in pristine condition especially since the whole point of these knives is to display their sleek smooth stainless look.

One last note, another reviewer claimed that these knives are made in China. I searched high and low and found no conformation of this. The box does not state where they were made. The Chroma website conveniently says "Our knives are manufactured in the best factories and are made of the finest and strongest modern high-grade steel." It also says, "The handle of the Type 301 by F.A. Porsche is constructed of 18/10 stainless steel, and the blade is made of high-quality Japanese 301 steel. The blade of each knife is carefully sharpened by the hand of a master." If they were made in Japan like Shun or Global knives, I think they would say it. Judging from the quality of the block set I am thinking they may be made in China then finished and sharpened by a Japanese master.

Let's hope they fix the packaging in the near future, these knives really feel great in my hand and I hope to have a complete undamaged set soon. Thank you Amazon for having such a fair and responsible return policy.

These knives, and the block, are gorgeous and a joy to use. I'm more of a designer than a cook, but these beauties get compliments from my designer and foodie guests alike.

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