The blades in this set of slim, lightweight knives are stamped in stainless steel, and their edges are microserrated and therefore touted as never needing sharpening. The handles are formed of tough polypropylene and are seamless, allowing for better hygiene. The set includes six kitchen knives, six 5-inch steak knives, and a rubber-footed wood block that has slots for them all. The kitchen knives include an 8-inch chef's knife with a curved blade for rocking through a chopping task; a 5-inch tomato knife with a narrow, curved blade; an 8-inch bread knife; a 6-inch utility knife; a 6-inch boning knife for meats, poultry, and fish; and a 2-1/2-inch paring knife for peeling and cleaning vegetables and fruits. As a bonus, a pronged-tip knife designed to slice cheese and spear the slices is included. While the knives are dishwasher-safe, they should be hand washed to preserve their edges. Unlike Henckels's premier knives, which are made in Germany, these knives are made in China; however, they do carry the company'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
