I'm a senior in college that has recently moved into my first apartment - and obviously needed to get some kitchen essentials without breaking my very malnourished bank account. I came across these - three Henckels knives at a pretty decent price - and decided to go with it. The knives are amazing - I only wish I could find a good yet cheap knife sharpener to go along with it as they (like any other knives) will lose their fine sharp edge after continued use without sharpening. If you're looking for a cheap and essential knife set with good quality - this is the product for you.

I have a set of knives that were less expensive, that hold an edge better than these do. They aren't particularly bad, they just aren't as good as my El Cheapo ones that I already had.

Purchased these to go with a 7 inch Henckels International santoku that I've been using for years, and the phrase that comes to mind to describe all Fine Edge cutlery is "good enough." No, it isn't restaurant quality, and yes, if you put these through the dishwasher they'll tarnish and probably even start to rust (any metal designated as "stainless" is rust resistant rather than rust proof, and reviewers of other Henckels products complaining about rust and tarnish probably aren't treating their knives very well). As a graduate student on a budget who enjoys cooking, but doesn't always have the time for it, these knives are an ideal compromise between price and quality. Be aware that they will occasionally require sharpening - I've had the santoku for almost three years and run it through a commercially available ceramic disk sharpener every few months and it still cuts very nicely - and should probably be hand-washed for longest life. With that little bit of maintenance, however, this three piece set can meet nearly all of your cooking needs (it meets all of mine, but then I don't often dress poultry, filet my own fish, or do much that would require a cleaver or really subtle boning knife) for quite a nice price.

Having sharp, quality knives in the kitchen is essential. I have owned this set for a couple years and it is still in great shape. Good form, easy to hold and they stay sharp with the right care.