When I started getting interested in cooking, I wanted to upgrade from my cheapo infomercial junk knives to "REAL" knives. After all, any task is much easier with the right tool, and when it comes to mainstream consumer high end kitchen knives, Wusthof is one of the top names in the game.

Now, I'm somewhat of a perfectionist, and when I make a purchase, I do research on the subject. If you still using cheap knives in your kitchen but contemplating your first "REAL" knives purchase, I can tell you I was there. I didn't really want to spend $100+ on knives, but I am so glad I did.

This is the two piece starter set, which consists of the 8 inch Chef knife and 3 1/2 inch parer knife. These two knives will do 80% of the work in your kitchen.

The 8 inch Chef knife, by far the most used knife in the kitchen. Man I love this thing. From slicing to dicing to mincing to chopping, it makes cooking so much more fun. In fact, I cook sometimes just so I can get to use this knife =) The balance on this thing is perfect. It feels like an extension of my hand

The 3 1/2 inch parer knife is used for things like cutting up fruit and other smaller tasks that the chef knife is too large for.

These knives are forged, not stamped like most knives you will find in the kitchen, meaning it was shaped from a single piece of steal, rather then being stamped out pre cut like cheap knives.

They have full tang, the blade is throughout the handle, giving you balance, while cheaper knives, the handle is just attached to the blade.

A word about the maintenance of these knives. It is recommended that you hand wash these and dry right away, instead of washing them in the dish washer. Like other fine tools, they need tender loving care. Dish washing these knives can damage them. After each use, or at least once a week, use a honing steal to hone your blade. Go to the Wusthof website, it shows you how to do that there and talks about proper care. Also, get them professionally sharpened once a year. Those electric sharpeners you find in stores are garbage, they grind too much metal off.

Oh, I have only one gripe. The red sticker on the handle comes of easily when washed. I would have liked Wusthof to have it painted on there at least.

I am currently looking to expand my Wusthof collection. I will probably look to get a Serrated bread knife, and kitchen sheers. I can no longer use inferior knives such as my infomercial junk, and neither will you once you buy these.

I believe that Wusthof makes the finest knives you can buy. I made the mistake once of talking on the phone while slicing through something a bit slippery and now understand how a guillotine worked. I have learned to give cutting my full attention now. I purchased a large set of Wusthof knives a few years ago and remember one reviewer saying that they were great but overkill. More always seems better so I discounted his advise. Lo and behold, 95% of the time these are the only 2 knives I use. So save yourself hundreds of dollars and just get this set. It's really all you will probably ever use.

I received this set of knives for my wedding 9 years ago. At the time I was young and hadn't done much cooking and I didn't see the need for such expensive knives. I found out quickly what a difference they make and they were the only ones I used. I then got suckered into a set of Cutco knives. While I can't say they aren't nice knives, my husband still prefers the Wusthof and we have since bought additional Wusthof pieces. I only cook 4 or 5 nights a week and I don't see needing to replace these knives any time soon.

I'm now getting ready to purchase this set for my brother as a housewarming gift for his first apartment. Whether you're looking at these for yourself or a wedding or housewarming gift, I highly recommend them.

I hate to think of how many years I used cheap knives -- about a year ago I needed to replace some kitchen tools and this set is the HEART of my kitchen, WORTH EVERY PENNY! When I opened the box I was impressed at the weight and balance of the chef's knife. It's a work of art. I realized all at once that I'd never even HELD a real knife before. Saying that these tools are a pleasure to use is an understatement! There is a day and night difference between these knives and the cheap knives you've probably got in your knife drawer. Life is short. Use good tools. This is an excellent set at a great price! You will never regret having upgraded to these knives!

These are excellent knives with fine craftsmanship and excellent materials, but if you look at cutco the craftsmanship and materials are equal while the design is unique and pure genious.