From the Henckels Four Star collection, this Asian cook's set includes: 3-in. Kudamono paring knife with hollow edge 5-in. Santoku with hollow edge Use the paring knife for peeling apples and potatoes and the Santoku for chopping onions or mincing parsley. The hollow edges help prevent food from sticking to the blades.J.A. Henckels has been manufacturing fine cutlery since 1731. Made in Solingen, Germany, its knives are forged, not stamped. Blade density is improved using the FRIODUR ice-hardening process, which provides a sharper initial edge for easier maintenance over time. Knives in the Four Star series are made of high-carbon stainless steel and precision-honed, with a laser-controlled edge, a balanced super-bolster and a tang that extends to the back of the polypropylene handle, which is permanently bonded for seamless accuracy.Features of SIGMAFORGE?? knives are:New one piece constructionHigh forging precisionHigher stability of bladePerfect geometryImproved steel structure for less metal fatigueImproved cutting-edge retention and lasting sharpnessImproved weight and balanceFRIODUR?? ice hardened for maximum no-stain properties and more blade strength

With a tradition of creating high-quality knives for more than 250 years, J.A. Henckels is a leader in the world of superior cutlery used by professionals and home cooks. One of the most popular collections, Four Star, brings comfort, ease, and increased proficiency to the cooking experience. Fully-forged blades blend carbon and stainless steel deterring rust and corrosion, while a special Friodur ice-hardening process strengthens the blades and prevents staining. Polypropylene handles sit well in the hand and are ergonomic and hygienic since there are no gaps to trap food particles. Comparable to the Five Star collection, Four Star knives have slightly different handles which are more comfortable for those with smaller hands.

The 2-piece Asian set includes a 5-inch hollow edge santoku knife and 3-inch hollow edge kudamono parer. Translated as ""three good things"", the santoku knife is equally suited to slice, dice, and mince. Just as versatile as the chef's knife, this Asian-style blade combines the dexterity and strength of a cleaver and chef's knife into one. The small kudamono paring knife, translated from the Japanese to mean ""fruit"", is ideal for fine slicing, mincing, peeling, and creating garnishes. Both knives have been designed with kulles, indentions along the blade edge that help reduce the friction when slicing and prevent food from clinging to the blade. Henckels offers a lifetime warranty, recommends washing all knives by hand, and suggests always storing cutlery sets in the appropriate storage location. --Lea Werbel

From the Manufacturer

First introduced in 1976, the Four Star® Series is one of the world's most popular knife lines. Four Star® knives were designed and developed in close cooperation with renowned professional chefs. The result was a fully forged knife with a unique molded handle. The Four Star® line contains knives for all tasks, and includes the following open stock knife types: parer, bread, peeling, sandwich, utility, carving, chef’s, granton edge slicer, santoku, and others. Four Star® knives are also available in a range of block sets and gift sets.

A Higher Standard in Knife Construction

Four Star® knives are precision forged from a single piece of exclusive-formula, high-carbon, no-stain steel under the all-new Sigmaforge standard. As a result, Four Star® knives have improved quality consistency, lasting sharpness, and perfect geometry. Sigmaforge one-piece construction also provides high precision and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting-edge retention for lasting sharpness. In addition, Four Star® knives use J.A. Henckels’ Friodur ice hardening for corrosion resistance, a process that also contributes to cutting-edge retention.

It's All in The Grip:

The Four Star® series features high impact polypropylene handles that are permanently bonded to the knife blades without any gaps. These comfortable handles are break-proof, sanitary, and colorfast. In addition, the super bolster provides weight, insures safety, and adds balance.

Features:

• SIGMAFORGE 1-piece, precision forged construction: Provides perfect geometry, high precision, and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting edge retention for lasting sharpness.
• Laser controlled edge: Is sharper and stays sharper longer. Has a more consistent blade angle.
• Friodur ice hardening: Maximum no-stain properties and more blade strength. Improved resistance to corrosion and pitting.
• Super bolster: Provides weight, insures safety, and adds balance.
• Full rat-tail tang: Provides a proper balance and greater strength.
• High-carbon no-stain steel, an exclusive J.A. Henckels formula: Non-staining, non-rusting.
• Hand, precision honed blade: Is sharper and stays sharper longer.
• Bonded polypropylene handles: Comfortable molded handles and food safe
• Dishwasher safe: Easy care (Although hand-washing is recommended by J.A. Henckels).
• Full warranty: J.A. Henckels stands behind all its knives.