Just to clarify on those who commented that the "bread knife" in the set is too short. Technically, it's a serrated utility knife, not a bread knife and is fabulous for cutting tomatoes. The bread knife is also serrated, but is much larger...I have one myself and it's great for cutting big loaves of bread.

This is a great knife set. The knives are high quality and well balanced. The utility knife is great. After using this set for almost two years, I only have two complaints. The paring knife is a little small to cover all potential uses. Another 1/2 inch and it would be perfect. Also, the bread knife is almost useless. In addition to the fact it is the least used knife in the set, it is too short to be effective on all types of breads (varying loaf sizes, etc.). Add a longer paring knife and a carving or boning knife instead of the bread knife and this set would get five stars.

Three years ago, my husband (who is a knifemaker himself) bought me this set as a birthday gift. He checked out the 5 star and Pro S lines as well, but decided on the four-star knives for me because they are designed for average-sized hands. Other than that, they are identical to the others except for a handle design that encloses the tang for less chance of rusting and easier care. No really -- that's it. Save the extra thirty dollars for some flowers.

These knives perform beautifully and using them is like a dream after years of grocery store quality cutlery. Like any set of good knives, they require hand cleaning after each use (although I will guiltily admit to a few machine washings in a pinch). Take care of them, and they will take care of your food.

The set comes with every type of kitchen knife you will need, including those fantastic shears. I don't know how I ever used to live without the sharpener. After I had them both for awhile I realized how handy it was to have two sizes of bread knives. If you cannot live without a boning knife, this is available separately.

I can recommend Henckels' Four Star knives without reservation for any home cook.

being that this is the first set of knives I have ever purchased I really have nothing to compare them to. However I must say in the short time I have owned and used them I really can't complain. They are sharp and feel nice in my hands. they seem to have great balance and I definitely have noticed that they cut smoothly and with minimal effort. compared to other knives I have used I would say that these are far above the rest.

What more can I say but, great knives! The balance is wonderful,
but not heavy. These knives are a must for any chef, pro or amature. The only thing I find missing from this set, is a medium sized boning knife which my wife said I can buy! If you have any other knive in your drawer, you are missing out!!!!

When first advised to buy Henckels by a friend and culinary aficionado, I hesitated; $200+ for a set of knives? But after purchasing this 7-piece Henckels set, I was pleasantly surprised. There are excellent knives and definitely worth the money.

I would advise you go to a store that carries most of the Henckels knife series before you purchase online. While I recommend all of Henckels' forged blades, the handles are key; there are at least 4 handle types, each with personal pro/cons depending on your hand shape and size. The four-star handles are mid-size poly; the five-star handles are similar but a bit larger and more ergonomic. Henckels also makes a "classic" handle, both in poly and wood, and also an all-metal handle.

If you like to cook as much as I do (and let me add that I both cook AND dress game I've killed!) you'll need these knives. If you don't feel as if you need these knives, you really, really, really DON'T actually like to cook. You may THINK you like to cook, but it's more like you FEEL AS IF you like to cook but maybe are a little more interested in cooking than the average person. Which is, you know, a good thing! But not the same as LIKING TO COOK!!! So, if you LIKE TO COOK ("/") then GET THIS VERY E X C E L L E N T not to mention S H A R P knives!!!

I was thinking to buy a 5 star set and than I found out that the only difference is in the handle. For Star is also made from High Carbon Stainless Steel, so buying the same set as five star and saving some money sounds like a good deal to me. I'm not a big kitchen guy, buy my wife is crazy about this set. ...