Customer Reviews

Calphalon Traditional 15-Piece Knife Block Set

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am pleased beyond words (almost!) with the quality of this set. The steel alone, with it's fine finish and ability to take and hold a razor edge is worth the price of admission. I too have a few Henckles knives, and I was planning on filling out the set when I was told about this "best kept secret" cutlery line by Calphalon. I'm glad I waited.

As for staining/rusting, maybe I can clear the air just a little. Most high quality knives use a reletively high amount of carbon in their steel formula for it's edge enhancing characteristics. They also use other metals, like chromium, for stain/rust resitance. Plain high carbon steel will turn black in time just from humidity in the air if it's not oiled and cared for. Full stainles steel is generaly [not] for making/keeping a fine edge. A good compromise is what most top brands use. Calphalon is no exception. As with all Henckles knives I have used, you don't throw these in the dishwasher, or let them sit in a wet sink overnight. Certain food acids and detergents can cause problems if given enough time to work. I don't see any difference between the brands in this area. Still, I'm not a fanatic about cleaning my knives in a hurry, and there isn't a stain to be found on any of them.

Back to the set. The fit and finish are superb. They are substantial knives, and are happy to do the work for you. People who have been used to stamped steel knives (even good brands like Cutco) will marvel at what they have been missing. All of the main pieces are full forgings, including the beautiful cutting fork. They are works of art. The maple block is also well made, but they should offer a different block for the other knives in the series. The steak knives are stamped, but can be looked at as pretty good daily use freebies thrown in with the set. I ordered the forged steak set with wooden tray to compliment the main set. Also look at the new contemporary handle knives. I prefer the classic three rivet style for most, they provide a good grip even for large hands like mine, but I did order the 10" chefs and 10" carver with the new style handles. Same price, all blade styles. Petite chefs might like to buy a 6" chefs knife when they order the set. That will provide similar utility as the 8 & 10" knives provide me. Don't even think about getting one of those stamped steel "affordable" sets from the big German guys. When you get to hold and use these knives, you will understand my enthusiasm.

Friedrich Dick knives are a staple in culinary schools. Their blades have a higher carbon content than most, which makes them a bit harder and capable of holding an edge longer. (Friedrich Dick knives are also sold under the name Calphalon Professional Cutlery). Perhaps this is why the gentleman had a problem with rust. These knives are slighly more prone to rust than some others. All the good qualities described in the other reviews here are true, and with a little more care you get a superior set of knives at an excellent price/performance ratio bettered only by the Farberware Pro Forged set which are 85-90% of the quality for half, or less, the price.

I just received these knives today.

I have a set of Henckels "International" Pro knives which I bought at Costco for about $150. The Henckels went dull very quickly. I looked at the blade, "Made in Spain". OK, now I know better -- only buy steel made in Japan or Germany.

So, I bought these Calphalon's based on the great reviews and the German steel in the advertisement here on Amazon.

Here's the revelation -- upon examining these knives, they are clearly stamped, "Made in CHINA. German Steel"

I'm not sure if I should feel good about these or not. Time will tell, but I wanted to stay away from products made in China and thought that I was getting a German product.

Having used them today, I can say that despite being made in China, they are very balanced and have an excellent weight to them. I found my hand subconciously and very naturally gripping around the neck of the handle, bolster, and blade and using the weight of the blade to chop down, something like how I'd use a cleaver.

I'm waiting to see how the German steel holds up on these Chinese knives, but so far so good. Minus 1 star for the misleading origin of these.

Didn't even know Calphalon had knives, but I was replacing a lot of old kitchen items and I was due for a new set! After years of the cheap stuff, I needed to treat myself!

At $...they are much less than other brands (which I didn't try out since I didn't want to break the bank). I did have to pick up a tomato knife extra since that's one I use real frequently and is not in this set. It comes with instructions on care and use of each knife. Stainless steel, of course, does not mean indestructable. They say right on there not to soak and to sharpen before each use and wash and dry after. This is the same info as on other stainless utensils I own anyway, so no bother.

The entire weight is finely balanced for control while using. They feel extremely nice in my hand and I can get a nice sure grip while the blades glide right through whatever they touch without much effort--NO sawing needed!! I'm definitely in love! They are warranteed for life. I don't regret the money spent at all.

Quick tip for stainless items: distilled vinegar safely removes water spots and calcium and discoloration. Enjoy!

I bought this set three months ago and have been very pleased. I also bought a boning knife, tomato knife, and a 6" chef's knife. All are heavy duty and sharp. I haven't had any issues with rusting even when leaving them in the sink for a few hours. Before buying this set, I also looked at Wusthof and Henckles. These knives are very similar to the Henckles Pro S line. I also have a couple of the Pro S knives and find that the Calphalon knives are of similar quality. I'm glad I didn't spend so much more for one of the other sets!

I've had this set for 6 months now, and am extremely happy with it. They are far superior to the less expensive Henckels and Wüsthof sets. I wouldn't go as far a saying they are the same quality as the top of the line Henckels and Wüsthof sets, but they are very close and cost a LOT less. No problems with rust or discoloration (the maids even ran the chef's and paring knives through the dishwasher by mistake). The stamped steak knives are not the best,(I have the forged steak knives as well)but they work good for everyday tasks. All in all, you can't go wrong with this set.

I bought a set of these knives recently, trusting in the Calphalon name for some assurance of quality. Man oh man, was I ever disappointed!

Although the knives appear to be generally well constructed and have good edges on them, the so-called "stainless" steel in the blades was of obviously inferior quality. Even with careful handwashing and towel drying, I began to quickly notice rust spots on the blades. Once I made the mistake of leaving one in the sink without washing and drying it immediately (something I can routinely do with ALL my other knives, from the cheap stuff all the way up to the Henckel's four star), and I was shocked at the result. In that short time I saw substantial rusting, and I don't mean just some mild discoloration. I mean actual pitting of the steel in a way that I have never seen before in any of my kitchen cutlery.

Needless to say, I quickly returned the set to the retailer and demanded a refund. Learn from my experience, and don't make the same mistake. Hold out for the Henckel's -- there's nothing better on the market.

I had always maintained very cheap knives that always became very dull and rusty and finally made the decision to purchase a good set of knives. I shopped for about a year researching consumer rating agency reviews and looked at various brands with Wusthoff and Henckels as finalists. I stumbled onto the Caphalon's just as I was finally about to buy the Classic Wusthoff set. When I held the Wustohoff Classic series knife up to the Caphalon to compare, I could not tell the difference. I had held some other brands up to the Wusthoff's and could see an immediate difference in weight and material. I went for the Caphalon's because of the combination of a great price, great quality, and a nice block with room for additional knives. To supplement the set, I also purchased the 3 inch parer and tomato/bagel knife. The knives are very sharp and make slicing and chopping so much easier and find myself relying less on pulling out the food processor to do the task.

These knives are amazing in every way. They were super-sharp right out of the box. They are solid-feeling, full-tang, and very well balanced. The variety of knives handle all cutting jobs. Even the block has a really solid look to it. The steak knives, although not forged are also of excellent quality- they're the best steak knives I've used. There's no reason to buy knives that cost any more than this set.

I'm completely satisfied with these knives. The fit and finish are excellent and I've had no problem with rusting or staining, or with maintaining a razor-sharp cutting edge. What I like best about them is their design. They're well-blanced and the handle and blade shapes are perfect. I also have a set of Wusthof Grand Prix knives, one of their top of the line forged sets, and I prefer the Calphalon blade shapes. I don't notice any difference between the two sets in their sharpness or maintaining a good edge. Buy them - you won't be disappointed.