Customer Reviews

J.A. Henckels Twin Five Star 9-Piece High-Carbon Stainless-Steel Knife Set with Block

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

 

 

I gave this product a 4 star rating, not a 5 star, because a 9 knife set is overkill. I bought Henkel's 3 knife set. It suits all my needs. No need for 3 paring knives, when one is always sharp. No need for a serrated blade when you have a superior chef's knife.

As for serrated blades, they tear rather than cut. They are a poor substitute for a finely-sharpened blade.

As for the Cutco blades another reviewer compared these to (and it must be noted that he did so three times with three reviews), I too have a set of Cutco knives in my knife drawer, and they lost their edge relatively quickly. They also don't sharpen as sharply without regrinding the hollow grind as well as the edge. As for the hollow grind, that is an indicator of a manufacturer cutting corners. A hollow ground blade is where the blade tapers in flatly from the spine of the blade down to about the last 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the blade (width-wise), at which point the blade is ground in on both sides with a concave grind, which is a shortcut for an immediate sharp blade, but weakens the edge holding capacity, and must be resharpened more regularly (this, according to a noted text of knife sharpening, The Razor Edge Book of Sharpening by John Juranitch).

As for warranties, this reviewer may have a point, but in spite of Hyundai's premium warranty (10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain), compared with Honda's 3 years / 36,000 miles warranty, I don't see the premium for Hondas going down. Which would you rather own?

A quality product is a quality product, and the Henkel's 4- and 5-star cutlery is worthy of the price paid. I have never been happier with a knife. Quality cutlery makes cutting a pleasure rather than a workout.

Just to let you guys know, Cutco hires what they call "web solicitors" to ype up their products on sites like these. Don't fall for it.

First of all there's no doubt that Henckel 5 Star are top quality knives. Bought them and love them. However according to Consumer Reports here are the top ten knives: 1. WUSTOF (Trident Grand Prix) 2. WUSTOF (Trident Classic) 3. Henckels (Professional "S") 4. Henckels (Four Star) 5. Tramontina (Professional) 6. Cuisine de France (Commercial Sabatier) 7. Chef's Choice (Trizor Professional 10X Cutlery) 8. Chicago Cutlery (Legacy Forged) 9. Lamsonsharp (Forged) 10. Henckels (Five Star)

The Henckels Five star (which is the same as the Henckel Pro Series except for its handles) was rated 10 because it is "more likely to corrude". I would contest the validity of that statement but I'll let you decide. As an amateur cook, I can't tell any significant difference between the top of line Wustof and Henckel knives. From what I have read the true test of quality is how it feels in your hand. I choose this set because of its exceptional grip. They are easier to handle and more comfortable to use than the traditional full tang handles and still maintain a nice balance. As for the price, it is a little steep but it's worth every bit. As an alternative consider getting a good starter set and build up your knives collection later on.

I love the feel of my Henckels 5-star knives--they feel perfect in my hand, no teetering around, no awkwardness. But the manufacturer says to hand wash them--DO NOT put them in the dishwasher as the review says!

It took me a while to work up the nerve to buy a set of knives so expensive, but when I compare these to the knives they are replacing it's like night and day. I've used them now for several months and just love them. The edge is razor sharp -- and I mean that literally. The handles are very comfortable.

If there are any flaws it seems that the handle material is a bit soft because it did get some minor cosmetic scratches from something very easily.

The other issue I had was the back side of the blade of the two largest chef knives (the top edge of the blade, opposite the cutting edge)had some very sharp edges itself -- enough to cut me when I pressed the palm of my hand down on it while cutting food. I ran the sharpening steel against the edges at 45 degrees to blunt this and haven't had a problem since.

This is a great set of knives. One thing you shouldn't sacrifice on is kitchen knives. These knives have a great feel and cut with ease. They are durable and will last forever. Worth every penny! Give them a try and you will see why most chefs swear by their Henckel Knives.

Even though I preferred the look of the Pro S series, I went with the 5 star because it's so easy to hold. I love the ergonomic grip and how the knives feel perfectly balanced in your hands. I've owned the set for 3+ years and have not experienced any rusting or discoloration.

IMO, it's very low-life of the Cutco rep to bring down the ratings of their competitor's products. Don't listen to their non-sense. The Henkels 5 Star is a superior and high quality set.

These knives are the bomb. Absolutely the best set of knives you can own.

The Cutco mouth-breather (who graces us with three of the same reviews, as if we need his advice even once) needs to be hit in the head with a ball peen hammer, to straighten things out up there. Cutco knives are vastly inferior to Henckels, in terms of blade quality, balance, and overall construction.

At any rate, go with the 5 Star series, and you won't go wrong.

Clearly, our friend down there with the rave reviews of Cutco knives, while possibly an aggressively discerning consumer, has yet to master the fine art of word processing. Or perhaps his ecstatic reaction to the "superiority" of Cutco knives has left him verbally disabled. Regardless of his intelligence, the presence of three nearly identical postings of his "real life testimonial" stink of covert advertisement. Tell us who you really work for dude.

Just a word... ask a chef (one who wears whites and checkered pants 15 hours a day and smells of fish and garlic) How many Cutco knives are in their kitchens.

If you're using a knife 8 hours a day, trust me... your cutco knife will be relegated to the trash can or cutting boxes.