Customer Reviews

J.A. Henckels Four Star 9-Piece Block Set

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased my set over three years ago, and I believe they are the best kitchen investment you can make. They are extremely strong, well balanced, and just the right weight to cut easily and accurately. They are spendy, but well worth the money if you cook a lot.

Hesitant to spend this kind of "jack" on a set of knives? If you spend any amount of time in the kitchen preparing and cooking food, this set is a terrific purchase.

Inadequate knives and utensils can take the fun out of cooking. Having to saw through a salmon to make steaks is tiring and unecessary. I used the 8" chef's knife to slice a salmon into salmon steaks, and I was surprised at the ease with which the task was accomplished. Even simple things, like peeling an apple, become fun. I had the easiest time ever taking the skin off a Granny Smith apple in one long piece.

The knives have the right amount of weight to facilitate use and accomplish the tasks they were designed for. The handles are perfect for my wife, who has tiny hands. The block is hefty, and won't tip over easily. I also received a free video on how to properly use different knives. The video was very educational for a knife amateur like myself.

The difference between Henckels Four Star and Henckels International is amazing. Naturally, the Four Star label is about twice as much as the International label (not made in Germany, but rather in the Far East - Korea, I think), but the knives are more than twice as much better. After purchasing the International label 5 years ago, I recall thinking, "Gee, these aren't any more impressive than something that Ecko would make." I didn't feel that way about the Four Star set. I was reminded of the "Crocodile Dundee" line, "Now that's a knife!"

It's true...I never thought I could have such affection for a set of knives, but the Henckels Four Star knives are amazing! My husband couldn't understand why I was making such a fuss over our new knives until he tried them. He used the 8" chef's knife to horizontally slice some very thick steaks into thinner ones. He couldn't believe how easily they cut and remarked he was hardly using any pressure at all!

The 5" serrated knife slices beautifully through bagels as well as lemons, limes, and tomatoes. I use the 6" utility knife for all kinds of vegetable chopping and mincing since I like the 6" blade for my smaller hands. I haven't used the 8" bread or carving knife much as they aren't for everyday use, but they are great for when you need them! My husband uses the 8" chef's knife for nearly everything! The Four Star handles are very comfortable for both of our hands and very easy to clean.

I first considered the 7pc. set, but when I priced the individual knives found the 9pc. set a much better deal. I also used Consumer Reports (Dec.98 & Dec.02) as a guide to finding the best quality knives we could afford. Yes, they are expensive, but when you think about how much use they get over a long period of time, it really is worth it.

I would also recommed the Henckels TwinSharp Sharpener. It is inexpensive and puts a nice, sharp edge on the knives. I used it on mine before their first use, and they are nice and sharp.

As a proffesional chef, the only knives I use are Henckels. I've had the same 4 star 8 inch chefs knife for over 6 years. If you multiply those 6 years by about 200 meals a night 5 days a week you get roughly 312,000 meals prepared with that knife. I've got to say it's still going strong and it's still my favorite knife to use. I'm purchasing this set for my sister who is getting married this August, and it will definately be the only set she ever needs to buy.

To the gentleman who wrote about wustof being the superior brand, I have to say I'm sorry. The only way that it will ever be superior to Henckels is if you are a Wustof salesman. Try cooking over 312,000 meals with a Wustof and call me later. The just don't last as long.

The henckels 4 star knife is perfectly balanced and has excellent hand feel. From someone who uses it everyday, trust me. I will never buy another brand of knife again.

In reading two of the reviews below, it appears that these reviewers are biased against Henckels (don't know why?). Well I can tell you that we bought a Four Star, 9 piece set (a bit different from this one being offered) 16 years ago. My wife does quite a bit of cooking and one of my daughters also cooks. They use these knives daily and we can testify to their overall excellent quality and ability to keep a sharp edge. We have never experienced the previous reviewer's complaint of corrosion in fact, the physical appearance of these knives is identical as when we purchased them in 1988. We have compared other knives but so far have not found anything equal in quality and utility to the Four Star.
I am looking to buy another set as a house warming gift for my daughter-in-law and son and have no reservation in the purchase price.
Quality speaks for itself.

I own this set of knives. I bought them over six years ago while living in Germany. I love to cook and bake. Buying this set was one of the best decision in my life. At the time I could bearly afford them but found out later that it was a great investment. I will never have to buy another set and will never use another.

I have owned this set for 10 - 12 years. I think that they are worth their weight in gold, a true value at twice this price.
They slice through meat, veg. & breads (even soft tomatoes), like a razor blade on a handle.
The knives stay sharp for years. I have them professionally sharpened about every 2 -3 years. However, if you hon them often they will never need sharpening.
I have seen many professional well renouned chefs use these knives. When I was researching knives for this purchase, a Chef from the "Greenbrier Resort" (a WV 5*hotel)reccommended these to me. I will never own another brand or style of knives.

This is the first set of 'real' knives that we've bought and have been incredibly satisfied with our purchase for over 5 years now. Moving from cheapo knives or 'Ginsu-type' serrated knives makes these Henkles feel like heaven.

Point 1: yes, mom, they are worth the money.
Point 2: use the sharpener, often, and don't use it on any other knives.
Point 3: the knife that sees the most use from this set is the kitchen shears...seriously.

I could go on and expound upon the values of this wonderful product (I have witty stories for each of the points above), but for general household applications, this is a wonderful set of tools and the 9 piece gives you room in the block for pre-existing knives or future purchases.

5 out of 5, easily.

Just before my husband & I were married, we happened to be in Stuttgart Germany. We knew we needed a kitchen knife set and stopped at a store that sold Henckels. We chose the 4 star
Twin series, buying a paring knife, the 6 inch and 8 inch chef's knife, carving knife, bread knife and cleaver plus a wooden stand and sharpening steel. Even back in Sept of 1984, this was an expensive purchase. We have never regretted it and we are still using the set. In fact, I added a second paring knife (most frequently used knife for us)and a boning knife a few years later and I'm online right now to add a couple of other items to my set.
I had to replace one paring knife that somehow vanished when guests were helping clean up the kitchen (I think it 0got wiped into the trash). I could see a difference from 20 years of sharpening the old paring knife (it was a little smaller than the brand new one), but it is still working beautifully.
Purchasing these knives is an investment that will last and last and last and last.
We never have to cuss over dull knives (unless we are working in someone else's kitchen). We never put them in the dishwasher, it only takes a second to wipe them clean right after using them (and please note - I am not one of those "wash something as soon as it is dirty" over the top cleaniness mavens). I just love these knives so well that I care for them as one should. They are well balanced, hold an edge well, are easy to handle.
You may later regret splurging on clothes or some knickknack. I very much doubt that one could ever regret splurging on these quality knives - which actually turn out to be a sound investment because they can last your whole lifetime. So far it is 26 years for us, and they are still unstained, still beautiful and certainly they are loved!

The best available at any price. If you want uncompromising quality, these are the knives to buy.