Customer Reviews

J.A. Henckels Twin Five Star High-Carbon Stainless-Steel 7-Piece Knife Set with Block

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Okay, they're not exactly pretty. The handles are a matte black, and have nothing that suggests "whimsy" or "charm". What they do have is a great ergonomic shape that provides a firm, sure girp in the hand. They also have great cutting edges, made from Soligen steel (as a woodcarver, I can attest that this steel is among the world's finest). There are no exposed tangs, no exposed rivets. That makes washing these knives a real easy job, and assures that the handles will never warp, crack, or gather bacteria in little indentations.

This set is a very good deal, but I would order it along with a fillet knife (the missing link here). You might also consider a bread knife, but my view is that since bread is the least punishing thing to cut with a knife, a cheap knife will do just as well. Also, the serrated kife that comes with the set works just great for cutting rolls and smaller loaves.

Now back to the steel... it keeps a very nice edge with a few licks along the butcher steel. However, don't expect that the butcher steel alone will keep the edges sharp forever. At some point, after much use, the edge will develop what we carvers call "rollover." You then need to redefine the sharp edge with a ceramic sharpener. So do consider getting one of those along with your set.

Yep, these knives don't call for attention, but they do the job very, very nicely. As for the dishwashing issue: yes, theoretically you can place them in your dishwasher. But think: the edges are going to take a beating if they rattle around in there, so you would have to make sure that the knives were very securely immobilized in the rack. That's why Henckel's recommends hand washing. They wash beautifully, and faster by hand than the time it would take to fool around with securing them in your dishwasher.

This is a great set, at a great price. I've had mine for several months now, and suspect that it will be a long, long time before I am due for another set.

This is my first set of really fine German made knives. I've heard for years that the best knives come from Henckel in Germany. I thought the price was right and was looking for a "fatter" handle on a knife. This knife set is beautifully designed and well made. I have a touch of arthritis in both thumbs and the skinny handle on most kitchen utencils is difficult for me to hold. This knife set fits my hand nicely and glides through everything like it's warm butter. Great knife - great value. This set will last a life time!

I spent the money and I love them. I read reviews about the handles being too bulky for those with small hands but I have had no problem with them and I do have small hands!

I ordered these knives using a Gold Box offer.... They arrived 11/26 and I have been in love ever since.

The Chef's Knife is heavy with a good balance and razor sharp. This knife does a great job on tomatoes, onions, peppers, and it's great for mincing garlic. The paring knife is equally sharp and useful, it peels and slices easily and fits nicely in the hand. The shears are also great and I find myself using them for more than just cutting open packaging. The handles seem like they would be awkward, but they have a great feal to them and fit nicely in my hand.

If you have the 200 dollars and the desire to get a great set of knives, these are the ones to get. If you can only get one knife, I'd suggest the Chef's knife. If you can afford 2 knives, I'd get the paring knife as well. These 2 knives are must haves and you will find yourself using them frequently.

I got a big set of 5 star knives for Christmas, and think they are great! They cut beautifully, are very well made, and easy to clean. I think the handles are really just a personal preference. I understand the blades are the same in the Pro S and 5 Star line. My dad (who also swears by Henckels)has the Pro S series, and finds the larger more ergonomic handles in the 5 Star line uncomfortable. But I find them easier to work with. I have noticed a few spot/stains on the blade of the large chefs knife in the past few months, but I assume that this is probably due to my own maintenance practices.

The knives are very good, however every handle on the 5 Stars looks worn (almost scratched). I thought it may have been shipping damage since the knives do move around in the box. However, I took a trip to the many stores to see in what they look like at retail stores. Every store (including Williams and Sonoma) had very worn looking handles. I check display and from brand new boxes. There is something wrong with either the composite they are using or the process. BEFORE you order any 5 star knives check them out in person to avoid frustration with the handles. Henckels is a great company and these are great knives, but be forewarned the handles on all of the knive look dirty (especially the [end] of the handle).

My husband begged for a set of Henckels knives for Christmas a few years ago, so in 2001 I caved in and got this set for him. I wonder how I ever got along without them. We use these knives every day for everything! The ergonomics makes them easy to hold and keep a grip on. No task is too tough or too tender for these knives, and they stay sharp for years. I use the sharpener about once a month or so on the 8-inch knife, which sees daily use. The only bad thing is I keep losing the kitchen shears! I use them all over my house for everything from cutting through chicken to cutting flowers, and sometimes they don't make it back to the kitchen. No one should be without these in the kitchen; they are definitely worth every penny! Quit buying cheap knives and buy a set of these, and you'll never look back!

UPDATE: We actually bought these in 2001. We still have them (although I'm still losing the shears all the time) and we still love them! I'm going to have to get them professionally sharpened sometime; the sharpener that comes with it works great, but after a while even the most top-quality blades need to be rehoned. The Henckles stickers on the sides have all fallen of, but that's no great loss. Still wouldn't trade them for anything!

Excellent knives, arrived in beautiful condition despite caveats of one previous reviewer.
I am very pleased with this purchase.

This was for my wife that deserved a decent set of knives since she cooks for the family. I noticed and diffenc on the first use and still to this day. The knives cut anyhting you want from meat to vegetables with great ease. The were well worth the price.