Customer Reviews

J.A. Henckels International Fine Edge Pro 13-Piece Knife Set with Block

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

 

 

After using a friends set of Henckels, I thought I'd grab a set for myself. What I've discovered in my research is Henckels now makes some cheaper quality and cheaper priced knives as well as their high quality stuff. Fortunately, they have an easy way to identify which is which. The higher quality knives have the original "Twins" logo (looks like two little stick figures side by side) where the cheaper sets have just a single little stick figure man. They still make some very nice sets, this particular one isn't one of them. Just look for the twins and you'll get a much nicer set.

I recently ordered this set of Henckels knives based on my experience with Henckels in the past. Although I have never owned my own set of Henckels, I have used a set and was very impressed with them. Unfortunately, this particular line of Henckels knives didn't meet my expectations. The knives were very light and the blades are quite thin. In fact, there is quite a bit of flexibily in the blades themselves. The chef's knife was especially disappointing. I was expecting Henckels quality for a great price. I suppose the bottom line is you get what you pay for.

The short story:
Pay a little more money and buy Wusthof cutlery,
and get a lot more bang for the buck.

The long story:
J. A. Henckles make different lines of cutlery. Their
"International" line is lower quality and less expensive
than their top lines "Pro S" and "Five Star."

(The only difference between the "Pro S" and "Five Star"
is the handle. The "Pro S" has a full-tang riveted handle,
and the "Five Star" has a bigger, synthetic handle. Some
people claim the full-tang riveted handles have better
balance.)

Though, Henckels name is more well known than Wusthof
and they sell more knives to the general public, people
who have used the two brands, for the most part, agree
that Wusthof is the better knife. Also, Wusthof seems
to employ much better quality control than Henckels.

Henckels cuts corners when it comes to their sets.

Henckels supplies a relatively small, low grade
sharpening steel with their top line "Pro S" and
"Five Star" sets.

In their top line 18 piece sets, their steak
knives come from a lower line.

Henckels has a recommended retail price and a sale
price on their cutlery. Just about all vendors,
sell Henckels knives at the "sale" price. Henckels'
warranty department will only give you credit for
the sale price of their product, even if you pay
more, and have a receipt to prove it.

On the other, hand, Henckels warranty department is

generous when it comes to replacing old Henckels knives
damaged due to consumer misuse. I thought knives
completely submerged in salt-free water would
not corrode. I thought corrosion needed salt or
air. Wrong. My Henckels knives corroded even
though I just left them submerged in soapy water.

The most popular knife today is the Wusthof
Grand Prix, Santaku knife with a granton
edge. This is the knife used by Rachel Ray
and other chefs on the Food Network. "Granton"

means the knife has semi hollowed-out ovals on
its sides. Granton edges may provide a smoother
cut, with less drag. Vegetables may stick to
their sides less. But knives with granton
edges are not supposed to be sharpened at home.
Moreover, they have very little edge to sharpen
and so have much less life expectancy than an
Identical knife without a granton edge.

one of the blades broke within 3 weeks, and the box does not contain any warranty information or an (800) number to call the company for a replacement.

I have owned these knives for two weeks and they were everything they said they would be. I found them to be well balanced between blade and handle and the seraded edge on the steak knives made for easy slicing. Although not their most expensive set, I don't think the average user could tell the difference.

I've owned this set for over a year now with no real complaints. The knives have performed beyond my expectations. They keep an edge despite daily use and abuse.

If I could improve anything at all about the set it would be the steak knives. These are thinner than the rest of the knives but are more than adequate to the task.

Those familiar with the Henckels line of chef and other knives will be disappointed with this set. If you're expecting fine German steel, good balance and heft, finely-honed edges and the heavy, secure handles typical of Henckels' better knives, then spend a little more money and stay away from this cheap set of lightweight Chinese knockoffs. The edges were sharp but rough and the handles angular and uncomfortable. If you're simply looking for a first-time set that you expect to replace/upgrade in the future, there are several other Chinese-made sets just as good but at half the cost of this set. The block is nice, but that alone doesn't make up for the overall inferiority of the set.

Spend a little more for German made Henckels or Wusthof - not these low quality chinese made knives you won't be sorry. You won't get 13 knives but you'll have several (chef's, paring,utility) that is good for 80% of the jobs you'll need to perform in the kitchen, Plus they will last a lifetime and be a joy to use.

I understand that many people are disapointed in the quaility of this set. However you must realize that you are looking at the less expensive and there for lower quality knives. This doesnt not mean they are not good. These knives are better than any other in this price range. Just understand that you are not going to get the $50.00 per knife set and you will be more than satisfied with the purchase. I was.

The knives are great, I have used there product before. I think the are not as good quality as there higher end models, but you get what you pay for, which is a great set of knives for a great prices. These knives would compare to most manufactures high end knives sets.
Pictures these knives a the set that you give to your kids after 18 years of use, then you buy the more expensive set.