Let me start this review by stating that I already own several professional quality Wusthof Classic knives. I have researched kitchen knives extensively and know what to look for. This set, for the price, has no equal that I've seen (and believe me, I've looked!) I was skeptical when I saw a 16 piece, off-brand name set on sale during a Friday Sale for 1/2 what I'd pay for a Wusthof Classic single knife. I needed a new knife block, so I figured that for the price, that alone would be worth it even if the knives turned out to be not so great. I got them in the mail today and WHOA...was I surprised! Each kitchen knife has a full, substantial tang and integrated bolster...not that fake bolster that cheaper knives sport. The description also mentions that these are stamped, not forged. Well, they sure fooled me, because I've never encountered a stamped knife that looked like this. The other reviewer is correct, not mentioned in the description but included in the set is a hefty meat cleaver, also with a full tang/bolster...and I do mean hefty. I would estimate it weighs at least a pound and a half all by itself. The edges are sharp and even the sharpening steel is a well made, substantial piece of workmanship with a terrific, non-slip handle. The handles are wood, not resin, and are comfortable to hold.
If I had to say anything unkind about the set it would be that the knives might actually be too big and they are not quite finished as cleanly as a more expensive set would be. If you're a small person, like me, you might become fatigued more easily than with a lighter weight set. However, with that said, my husband absolutely loves these knives heft and size. So use that to your advantage ladies and get the hubby's to do your chopping! As far as finishing, where he handles and tang meet is not completely smooth. This is such a MINOR thing, I almost didn't mention it, but it in no way detracts from the functionality of the knives.
Finally, each knife is stamped with the word, "China" on it. If you have opinions about Chinese workmanship, then be assured that this isn't your typical Chinese product. I'm as almost as pleased with this set as I am with my Wusthof knives which cost upwards of $75 each. If you're just starting out, or if you're just looking for an amazing deal...you can't go wrong with this set!
UPDATE: After a month of using these knives almost daily, I find them to be still a pleasure to use. They don't show any signs of rust, but then I don't wash mine in a dishwasher. I hand wash them, immediately dry them and put them away.
I see some reviews that complain that they don't hold an edge, but I don't find this to be the case. The steel is a high carbon steel that I've found to be quite good at maintaining its edge. It's important to remember that a good set of knives are an investment that require user maintenance to retain their initial quality. Some tips on keeping ANY knife sharp and prolonging it's life are:
* Don't cut on overly hard surfaces like glass, ceramic or marble cutting boards, instead use wood, plastic or something like it with some `give. Hard surfaces will dull any blade very quickly, regardless of knife quality.
* Run the edge of your knife over the included steel a few times before you put it away or before you use it. This will keep it free of burrs and prolong it's edge. Search for tips online at knife stores for proper use of the steel too, improperly using a sharpening steel can be almost as bad as not using it at all.
* Have your knives professionally sharpened, twice a year if you use your knives frequently, or once a year if less often. The factory edge will not last forever and a professional sharpening will add years of life to your knives. You can find knife sharpening services in your phone book and many hardware stores offer this service. It's usually only a few $$ per blade for this service.
* Use the knife for its intended purpose. Don't use a filet knife or the serrated bread knife to cut hard veggies, use the chef's knife instead.
* Every so often, feed the wood on the handle by using mineral or linseed oil on them, or even a bit of lemon oil or furniture polish. This will prevent warping and splitting.
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