Customer Reviews

Zwilling J.A. Henckels Four Star 8-Piece Knife Set with Block

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the 3rd set of Henckels I've owned. I sent the first set to the local cutlery store for sharpening and they came back with a different personality. Didn't cut like Henckels anymore. Really disappointed. In search of a replacement set, I got the lower end Twin Signature 11pcs set. It was stamped, not forged. They cut well, but the knife felt cheap compared with the real forged Henckels.

I am really satisfied with this Four Star set. Feels solid, even weight distribution from front to back, and cuts like butter. My friend has a set of Twin Crusine which is so well built that ended up being too heavy in the back. Feels like I am just about to lose control and dropped the knife. Gives me the insecure feeling that I might cut myself trying to overcome the Twin Crusine under control.

One thing I learn this time.... make good use of the sharpening steel. I finally got the courage to learn how to use the sharpening steel with the correct angle and position, it worked so well. Sharpen my other Henckles knife back to nearly new condition.

The knives themselves are fantastic, but the set really needs a regular unserrated 6-inch utility knife. Since buying it separately is outrageously expensive, I've had to pull a poorer-quality knife back out for now since this is a knife I used frequently. I love the santoku, had never used one before, but it's amazing for chopping. The handles are a perfect size for me, a woman with larger hands, and a man would probably appreciate them as well (although the five-star series knives have even more substantial handles). I see other reviews saying they prefer the Twin series, but these are the higher-end knives, forged instead of stamped like the Twin knives. Overall I would recommend this set as a good starter, and suggest you buy other pieces like the utility knife, bread knife, and steak knives as you come into inheritances....

I bought this knife set after reading many positive reviews. It has been two months since I received the set from Amazon and I'm impressed with its overall quality. Each knife is still sharp and beautiful. Seven-inch Santoku and 8-inch Chef's knives are my favorites.

My complaints:

1. Blades for two peeling and paring knives are too short to handle a variety of small cutting tasks. For example, I tried to cut apples but the knives are too short to cut the fruits in one stroke. I had to use a bigger utility knife from my old Chicago Cutlery knife set.

2. Five-inch utility knife has a serrated edge, which I believe is useful in certain tasks, like slicing tomatos, but it is not really versatile. As one of the previous reviewers pointed out, you will need a regular utility knife. Six-inch utility knife would be great although it costs $65 if you buy it from an open stock. Update on 12/1/09: Cutleryandmore.com started its holiday sale... Henckels 6-inch sandwich/utility knife is now $49.95 w/ free shipping. I ordered one to make this set more complete.

3. Each knife comes with an ergonomic handle but it is a little too small for my hand. I wish Henckels knives had slightly bigger handles.

Overall, I'm impressed with the quality and the affordability of this knife set. However, I have a 20-year-old Gerber stamped knife set (12 piece block set) that is as sharp as this Henckels set, but costing merely 1/3 of the price. As such, look elsewhere if you're a budget-conscious chef. Perhaps, Victorinox three-piece stamped knife set that sells for $61 would be an ideal alternative.

I'd recommend this knife set to anyone who is looking for excellent and relatively affordable forged knives from Germany.

Recommended for a professional chef at home..
I wanted my set of knifes for so long and this one didn't make me regret!

I have had these knives for about 2 months now and I am so happy I bought them. The knives handle amazingly, and are incredibly balanced. I find it very easy to use all the knives in the set, but I will probably add more soon!

Excellent quality, great balance, not too heavy, VERY sharp. Wooden block is also attractive and better-made than some of the ones that come with cheaper knives. I actually enjoy chopping veggies now!

Set contains all the basics, the quality is very high, the price is fantastic. I have had a set of these knifes for 30 years so I bought these for my son. Henckel is such a good brand, why waste money on poor quality knives when you can have the best for a bargain price. You only have to buy a good set once in your life.

These were over half a thousand dollars at Macys the same time I got them for approx $150 at Amazon. Are you kidding me? These are amazing knives.

I have had these knives for about six years, and I have never regretted the purchase. I have added a few other pieces from other brands, and they just aren't the same as my Henkels. I even tied the less expensive Twin Star, but they just aren't as good. I send these out to be professionally sharpened on occasion, and I use the sharpening steel in between to keep them in prime condition. Chopping vegetables has never been easier.

We purchased set of these knives 4 years ago. They are dreadful, don't waste your money. While washing one of the knives it fell onto the floor and snapped in half. I thought it might have been a flaw with the one knife. Again today, while cutting cauliflower I had another knife snap in half. These knives are not worth the money. Keep looking....