8 Piece Knife Set with Tempered Glass Block

12/30/13 Update: It's been one year since we've owned these knives, and I've had to hand sharpen several. Not a big deal, as I am very proficient with whet stones. My pocket knife is 440 stainless steel, and I've hand sharpened it for years. it's the sharpest knife around. But with these knives, while I CAN get a nice edge on them, it doesn't last, and the metal has chipped apart! The steel is so cheap, that I have chips missing from it's sharpened edge! These are great knives for looks, but with the steel just breaking off, I can no longer recommend these if you are a hand sharpener like myself. We do still use them everyday, but I plan to look for a better set that is made with stronger steel. We were initially happy, now we are disappointed.1/30/13 I paid $189 for these several months ago, and while these are amazingly sharp, my wife told me these were about $150 knives. Funny enough, three months later, they're down to $148. Very sharp, and we haven't had to sharpen them at all yet; they've held their edge quite well. I will agree with the other reviewer, it's quite odd that there is a flathead screwdriver on one end of the scissors. I also don't believe they are as heavy-duty as the knives are; the scissors just don't quite seem on par. We're still happy with our purchase, and do not have buyer's remorse, even though we spent extra. I don't think we were ripped off at all-the value for our money just isn't quite as great-but still really good. At $150, I think these knives are a great deal, and if you're looking for some quality blades, I recommend these so far.

No need to have all thoes extra knifes. This set is just right. Only thing I recommend is a good knife sharpener. They dont seem to hold a edge too long.

I have had this knife block for almost 10 years now and I am still using it. The open knife block makes it very easy to just put the knives back after I wash them without drying. I wasn't able to do this with a wood knife block and I always wonder how clean it is since I can't see the inside of a wood block. The knives on the other hand aren't bad. They hold their edge pretty well though I have had to have them sharpened a few times over the years to keep the edge on them.

It's hard to think of who The Chef's Toolbox 8 Piece Knife Set would be a good choice for, at the current price ($175-190). Those looking for top quality, and willing to put in the time to care for the knives, can buy the premier knives for not much more, if you shop carefully and buy only the knives you need and use. Those looking for a bargain, or unwilling to make a commitment to care for expensive, quality knives, can get alternatives for less money.IT'S GOT THE EDGE: The most attractive feature of The Chef's Toolbox knives is the blades: well designed, sturdy and made from high quality steel. Though keep in mind that you'll need to care for the knives to get the benefit - wash them by hand, and keep them sharp.MAYBE NOT THE FEEL: Like others, I'm not thrilled with the feel of the handle or the balance of the knives.THE RIGHT KNIVES? The idea behind a knife set is that you get more knives for your money. But that only works if they are the knives you want and will use. Fewer, better knives would be an option some should consider.And really, they should be a pleasure to use. The shears in this set don't make the cut in that respect.ALMOST GOT THE BLOCK RIGHT: I actually like the idea of this block, as the traditional wood block is impossible to keep clean, and leaves a trail of wood dust (and more) wherever it goes. But they just didn't get the design quite right.I like  Magnetic Knife Bars , they keep knives clean and out of reach of little hands.GUARANTEE? A guarantee is only as good as the company behind it, and their customer service policies. If you're really interested in a long term commitment to high quality knives, going with a well established company seems a better bet.ARE YOU REALLY READY TO COMMIT? If you, and everyone who uses the knives, isn't ready to take care of knives properly, factor that into your choice of knives. Though I'm careful with our Wusthof Classics, it's a constant battle to keep the others in the house, and the sitters, from putting them in the dishwasher.ALTERNATIVES: Consumer Reports top choices all around were the  Zwilling J.A. Henckels Twin Professional S  and  Wusthof Classic Knives  (in general, not just those sets).Value options include the  Ginsu Chikara Knives  and  Wusthof Silverpoint II Knives . (Again, those product lines, more than those sets.)Be very careful when shopping, as knife brands have a lot of similar names with very different quality.