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(More customer reviews)This is a variation of my review of the J.A. Henckels International Forged Synergy 13-Piece Knife Set. But this 16-piece set is the one I'd recommend, so here goes... My wife and I have been using the Forged Synergy knives for about 2 years, and we couldn't be happier with them. They are well made, well-balanced, have beautiful handles, a nice finish, and hold a very sharp edge--we've sliced tomatoes with all of them. If you're buying your first set of fine knives, these WILL hold up to the Henckels reputation for quality.
Now regarding what some others have said about rusting and quality, I'll just add my two cents. There is a "Forged Synergy" and a "Fine Edge Synergy" series, and the main kitchen knives in those sets are NOT the same (though the steak knives appear to be so). The forged series has a metal tine that runs all the way through the handle with the black grips riveted on. The J.A. Henckels International Fine Edge Synergy 13-Piece Block Set is totally different--see the Amazon photos and descriptions for yourself. Yes, this Forged Synergy set is also made in China (not Spain or Germany like some of the more expensive Henckels sets that are 2 to 5 times more expensive), but the quality is still excellent and should far surpass most users' expectations.
Regarding rust spots, we've had none. However, there are two main types of stainless steel: one is harder and slightly less stain resistant; the other is more stain resistant but slightly softer. That means that you give up a little stain resistance to have a knife that holds a sharper edge longer. I think that's much more important than having to clean an occasional rust spot off if it were to occur. And usually, rust spots come from cheap kitchen gadgets whose rust sticks to the stainless--not that the stainless itself is rusting.
There are only two minor faults I find with this set (that didn't stop me from buying it, however). The kitchen shears are excellent quality and cut great, but the two parts should be easily separable for cleaning purposes. You'll see this in newer shear designs, and it's not a feature that would add to the cost. Also, the black finished knife block will eventually show wear and tear from missing when inserting knives into the slots. I'd have prefered a standard maple block. Lastly, for a few dollars more, I recommend the 16-piece version of this set over the 13-piece set because you get three more knives for about the price of one more.
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J.A. Henckels International Forged Synergy 16-Piece Knife SetCombining contemporary style with great value and excellent durability, this 16-piece knife Forged Synergy set from J.A. Henckels brings a modern Asian sensibility to your kitchen with the inclusion of a santoku knife and a vegetable knife with its fine-edged, symmetric blade. This set includes the following knives: 3-inch vegetable (kudamono), 3-inch paring, 6-inch utility, 7-inch santoku, 8-inch chef, 8-inch carving, and 8-inch bread. It also comes with a set of 6 steak knives (4-1/2 inches), a 9-inch sharpening steel, and a pair of kitchen shears. All items fit neatly into a hardwood storage block with contemporary black finish.
Perfect for smaller jobs like cutting, peeling, and cleaning fruits and vegetables, the kudamono paring knife has a slim blade with center tip and hollow cutting edge, which allows air between the blade and the item you are slicing to avoid sticking to the blade and ease of slicing. And the santoku knife, which is style after the classic Japanese cook's knife, has broad blade and especially sharp cutting edge that's great for cutting fruits and vegetables.
Made from high-quality stainless steel with a satin finish, the knives also offer a molded POM handle with brushed stainless steel cap and rivets for a comfortable grip and contemporary style, full rat tail tang for balance and strength, and full bolster that provides weight and ensures safety. They're backed by a lifetime warranty against defects in material and/or craftsmanship. Handwashing with mild cleanser is recommended.
What's in the Box 3-inch vegetable knife; 3-inch paring knife; 6-inch utility knife; 7-inch santoku knife; 8-inch chef's knife; 8-inch carving knife; 8-inch bread knife; set of six 4.5-inch steak knives; 9-inch honing steel; kitchen shears; storage block
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