Beautiful knife set, so far they're awesome! Box did "recommend" that they be hand washed which is a pet peeve of mine, I would much prefer throw everything in the dishwasher. Also I was surprised how much further out on the counter this block sits. My last knife set sat in the block much more erect so it really didn't take up much counter space, this one comes out 9.5" from the counter at the base of the block. At the furthest length of the knives they extend almost 14". Not terrible, but definitely a difference from my last set.