Right out of the box, gave them a quick wash, and cut through a New York strip like  nothing. I've only ever had steak knives that came with a mid range set or were inexpensive gifts. These are heads and tails above! They wash up easily, while I don't plan to use the dishwasher for them, I appreciate that if my kids or a guest drops one in there, its not the end of the world.  They look sleek, the wooden case is very nice also, slides easily in a drawer.