This is my first Henckels product, the Classic 7" bread knife.  I'm an avid home cook and have been soldiering on with a capable knife set given as a gift over 20 years ago.  So upon using my new International Classic Forged bread knife for the first time with a fresh crusty baguette I was instantly amazed at the solid feel of the handle and non-flexing feel of the knife as it cleanly cut right through the crisp outer crust without ANY crushing of the bread.  Even well into the middle of the loaf and at the end where the last few inches were at their thickest, I was still able to make perfect slices without smashing and tearing the bread.  I can't wait to receive our International Classic 7-piece block set later this week that this knife will be added to.