If you care about having high quality implements for meal preparation then you NEED to buy this set. I just could not believe I could get this set for under $200 dollars ( well under). The knives are substantial and well balanced in your hand with a full length tang and good solid attachments for the handles. Wonderful assortment too - to be able to have a Santoku utility knife included with the basic set as well as six high quality steak knives- just WOW. I will be giving this set in the future as a VERY nice wedding present to a niece and her new husband, you can use these forvever.