quality of this item has come down to zero, I grew up using this company utensils and still use the firm I just got those knives to replace what i had been using and they had sent me replacements which they were just as bad as the ones previously sent over and over had to pick up pieces from boxes to create a half decent set cause I am tired of calling and returning item (handles cracked or going to crack) something else, I remember my mothers knives handles we polished not these ones and the plastic (now) seated perfectly against the metal part. when they were made in Germany they were perfect but when they moved production to China all went down the hill. and the metal part of the knives they need more polishing as they are they look cheaper that the knives you get at the $ 99 cents stores.My rating is one star......I has sent pictures already.