The knives are great! I love the shape and feel of the handles, and the knives included in the set cover the range of common kitchen uses (though it could also use one longer 5"-ish parer - I ended up ordering one solo to complete my set). The block is smaller so does not take up too much space on the counter, but is sturdy in its shape so doesn't tip. My one complaint, and this is because I'm a little OCD when it comes to these things, is that I wish the knives fit better into their slots. For the steak knives in particular, the slots are a little too wide so the knives have room to wiggle back and forth.