I fell in love with this Miyabi line the first time I picked one up.  Miyabi Birchwood is a beautifully hand-crafted and made of the one of the best steels for kitchen knives. The smooth birchwood handle fits my hand perfectly; and the inset emblem is an elegant touch. But the part I really love is the blade. The exquisite flower patterned blades belie their hardness, their ability to keep an edge, their gleam. This set has all the basics. I've added to it, but could have been happy with this set by itself. Even the honing rod is is beautiful. What a joy. (I even like the scissors.)