NANFANG BROTHERSKnife Set, 9-Piece Damascus Kitchen Knife Set with Block, Non-Slip ABS Ergonomic Handle for Chef Knife Set, Knife Sharpener and Shears, White

Great set. Easy to use. Well packaged and quick delivery.

I've got slightly mixed feelings about these Nanfang Brothers Damascus Knife Sets, on one hand they are undeniably good blades and actually do look like genuine Damascus steel (unlike many which are just acid-etched to look the part) and they're exceptionally sharp as you'd expect. On the other hand the other elements, like the handles, wooden block and sharpening steel feel a bit less high quality and don't quite have the quality of finish you'd expect at this price. That said the handles are solid enough and it's no bad thing that the best element of these knives is the blade, but there's still something out of balance.Usually I wouldn't put good knives in a dishwasher because they can get blunted slightly by the caustic chemicals, but I tested a couple of these out and it had no discernible impact on the cutting edge at all but it did slightly dull the sheen on the plastic handles. I'll be sticking with handwashing from now on but it's good to know they won't get ruined if your 'helpful' houseguest loads them in with the cutlery.The included poultry shears are useful too and have what look like nutcracker openings formed in the handles, actually they might be bone-snappers for boning poultry but let's not think about that. Must admit I'd be tempted to hide the scissors away rather than leaving them out in plain sight in the block - they're going to get ruined if someone grabs them for trimming a tarpaulin in the garden when you're not there to shout STOP!You get an excellent selection of full length blades including a Japanese Santoku-style blade which I especially like. The small fruit/peeling knife is a lot smaller and depending on which set you choose (the 14 piece or 9 piece) you either get 6 steak knives, which also work perfectly well as mid-sized chopping knives, or you get a single mid-sized slicing knife which is similar but slightly different to the steak knives. You can resharpen them all when necessary except the bread knife and steak knives which have serrated blades. Overall, the blades are certainly a big step up from your average kitchen knife set but so is the price and I'm not sure the quality of finish is quite in line with the price, even if the blades themselves are.

I've used Nanfang brothers knives before and they were fantastic. This set is no different and they are truly a set to behold. I'm no professional chef, nor a blacksmith, so when it comes to the Damascus steel, I won't be able to tell you a thing about it other than it looks very pretty.The knives are very sharp, I cut through a watermelon so effortlessly and the blade just glides through. After watching Gordon Ramsey I've learnt you need to sharpen before and after, just a couple of strokes and this includes a knife sharpener (probably the easiest type to use) and after some prolonged use they haven't even started to dull.I've seen some complain about the handle of the sharpener not really fitting the aesthetics. I can see what they mean, though I do disagree, it is a slightly different shape but it's not a knife, it's the same material so I don't think it's too out of place.The wooden block is really aesthetically pleasing.I got a tiger loaf from the store as a substitution, I use to hate that as it was such a hassle trying to slice it, this was when I really realised how much difference a sharp knife makes. The bread knife cut it so easily and thinly. From that point on I've only bought loafs that aren't sliced.If I had to have a niggle, I'd say the paring knife isn't quite as good as the rest, it's not bad, it's still quite good actually, it just isn't as incredible as the rest, in my opinion, and I do want to state, that really is just me nit-picking.Do you cry when you cut onions? If so, that's because your knife is blunt! A sharp knife doesn't do this as it cuts, not tears. You might not think this makes any difference, but it does, food just tastes better when it's not having its fibres pulled apart.At £279.99 it's a hefty price tag, it's not one I feel comfortable telling you to jump in and grab it. Do I personally think it's worth it? Absolutely, they're the best I've ever used, and if it is within your means then I do absolutely recommend them, but I am no expert on knives.I do however, love them, and probably the best thing I own in the kitchen.