Aesthetics fit for a display case! Sharp-looking cutlery, figuratively and most certainly literally.
I do think there are a number of traits and features that makes these knives stand out, not only from a looks-perspective, but also from a performance perspective, compared to run-of-the-mill knives that are available. While I’m no expert, and while I’m admittedly a crumby chef, I’ll try to elaborate on what I like and what I’m not as keen on (pretty much nothing) about these blue-handled light-sabers of the cutlery world.So, I guess I’ll start with just how sharp these blades are. You’ll note I just referred to them as “blue-handled light-sabers,” because, well, they are absurdly sharp. There is a warning on the box to remind you that they are EXTRAORDINARILLY sharp and that you need to use them with caution. And as my luck would have it, I found that to be true with my very first use as I incurred a minor, but still poignant reminder of how poor technique and lack of proper respect for the tools we use in a kitchen can leave us with a Band-Aid on a fingertip for a few days. So yes, the warning and reminder is there for a reason, so be darn careful when you are using these knives as they are metaphorical light-sabers with slick-looking blue handles. I feel like razors get jealous when these knives are around.As to aesthetics, I find these knives to be fantastic looking, and judging by the comments I have already received from folks visiting my home, these knives grab attention, and people seem to be dazzled by their appearance. The blue handles, the copper inlays, the hammer-marks on the blades, and also the Damascus-looking markings on the blades, pretty much have everyone asking me just where the heck I got these things. Even the wooden box (with a cool magnetic top), with a plush interior, has also added to the overall aesthetic appeal of the package. These knives certainly take the top spot as to “best-looking” in my cutlery collection, and most folks entering my kitchen have made note of and comments about them – not so much the food I make…uhg.I do want to point out that while I’m no expert, the Damascus appearance of the blades appears to be different than what I know of Damascus steel. I did do a little research and found some info on the manufacture’s website about these blades, and they essentially refer to them as having a “Damascus pattern” that results from “folding 67 layers of steel together.” So, are these a true Damascus steel blade based on my knowledge? Well, probably not, but the company seems to be using a similar principle, so they say, by layering steel together, so I’ll leave it to you to decide.As to performance – yes – these are very impressive kitchen appurtenances by my standards, lol. As mentioned, and as learned the hard way, these knives are ridiculously sharp, and the blades seem to maintain that edge quite well. The handles provide a good grip, and the weight and balance of the knives feels superb. For my meager cheffing skills, these knives are way out of my league, but still, I do appreciate them. In the hands of a more skilled fooding connoisseur, these knives would likely be well-appreciated.And that leads me to my overall thoughts on these impressively capable, and equally gorgeous knives. To appreciate their true functionality would be to see them used by a skilled chef. However, even in the hands of novices, these are perfectly functional knives - one heck of a nice-looking set of knives – but at a pretty steep price of about $260. I will say that they are solid, full-tang knives, and they are made well - I believe if properly cared for, they will last a lifetime. I would say they are essentially “top-quality,” high-end, premium blades, not to be confused with the everyday kitchen knife. I do know that very nice knives can come with hefty price tags, so I can’t really knock the price on these. If you are up for high-end cutlery, or are looking for a sweet gift for someone who is, these could be a contender.