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Sean Gately
September 15, 2014
An amazing and beautiful knife set.
I looked at all the candidates for a quality forged full tang knife set from Germany, and was deciding if I wanted a more expensive set, or a nice set and then a really nice chefs knife. After tons of research I decided the Aesthetics of this won out an would look amazing on the counter, and I could use the savings to purchase a nice Japanese Mac Chefs knife.If you don't know Mercer is big in the Culinary circuit, especially in the culinary schools. I figured if our future chefs are learning on Mercer quality then why not give them a shot. After all the case is about as good looking as any I have ever seen, and the knife set got really high review.On un-boxing you notice the knives are really good looking, with a great shine and attractive black handle. You have to put together the holder but that took only a minute or two. I have to say they nailed the presentation, and these things shine on the counter unlike any wooden block could do.On use I was amazed. These things are sharp, heavy, and balanced. I find myself switching between the Japanese Mac for dicing, and the German knives for harder jobs. Also, most of the sets I looked at had way to many knives. Most of my use revolves around a Chefs knife and a paring knife but I do find myself using the utility knife more and more.My advice is to give these a shot if you looking at the other Germans, and the money you save can go into a quality Japanese chefs knife for the finer jobs in the kitchen.
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If you’re hard-up for space, try this …
I almost didn’t buy these - being unsure of where they’d fit-in in a cramped kitchen. As positioned the medium and smaller knives in front slide out easily (at an angle). The butcher knife in the center requires sliding the case forward a few inches. I can see where a busy chef fight find that inconvenient. However, for occasional use it’s not much of an issue.The knives? Just arrived. I’ll update the review in the future. I can say that the box and the glass case are easily twice as heavy as I expected. As others have noted, it would be difficult to knock it over. Nice level cushioned base. Now if I can just convince myself to actually use these rather than simply admiring the way they complement the kitchen … :)After one week, I couldn’t be happier. The knives are of excellent quality. Very sharp. I’ve mainly sliced onions and peppers and trimmed fat off meat to this point. Also, great for slicing an English muffin in two without destroying it in the process. I remember from my earlier fishing days the substantial difference in feel and function between a cheap everyday knife and a top quality (fully forged) pricier knife like this. (Try dressing-out a 25 lb salmon with something cheap.) But not everyone needs knives of this quality. For 90% of everyday kitchen use a much cheaper set will do fine. So thus beautiful set is more of a luxury item in my case than a necessity. And I’m always happy to make the kitchen look a little nicer. :)
✔ Verified Purchase
High quality knives for a decent price
One quick note to those who are complaining about these knives rusting, that is actually a sign of a good quality knife with high quality steel. If you don't treat them like a five dollar stainless steel piece of junk you bought at Walmart and these will last you for years. Don't leave these things in water to soak, don't put them through the dishwasher, and be careful because these things are sharp. First time I used one after using Cutco knives for years I cut myself because I expected some kind of resistance while cutting an onion instead it cut through the onion like a lightsaber.I love the standing glass display case, its easy to see which knife you're grabbing before you grab it, the blade doesn't get dulled on wood, and it looks beautiful. If I had to complain I'd make the complaints that it doesn't come with a knife sharpener and that the case is way heavier than I expected it to be, which is actually a bonus if you're worried about it tipping over.
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artknows
January 06, 2021
Mercer is the real deal in professional quality knives.
These are really nice knives. The blades are high quality German Steel. They are made in Taiwan, not China. The workmanship is excellent. Price wise they are very fair, though I got them as a gift. They look great in the holder. The set has everything you really need. Ultimately I did return them as I don’t think I’m a good enough chef to do them justice and they would probably get abused and not loved. Something this good deserves to be cared for properly, kept out of the dishwasher and kept honed and sharp. Our prior set wasn’t loved and fell into poor shape. I’ll try to sharpen them and train the family to use them correctly. Then if we can prove it, I’ll ask for another set some day. Though I’d like the Roll Set for me. This one is quite beautiful on the counter, but if I ever get good, I want the roll. Like in the movie Chef. Maybe someday. But if you want knives of top quality and great value, Mercer is for you. Great knife set.
✔ Verified Purchase
