This Wusthof block set comes from the extremely rare, discontinued, ultra-premium "Original" Grand Prix Series. A complete set of the most important knives a chef keeps in his kitchen.

Consumer Reports tested the Wusthof Grand Prix knives & rated them "excellent in every way," describing them as being "the best set the testers had ever used" and stating that they're "the smoothest, most balanced knives we've ever used. Molded plastic handles are textured for better wet grip. Great for chef's blade grip. Heavier than most. Many different types available."

Perfect for the couple who cook together, the eight kitchen knives in this set exemplify the control of Wüsthof knives while providing the couple with a variety of cutting edges: 8-inch and 6-inch cook's knives (chef's knives) for chopping and mincing tasks; an 8-inch serrated bread knife; a 9-inch carving knife for roasts, poultry, and ham; a 6-inch sandwich knife and a 4-1/2-inch utility knife for myriad slicing and cutting needs; a 5- inch serrated tomato knife; and a 3-1/2-inch paring knife. The set also includes a 10-inch sharpening steel for keeping knife edges aligned, and a 15-slot maple block (including six slots for adding steak knives) to store everything on the counter. Like all fine cutlery, these knives should be hand washed. --Fred Brack

Wusthof Grand Prix knives are precision forged in Solingen, Germany from a single piece of high-carbon, no-stain steel. Lifetime warranty.