Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Forged 12-Piece Japanese Steel Knife Set, Cutlery Set with 420J Stainless Steel Kitchen Knives, Bamboo Finish Block, COK-KB-DS-012-1

Just opened my 12 piece Chikara set and what a disappointment. I opened a steak knife first and thought, "wow, this is really cheap looking". Opened the rest of the steak knives and they were all the same. Started opening other knives and they looked much nicer, felt much nicer and actually said Chikara on them (steak knives didn't). Realized the company tried to sneak in cheap steak knife Chikara knockoffs. I started examining the actual Chikara knives and realized that some of the blades were bent considerably, some had dings and black smudges, and some didn't even feel sharp. I'm wrapping them up and sending them back. Don't waste your time on these unless you can get someone to guarantee the set you ordered was quality checked. My set looked like factory seconds with cheap knockoff replacements sprinkled in.

I was a little reluctant to buy buy so glad I did. They are so sharp and a great deal.

I discovered these knives from a Consumer Report and purchased them here at Walmart Online. Great price and shipping from Walmart. The Ginsu Bamboo Chikara Series 12-Piece Cutlery Set is amazing for the price and by far the best knives I have owned. The stainless steal is high quality and so far (over a year) has proved truly stainless. The blades hold their edge extremely well and are very sharp for long periods. I am guilty of not always using the best cutting surfaces and these Chikara series knives have no problem with that! The balance and feel of these knives are great. Simply saying it's a pleasure to use them, sums it up nicely. As of this review, I have purchased three sets of these. 1st for myself, I loved them so I gave them as gifts twice! The people who received them as gifts, rave about them to me all the time. "Best gift ever" has been repeated many times over the year. The Bamboo knife block is solid but I do wish it was slightly angled. However, in reading reviews and info about this set, I learned it's designed that way to avoid dulling the blades. I would recommend the Chikara series knives by Ginsu to anyone...and I have, many times. ;) For a gift or for yourself these knives are a fantastic addition for any kitchen.

1. Outside packaging looks good. Inner individual are dirty, they clearly packed the parts on the floor and there is a layer of "dust". The instruction to clean before use....please follow. 2. After cleaning (with soap and warm water), I noticed the handle lost it's sheen. It looks dull. I am okay but if you are into aesthetic, this is a minus. 3. Have not had a chance to really use all the knifes (just moved in and will update this after 6-12 months) I am giving it 3 stars based on my initial feel, will need to use it before I feel comfortable bumping it up

I gave this as a gift to my sister-in-law and both she and my brother loved it!