J.A. Henckels Reviews

I purchased this item "sight unseen" (no picture, no dimensions) strictly for price: I thought I was buying a "caddy" for the silverware drawer to finally replace a hideous plastic thing that needs to find the dumpster. It's the little things, I've discovered, that can change the whole kitchen and cooking experience, especially when space is limited. Well! This just arrived over the weekend and, although it's not quite what the Chef De Cuisine ordered -- nothing at all like I imagined -- I took my chances, am delightfully surprised, and more than satisfied.

This is a tall, upright, four-section "basket" type caddy with a carrying handle. Overall dimensions are 5 1/2" across x 5 1/2" deep x 10" high. Basket/lower half is 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 5" high enclosing four interior divisions each measuring 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" x 5" high. Items must be placed handle-down/function-up to get the most use of the sections provided.

Attractive light honey oak woodgrain with a clear finish, it has simple lines. The front and back basket portions are a closed (no open spaces) horizontal three-plank-board design bearing the single J.A. Henckels International logo (not the double logo) centered on the bottom plank. The two sides are one piece "paddle" shaped tapering up to and rounding off with a 1/2" dowl rod carrying handle. The item appears well constructed and sturdy, there are no rough edges or splinters.

Although we have avoided countertop knife blocks because space is minimal (the Henckels Deluxe 13-Slot In-Drawer Knife Tray solved that problem :), I'm so delighted with this caddy that taking up a 5-inch space was worth it: I freed up an entire drawer of "miscellaneous." It's perfect for organizing and storing short utensils easily lost or a pain in the neck to keep handy for easy reach (basting brushes, bread thermometer, olive ladle, mini spatulas, peeler, zester, corer, whisks, etc.). To give an idea of capacity, I have 25 items in it and there's still room for a few more. Things look organized not messy, it means no one has to scrounge and search, and it provides an "everything in its place" function.

This caddy is a wonderful bargain solution that goes well with other butcher block items, cupboards or wood trim, and would complement any consistent color scheme. Whether for flatware or cooking utensils, overall a handy, didn't-know-I-needed-it quality item at a reasonable price whose versatility and good looks make it a no-regrets purchase.

I bought these knives on a special. I got what I paid for. I would have given 2 1/2 stars if that was an option. If you have more than one person cooking at the same time, it is nice to be able to grab a knife for some quick work rather than doing time share. However, these don't hold a candle to the real deal. Oh, they are colorful :)

I got these knives 2 years ago and still have yet to sharpen them. They work great for every little thing I have to cut. The red knife is great for slicing through muffins or small loaves of bread, my husband likes it for cutting sandwiches. The little blue knife is great for peeling potatoes or apples and the other two do all kinds of various cuttings. I would definitely buy them again or give them as gifts. I also like the colored handles not only for the colors sake but they are easy to remember which knife is which when the handle is the only thing poking out of the cup I have them standing in.

I bought my married-with-kids sister a set of these colorful knives, and she absolutely loves them. She even bought sets for their vacation homes on the coast! They're inexpensive and are great for gift giving.

.. be sure to practice on old knives first so you get the right touch. I'm sure glad I did, because a bit too much pressure on an old, inexpensive knife took a bite right out of the blade. The thing cuts better than ever before though. Go figure.

One needs to apply constant, medium to light pressure as you draw the blade through the sharpening wheels. You want to achieve a smooth stroke without allowing the blade to chatter as you draw it through. After some medium-firm strokes, test for sharpness. If it's enough, then draw the blade through lightly a few times to help hone the edge. Then follow with a few strokes on your steel to have a perfectly smooth finish.

Once you master the right strokes, this is a most wonderful kitchen addition. It's handy and easy to use. No more dull knives! I'd happily buy another when this one wears out.

This is a tremendous knife sharpener, especially for a single or woman living alone! It so easy to use, even my husband uses it! Its so great, that I am buying two for Christmas gifts. Thanks, Henckels.

I love this knife sharpener. It's easy to use, works like a charm, and it was a great price!

I like the knife , but the handle has a funny feel in my hand. Maybe someone withlarger hands would like it better. I like the Henkels with normal shaped handels better.

I've owned my Henckels Twin Star Plus 8" Chef's Knives for about three years. It is still as sharp as it was when I first got it. It can cut tomatoes and onions paper thin, if you so desire. It is so comfortable in my hand that I could use it for hours and not have my hand feel tired. I wish I could get one that is 10 or 12 inches long.

I got one of these knives several weeks ago, and have been using it regularly in place of my previous Henckels chef's knife that I've had for 15 years now. It's remarkably sharp, it seems to have less of a tendency to have slices of things stick to it and disrupt your cutting, and I like the balance and the shape of the handle which gives my knuckles more room so I don't always have to use an overhanded grip like I did with my previous knife (a 10-inch 4-star).

Contrary to the amazon.com review, hand washing is recommended to protect the edge.

I just wish for a 10-inch version; 8-inches, to me, feels too short for even comfortable slicing of large onions and apples, let alone cutting things like pumpkin, squash, or watermelon.

J.A. Henckels is known world wide for it's exceptional quality in knives and other kitchen products. And these shears are no exception. What really caught my attention were the colors. Where else could I find white shears?! I have two pair--white for foods, red for utility items.

These are well designed, durable (lifetime warranty), and feel comfortable in your hand even on the toughest jobs. I use them everyday--flower cuttings, crafts, cooking and even popping off a cap on a bottle of root beer with the nifty bottle top inset. Henckels thinks of everything!

I just may have to buy the black pair--hubby keeps gleeping mine for his workbench area.

After over 10 years of use, my Henckels shears look and function the same as the day I bought them. They have yet to need sharpening, and the semi-matte sheen of the handles is in pristine condition.

Two points to remember: Don't try to cut metal items with them, it will ruin their cutting edge, and dishwasher use is not recommended.

The blades are great for everything from plant stems to raw fish and chicken, and the tips of the blades are very sharp and will get into tight places. For instance, it's the perfect instrument for preparing artichokes, from neatly cutting the thorny tips, to getting inside to the fuzzy center.

Being left-handed, I appreciate its balance, and ambidexterousness, and I think no matter what your hand size, your fingers will fit comfortably.
A function I use a lot is the serrated inner grip for opening bottles and small jars...it does the job better than anything else I've used.

For garden, kitchen, or workplace, they will cut just about anything non-metallic, they're easy to clean, attractive to look at, and will serve you well for many years if used as intended.

Just to let you guys know, Cutco hires what they call "web solicitors" to hype up their products on sites like this. Also, Cutco is sold by Cutco salespeople only and these salespeople have an interest in bashing other knives on the net.