Knife Block Reviews

This is a very nice set of knives, especially if it's going to be your first set. Eventually, you will probably want to move up to something a little better. The blades do a fair job of holding their edge, but still should be honed before every use. And while it may be somewhat subjective, I didn't care for the balance. For example, the chef's knife...it might be ok for someone who holds their knives only by the handle, but if you hold it correctly (with the base of the blade between thumb and index finger) the balance just isn't there. The handles are hollow (or at least they sure feel like they are) and some added weight would go a long way towards balancing it out, and actually making your work easier. But overall, for the price, it's really not a bad starter set.

I purchased this set from Amazon and lost it to my youngest child who was highly impressed by the absolutely stunning style of the knives. After using them he was even more impressed by the quality. I have since purchased a second set of Sabatier stainless steel knives for my kitchen

I love the set, everyone that see it wants it, i usually give people every thing they ask me for, but finally i learned to say no, go buy your own.

I purchased these as a cheap (Amazon[.com]'s price on this set seems to be a moving target so your milage may vary) alternative to all of the "hand-me-down" dull knives in our guest apartment. I'm sure they will work out fine in that capacity.

However, if you think these are "great" knives, then I suggest you first purchase a knife such as the Wusthof-Trident Santoku so you have a basis for comparison (i.e., perfect balance and heft, brilliant metal finish, and a razor sharp edge). Also note that the "Sabatier" name has been used by more than one company, and that the knives associated with high quality have traditionally been produced in Thiers, FRANCE not China. For example the Fuso, Au Carbon and Grand Chef Sabatier line are made in France.

I gave this set 3 stars based on the price I paid -- where else could I get a useable 14-piece knife set for roughly the cost of three music CD's? A plus is that they are drop-forged instead of stamped. Major points off for the lower quality of the metal finish (dull with factory grinding marks), unknown quality of the metal itself (how easy will it be to resharpen and how long will they stay sharp?), and the lack of a really sharp factory edge.

I received these knives for Christmas. I had asked my husband for quality everyday knives. I have the expensive wonderful knives but I only like to break them out for serious cooking. I needed a knife set to use for quick jobs and to replace my steak knives. I am pleased with this set. I especially like the utility scissors, I must use them 50 times a day. The knives are not as sharp as the good set (you get what you pay for) but they work great for my needs. I like the handles and the look of this set. If you are looking for high quality, super sharp knives, well you will probably have to spend more money to get the quality you want. However, if you want a decent set with a nice variety of knives at a good price, this is it. By the way, I've had the cheap knife sets from discount & department stores (given as gifts) and used them for years. Once I got these knives, those other sets were in the trash. I like these knives and recommend them.

this knife set is not only wonderful to work with, it looks stunning in the kitchen too. knifes are easy to handle, have a good grip and are perfectly sharp. and it's a abfab present, for a very, very reasonable price. brought it with me to holland (no not in my carry-on luggage) and even customs at schiphol airport admired it.

Twenty bucks or so, maybe. I found this set to be very sharp, use after use, easy to handle and not too bad looking either. The handles tend to discolor temporarily if you put them in the dishwasher, so don't.

This knife set is perfect for a relatively novice cook such as myself. The last knife set I purchased retailed at over $100 and those knives pale in comparison to the quality of these fine blades. I'm not familiar with all of the details to look for when evaluating the quality of fine knives, but I find they work especially well as my "everyday" knives.

This set is an average lifespan set, I have had it for two years now and it has started to show quite a bit of wear and beginning to show signs of rusting in small spots.

First, realize that I bought this set while it was on special, which was a great price. The reviews I read here were mixed, but I figured for the price, at worst these could be a set for rough use and disposable if necessary.

When they arrived, I was not the least bit disappointed. There was not a single flaw on any of the knives, all were reasonably sharp (sharpened up even better on the included steel)They were uniformly ground and not at all sloppy. They have the main features you look for in a knife, high carbon SS, full tangs, solid rivets, etc. The handles are composite, nothing fancy but look very durable.

Yes, this is the lowest Sabatier line (most likely borrowing their name to the manufacurer, but I'm sure they wouldn't do so If they weren't satisfied with the quality and they probably impose cetain standards)and yes made in China not France, but still I think of good quality and I've not seen better (or even close)for near the price I paid. I wish they were still on special as I would be buying them a X-mas gifts.

In all, I got much more than I expected for the price, more even than I would expect for the current Amazon.com price. (I do agree with other reviewers that the MSRP listed is a little out of line on the high side)

Note that one reviewer who claimed to know from knives, complained that they rusted the first time he put them in a dishwasher. Discard this review, as anyone who knows anything about good knives, knows better than to put tham in a dishwasher. The course soap dulls them and long drying time does encourage rust. Good knives are made of high carbon steel to hold an edge. This type of steel is suceptible to rust if left wet. Good knives should be washed and wiped dry immediately after (which is easy).

Bottom line: If you want the best knives available, pay several hundred for Hencels' or Sabatier's best line. If you want a great deal on knives that are excellent quality (more than good enough for most of us, and a magnitude above what various discount or department stores carry) buy these.

I purchased this set because of the Sabatier name, and once again I was over-impressed by the quality it delivered. This set does it all from the hard jobs of carving a 25lb top sirloin roast into perfect steaks to cutting the delicate tomato without crushing it. The bread knife is stellar for those of us who like to make our own bread at home and the steak knives are great for large dinner groups, (six knives instead of the usual four with most sets in this price range). All the knives have an excellent ergonomic friendly design for people like me who put in long hours in our kitchen for the relaxing stress relief of creating fine cullinary works of art. I encourage all chefs, (especially novice chefs), to buy this set. I am positive you will be happily surprized at the quality you get for the price.

I have cut myself 3 or 4 times since buying these knives less than a month ago. I haven't had this problem with other knives. They are sharp enough that it bleeds despite pressure. Part of the problem is actually that a couple of the knives aren't sharp enough so they don't glide right through the food. Most of the knives arrived sharp, but a couple need sharpening. I don't have any experience using the sharpening tool so I'm waiting to have someone show me. I don't think this problem will go away after sharpening them though. I suspect the knives are poorly balanced, as another reviewer said. The blade of the knife bends a bit when going through denser foods like carrots or onions and can consequently slip. I don't think I will ever feel compfortable chopping quickly with these knives.

That said, I am not unhappy with my purchase. They were cheap. They are decent knives for the price. The are not comparable to more expensive knives though, except that they are sharp and will stay sharp if you use the sharpener.

I brought this set from Amazon.com and got a very good deal $14.99. It is a very good set for this price. The knives are very sharp and sturdy. It looks good too. Very happy with the set.
***
I have been using these knives for the past 3 months now. They are still sharp as new. Very easy to clean and care. sharpen using the sharpener.
I bought 2 more sets for $11.50 each for my sisters.

If you have roommates, but also cook, you know the stress of having "nice" equipment. These knives are perfect for such a situation! While very inexpensive, they are are of good quality, and it is a complete set. I'm very impressed with their weight and strength. They are also pretty stylish - impress your friends!
Some complained that they are not sharp out of the box.. but that's why they come with a sharpener!

I've been using my set for several days now and they do a decent job of basic cutting. While one of the knives arrived with a chip out of the blade it will be replaced, I hope. The wooden holder is designed poorly in that the slots for the knives are vertical instead of horizontal -- this can lead to rapid dulling of the blade if someone puts it in blade-down. All in all, a decent basic set but certainly not "chef's" quality.

This set is very well balanced with enough weight in the knife to offer a positive feeling when cutting awkward items. Good range of knives to suit most needs. Excellent item when you need a solid set of quality knives for a working kitchen, without the need to spend a fortune. Could be rated higher with the quality to price ratio in mind. Great brand, well known in Europe.

Sabatier knives have been made in Thiers, France for over 160 years. Sabatier is one of the top three brands of cutlery chosen by European home chefs. The other two brands are J.A. Henckels and Wüsthof-Trident (both made in Germany). Within these brands, one will find several lines with different price points, different constructions, and different compositions. The best lines of knives in any brand will have full tang construction, like these Sabatier knives. The top-of the line knives in the other two brands are the J.A. Henckels's Professional "S" series and the Wüsthof-Trident Classic Collection, (which is my favorite--I own over forty pieces of Wüsthof-Trident classic cutlery, kitchen scissors, five gadgets, three oak slant knife blocks, and an executive chef's case, for travel.)

While a knife may have full tang construction, the composition of the handle and blade may vary. My first chef's knife was a Sabatier au Carbonne, which was made of full carbon steel so it became darkened over time. Also, because it spent time soaking in water, it became rusted. For the home chef, the best choices in cutlery are those which are traditionally forged from a single blank of high carbon, no-stain steel. While I like wooden knives with "classic" riveted handles, others prefer seamless molded polypropylene handles on their fine cutlery because these knives may be more hygenic and ergonomic.

This 7-Piece Sabatier Precision Stainless Steel Knife Set (including block) is a great buy for anyone who needs some reasonably good kitchen cutlery, and who may not want to invest a lot of time and money right now in doing comparison shopping among brands. Also, the choice of high quality cutlery is very individualistic--one needs to experience the heft of the blade and feel of the handle in one's hand.

These knives are probably too lightweight for a serious home chef, and they will not hold the same edge as a high carbon, no-stain steel blade or the Sabatier au Carbonne blade. I recommend this set for those cooks who must share their kitchens with people who do not know how to care for professional knives or for those who need a basic set while they acquire better knives. I would add the Sabatier Precision 4-piece set of steak knives, which will fit in the block for this set, and bread and tomato knives. If one wants a larger set of knives, then I would recommend the Sabatier Precision 15-Piece Set (including block).

This is a decent set of knives at a good price. All these knives feel properly balanced in the hand. After six months of use, there are no rust spots or discolorations. I typically air dry the smaller knives, and hand dry the long ones, always hand washing.

Some of the knives were not quite as sharp as could be, but it was not hard to sharpen them. Note that the 8" sharpener that comes in the set is not very good quality, and my 10" sharpener will not fit in this block. The sharpener slot will also accomodate a knife with about a 1" blade.

The steak knives with black handles look great at the table. The Precision tomato knife (size of steak knife) is the perfect size for the 14th slot, if still available.

This set is a good value at the clearance price. The steak knives alone, or the block alone, are worth the price. Don't expect to get a top of the line professional set at this price, and you will not be disappointed.

I am very pleased with both the quality of the steel and the construction of the knives! I have worked as an Executive Chef in Clubs and Resorts for over 25 years and while I thought this deal was too good to be true for the price, I still purchased it for my home. I actually found them to be of exceptional quality for an exceptional value! I have a good set of the , so the other reviewer says, "Store Quality" knives and find THIS set to be superior! Don't get me wrong. They don't compare to my set at my establishemnt but, I have close to... invested it those tools! You do get EXACTLY what you pay for here! An excellent set of knives for your home!

Anyone who enjoys cooking as much as I do absolutely has to have a high quality set of knives to use in appraoching the cooking labor of love. Whether making a salad or preparing chicken or beef, there is nothing like the right tool to help you along your merry way. here we have a whole set of superior alternatives to choose from for each particular task. You have 14-pieces of cutlery in this block set from Sabatier. It contains: a 3-1/2-inch paring knife, 8-inch chef knife, 8-inch slicer, 8-inch bread knife, 6-inch boning knife, six (count 'em) 5-inch steak knives, a pair of kitchen shears, a sharpening steel, and a 14-slot block to keep them in. And believe me, they are durable and easy to maintain, being high quality stainless steel. In fact, they are made from high-carbon stainless steel, an industry standard, with full tangs, so the steel extends all the way through the handle. These knives are light but durable, and while they aren';t the ultimate, for amere $40 you can have a high quality set that will work long and well for you. Enjoy!

This was the worse knife set ever! it rusted the first time it was washed in the dishwasher. I bought a set for my mom and sister and theirs rusted too. Don't buy it and be disappointed and have to deal with a lot of headaches!

I previously ordered a Sabatier block and knife set from Amazon at a rediculous discount and after receiving the product, realized how they could afford the 88% discount... It's not surprising then that the experience was much the same this time around. Frankly, I don't know why anyone would spend the retail price on this collection; $50 is more than fair for what amounts to no more than the $20 knife set I bought previously and a few helpful "extras".

I suppose my reaction isn't to the knives themselves-- I haven't even opened them since I imagine they are much like the other Sabatier set I purchased and those are adequate but nowhere near Henckel quality. My surprise and dismay really stems from the thin metal of the measuring cups and spoons. Not only are they tinny and poorly made, their edges are so sharp that you can slice a brick of cheese with them (not good for a working cook)! The handled accessories were somewhat better in quality, but you'd do better buying them either individually to suit your needs or elsewhere... And the wood block that I received was dark and ugly; not a huge problem, but again, an obvious instance of cutting quality corners.

Overall, if you're looking for a starter set for college and don't need to impress too many people (including yourself), this is a great deal. You get more knives at a better price than you could find at Target or Wal-Mart (or elsewhere), plus the extra accoutrements to round out your initial cooking toolset.

For established cooks, or even casual connoisseurs, either spend a little more on one of the other sets Amazon offers or build your knive collection one at a time, spending as you're able, to obtain lasting, quality cutlery.

As the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and in this case, that truism applies doubly! Just because this set looks like a great deal at $50, you're ultimately going to get what you pay for.

This set is perfect for starting a new kitchen. Some would say that there are better, but for the price, it can't be beat. When we moved into our new apartment, we did not have time or money to buy one gourmet knife at a time, much less one utensil at a time. So this was great. The knives are sharp and the measuring tools are accurate and the plastic utensils don't scrape or scratch non-stick pots and pans. It is perfect for everyday use.

The knife set comes with a sharpener, so you can sharpen the flat blade knives. I would recommend hand washing and drying the knives since one of ours has rust spots from when water sat on the blade overnight.

The plastic utensils come with every type you can imagine one would need. I only had to buy a wooden spoon.

We had a chef friend cook for us and he thought the knives were fine!