My mother-in-law, who went to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, gave me this set for Christmas at least 10 years ago, if not more, because I don't like sharpening knives. I have used this set exclusively, I have written a cookbook with over 150 recipes and have a food blog. When I say I use this, I mean, I use it. All my recipes serve over 8, many serve 20. Having fancy equipment does not make you a good cook. That is the most important lesson I learned from my mother-in-law. I always put them in the dishwasher and on occasion my husband thinks they are tools for construction.  This is the kind of thing that is important to me. Does it work, does it work well, and can I beat the hell out of it. Yes, yes, yes.

My chef friends scoff at my knives, but they still eat at my house.

Don't be pretentious. Just get the job done.
My mother-in-law, who went to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, gave me this set for Christmas at least 10 years ago, if not more, because I don't like sharpening knives. I have used this set exclusively, I have written a cookbook with over 150 recipes and have a food blog. When I say I use this, I mean, I use it. All my recipes serve over 8, many serve 20. Having fancy equipment does not make you a good cook. That is the most important lesson I learned from my mother-in-law. I always put them in the dishwasher and on occasion my husband thinks they are tools for construction. This is the kind of thing that is important to me. Does it work, does it work well, and can I beat the hell out of it. Yes, yes, yes. My chef friends scoff at my knives, but they still eat at my house. Don't be pretentious. Just get the job done.