Tramontina 9-pc. Professional Series Cutlery Set with Block.

Product Review

This set by Tramontina contains the five knives needed to cut everything from bread to fine herbs. There's a 10-inch bread knife, an 8-inch chef's knife, a 6-inch utility knife, an 8-inch slicer, and a 4-inch paring knife. Made in Brazil, and slightly lighter than a German-made professional knife, these knives still rate high for quality. Stain-free high-carbon steel is the industry standard, and each knife's tang extends all the way through to the handle, which provides a greater heft and better balance than inferior 3/4- or 1/2-tang knives. The nylon handle feels comfortable, and the bolster, where the blade of the knife meets the handle, is solid and will keep fingers safe. The hardwood block keeps knives handy and protected, and there's a sharpening steel to keep blades in line and a shears. It's best, as with all good knives, that you stick to hand washing them. --Maria Dolan