Chicago Cutlery Insignia 2 18-Piece Block Set with Bonus Mezzaluna and Cheese Knife Trio

Knives are great, sharp, nicely balanced, they feel good in your hand. The sharpener included in the block feels a little cheap. Not sure I'm not damaging the edge with it.

Writing this review pains me. Amazon has been like an old friend. Regardless of the issue, Amazon has consistently provided fantastic customer service. Many times I would buy a product because of their customer service even though their price was modestly higher. Lately, however, they have failed us. This knife set sets the camel-breaking-straw for poor service. I do not know what the circumstances are even though I have attempted to determine them but with absolutely not one word from Amazon. So I cannot address that. Let's talk about the knives first.

These knives are really sharp and well balanced. I have used almost the entire set for one reason or another and each performs as if it were one of those high priced German type sets that can cost you bunches. The built in knife sharpener is a handy tool and one that actually works well. Some of you did not like the block but mine is pretty decent and looks O.K. on the counter. Reducing that big old ham to little pieces is a good example of the ability of these knives to cut stuff. Sure most knives cut but this one's blades were smooth and easy thus making your job so much easier. Bottom line: We have about 6 different knife sets and not one is better than this one. It may not be U.S. made Chicago Cutlery but it is as good.

Now for the hurtful part. Do not read this if you received your coupon or have one on the way. Do not read this if your are not expecting a coupon from anyone. Read this if you did not get a $85 coupon from Omaha Steaks.
I along with several other of you responded to an offer from Amazon. It said for 59.99 we would get this super set, 3 cheese knives, a mezzaluna and a $85 gift certificate from Omaha Steak. Now that's a deal. But, alas, it did not come through. Some of you called and were told one thing or the other. Go to this link and there is all you need. Call or write Chicago Cutlery and they will take care of it. Go to Omaha Steak and they will help. Bull. Amazon offered the deal. Not those companies. It is Amazon's job to include the coupon in the package and falling short of that it is Amazon's job to rectify it. Give the customers an $85 gift certificate from another company or even Amazon. Do not leave your customers short. The worst part of the whole deal is the lack of any correspondence from ANYONE. Two previous emails have gone unanswered or even recognized as mail. It is almost as if Amazon has their spam filter set to "no email from customers." Additionally, several other emails sent to Amazon earlier for other issues have also fallen on inaction. These are not the signals of a customer based organization. If Amazon thinks it has a monopoly on customers perhaps they should check with some of these other companies going out of business.

To print a copy of the $85 Omaha Steak form, I went to google and put in - CHICAGO CUTLERY $85 PDF FORM , then when results came up - about the 6th or 7th listing you will see - TO receive , click on this to get your $85 Omaha Steak coupon you can print.

I didn't get these for the awesome gold box price of $59, I paid nearly twice that. However, I must say that they were a value even at the higher price. I had been using a similarly priced set, different brand, for approximately 10 years. When I received these, I was amazed at how much difference a well designed, sharp knife can make.

They are very sharp, the style is attractive, the built in sharpener is a great idea and the set contains virtually every variety of knife that you will need -- even a Sontuku and a serated bread knife.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with the set and would not hesitate to purchase for any price less than $150.

P.S. I just received the Omaha Steaks, about 2 weeks after sending in the coupon. It would be hard to complain about free steaks and I haven't tasted them yet but I wouldn't say they are worth $85 based on volume. Either way, it's a nice added bonus.

I bought these for $59.00 here on amazon and they are so good. The chefs knife cut thru raw steak like butter and the santoku knife is really great. These are better than the Rahcel Ray knifes I have bought in the past. If you want a set of knife that are sharp but cheap this is the set for you!!