Is this set good for a first kitchen?

Yes. It covers chopping, slicing, paring and steak service in one block, which is why most buyers pick it for a starter kitchen or a gift.

How does it compare with forged German knives?

The blades are stamped and lighter, and they dull sooner. Forged rivals hold an edge longer but cost far more and usually come with fewer pieces.

The set is listed as dishwasher safe, but hand washing is the better habit. Detergent and heat dull edges and wear the handles over time.

Twelve pieces: chef's, santoku, slicer, utility, paring and steak knives, kitchen scissors and a white wood block with a built-in sharpener.

The block's sharpener handles routine touch-ups. A honing steel still helps between sharpenings, especially if you use the chef's knife daily.

The set includes serrated blades among its pieces. The steak knives are basic, so buyers who serve steak often may prefer a dedicated steak set.

At Cuisinart, for $129.95, as of our latest check.

6 stores we checked sell it, including The Home Depot, Best Buy, Walmart, Cuisinart, JCPenney.

$129.95at CuisinartChecked Nov 9

Compared across 6 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

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