Is the ceramic coating safe to sharpen?

The coating is a surface finish, so sharpening removes it along the edge. Many owners use a honing rod for touch-ups and accept that the edge will show bare steel over time.

Does the set include steak knives?

The nine pieces are built around prep and slicing tasks rather than table service. Check the piece list for the exact knives included before buying.

How does it compare with a plain stainless set?

You get the same forged stainless construction plus a coated blade and a sculpted block. The trade-off is that coated blades need gentler care than uncoated steel.

Is the block stable on the counter?

At roughly 16 pounds the block is heavy and sits firmly. Its footprint is large, so measure your counter space first.

Can the knives go in the dishwasher?

The maker says no special cleaning is required, but hand washing preserves the coating and edge far better than a dishwasher.

Where can I buy the Cuisine::pro iD3 Black Samurai The Egg 9-Piece Knife Block?

12 stores we checked sell it, including cuisinepro.com, Zola, Wayfair, JCPenney, Home Depot.

Cuisine::pro iD3 Black Samurai The Egg 9-Piece Price History: $399.99

Q: Where is the Cuisine::pro iD3 Black Samurai The Egg 9-Piece Knife Block cheapest?

At cuisinepro.com, for $399.99, 20% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Q: What do buyers say about the Cuisine::pro iD3 Black Samurai The Egg 9-Piece Knife Block?

Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 10 ratings. Buyers like: Knives look and feel lovely, blades are sharp; Egg-shaped holder is a unique, eye-catching touch; Design looks fantastic on the countertop. Common complaints: Egg block was poor quality; top was inoperable; Paint is coming off the handles.

What reviewers say

3.9 / 510 ratings

Ratings are middling, with buyers liking the look and the coated blades but raising concerns about edge retention and the coating over time.

What people mention

CoatingMixedOwners like the matte black look but some report the coating wearing with heavy use.
SharpnessPraisedBuyers say the blades arrive sharp and handle slicing and chopping well.
Edge retentionCriticisedSome owners say edges dull faster than expected and need regular honing.
HandlePraisedThe seamless MicroDot handles are described as comfortable in hand.
Block sizeCriticisedThe egg-shaped block is called bulky and heavy on the counter.

From Macy's

9-piece knife block set with a unique trademarked egg-shaped holder
Egg block crafted from stainless steel with a chic mirror finish and acacia wood rim
Knives made from Japanese steel 420J2, engineered and tested to Rockwell 53 hardness
Matte black bacterial-resistant ceramic coating; food-grade, stain resistant and immune to acidic foods
Trademarked MicroDot technology on the handle comforts main pressure points for control and precision
Ice-hardened and twice sharpened blades with forged steel one-piece seamless handle

Materials: Japanese steel 420J2 blades with matte black bacterial-resistant ceramic coating; egg block in stainless steel with mirror finish and acacia wood rim
Fit: Asymmetrical handle design with MicroDot technology for more grip and safer knife control
Care: Hand wash
Guarantee: Each knife is backed by the Cuisine::pro lifetime guarantee
Returns: This item purchased online must be returned to the vendor by mail only; it cannot be returned to Macy's stores. Call customer service for returns.
Shipping: Enter your zip code for shipping availability; direct from vendor
In the box: 1 chef's knife, 1 bread knife, 1 carving knife, 1 santoku knife, 1 utility knife, 1 serrated utility knife

About the Cuisine::pro iD3 Black Samurai The Egg 9-Piece Knife Block

This 9-piece knife block set from Cuisine::pro has a Japanese design style and a black finish. The block has a trademarked egg shape and holds the knives.

The blades are forged stainless steel with a double-bevel edge. They are ice-hardened and razor-thin, with a matte black ceramic coating that resists bacteria and stains. Each handle is one-piece seamless stainless steel with a MicroDot® texture, and the knives are weighted for balance.

The knives are made for slicing, chopping, mincing and precision cuts on vegetables and meat. No special cleaning is required.