Is $399.99 a good price for this set?

It is the best new price among 8 stores as of November 7, 2026, at Macy's. There is no long price history to compare against, so judge it against similar 9-piece forged sets rather than waiting for a drop.

How does Rockwell 53 compare to other Japanese knives?

It is softer. Most Japanese knives run 58–61, which holds an edge longer but chips more easily. At 53 the iD3 is tougher and easier to sharpen but needs honing more often.

What knives are in the 9-piece set?

The set includes a paring knife with a 3.5-inch straight edge plus straight and serrated blades for slicing vegetables, fruit and meat, all stored in the egg block. The listing does not name every blade, so check the box contents before buying.

How much counter space does the block need?

About 9.4 by 12.2 inches of footprint and 17.4 inches of height, at 15.21 lbs. Measure your clearance under upper cabinets before ordering.

How do I clean the knives?

No special cleaning is required per the specs. Hand washing and drying right away is still the safer habit for forged steel and keeps the polymer handles looking new.

Is it worth it over a cheaper block set?

You are paying for the forged Japanese steel and the egg-shaped block design. If you want maximum edge retention, spend more on harder steel; if you want a good-looking complete set, this covers the basics.