Is this set good for a first kitchen?

Yes. It covers the core knives a new kitchen needs and includes a block and sharpener. Expect to hone the edges often if you cook daily.

Are the blades forged or stamped?

They are stamped stainless steel. That makes them light and thin, which suits casual use but gives up heft and edge retention to forged knives.

They are listed as dishwasher safe, but hand washing is the safer habit. Detergent and heat wear down edges and handles over time.

Forged Henckels lines use heavier, full-tang blades that hold an edge longer. This set is lighter and easier to sharpen, aimed at lighter use.

Chef's, santoku, bread and paring knives, six steak knives, a black wood block and a built-in sharpener.

At Best Buy, for $139.99, as of our latest check.

3 stores we checked sell it, including The Home Depot, Best Buy, JCPenney.

$139.99at Best BuyVerified

Compared across 3 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.