McCook MC41 6 Pieces Forged Triple Rivet Kitchen Knife Set in Natural Beech Wood Slim Block(Black)

I rarely write product reviews, but will make an exception for this OUTSTANDING product. It surpassed my expectations!I did spend a long time looking at many different knife sets, both in stores and in Amazon. After a while they can all look very similar. At this price point (less than $50) it is a very competitive mix of stamped knive sets and some forged knife sets. I went to a store to get my hands on some, and was disappointd in some major brands (Farber.., etc.) because of the poor finish I found on the knives in their comparably priced sets, including some that were priced higher than the McCook set. So, I had some reservations about ordering this McCook set. I was afraid I would get some “cheap junk” that looks good in the marketing photos but is bad in reality. My hesitation was because I had never seen the McCook brand before. I am happy to say that the McCook set is surprisingly VERY GOOD.I am glad I purchased the McCook set. My search was for a set of FORGED knives that fit my particular needs. My kitchen is small, and I have little counter space with a narrow band of counter on which to work (with small 10”x 15” cutting board). So I wanted a smaller “block set” and did not need to have a large block with 15 pieces (steak knives add bulk to the blocks). I also wanted to find a knife set with four things I desired: a shorter 6” chef knife, a 5” santoku or utility knife, a serrated edge utility knife for tomatoes and similar fruit and veggie and bread cutting, and a paring knife. I also wanted a traditional WOOD block (rather than metal or plastic). I thought I would have to buy the pieces separately, and almost did, until I found this set that met ALL of my desired features for a knife set.I am impressed by the McCook set I bought for these reasons:1. Outstanding Value (low price and very good materials quality and very good finish and details)2. Very nice polished and flawless finish to the products (the knives are well made, and so is the block)3. Very good “fit” for my needs to have a smaller set of knives.4. Very comfortable handles, excellent balance to the Chef blade, the handles and bolster and blade are a nice weight, feel substantial and good for control and cutting.5. Very sharp blades (out of the box). Each knife came pre-sharpened to a good sharp, straight edge. No defects I could see.6. Classic “French” style handles and blades (with exception of Santoku knife). The 6” chef knife has a good profile for general cutting work in a kitchen, and the shorter length of the blade makes it much more “handy” to use. Perfect for my needs. I also think the 6” length blade on the Chef knife is a very good size for smaller cooks with smaller hands. You should also be aware that I have average size hands (I wear a Large size glove) , I am a man, six feet tall, and do not have “small hands” that would prefer a smaller diameter handle. These handles are average size (classic French style) and provide a comfortable, good grip. The handles feel very good to my hand.7. Very Nice design and materials finish (classic styling, forged steel, full bolster on Chef Knife, three rivets, full tang, polished black handle and smoothly polished stainless steel details). I was disappointed in some other popula brands that have “cheaper feeling” handles and poorly finished blades. The 6” Chef knife balances easily on one finger! The other knives have somewhat smaller handles and blades, so don’t expect to balance them the same way, but they do feel comfortable in the hand, with enough weight in the handle to maintain good control and grip.8. The knife block is nicely finished wood, with a nice, neutral blond color, and smoothly finished wood. It looks nice on the counter, and because it is narrower than the typical (larger, bulkier) knife blocks, it fits easily in my counter space (that is very limited). This allows me to keep my knifes handy and where I want them (I don’t want them on a strip on the wall). The wood block has rubber dots on the bottom which keeps it in place, and it is very functional. The block also holds a kitchen shear (scissors).I want to emphasize how nice it is to have the 6” Chef Knife. That shorter 6” blade (as opposed to the more common 8” blades) really works well in my small, narrow, kitchen space. Because I have a microwave and some other stuff on my small kitchen counters, I am limited to a working surface cutting board of only 10” depth from counter edge. So, the 6” knife allows me to stand at the counter and cut safely on my 10”x15” cutting board. It is a very good size for most tasks, if you are a typical home cook or live in a small apartment or have a tiny kitchen. I am a sailor, and often cook while sailing offshore. When doing so, it is essential to have good stainless tools (that will not rust in the salt air) and that fit the limited space on a boat galley. For years I have used a 5” Santoku as my primary cooking knife while sailing. So, I was looking for something like a good 5” or 6” primary knife for my land based home kitchen too.So far, I have used each knife for cutting a variety of foods, including small cherry tomatoes (with each knife). I have a hard time picking my favorite blade for some tasks, because they are all so comfortable to use, and all so sharp. I was impressed by how easily the Santoku cut through the small cherry tomatoes. I normally cook three meals a day, and usually for two, so I don’t need the same tools that may be useful for large volume cooks.Summary: there are hundreds of chef knives on Amazon and many competively priced knife sets, I think THIS particular set from McCook is an OUTSTANDING value. I am surprised by the high quality and finish and would expect to pay more for this in any store. I am glad I purchased it, and look forward to years of use. It may not be the biggest set in size or number of knives, but it is PERFECT for my needs and desires at this time. I do consider it a great value, and great for performance, great for looks, and great for satisfaction and ease of use.Finally, I have not been paid to write this review. I am simply happy with this product and think most other people will be too. I wish I had this set years ago. It would make a very nice gift, especially for a person who does not need “a set of six steak knives” but who does enjoy cooking and wants a versatile set of good quality knives. Compared to what most people use on a daily basis, this knife set could be a much appreciated upgrade in quality and performance.

I was looking for a small set of knives for a friend that was moving into his first place. So many knives end up great for a a week or so then very quickly lose their sharpness. My personal knives are Shun and I pay around $150 per knife. Don't let the price of this little set fool you, they are excellent! Perfect gift for someone just starting up or who as small place.

Just the set I was looking for forever! It includes the four knives I use the most, and is not overwhelming...the block fits perfectly in a small corner of my counter workspace. The knives fit my hand perfectly too, and the weight and quality is something you would find in a much more expensive set. They are very classy and stylish-a wonderful set at a wonderful price, and I love using them!

I’ve so far only used these knives to cut meat and vegetables and they work well for that purpose if you apply a bit of pressure. I personally wish they were a bit sharper, one day I will definitely want to get them sharpened. For now, they’re doing a good job and the base is small enough to not crowd up my precious countertop real estate. So I’m happy with them.

I was so glad there was a small block of knives available. Most sets are just too big . Take up so much room on my counter . This set is perfect for me. Sharp & easy to handle good quality. The block is lovely . I’m very happy with this set. I might gift these for Christmas.

I love love love this knife set. They feel very sturdy, look great, are super sharp & it’s literally all I need. Plain & simple!

I have only had these knives for a couple weeks and only used them a few times . I am already having to sharpen them . Update . I gave them two more stars because they contacted me and refunded me half of my purchase price . That makes me happy

inexpensive for a pro cook, decent santokuwood block good enoughchef knife is comfortable in hand, decent powerneeds a good steel with this kit, purchase one if you dont have one nowgift this to your friends, so you have good knives when visiting them, lol