Cangshan S1 Series 59663  6-Piece German Steel Forged Knife Block Set, Walnut Block

We needed new kitchen knives after moving, and I wanted something a little better than the old Chicago Cutlery set I had previously (good intro set, but I was ready for more professional knives). After considering the expensive options, I came across this Cangshan set: German steel, ultra high carbon, sleek look, and no unnecessary "filler knives" that I would probably never really use. I read the reviews, tried to find more info on the internet (not much there), and finally decided to take the plunge after weighing up all the pros and cons I could think of. So glad I did. These knives are absolutely magickal. They are very solid in the hand and heavy, and even better, they are so well balanced! The old knives I had were handle-heavy - all the bulk was in the handle and the business end of the knife was quite light. The Cangshan knives distribute their weight, which helps immensely when cutting awkward and heavy things like pumpkin. They go through everything with absolute ease; like "a hot knife through butter", as the saying goes. And the tomato test - yeah, these knives laughed at me as they created perfect, translucent slices. I commented to my husband that I was reminded by a line in Kung Fu Panda where Po is examining all the artefacts in the temple for the first time: "The Sword of Heroes! Said to be so sharp you can get cut just by looking at - Ow!" Yes, that's the chef's knife...and the santoku....and, well, all of these knives.

I love everything about these knives. The creamy white handles might not be everyone's thing, but they resonate with me both in a magickal and mundane way (I wanted a bolline in the kitchen, not an athame). The handles are smooth and feel completely natural in the hand. They are made in a way that is hygienic and complies with all food safety requirements (NSF stamped on the blade as well). I imagine you could run them through the dishwasher if you absolutely had to, but it's not recommended; I personally wash them by hand immediately after using and store them in the block supplied. The block itself is very cool and unconventional, another draw card. It is sturdy on the benchtop, and the knives look exactly as pictured in the photos.

Bottom line: superb knives for the price. And if white is not your thing, I'm sure the black S Series is very much the same.

My wife and I own a restaurant in Durango, CO and purchased a set as a gift for our new chef (N series). Upon receiving the set my Chef, wife and myself were very impressed with the design, build, and sharpness of the knives. I have both Wusthof and Henckels knives and find the Cangshan knives much sharper than either of the German brands. And yes both of the German brands are their high end knives. The Cangshan knives have excellent balance and feel. My wife didn't care for the handle design of the N series, which my chef loves, so I purchased her the S series Knife set and right out of the box they have become her favorite knives to use. I think that Cangshan has really designed a terrific knife and found the best best of both worlds, the superior sharpness of the Japanese design combined with the superior durability and ease of care using German steel. Well done Cangshan!

I do love my knives and was sick of having knives that weren't good even after sharpening. I find I use the two smallest knives the most and have only had to sharpen the smallest just once. Great knives at a great price. Would love the full have the big, beautiful set someday. Would like to see holder for whole set that sits lower under cabinet like I've seen for a few knives in the collection.

As someone who owns a lot of knives, I had none with white handles. This set is not only beautiful both in quality and appearance but it is very well-balanced, fits great in my hands and cuts like a dream no matter the blade I use!  While I am still breaking them in I can say for sure that the NSF compliant, German forged X50 CrMo  blades are a dream to work with! The selection of knives in this very handsome block is well thought out and very useful in a home kitchen!  As I put each play through its paces I fully intend to post photographs and video as I can on the Cangshan  social media pages. I could not be more happy with this knife set!