Review of J.A. Henckels International 3-Piece Paring Knife Set, Multicolored

Several years ago I bought the 4-pack set of these knives, manufactured by Zwilling-Henckels.I was so happy with them I bought some for others in my family.We use them almost daily, so I wanted to get another set.While looking around on the site, I noticed this 3-piece set which cost 1/2 as much as the 4-piece!What a deal I thought!The only knife missing was the red-handled one, which I use the least anyway.Unfortunately, I forgot to do my homework.Yes, these ARE Henckels knives but NOT the same Henckels knives I have and love.Henckels has two lines, the "premium" brand and the "value for the money" brand.The first set of knives I bought was the "premium" brand and this set from Henckels, International, is the "value for the money" brand.These knives are very similar to the first set I bought but they are not the same.The handles are slightly different, the blades are different sizes, the knives aren't as sharp, and I have already noticed some small rust stains on the blades, though I was able to scrub them off.These knives are ok for the price, but they aren't as good as the set from Zwilling-Henckels, which I would have given 5 stars.

09/14/09Here it is, 5 years later, and I'm thinking of buying another set of Henckels paring knives. I will buy the Henckels Twingrip set of 4 rather than these, in spite of the higher price. (If you knew me, that fact would astound you!)If you are confused by the similar names for the two sets of knives, see if you can find a close-up picture.The better quality knives have two little 'men' on the blade, as opposed to one 'man' on the lower quality merchandise.

If you are wondering why I would consider buying yet another set of paring knives, it is for this reason:I find myself washing the dirty, yellow H. Twingrip knife over and over rather than reaching for my clean, yellow H. International blade!

Product Description
Small lightweight, versatile knives with multi-color handles and slim blades that have straight cutting edges. The blades are made of high quality German stainless steel for stain and rust resistance.Peels, cuts, cleans, garnishes fruit and vegetables.Set includes: 2" peeling knife, 3" vegetable knife, and 3 1/2" paring knife. Lifetime Warranty.Hygienic, break proof, and dishwasher safe (not recommended by J.A. Henckels International)

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