Ginsu International Traditions 14-Piece Stainless-Steel Countersaver Hanging Knife Block Set

This 14-piece set stocks a kitchen with most cutlery needs, and packs the knives in a versatile storage block with multiple mounting options. The cutlery includes: an 8-inch chef’s knife, an 8-inch slicer, an 8-inch bread knife, a 5-inch boning knife, a 4-1/2-inch utility knife, a 3-1/2-inch paring knife, and six 4-1/2-inch steak knives, plus a pair of shears.

Ginsu blades are constructed from stainless steel and feature a two-dimensional serrated edge symmetrically cut on either side for more accurate slicing and for either right- or left-handed use. Edges are still as low-maintenance as ever and never require sharpening. The blades do not have full tangs but are instead encased in a strip of bakelite, which is sandwiched within a brushed stainless-steel handle. The steel handle provides some of the weight of the missing tang and a sleek, modern style.

The contemporary black hardwood storage block offers several mounting possibilities. Ideal for smaller kitchens, the block mounts upright to a wall or horizontally on the bottom of a cabinet. Slots are magnetized to ensure that knives don’t fall out. A swivel piece for under-cabinet mounting rotates the block to one side so handles are hidden until chefs turn handles face out to pull out a knife. The block also stands on a countertop, supported by two metal arms. Ginsu covers these International Traditions knives under a limited lifetime warranty, and recommends manual cleaning with hot, soapy water to keep them in top shape. --Cristina Vaamonde

What’s in the Box
3-1/2-inch paring knife, 4-1/2-inch utility knife, 5-inch boning knife, 8-inch bread knife, 8-inch slicer, 8-inch chef’s knife, six 4-1/2-inch steak knives, shears, CounterSaver hardwood storage block