My knife snob friend recommend these and I have to say I can see why. They are nice and sharp. I've never had anything other than cheap knives. So I don't know if I'm easily impressed but the first time I cut a tomato with these knives I was blown away as to how easy and smooth it was. If you do much cooking save your self a headache and buy good knives. Not only were these highly recommended but they also look nice on my counter.