I have been cooking for over 50 years, have worked in restaurants and cook daily at home. These knives were a gift from my son who had used them at a friend's house. I have owned dozens of knives over the years, several that have cost over a hundred dollars, and I can safely say that these surpass them all. I seldom like the handles on Japanese style knives and most knives in general, these are comfortable and non-slip. The knives are well balanced and the blades are super sharp, I am very impressed by the quality at such a reasonable price