Ethereal Conniption—October 4, 2023
When in search of sharp blades that are long lasting and can slice a daikon paper thin while you’re running a marathon- effortless salience from the razor edge pieces. In this collaborative effort is Chef Thomas Keller of French Laundry and Mr Changshan Liu, a Chinese man who in 2015 opened a quality metal company in the US began forging incredible culinary knives with Swede & German metals. His work has been so successful, he won awards and became recognized by our country’s culinary geniuses. The chef and the craftsman have joined forces to bring us the best possible set of cutlery that goes beyond a name and reputation. The full tang in the handle makes for an exciting feel! I have tiny hands, I have to special order extra small gloves. Being able to handle each piece comfortably is paramount to my confidence. I have cut myself and my son has had accidents with already so we’ve put them away for a resting period. These knives are the essence of precision cuts. The knife does all the work when laying the center of a blade atop a nice ripe beef tomato. The blade will glide into the outer skin and cascade through the center without applying pressure. This is because of the evenly distributed steel inside the handles of these knives, which is what full tang is all about. The professional knife caddy is perfect for storing in a restaurant or a kitchen setting during a private chef dinner. Traveling with these requires a knife bag or cutlery kit to transport responsibly. These knives aren’t for beginners or someone who dabbles in home cooking. These knives are for skilled, well trained and experienced culinary professionals. Culinary adventurers, knowledgeable cooks, and culinary creatives that have expert level understanding and education about the ins and outs of knife classifications as well as blade grains. Having a complete understanding of Damascus steel is imperative, grasping what separates them from the norm & why. Acknowledgement of discerning between Chinese, Japanese, stainless steel, Swedish & German steel varieties is suggested so you really know what you’re getting. Forbid a novice or chef in making orders these, has a dinner party and some kid comes and knocks the steak knife off the table and their foot becomes impaled to the bone because they “didn’t know the knives were that sharp”. This is why not all knife blades are alike. But if you’re ready to tackle the absolute privilege and convenience that comes with owning this set, order them while they’re on sale. They’re great for a grad who just finished culinary school. They’re pristine for a chef who knows how to eloquently filet a lamb. The set of knives’ edge is excellent for a quick prep for a dinner of 5. I will never need anymore knives. In my 20+ years of experience with different kinds of cutlery, Damascus and CutCo knives are the best on the market and the only knives I will have. Read more
eric thomas—February 16, 2025✓ Verified purchase
For the price the set should also include a smaller 5” Santoku knife. Additionally, the blades seem to bend a bit out of a true straight line. Still must be within factory tolerance, and does not affect use or performance. However, at $700 price point perfection is expected for 5 star reviews. Read more
BTW—September 27, 2023
I've recently had the opportunity to discover the pure joy of using the Cangshan YARI Series X-7 12 piece Damascus Steel Knife Block Set. This extraordinary collection of knives has transformed my cooking, making food preparation a seamless and enjoyable experience. From the simplest stir-fries and salads to hearty soups and chowders, these knives have proven themselves indispensable in my kitchen. Comprising an extensive array of essential tools, this set caters to virtually every requirement a cook could encounter. Among the highlights are a 9-inch honing steel, a 7-inch Santoku knife, a 9-inch bread knife, a set of 4 5-inch steak knives, an Ash Wood Knife Block knife block for secure storage, kitchen shears that separate for cleaning, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, a Santuko knife, an 8-inch chef's knife, and a 3.5-inch paring knife. Each piece in this remarkable assortment serves a distinct purpose, ensuring that I always have the right instrument within my reach. What sets these knives apart is the exceptional quality of their construction. Forged from 67 layers of Cangshan's proprietary X-7 Damascus Steel, each blade undergoes the company's exclusive ULTRA6 heat treatment, resulting in unparalleled strength and functionality. Sharpened to a precise 16-degree angle per side, these knives glide effortlessly through various ingredients, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. In addition to their superior performance, the knives boast smooth, comfortable and visually appealing wood handles. The set's elegant appearance makes it a striking addition to my countertop, enticing me to create culinary masterpieces worthy of its beauty. Backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturers defects and certified by NSF, the Cangshan YARI Series X-7 Damascus Steel Knife Block Set exemplifies the epitome of excellence in cutlery. Without question, these knives have surpassed my expectations and are undoubtedly the finest I've ever owned. Read more
Steve V—October 3, 2023
Cangshan makes some pretty good kit. I had previously gotten one of their paring knives made from Swedish steel, and it is probably my favorite knife in the drawer...beautiful look, super sharp. This set is equally well-made. Feels heavy and solid, but well-balanced in the hand. The steel is super sharp, and I love that i comes with a honing steel. Not a chef by a longshot, but I'm pretty comfortable with knives, and these ooze quality and are a pleasure to use. These are replacing a set of Henckels, and it feels like a 3-step upgrade. The knives look gorgeous, and the block it comes with also doesn't disappoint. The matte finish looks great, and the logo is subtle and not garish-looking. Just watch out because it attracts fingerprints pretty easily. Read more