The Chicago Cutlery Insignia 2 18-Piece Knife Block Set 1068062 is a beautifully crafted collection of functional knives that are comfortable to hold and efficient for all your cutting needs. This set comes with 3-inch and 3.5-inch paring knives, 5-inch and 5.5-inch boning/utility knives, a 7-inch bread knife, a 7-inch Santoku knife, an 8-inch slicing/carving knife, an 8-inch Chef's knife, and eight 4.5-inch steak knives--plus a set of kitchen shears and a 17-slot hardwood storage block with built-in sharpener.

It's the little extras that make this set special, like the addition of a MagnaSharp knife sharpener built right into the block. Sharpening your knives is as simple as inserting them into the sharpening slot and drawing them out. The blades are forged from high-carbon stainless steel with fully tapered edges for an extra-sharp cutting ability. Unique onyx black polymer handle grips are smooth to the touch, with just a hint of rubbery feel to give it a non-slip surface. Triple compression stainless-steel rivets secure the handle to the blade.

The knives feature a full tang--with the metal extending all the way through the handle--for extra balance and strength. We particularly liked the Santoku knife (a combination Chefs knife and cleaver), which is excellent for slicing, chopping, and dicing all kinds of ingredients.