Many associate Ginsu knives with the product’s kitschy infomercial from the ‘70s that begins with a karate kick to a watermelon and proceeds with a demo of these knives cutting through just about anything in the house. Like the original product, Ginsu’s International Traditions is designed for the home cook who is not attuned to the maintenance required of a more high-end knife. However, this line is an improvement on the original, offering the weight, balance, and style of a commercial-quality knife, while meeting current design trends and performance expectations.

This 14-piece set stocks a kitchen with most cutlery needs, and packs all knives in a contemporary black hardwood storage block. The set includes: an 8-inch chef’s knife, an 8-inch slicer, a 7-inch santoku knife, a 5-1/2-inch boning knife, a 5-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 that is 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 have full tangs that extend through lightweight bakelite handles and are triple-riveted for strength. 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.

See larger image Ginsu 04817 International Traditions 14-Piece Knife Set with Block, Natural (Kitchen) List Price: $49.99 USD New From: $28.84 In Stock Used from: $26.99 In Stock