Benchmade Three-Piece Chef's Knife Set Review: Light and Sharp

A good knife is more than a tool. When the benchmade set arrived, I grabbed the utility knife and forgot I was holding it. I didn't have to plan it because the blade was thin and slid under the steak. The knife obeyed when I moved my hands. You can use a good tool to operate on instinct.

The handles are comfortable and well-balanced against the blade, but I question the wisdom of having pivot ring holes in a chef's knife, as they're more likely to collect food and dirt than they would in a folding knife. These knives are very responsive and good looking. About 80% of the time, I still reach for the 6-inch utility knife after several months of using them.

Less time is spent honing the edge. Since I got them, I have only sharpened them twice, which is a lot less than I have done with my own knives. The edge of these seems to be better than the edge of my knife. The SelectEdge technology uses a 14- degree angle. It can be difficult to maintain, but I used a Work Sharp field sharpener, which has 20- degree guides, and brought it down to 14 from there.

There is beginner's luck.

These are great knives for the newcomer. They are more easy to work with than many of the knives in the guide. I have seen it in the rest of my family, but I don't know why.

Every year I test dozens of knives thanks to that knife guide. They all live in the kitchen drawer. My wife has never used a benchmade knife before. My children also use these knives.

My family is willing to grab these knives. It could be that they are less exotic looking than other knives. Most people think of chef's knives. They don't have a crazy swirling pattern in the steel, and they don't need hours of care when you're done with them. There is something about them that makes you want to use them. Tools that call out to you are usually good.

These knives won't make knife lovers happy, even if they roll their eyes at it. They will point out that there are more difficult steels out there. There are two options for the benchmade set, CPM- 154 or 440c.

I don't know if they're a good value for the money, my favorite knife has no markings on it, and I can't remember where it came from. My fellow chefs once ordered custom knives for this price.

If you have the funds to order a custom knife, then you should do that. The Benchmade knives are a great choice. They are light and thin, hold an edge well, and come with a lifetime warranty.