Henckels Professional Series Knife Set

With cutlery — as with most cooking items — you can buy on the cheap and replace often. Or, you can lay down some cash and buy a set of knives that will possibly last longer than you do. The Henckels Professional Series 12-Piece Knife Set ($500) is one of the latter. It includes nine ice-hardened high-carbon steel blades that are triple riveted to their handles, plus shears, a 9" sharpening steel and a beech wood block holder with slots for 17 items. This Uncrate editor has had his for over five years, and they're still sharp.