HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set Review

First Impressions of HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set

The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set promises a blend of German engineering and modern design. The vibrant orange handles are what initially caught my eye, offering a departure from the traditional, often staid, knife block aesthetics. As someone who appreciates both functionality and a splash of color in the kitchen, I was eager to see if this set could deliver on both fronts.

My existing knife set was a mismatched collection of hand-me-downs and impulse buys that no longer held an edge, making food prep a tedious chore. I needed a cohesive, sharp set that could handle a variety of kitchen tasks and, frankly, look good doing it. The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set seemed to fit the bill, promising quality blades and a lively design.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the weight of the block itself. It felt substantial, suggesting a solid build. The knives themselves felt well-balanced in hand, and the orange polypropylene handles provided a comfortable grip. The HENCKELS ZWILLING name carries a certain expectation of quality, and initially, the fit and finish seemed to live up to that reputation. I was immediately struck by the vibrant color; it added a modern, playful touch to my countertop.

I considered other sets from Wüsthof and HENCKELS themselves, but the price point and the unique color of the HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set ultimately swayed my decision. I hoped the “ice-hardened FRIODUR special formula steel blade” would translate to lasting sharpness and durability. My initial impression was positive; I felt excited about the potential this set held to elevate my cooking experience.

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Real-World Testing: Putting HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test for the HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set was a Sunday roast. I used the Chef’s knife to break down a whole chicken and the Paring knife for peeling vegetables. The Chef’s knife effortlessly sliced through the chicken joints, demonstrating impressive sharpness. The Paring knife, while sharp, felt a little too bulky for intricate peeling tasks.

The handles remained secure and comfortable even when wet, which was a significant improvement over my previous slippery-handled knives. The serrated Utility knife made quick work of slicing tomatoes without crushing them, a welcome change. After washing and drying the knives, I noticed a few water spots, indicating the steel might require a bit more attention to prevent corrosion. Overall, my first impression was positive, although the paring knife’s bulk was slightly disappointing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set has proven to be a reliable workhorse in the kitchen. The blades have held their edge reasonably well, requiring only occasional honing with the included sharpening steel. The orange handles have shown no signs of fading or discoloration, even after repeated exposure to dish soap and various food stains.

I have noticed some minor scratching on the blades from regular use and washing. The shears, while functional, feel a bit flimsy compared to the knives. Cleaning is straightforward, but I make sure to thoroughly dry each knife to prevent rust. While not as exceptional as some high-end knives I’ve used, the HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set offers a solid balance of performance and value.

Breaking Down the Features of HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set

Specifications

The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set includes:

• Bread knife with 8-inch serrated blade: Ideal for slicing crusty loaves of bread without tearing.
• Chef’s knife with 8-inch blade: The workhorse of the set, suitable for chopping, dicing, and mincing.
• Utility knife with 5-inch serrated blade: Excellent for slicing tomatoes, sausages, and other foods with a delicate skin.
• Prep knife with 5.5-inch blade: A versatile knife for smaller cutting tasks.
• Paring knife with 4-inch blade: Designed for peeling, trimming, and other detail work.
• Kitchen shears: For cutting herbs, poultry, and opening packages.
• Sharpening steel: To maintain the blades’ sharpness.
• Orange storage block: Keeps the knives organized and protected.

The blades are made from ice-hardened FRIODUR special formula steel. This hardening process is intended to improve the steel’s durability, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. The handles are made of orange polypropylene, a durable and easy-to-clean synthetic material. The set weighs approximately 8 pounds, indicating a reasonably solid construction.

Performance & Functionality

The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set performs admirably for everyday kitchen tasks. The Chef’s knife is sharp and well-balanced, making chopping vegetables a breeze. The serrated knives excel at slicing bread and tomatoes without crushing them. The paring knife, while sharp, feels a bit bulky for delicate work.

The sharpening steel helps maintain the blades’ edge, but professional sharpening may be needed over time. The shears are adequate but not exceptional. The set generally meets expectations for a mid-range knife set. While the FRIODUR steel helps retain sharpness, it’s not immune to dulling with regular use.

Design & Ergonomics

The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set features a modern design with vibrant orange handles. The polypropylene handles offer a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet. The knives are well-balanced, reducing fatigue during extended use. The block provides a safe and organized storage solution.

The bright orange color adds a playful touch to any kitchen. However, some may find the color too bold or clashing with their existing décor. The block design is functional but not particularly innovative. The handle ergonomics are generally good, but individual preferences may vary.

Durability & Maintenance

The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set is built to last with proper care. The FRIODUR steel blades offer good corrosion resistance, but thorough drying after washing is essential. The polypropylene handles are durable and easy to clean. The block protects the knives from damage and keeps them organized.

With regular honing and occasional professional sharpening, the blades should maintain their edge for years. The shears may require replacement sooner than the knives, as they feel less robust. The set is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only regular cleaning and sharpening. The use of high-quality steel is key to the knives’ longevity.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set comes with a sharpening steel. There are no included accessories beyond what comes in the block set. HENCKELS offers a wide range of knife accessories, such as cutting boards and honing rods, that are compatible with this set. There are no readily available aftermarket handles in colors other than the factory orange.

The universal design of the knives means they can be used with any standard cutting board. Although limited, users can expand their HENCKELS collection. Note that this set is designed as a cohesive unit.

Pros and Cons of HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 8-Piece Orange Block Set