HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set Review

First Impressions of HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set

The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set promises a blend of German engineering and modern aesthetics in a kitchen knife set. This isn’t your grandfather’s knife block, with its vibrant green handles designed to add a pop of color to any countertop. As someone who values both performance and practicality in my gear, I was eager to see if this set could deliver on both fronts.

My current knife situation is a mishmash of inherited pieces and bargain-bin finds, resulting in inconsistent performance and a perpetually dull blade. I was seeking a cohesive, reliable set that could handle everyday kitchen tasks without requiring constant sharpening or specialized skills. The HENCKELS ZWILLING name carries a certain weight, synonymous with quality, so my expectations were high.

Upon unboxing, the vibrant green handles immediately grabbed my attention. The knives felt well-balanced in my hand, and the block itself was surprisingly compact. I initially compared this set to a similar offering from Wüsthof and a more budget-friendly option from a popular online retailer. I ultimately chose the HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set for its reputation, the inclusion of a sharpening steel, and the appealing color scheme.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The knives looked and felt good, but the true test would be how they performed in the kitchen. I was excited to put them to the test, hoping they would live up to the HENCKELS ZWILLING legacy.


Real-World Testing: Putting HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set in my home kitchen, preparing a variety of meals over a week. This included slicing vegetables, carving meat, and even testing the shears on some tough herbs. The kitchen environment is generally consistent, but I made sure to use the knives on a variety of cutting boards (wood, plastic, and composite) to get a comprehensive sense of their performance.

The knives performed admirably across the board, slicing cleanly through tomatoes, onions, and carrots. The Chef’s knife felt particularly well-balanced and comfortable for extended use. I did notice that the serrated bread knife struggled slightly with crusty bread, requiring a bit more force than I anticipated.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of rust or corrosion on the blades, and the handles remain securely attached. I’ve used the sharpening steel regularly, and it has effectively maintained the edge on the knives.

The plastic storage block has a few minor scuffs, but that is to be expected. The FRIODUR ice-hardened stainless steel blade has maintained its edge well with regular honing. Compared to my previous knives, this set is a significant upgrade in terms of sharpness, comfort, and overall durability.

Breaking Down the Features of HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set

Specifications

The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set includes the following:

  • Bread knife with 8-inch serrated blade: Ideal for slicing through crusty bread without tearing the soft interior.
  • Chef’s knife with 8-inch blade: The all-purpose workhorse of the kitchen, suitable for chopping, dicing, and slicing.
  • Paring knife with 4-inch blade: Perfect for intricate tasks like peeling fruits and vegetables.
  • Kitchen shears: Designed for cutting herbs, poultry, and other kitchen tasks.
  • Sharpening steel: To help maintain the edge on your blades.
  • Green polypropylene handle: Providing a comfortable and secure grip.

The blades are made from ice-hardened FRIODUR stainless steel, which is known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. The green polypropylene handles are lightweight and easy to clean. The entire set weighs approximately 6 pounds.

Performance & Functionality

The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set performs its intended function well, offering a sharp and reliable cutting experience. The Chef’s knife is particularly versatile, while the Paring knife excels at detail work. The shears are a welcome addition, although they are not as heavy-duty as some dedicated kitchen shears.

The serrated bread knife could be sharper, requiring more force than some competitors. The set consistently delivers clean and precise cuts, making food preparation more efficient and enjoyable. It largely meets my expectations, offering a balanced combination of performance and aesthetics.

Design & Ergonomics

The knives are well-balanced and comfortable to hold, thanks to the ergonomic green polypropylene handles. The vibrant color adds a modern touch to the kitchen, setting it apart from traditional knife sets. The set is user-friendly and requires no special skills to use effectively.

The handles provide a secure grip, even when wet. The knives feel lightweight but sturdy, offering a good balance between maneuverability and control. The design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, blending seamlessly into my kitchen decor.

Durability & Maintenance

The ice-hardened FRIODUR stainless steel blades are designed to resist corrosion and maintain their edge over time. With regular honing using the included sharpening steel, the knives should last for many years. The handles are easy to clean with soap and water, and the storage block helps to protect the blades from damage.

The knives are relatively easy to maintain, requiring minimal effort to keep them in good condition. The robust construction suggests that the set will withstand the rigors of daily use. The HENCKELS ZWILLING reputation for quality inspires confidence in the set’s long-term durability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set includes a sharpening steel, which is essential for maintaining the edge on the blades. There are no specific customization options available for this set. The knives are compatible with standard knife storage solutions, such as magnetic strips or alternative knife blocks.

Replacement shears are available separately, should the need arise. The set is designed as a complete package, with all the necessary tools for basic kitchen tasks included. The absence of customization options is not a significant drawback, as the set offers a well-rounded selection of essential knives.

Pros and Cons of HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set

Pros

  • Sharp and durable FRIODUR stainless steel blades.
  • Comfortable and ergonomic green polypropylene handles.
  • Includes a sharpening steel to maintain the blade edges.
  • Vibrant color adds a modern touch to the kitchen.
  • Compact storage block saves counter space.

Cons

  • Serrated bread knife could be sharper.
  • Shears are not as heavy-duty as dedicated kitchen shears.


Who Should Buy HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set?

The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set is perfect for home cooks who want a reliable and aesthetically pleasing knife set for everyday use. It is also a good option for those who are upgrading from a mismatched collection of knives and want a cohesive, high-quality set. This knife set is a fit for those looking for a vibrant and modern kitchen aesthetic.

Those who require specialized knives for specific tasks (e.g., boning knife, cleaver) may want to supplement this set with additional pieces. Professional chefs may prefer higher-end knives with more advanced features.

Conclusion on HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set

The HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set offers a compelling combination of quality, performance, and aesthetics. While the serrated bread knife could be sharper, the set as a whole delivers a reliable and enjoyable cutting experience. The price of $62.79 is justified by the quality of the materials and the HENCKELS ZWILLING brand reputation.

I would personally recommend this set to anyone looking for a stylish and functional knife set for their home kitchen. If you’re ready to ditch your dull knives and upgrade to a set that will last, the HENCKELS ZWILLING Now S 6-Piece Green Block Set is a solid choice. Upgrade your kitchen today!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top