really good set for $130. what is your runner up? runner up is the zwilling set. this goes up to $300. this is finer craftsmanship. about as sharp as the chicago. one thing we like is the chef knife was the sharpest of any we ve tested. this is the workhorse. this is really important. we wanted to call that out. the serated was a little less but it fits very comfortable. $330, it is a bit of investment. very well crafted.