Zelite Infinity 6 Inch Utility Paring Knife — Razor Sharp Kitchen Chopping Knife with Japanese AUS-10 Super Steel; 67-Layer Damascus Utility Chef Knife with Triple-Riveted Handle

I have 3 Zelite knives. To be clear, these are not "Japanese knives", they are Chinese knives made with Japanese blades. I also have a Chinese knife made with a German blade, but that's another story (though it's also an excellent knife). I have seen comments about this brand and others sold on Amazon that these are "fake" or "copies of" Japanese knives, which is really in the eye of the beholder. Here's how I see it: The part of the knife that you use and maintain, i.e. the blade and its cutting edge, are Japanese and of a very high level of performance. Goods of Chinese manufacture are often characterized as "cheap" or "mass-produced" and in many (most?) cases that's true. But let's also remember that Asian cultures have been blacksmithing for at least 3,000 years. 2,000-2,500 year-old Chinese swords have been found intact by archaeologists that were still so sharp that they drew blood upon discovery. So the notion that Chinese manufacture of cutlery is arbitrarily a low-grade enterprise is a false premise. I've had my 8" Chef's knife for two years, the other two for about a year. All of them clean, sharpen and hold an edge as well as the $200+ Japanese knives I also have in my block (Shun). For $70, the 6" compares favorably to other knives that cost $150-$400 and that's not an exaggeration. Same with the Chef's - I'd say value is on the order of 30-40¢ to the dollar compared with premium Japanese products that utilize Damascus (layered) forging. I can probably afford to spend more, but I honestly don't feel as if I have to. The thing that I actually like better about the Zelites is their heft: between the solid tang and weighted handle, plus the fuller size and shape of the handle, these knives actually feel better in hand than do Shun. Leverage of this slicer and especially my 8" chef is perfect; I've seen a complaint from one buyer about the knife being handle-heavy so I think that may be a subjective preference. I have small hands for a guy, so I find the feel to be just right (if you're a knife nerd, the balance point is where the handle material meets the bolster, which isn't all that far out of balance for the length of these blades.) I am especially pleased at how well these sharpen with just a few swipes on my ceramic rod - they're easy to keep EXTREMELY sharp if you have skills with sharpening rods or steels. These knives perform remarkably well - I'm not a pro but a an experienced enthusiast - and these blades work well enough for pros and are more than adequate for amateur cooks. In fact, for people who don't have good knife skills, these might be TOO sharp.

I am very excited to leave feedback on these knives! I have taken adequate time to get familiarized with this manufacturer and I have been using and loving their products... The quality of the product, price, speed of delivery and attentiveness of the seller are all outstanding. I must start by telling you that I was NOT paid to write this review and that I have purchased the full set of these knives at full price. I couldn’t be happier with the purchase. At this point I own the entire set and I have purchased multiples of the serrated 5.5” utility because it is the best feeling steak knife I’ve ever put my hands on.I am a 2nd year culinary student and aspiring Chef. I have a Mercer Knife roll that we use in class and although I do like it, there is much to be desired. I decided to purchase the Zelite Damascus 8" Chef's knife for myself (to use at home) and was beyond pleased with it. I then ordered the Santoku, Utility and Serrated Utility knives on amazon. Followed by that I purchased the Boning, Paring and Bread Knives - along with an additional 5.5 serrated utility (it’s my favorite)I will point out that I was apprehensive about ordering the first knife due to some peoples voiced concerns about the manufacturing in the PRC. Personally - My concern is only in buying a knock off or counterfeit item and in owning an inferior product. I was also concerned that the "Made in China" stamp would be on the knife, which would have been undesirable. If I were buying in person and able to physically see the quality in this product there would never have been any hesitation in purchasing it. The Product is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! – My hesitation was strictly due to bad past experiences with buying online, which Is also why I purchased this product off of Amazon. I knew the risk was minimized.I sure am glad I did.After receiving the first knife (Chef’s Knife) I immediately was in love with the quality and I ordered the rest of the available set. I absolutely love the Set – It is Fantastic!!I'm loving the knives - I am almost addicted to them. I keep buying buying buying them! I couldn't help but to purchase the whole set. I am very happy with the quality of the knives, the customer service and the shipping time/method. I took the time to pass on the word because not only am I very hard to please and quite demanding on the tools that I use- I am a small business owner myself and I truly understand the value of positive and correct feedback.