Classic 2-Piece Starter Set

The paring knife is surprisingly nimble for such an affordable set, it handles garlic and shallots with ease. I've already used the chef's knife for everything from dicing onions to slicing roasted chicken, and it stays sharp after several washes.

These two cover just about everything I need at the counter, and the chef's knife feels perfectly weighted in hand. The 8-inch blade glides through onions and peppers without any rocking effort.

The paring knife is tiny but mighty—I used it for hulling strawberries and it cut through like butter. The chef's knife feels balanced in my hand, not too heavy, and the two sizes cover everything I need for quick weeknight dinners. For the price, this starter set gets the job done without fuss.