OK, I'm taking the plunge & buying new knives. I'm trying to decide
between 2 different Wüsthof sets. I'm not quite sure what the deal is
with these & I can't decide.

Both of these have been discounted to the same cost so purchase amount
would be the same, but one was originally almost $60.00 more than the
other and comes with less "stuff". Doesn't make sense. I'm not an
expert on knives, so maybe Y'all could help me out here. What makes the
smaller set more valuable than the larger set?

Here was the "lesser" expensive set

Wüsthof Traditional Gourmet 7-Piece Block Set

# Full, seamlessly encased triple-riveted tangs; synthetic
traditional-style handles
# Includes 4-inch parer, 4-1/2-inch utility, 8-inch carver, 8-inch chef's
# Also: shears, 9-inch sharpening steel, 9-slot oak block
# Laser-cut high-carbon steel blade with stain-resistant alloy
# Precise tapering from grinding and polishing procedure

Product Description

Review
Representing Wüsthof’s Gourmet series of knives, this block set features
less expensive versions of the knives in the manufacturer’s Classic
series. Knives in the set include a 4-inch parer, 4-1/2-inch serrated
utility, 8-inch chef's, kitchen shears, and 9-inch sharpening steel.
Everything fits within the 9-slot rubber-footed oak block. Although the
blades are still made of high-carbon steel with a stain-resistant alloy,
the difference in the Gourmet series is that the blade is a thinner
quality metal and is cut by a precision laser instead of by hand. The
blade still has an ideal shape as it is ground and polished by computer
to ensure perfect tapering from tip to bolster. Full tangs extend
through the synthetic traditional-style handles, which are
triple-riveted for strength. These knives are dishwasher-safe but
handwashing is recommended to preserve the edges on the blades. The
Gourmet series is an excellent alternative for those who want to own
quality Wüsthof cutlery but are on a budget.

What's in the Box
4-inch parer; 4-1/2-inch utility; 8-inch carver; 8-inch chef's; shears;
9-inch sharpening steel; 9-slot oak block

Product Description
Wusthof has been make knives in Germany for over 190 years. The fine
high carbon no stain steel retains its edge for a long time and is easy
to sharpen. Gourmet is a laser cut blade. The full tang 3 rivited handle
is sturdy and well balanced. The 7pc set includes, 4" parer, 4.5"
utility serrated, 8"carver, 8"cooks, kitchen shear, 9"sharpening steel,
9 slot oak block

Here is the "more" expensive set

Wüsthof Grand Prix 5-Piece Knife Block Set

# Full tangs; molded polypropylene handles; lifetime warranty
# Knives include: 6-inch cook's, 8-inch carving, 3-inch paring
# Also includes: 9-inch sharpening steel; 9-slot oak block
# Blades formed of single piece of high-carbon, stain-resistant steel
# Computer-ground, hand-honed blades; precision slicing; longer edge
retention

Review
This set includes an assortment of short-blade cutlery designed for
chefs with smaller hands. These specialty knives are difficult to find
packaged together. The set contains: a 6-inch cook’s knife--a staple for
chopping meats and vegetables; an 8-inch carving knife for slicing
steaks and roasts; and a 3-inch paring knife for slicing garlic or
peeling fruit. The 9-inch honing steel has a magnetic steel shaft in a
fine to medium grit that sharpens without damaging knife edges. A 9-slot
oak block stores the cutlery in this set, while leaving room for
additional pieces.

Wüsthof’s Grand Prix knives have the perfect balance of high-carbon,
no-stain steel. Knives retain their edge longer, and never become
discolored. Blades are ground and polished by computer, ensuring perfect
tapering from bolster to tip. Edges are hand-honed for precision
slicing. The tang extends through a slip-free, molded, polypropylene
handle for excellent balance and heft. The knives are
dishwasher-safe--though hand washing is recommended. All Wüsthof cutlery
is covered under a lifetime warranty. --Cristina Vaamonde
What’s in the Box
6-inch cook’s knife, 8-inch carving knife, 3-inch paring knife, 9-inch
sharpening steel, 9-slot oak block.

Product Description
This five-piece cutlery collection from the Wüsthof Grand Prix line
outfits your kitchen with everything you need to slice, dice, and chop
all your favorite foods. The set includes a 3-inch paring knife for
peeling fruits and vegetables, a 6-inch utility knife for slicing
mushrooms and mincing garlic, a 6-inch cook's knife for all-purpose
chopping and slicing, a 9-inch sharpening steel, and a nine-slot wooden
storage block. Each knife features a precision-forged high-carbon
stainless-steel blade with a full bolster and tang. The forging process
gives the blades remarkable sharpness and durability, as does the
computer-controlled grinding and polishing process. When the blades
eventually dull, as all blades do, the sharpening steel will re-hone the
edges with a few quick swipes.

The handles are comfortable in the hands thanks to the slip-free,
pebble-grained grip. Each handle also enhances the balance of the knife
thanks to the full tang and single-piece construction, making them
easier to manipulate and control. Wüsthof recommends hand washing the
cutlery--which comes with a limited lifetime warranty--for best results.

What's in the Box
3-inch paring knife, 6-inch utility knife, 6-inch cook's knife, 9-inch
sharpening steel, wooden storage block

Product Description
Wusthof has been making the finest knives in the world for over 190
years. Through excellent craftsman ship and engineering the Grand Prix
knife line has become one of the finest in the world. This 5 piece set
includes 3-inch parer, 8-inch carving, 6-inch cooks, 9-inch steel and a
9-slot storage block.