> First question is why buy a set? What knife or knives do you need? As
> with pots and pans many of us find that buying individual pieces gives
> us a better chance of meeting our specific needs.

I do pretty much need to replace most of my knifes, and I thought a set
would accomplish this. Plus the cost for the set is right in my budget,
-vs- just buying one Wusthof knife will kill my budget. I like that
there are more slots in the block, than knifes that come with the set,
this way I can put a couple of my old favorites in the other slots.

> Why does it matter what the former prices were? That's not an
> indication of quality or how they will fit with your needs.

I have pretty much no clue about knife lingo, this is why I was
wondering. Youactually answered this question below about the knife blades.

> Okay, so it's 3 knives, one of which is a 6" cook's, versus 4 knives,
> one of which is an 8" cook's, plus shears. The smaller set has
> traditional (but synthetic) handles, the larger set molded polyprop.
> The larger set has laser-cut blades, the smaller has ground, hand-honed
> blades.

I actually have a 3 stage electric knife sharpener that I purchased
about a year ago. Does anyone know if one of these blade "styles" works
better with an electric sharpener?

> If it were me, I'd have to go to the store and try them out for how
> they feel in my hand. Some knifes just fit, and others don't. If it
> doesn't feel right, nothing else matters. This is even true for my
> Chinese cleavers.

I know, but the handles look pretty standard. I don't really have much
difficulty with different shaped handles, with the exception of too
small & they dont really look small. I'll take my chances.

> Quality and longevity of both will be outstanding because they're
> Wusthof. In terms of knife-making technology you'd have to think that
> the ground and honed blades have the potential for greater sharpness.
> But both will be plenty sharp enough, and both will require good care
> to maintain it. So it comes down to, what do you need and do they feel
> good in your hand.
>
> Personally, a 6" cook's knife is too small for me, I much prefer the 8"
> size. And I've never had a serrated utility knife, that might be
> useful.

Good points

> So I'd go with the larger set, but that's me, not you.
> -aem

Thanks for the help.