So far the knives are very nice. Takes a little getting used to the the shape of the handle but not an issue once you do. Very sharp but have not used long enough to judge how long the retain edge. Only issue with ordering directly from global vs a retailer is returns are expensive. Must be sure you are ordering correctly. Ordered some as a gift and had to return when I found out he did not want a knife block set. Although I ordered additional individual knives for him, the return cost of the set was $50. Otherwise customer service was responsive and pretty quick with refund. FedEx is not good with delivery in our rural area. FedEx kept changing delivery date and twice claimed poor weather prevented delivery. There was no inclement either day. UPS has been much more reliable.