Checking Our List: Oneida Sure Grip 12-Piece Knife Set w/Bamboo Block {Review}

Early on in our relationship, my husband told me the story about how his father had given his mother a heating pad as a holiday gift one year. Getting a good chuckle, we went on to comment about romantic versus practical gifts and couldn't imagine getting to the point where a gift like that would ever be considered.

Fast-forward ten years and you know, a heating pad does sound fairly nice right about now.

As much as frivolous holiday gifts are fun, by giving one that the recipient can really use and enjoy for years to come is much more special. And the area where a thoughtful gift like that is really appreciated is always going to be one for the kitchen or dining room - eating never goes out of style! No one knows that better than the company known for their high quality kitchenware, dinnerware, flatware and more: Oneida.

With something for every aspect of preparation, cooking, serving or eating, Oneida has your kitchen and dining room covered. After having been thoroughly impressed with their beautiful Culinaria dinnerware this fall, I couldn't wait to see the feel and quality of Oneida's Sure Grip 12 Piece Set with Bamboo Block.

Pulling each item out of the box, I was glad to see that Oneida had individually wrapped and protected each included piece to not only keep them from being damaged but so that you don't accidentally hurt yourself in the process.

This set includes an 8" Chef Knife, 7" Santoku Knife, 6" Boning Knife, 5" Utility Knife, 3" Paring Knife, six 4½" Steak Knives, Kitchen Shears, a Sharpening Steel and the solid Bamboo Block to store them all in. Whew! What else could you need?

As I removed the wrapping and placed each piece in its labeled compartment (I love that they're labeled! Something about knowing each knife is where it belongs makes me happy), right away I could feel the durability of them.

As well as the quality stainless steel, the ergonomically designed handles just fit well into your hand. And the addition of the sure-grip texture means that every time I have used one of these knives, even if a little wet, there has never been an issue about them slipping or not having complete control.

Then there are the blades; the ultra-sharp, high carbon blades. With our previous set of knives, I thought they seemed fairly sharp (when new). But, after trying Oneida's knives, nothing compares. These slice through fruit, vegetables, bread, steak, etc without a problem and just make it so easy to get any sort of food prepared and ready. I couldn't be happier using the knives for all sorts of slicing and the shears are perfect for cutting just about anything that's left.

When it comes time for cleaning, the blades of these knives resist rust and stains and are actually safe for the dishwasher. As it is recommended that they are hand washed, however, we have been doing that with no problem and look forward to preserving this set for use for years to come!

Browsing through the wonderful options on Oneida's website, you'll find great products for holiday gifts for anyone who loves to cook or entertain... or just loves to eat! Or, if you're hosting any gatherings this season, you'll easily be able to impress your guests with beautiful dishes, utensils, serving platters and more. This knife set retails for $64.99 and will be sure to provide high quality cooking for any lucky person on your life.

Don't forget to connect with Oneida on Facebook and Twitter as well and be sure to head over to A Mom's Balancing Act to read Jenna's review of Oneida's gorgeous Culinaria dinnerware - perfect for holiday entertaining!

(Other than the Sure Grip 12-pc Set with Bamboo Block that I was sent by Oneida, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this company and their high quality products.)