Genesis Series 6-Piece Knife Set – Offers Precision Tips and German Steel Blades That Will Remain Razor-sharp for a Long Time
What We Like
- German steel-forged blades
- Santoprene handles for superior grip
- Full tang
- Strong magnetic board
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Can’t be soaked
- Not dishwasher safe
- Magnetic board too tall for cabinets
Bottom Line
The Genesis Series 6 piece set by Mercer Culinary offers you precision tips and German steel blades that will remain razor-sharp for a long time if you take proper care of them. Moreover, you’ll get a sure grip with these knives, chopping and slicing away all you want.
This set includes all the knives you need for preparing a meal, and the magnetic board is the cherry on top that makes it easier to store them. All of this, for a very reasonable price.
A Quick Mercer Culinary Genesis Series Intro
Ever noticed how on the show ‘Masterchef,’ the first round consists of testing knife skills? That’s because knives are one of the fundamental tools of the kitchen; however, without a good kitchen knife, you won’t be able to chop like a pro, no matter how polished your skills.
Hence, to start your culinary journey, you need a good set of knives. And with a brand like Mercer Culinary, you can get professional knives that offer stability, durability, and razor-sharp blades at a good price.
This particular set consists of:
- 8″ Chef knife
- 8″ Bread knife
- 6″ Boning knife
- 5″ Utility knife
- 3.5″ Paring knife
- Knife holder
Related article: Best Mercer Knives
Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Knife Set Design
When you take a first look at this set, the knives don’t look extraordinary. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll see that the edges of the knives are super sharp and crisp (more on this later), ready to slice anything.
These blades are stain-resistant, high-carbon German steel blades, making the knives as durable as can be. Also, the handles have a very ergonomic design, fitting into your hands very comfortably.
But most importantly, these handles are made out of Santoprene, which will give you the ultimate grip. Sure, they don’t have that rustic look like knives with wooden handles have, but you get a non-slippery hold on them due to this synthetic material. This is one trade-off that we can gladly accept.
Plus, these knives are forged, which means that they’re made up of one steel bar, pounded into shape and heated for extra durability. The bolster at the end is an indication of this.
They also have a full tang, which gives you better stability. And last but not least, the butts of the knives come with the Mercer logo stamped on a piece of metal, completing the look of the knives.
Performance and Features
Let’s dive into more details about the knives and talk a bit more about how they perform in the kitchen:
Blade Structure
As mentioned earlier, these blades are made of high-carbon German steel. German steel knives tend to be softer, making them more flexible and less likely to break when they hit hard surfaces, like the edge of a countertop.
On the other hand, high-carbon steel increases the hardness of the knives, which makes the blades stay sharper for longer.
Hence, these knives are the perfect blend of soft and hard, making them super sharp and durable. This steel is also stain-resistant, so if you’re cutting up any citrus fruits, you can be worry-free as they won’t stain your precious knives.
Moreover, forged blades make them thicker and add to their durability. These forged blades, in turn, make the knives comfortable, as the thick bolsters at the end prevent your index finger from digging into the vertical edge of the knife.
This also makes blade retention much better, because forged knives are harder. These blades have a Rockwell hardness of 58, so you know they’ll stay sharp for a long time.
Handle
Quality handles are an equally important part of knives, just as essential as the blades. The Genesis series knives come with Santoprene handles, which makes them non-slip and very grippy. Santoprene is also chemical-resistant, so ruined handles are one worry off your mind with this set.
The best part? These knives come with a full tang that makes the handle a bit of bulk and heft. This gives you the balance and stability you need to slice those veggies like Gordon Ramsay.
Magnetic Wooden Board
Mercer Culinary gives you the complete solution to your knife worries. You won’t have to pull five different knives out of your traditional wooden block before finding the correct one, because this magnetic board and stand gives you a clear view of the knives.
The magnet inside the wood helps keep the knife in place while the block of wood stands upright. Keep in mind, though, that this board, when paired with the knives, stands 16.5 inches tall, which may be too tall for cabinets.
On the brighter side, though, you get high-quality acacia wood, which is damage resistant and strong and does not topple over easily.
NSF Certified and Lifetime Guarantee
One of the best things about this knife set is that you get a limited lifetime guarantee with it. Moreover, they’re NSF certified, so you know they meet the standards of safety and quality you’re looking for.
Related article: Mercer Culinary Genesis 10-Piece Forged Knife Set Review
Handling Mercer Culinary Genesis Knife Set
It’s pretty easy to use these knives because of the strong grip the rubber handle offers and the shape that fits in your palm comfortably.
Moreover, a full tang and bolsters also ensure that you get the stability and control you need while chopping or slicing at full speed.
As far as maintenance is concerned, you must take certain precautions to ensure their longevity. You shouldn’t soak them, and neither should you wash them in a dishwasher. Handwashing with mild soap seems to be the best option.
The wooden board is super easy to maintain, however, as you can slide out the knives and clean the surface easily with a wet cloth.
Related article: Mercer Culinary M23210 Millennia Review
How Much is the Culinary Genesis Magnetic Board Knife Set?
The brand Mercer Culinary is known for its competitive prices. Hence, it brings you professional quality knives that feel good and perform even better, for a price that can easily fit in your budget.
This particular set, with five knives serving most purposes while cooking a meal, is reasonably priced as well, especially if you consider the magnetic board.
Related article: Mercer Culinary Millennia 14-Inch Granton-Edge Slicer Knife
Final Thoughts
Is it worth buying this 6 piece set from Mercer Culinary Genesis? If you’re looking for a budget-friendly set of knives that help you learn the knife skills that professionals use, then yes, this is a great place to start.
This set also fits the needs of the average home cook who wants sharp and comfortable knives for speedy meal prep. Overall, it’s a real bargain.
