in case anyone cares, here's consumer reports rankings plus comments (highest to lowest).
KNIVES THAT NEED HONING
Wüsthof Trident Grand Prix
$300
Forged. 8-piece set. Better for wet grip than most. Heavier than most.
Henckels Twin Select
500
Forged. 7-piece set. Stainless-steel handles. Heavier than most.
Wüsthof Trident Classic
300
Forged. 8-piece set.
Henckels Professional "S"
230
Forged. 7-piece set.
Wüsthof Culinar 8169
450
Forged. 6-piece set (not included: utility, $65). Stainless-steel handles. Heavier than most.
Henckels Four Star
200
Forged. 7-piece set (not included: slicer, $82).
Tramontina Professional L-400
70
Forged. 3-piece set (not included: slicer, $35). Heavier than most.
LamsonSharp Forged
200
Forged. 6-piece set. Wood handles; more prone to damage but offer better wet grip than most. Blade more likely to corrode than most. Maker will sharpen for free (you pay shipping).
Chef's Choice Trizor Professional 10X
200
Forged. 3-piece set (not included: slicer, $125). Better for wet grip than most. Heavier than most.
Oxo Good Grips MV55-PRO
$130
Stamped. 7-piece set. Rubber-coated steel handles are bulky but offer better wet grip than most. Blade more likely to corrode than most.
Farberware Pro Forged
A CR Best Buy
90
Forged. 9-piece set. Handles are bulky. Utility knife too small and flexible.
Chicago Cutlery Metropolitan
A CR Best Buy
60
Stamped. 8-piece set. Handles are bulky. Lighter than most.
Tupperware Chef Series
440
Forged. 8-piece set (not included: slicer, $65). Heavier than most. Utility knife too small and flexible. Sold mainly through in-home parties.
Henckels Five Star
230
Forged. 7-piece set. Handles are bulky. Blade more likely to corrode than most.
Chicago Cutlery Insignia
100
Forged. 10-piece set. Heavier than most.
Henckels Twin Gourmet
100
Stamped. 7-piece set. Gap between handle and blade. Blade more likely to corrode than most.
Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition
60
Stamped. 6-piece set. Wood handles are bulky and more prone to damage but offer better wet grip than most. Gap between handle and blade. Lighter than most.
KitchenAid Epicurean
200
Forged. 5-piece set (not included: slicer, $90; utility, $60). Heavier than most. Utility knife too small and flexible.
Farberware Pro Stainless
70
Forged. 8-piece set. Stainless-steel handles. Utility knife is serrated.
Pampered Chef 1041
45
Stamped. 2-piece carving set (not included: chef's knife, $26; utility, $19; paring, $15). Lighter than most. No sharpening steel; some knives come in a storage/sharpening case. Sold through sales representatives only.