I bought these knives in 2004 ish (on a military base in Japan, had them mismarked for $169, long story, they did not care) here we are in 2017, still as good as new! I will say these are quality knives, I have only used the refiner a few times when they were new (looks like I know what I am doing) and maybe once after that but not in the last eight years or so... I have not been to gentle with them either, I hand wash and let air dry, my dad has put them in the dishwasher a few times ( I did tell him not too, he only visits a few times a year, think he forgets). All in all great quality, decent balance and I do not have any rust issues as others have said (except with the screw on the shears). I do not cook much anymore but my wife uses them two to three times a day and loves them (for the last 12 years). You will not be disappointed for the price.