Wüsthof "They'll last a lifetime," says Steven Bridge of New York City's Bridge Kitchenware. These German classics have straight (read: sharpenable) edges (from $40 each; 800-274-3435). MAC Chicago chef Charlie Trotter is so passionate about these straight-edged Japanese knives that he engraves his signature on the ones at his store (from $90 each; 773-868-6510). Global Heather Lamster of New York City's Broadway Panhandler reports that the microserrated edges of her sleek Japanese set have remained razor sharp for four years (from $134 for four; 212-966-3434). Messermeister These German-made knives have hand-polished, smooth edges. Nancy Purves Pollard of La Cuisine in Alexandria, Virginia, recommends the San Moritz Elité line (from $170 for four; 800-521-1176).

--Jessica Blatt