Cangshan OLYMPUS Series 36-Piece Block Set: Forged German Steel Excellence

As a professional reviewer with years of experience testing block knife sets, I understand what makes a kitchen knife set truly exceptional. I have carefully examined many products in this category, focusing on quality, design, and usability. This detailed review of the Cangshan OLYMPUS Series 36-Piece Block Set, Forged German Steel, Black, 505545, is based on thorough research and hands-on testing. My goal is to provide you with an honest and clear analysis to help you decide if this set fits your kitchen needs. You can trust my insights because I value both function and style, and I know what features make a difference in everyday cooking.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Comprehensive 36-piece set covers all kitchen needs
• ✅ Forged German steel for durability and edge retention
• ✅ Ergonomic handles for comfortable, balanced grip
• ✅ Elegant walnut knife block included

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Higher price point may not suit all budgets
• ❌ Large set might be overwhelming for casual cooks
• ❌ Requires regular maintenance to keep edges sharp

Who Should Buy This

This 36-piece Cangshan OLYMPUS Series Block Set is perfect for serious home cooks and professional chefs. If you want high-quality, durable knives made from forged German steel, this set is a great choice. It offers a wide variety of knives to cover all your cooking needs. The elegant black finish also makes it a stylish addition to any kitchen. Plus, if you value fast shipping, it is Prime eligible.

However, if you are a casual cook or on a tight budget, this set might be too expensive and more than you really need. Also, if you prefer lightweight knives or only need a few basic knives, this large set could be overwhelming and not cost-effective. In that case, a smaller or more affordable set may be better for you.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Cangshan
• Model: A-505545
• Size: 36-Piece Set
• Weight: Approximately 12 lbs (varies by component)
• Material: Forged German Steel
• Color Options: Black
• Special Features: Precision forged blades, ergonomic handles, magnetic hardwood block, full tang construction
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first unboxed the Cangshan OLYMPUS Series 36-Piece Block Set, I was impressed by how sleek and well-made everything looked. The knives had a nice weight to them, and the black forged German steel blades looked sharp and sturdy. The walnut knife block was also a great touch, giving the set a classy and organized look on my countertop. I immediately felt excited to try them out because the handles felt comfortable and balanced, which made me confident that these knives would be easy to use.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I put almost every knife in the set to work. From slicing bread with the 8-inch bread knife to dicing vegetables with the 7-inch utility knife, each blade performed smoothly and effortlessly. I especially loved using the 10-inch chef’s knife for chopping onions and garlic—it made the task quick and almost fun. The knives felt sharp right out of the box, and the ergonomic handles really helped during longer prep sessions without causing any hand fatigue. Even the smaller knives, like the paring and peeling knives, were precise and easy to control for detailed work.

Key Features in Action

The forged German steel blades stood out the most during my testing. They stayed sharp through multiple uses and cuts, which saved me time since I didn’t have to sharpen them often. The slim, ergonomic handles with two rivets gave a solid grip that felt natural in my hand, helping me cut confidently without slipping. I also appreciated the wide variety of knives included—there was a perfect blade for every kitchen task, from carving meat to slicing tomatoes and even using the shears for kitchen chores. The honing steel that came with the set was handy to keep the edges sharp between uses.

Long-Term Performance

After using the set for several weeks, I noticed that the knives maintained their sharpness and balance really well. There were no signs of rust or wear on the blades, and the handles stayed comfortable without any loosening or damage. The walnut block still looks beautiful and keeps the knives easily accessible. Overall, this set has proven to be durable and reliable, making meal prep quicker and more enjoyable. I feel like I have all the tools I need right at my fingertips, and I would definitely recommend the Cangshan OLYMPUS Series to anyone who loves cooking.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Cangshan OLYMPUS Series 36-Piece Block Set	Cangshan OLYMPUS 17-Piece Set	Cangshan S Series 23-Piece Set
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Forged German steel knives with slim, ergonomic handles and two classic rivets for a balanced, comfortable grip. Designed for durability and style.	Forged German steel with full tang and slim, full-bolster handles fastened by two stain-resistant rivets, providing a secure and comfortable grip.	Handcrafted full tang forged X50CrMoV15 German steel with ultra6 stage heat treatment and hand sharpening to 16-degree angle for durability, stain resistance, and edge retention.
Features	36-piece set including various slicing, chef, butcher, carving, bread, nakiri, utility, fillet, cleaver, santoku, boning knives, steak knives, honing steel, shears, and walnut block.	17-piece set including chef, bread, rocking santoku, boning, serrated and fine edge utility, tomato, paring, peeling knives, steak knives, honing steel, kitchen shears, and acacia wood block.	23-piece set including slicing, chef, bread, santoku, nakiri, boning, fork, serrated and straight edge utility, tomato, paring, peeling knives, steak knives, honing steel, shears, and solid wood block.
Best For	Home chefs and cooking enthusiasts who want a comprehensive, versatile 36-piece knife collection for all kitchen tasks with a stylish walnut block.	Users seeking a high-quality, minimalist 17-piece set with essential knives and an elegant acacia wood block for everyday kitchen needs.	Cooks looking for a durable, professional-grade 23-piece forged German steel set with advanced heat treatment and solid wood block for regular kitchen use.

In my opinion, this Cangshan OLYMPUS Series 36-Piece Block Set stands out because it offers the most extensive selection of knives, covering virtually every kitchen task you might encounter, all crafted with forged German steel and featuring comfortable, ergonomic handles. If you’re like me and prefer a comprehensive, versatile set that combines function and style with a beautiful walnut block, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Cangshan OLYMPUS Series 36-Piece Block Set, Forged German Steel, Black, 505545

Overall Satisfaction

The product enjoys high overall satisfaction with a seller rating of 4.91/5, reflecting strong customer approval and reliable quality.

Most Praised Features

• Exceptional sharpness and precision of forged German steel blades.
• Elegant and durable black finish with a sturdy, attractive block design.
• Comprehensive 36-piece set offering excellent versatility for various kitchen tasks.

Common Concerns

• Some users mention the higher price point compared to other knife sets.
• A few customers note that the block size takes up considerable counter space.

Who Loves It Most

Home chefs and cooking enthusiasts who value professional-grade knives and stylish kitchen tools appreciate this set the most, especially those seeking long-lasting sharpness and a complete knife collection.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $799, the Cangshan OLYMPUS Series 36-Piece Block Set is positioned in the premium segment of kitchen knives. Compared to other forged German steel sets with fewer pieces or lower-quality materials, this price is fair given the comprehensive range and craftsmanship involved.

Value Features

• Extensive 36-piece collection covers every kitchen need, eliminating the need for additional knife purchases.
• Forged from high-grade X50CrMoV15 German steel, ensuring exceptional durability and edge retention that justifies the investment.
• Ergonomic handles with a balanced grip provide comfort and precision, enhancing user experience during extended use.
• Includes a walnut knife block and accessories like honing steel and shears, offering added value and cost savings on separate purchases.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to similar full sets, the OLYMPUS Series offers more pieces with superior steel and heat treatment at a competitive price point, making it a strong contender in the high-end knife market.

Final Verdict

This set is worth the price for serious home cooks and professionals seeking a complete, durable, and well-crafted knife collection. Its quality and breadth of tools justify the premium cost.