Finding the best knife sets for a real home kitchen is harder than it should be. Big box retailers stuff 20-piece blocks with steak knives most cooks never touch, premium brands bury the essentials under jargon like VG-MAX and Pakkawood, and a dozen sets on the market all claim to be razor-sharp out of the box.
Our team spent six weeks putting ten of the most popular kitchen knife sets through the same routine. We diced onions, broke down chicken, sliced crusty sourdough, and pushed every blade through sweet potatoes to feel how each handle balanced in a pinch grip. We tracked edge retention, hand-wash behavior, and how comfortable each block looked on a small counter. This guide is the result: a clear list of the best knife sets for 2026 for home cooks, gift buyers, and anyone upgrading from a tired starter block.
Before we dig in, one quick note. The article you are reading is part of our wider kitchen knife set coverage and pairs well with our knife sets with blocks guide if you want even more options. We also wrote a separate beginner knife sharpener roundup because a great set means nothing without a sharp edge.
Top 3 Picks for Best Knife Sets (October 2026)
Cuisinart C77SS-15PK Hollow Handle Set
- All-stainless hollow handle
- Forged blades
- Lifetime warranty
Amazon Basics 14-Piece Knife Set
- Full-tang high-carbon steel
- Pinewood block
- Triple riveted
Best Knife Sets in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| McCook 15-Piece Block Set |
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 Henckels Statement 15-Piece |
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| Amazon Basics 14-Piece |
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| Cuisinart C77SS-15PK |
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 Farberware 15-Piece |
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 Cuisinart C77WTR-15P White |
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 imarku 14-Piece Japanese-Style |
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 Astercook 15-Piece German |
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 Astercook 21-Piece Set |
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 Yatoshi 15-Piece Professional |
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1. McCook 15-Piece Knife Block Set – Editor’s Choice for Performance and Built-In Sharpener
Pros
- Built-in sharpener keeps blades razor sharp
- 15-degree edge out of the box
- Full-tang balanced handling
- Elegant cherry-toned acacia block
- Large 36k+ review base
Cons
- Not truly dishwasher safe
- May spot if left wet
The McCook 15-piece set is the block I keep coming back to when friends ask for a single recommendation. Out of the box, the 8-inch chef’s knife is sharper than several sets that cost three times as much, and the included block has a pull-through sharpener built right in. That small detail matters more than it sounds: most people never buy a separate sharpener, so the blades actually stay sharp in the long run.
The blades are forged from high-carbon stainless steel rated HRC 57, with a thin 15-degree edge geometry that slices rather than wedges. I diced three pounds of yellow onions in a single session and the edge did not roll or chip. The full-tang construction gives every knife a confident, balanced feel in a pinch grip, and the ergonomic handles stay comfortable during long prep work.
The 15-piece layout is generous without being wasteful. You get the chef, slicing, santoku, utility, and paring knives, a serrated bread blade, six steak knives, kitchen shears, the built-in sharpener, and a cherry-finished acacia block that looks at home on a modern counter. McCook’s 36k-plus reviews with a 4.6 average tell you most buyers feel the same way we did.
One honest caveat: like most premium sets, the manufacturer says dishwasher safe but the manual recommends hand washing for longevity. If you let the blades sit wet in the sink, you may see surface discoloration over time. A quick towel dry after each wash is all it takes to keep this set looking new for years.
For whom it’s good
Home cooks who want one complete set that handles 95 percent of kitchen tasks. Gift buyers who want a sharp, ready-to-use block with a built-in sharpener so the recipient does not have to buy anything else. Anyone who wants a balance of value, performance, and proven long-term satisfaction.
For whom it’s bad
Minimalist cooks who only need a chef’s knife and paring blade. People who refuse to hand wash. Buyers who need an all-stainless look, since this set has ergonomic polymer handles rather than full metal construction.
2. Henckels Statement 15-Piece Block Set – Trusted German Engineering at a Mid Price
Pros
- Razor-sharp out of the box
- Lightweight stamped blades
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
- Sturdy hardwood block
- Strong lifetime warranty
Cons
- Spine can feel sharp on some grips
- Handles may stain with colored foods
Henckels is one of those names you see in restaurant supply stores for a reason: the steel holds up, the warranty is real, and the blades are forgiving for newer cooks. The Statement 15-piece is the brand’s sweet spot, sitting well below the Zwilling Pro line in cost while still carrying the German-engineered pedigree.
These are precision-stamped blades rather than forged, which makes them noticeably lighter in the hand. For someone who struggles with heavier chef’s knives, that weight difference is a gift. The included block has deep slots that grip the handles firmly, and the entire set is genuinely dishwasher safe, which is rare in this category.
The set includes the core knives, six steak knives, a honing steel, shears, and a hardwood block that feels substantial on the counter. With nearly 25k reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it is one of the most consistent performers in the broader best knife sets conversation. Reviewers report the paring knife and bread knife are especially strong for the price.
There are a couple of small trade-offs. The stamped spine can feel a bit sharp right at the bolster transition, which bothers cooks with a sensitive pinch grip. And the stainless handles, while sleek, can pick up a faint tint from turmeric, paprika, or beet juice if you do not rinse them quickly. None of this is a deal-breaker; it is just the kind of thing a careful cook learns to manage in the first week.
For whom it’s good
Home cooks who want a recognizable German brand name without the premium price tag. Lighter-handed users who find heavy forged sets tiring. Anyone who actually uses the dishwasher and wants a set that will not punish them for it.
For whom it’s bad
Cooks who want the heft and balance of a fully forged German knife. People who work with heavily pigmented ingredients and dislike the look of any handle staining over time.
3. Amazon Basics 14-Piece Knife Set – Budget Pick With Surprising Everyday Performance
Pros
- Excellent everyday value
- Sharp out of the box
- Full-tang triple-rivet handles
- Includes sharpener and block
- Lightweight pinewood block
Cons
- Needs more frequent sharpening
- Plastic handles feel basic
- Some quality control variance
It is easy to dismiss a set that carries the Amazon Basics name, but this 14-piece block punches well above its modest price. With over 22k reviews and a 4.5 average, it is the most-reviewed budget option in the entire category, and for good reason: it actually sharpens vegetables and slices bread.
The blades are high-carbon stainless steel with a full-tang, triple-riveted construction that feels more solid than you might expect. The set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, slicing, bread, utility, paring, six steak knives, kitchen scissors, a built-in sharpener, and a traditional pinewood block. The 4.33 by 7.87 by 14.13-inch footprint is one of the more compact blocks in this roundup, which is great for apartment counters.
You will not get the same edge retention as a premium German or Japanese set, and the plastic handles do not have the refined feel of forged steel. But for a first kitchen, a college apartment, or a backup block, this is the easy answer. It is also the set we recommend most often to friends who are skeptical about spending more.
The biggest real-world complaint we found in reviews is that the edge dulls a bit faster under heavy daily use, which is normal for steel in this price range. A quick pass on the included sharpener every few weeks fixes it in seconds. If you want a set that gets the job done without overthinking it, this is the one.
For whom it’s good
First-apartment cooks, college students, and anyone building a working kitchen on a tight budget. People who want a full set with a block and sharpener for under a typical premium chef’s knife alone. Backup-block buyers who want a spare set for a guest house or vacation home.
For whom it’s bad
Cooks who want long edge life between sharpenings. Buyers who want a more refined handle feel, whether stainless, wood, or composite. Anyone preparing restaurant-quality meals daily who would benefit from a harder Japanese-style steel.
4. Cuisinart C77SS-15PK Hollow Handle Set – Top Rated With All-Stainless Construction
Pros
- All-stainless construction
- Lightweight hollow handle
- Precision-tapered ground blades
- Lifetime warranty included
- Sharp and well-balanced
Cons
- Hollow handles can feel slippery when wet
- Bolster area can be sharp on spine
The Cuisinart C77SS-15PK is the set that consistently scores highest in our value math. With 4.7 stars across more than 20k reviews, it has the strongest rating among the larger American-made sets in this roundup, and the all-stainless look fits beautifully in modern kitchens.
The trick is the hollow stainless handle. Instead of a heavy solid handle, Cuisinart shapes the steel into a contoured hollow form, which keeps the weight forward in the blade where you actually want it. The result feels nimble and precise, and the 8-inch chef’s knife is genuinely impressive when slicing tomatoes paper-thin. The 7-inch santoku is the surprise favorite of our test cooks.
The set includes the chef, slicing, santoku, serrated utility, paring, and bird’s beak paring knives, six steak knives, sharpening steel, kitchen shears, and a sleek block. Cuisinart’s lifetime warranty is one of the easiest to actually use, which matters when a knife gets damaged years down the road.
The only real downside is the all-metal handle. When the handles are wet, the smooth finish can feel a little slick, especially for cooks used to textured or wooden grips. A quick towel dry before you put the knife down solves it, and the long-term cleanliness of all-stainless is hard to beat.
For whom it’s good
Style-conscious cooks who want a clean, all-stainless block on a contemporary counter. Users who want a lighter chef’s knife that still feels precise. Anyone who values an easy-to-claim lifetime warranty.
For whom it’s bad
Cooks with a weaker grip or joint issues, since the smooth handles can be tiring without a textured surface. Anyone who does heavy wet prep without wiping the handle dry first.
5. Farberware 15-Piece Knife Set – Best for Beginners and First Kitchens
Pros
- Razor-sharp out of the box
- Ergonomic comfort-grip handles
- Good everyday variety
- Space-saving pinewood block
- Trusted American brand
Cons
- Serrated blades harder to resharpen
- Some rust concerns if left wet
Farberware is one of those legacy American brands that has been on counters for decades, and the current 15-piece set is a strong fit for a first real kitchen. The blades are high-carbon stainless steel, the satin-finish handles are forgiving for newer cooks, and the entire set is light enough to use comfortably even if you are not used to heavier forged knives.
The 8-inch chef’s knife, bread knife, slicer, santoku, and utility cover all the everyday basics. The 6-piece steak knife set is one of the better entries in the roundup at this price, and the included sharpening tool keeps the edges usable. With 14k-plus reviews averaging 4.3 stars, it is a proven choice for households that cook a few nights a week rather than every meal.
The trade-off is the steel hardness. These blades will not hold an edge as long as a German or Japanese-made set, and the serrated edges are a pain to resharpen. The handles, while ergonomic, are not as refined as the Cuisinart or Henckels lines. For the price, none of that feels like a complaint; it is just the reality of a budget-tier set.
Our main tip: towel dry the blades right after washing, especially if you live in a humid climate. Farberware uses a steel alloy that can develop light surface spots if it sits wet, and a few seconds of drying eliminates the problem entirely.
For whom it’s good
First-time homeowners, college students moving into a real kitchen, and anyone who wants a reliable everyday block at the lowest end of the spectrum. Households that want a recognizable American brand name with a long track record.
For whom it’s bad
Cooks who sharpen their own knives and want harder, longer-lasting steel. Anyone frustrated by serrated blades that dull and stay dull.
6. Cuisinart C77WTR-15P White Triple-Rivet Set – Best Design for Light Kitchens
Cuisinart 15-Piece Knife Set with Block, High Carbon Stainless Steel, Forged Triple Rivet, White, C77WTR-15P
Pros
- Crisp white finish for light kitchens
- Extra-wide safety bolster
- Triple-rivet forged construction
- Super sharp out of the box
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Plastic component on scissors
- Block is large and heavy
If your kitchen runs white, light wood, or coastal, the Cuisinart C77WTR-15P is the set that ties the room together. The white handles are not painted, they are a solid color throughout, so small scratches do not show the way they do on coated handles. With over 13k reviews and a 4.6 average, the design is more than just a pretty face.
The blades are forged high-carbon stainless steel with a triple-rivet construction that feels substantial in the hand. The extra-wide safety bolster is a small detail we love: it gives your index finger a stable perch and protects the handle from sliding forward into the heel of the blade. If you teach anyone to cook, this is a friendly shape.
The set includes the chef, slicing, santoku, utility, paring, and bird’s beak paring knives, six 4.5-inch steak knives, an 8-inch sharpening steel, kitchen shears, and a wooden block. It carries the same lifetime warranty as the C77SS model, which is one of the more reliable warranties in the category.
The two trade-offs are the size of the block (6.2 pounds, fairly tall) and the fact that the included shears have a small plastic component that some long-term owners have reported cracking. Neither issue affected our testing, but they are worth knowing about if you have a small counter or rough dishwasher habits.
For whom it’s good
Cooks building a bright, modern, or coastal-style kitchen. Households that want a confident, ergonomic set with a real bolster. Anyone who values Cuisinart’s lifetime warranty and easy customer service.
For whom it’s bad
Owners with very small counters who need a compact block. Buyers who put their shears through heavy daily use and want all-metal construction throughout.
7. imarku 14-Piece Japanese-Style Knife Set – Best Japanese-Inspired Sharpness
Pros
- 10-15 degree edge for precision slicing
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-slip ergonomic handle
- Built-in sharpener included
- Ranks #1 in Gyutou Knives
Cons
- Block quality concerns long-term
- Steak knife serrations very aggressive
imarku is one of the brands that has steadily built a following among home cooks who want the precision of a Japanese edge without the four-figure price. The 14-piece set ships with a 10 to 15-degree edge angle, which is meaningfully sharper than the 20-degree bevel on most German sets. You can feel the difference the first time you slice a ripe tomato.
The blades are precision-forged from high-carbon stainless steel, the handles are ergonomic with a non-slip finish, and the block has a built-in pull-through sharpener for quick touch-ups. With more than 10k reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it is also the top-ranked set in the Gyutou Knives subcategory on Amazon, which is a useful real-world signal.
The set includes the 8-inch chef, 8-inch bread, 8-inch slicer, 7-inch santoku, 5-inch utility, 3.5-inch paring, six steak knives, kitchen shears, the hardwood block, and the sharpener. imarku backs it with a lifetime warranty and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, which is rare in this price range.
Two things to know before you buy. The hardwood block is functional but not as solid as the Cuisinart or Henckels blocks; a few long-term owners have reported the slots loosening over years. And the included steak knives have aggressive serrations that some diners find too sharp for delicate fish or soft cheeses. For an everyday set, neither issue is a deal-breaker.
For whom it’s good
Home cooks who want Japanese-style precision at a fraction of the price of a Shun or Miyabi. People who entertain and want that paper-thin tomato slice. Anyone who wants a dishwasher-safe set with a built-in sharpener.
For whom it’s bad
Buyers who want a heirloom-grade wooden block. Cooks who prefer mild serrations on steak knives for delicate proteins.
8. Astercook 15-Piece German Stainless Steel Set – Most Versatile With Anti-Rust Coating
Pros
- Black non-stick anti-rust coating
- Extremely sharp out of the box
- Built-in sharpener included
- Dishwasher safe
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Polypropylene handles not for everyone
- Serrated steak knife edge
The Astercook 15-piece set is the dark horse of this roundup. It carries the highest rating in our entire list at 4.8 stars, currently ranks #1 in Amazon’s Block Knife Sets subcategory, and brings a few features you usually only see on more expensive German sets.
The steel is 1.4116 high-carbon German stainless with a black non-stick, anti-rust coating that helps the blades resist spotting and acidic foods like lemon and tomato. The edge is ground to an industry-leading tapered profile, which is why reviewers consistently describe it as razor sharp on day one. The included block has a built-in sharpener, and the whole set is dishwasher safe.
The set includes an 8-inch chef, 8-inch slicer, 7-inch santoku, 8-inch serrated bread, 5-inch utility, 3.5-inch paring, six steak knives, shears, and the hardwood block with sharpener. At 3.3 kilograms for the entire box, it is one of the lighter sets in the roundup, which makes it a good fit for smaller hands or anyone who finds heavier forged sets tiring.
The trade-off is the handle material. Polypropylene is durable and dishwasher safe, but it does not have the warmth or grip of Pakkawood or textured rubber. For most cooks it is fine, especially in a busy household, but it is the one place where the set feels closer to mid-range than premium.
For whom it’s good
Cooks who want a sharp, modern-looking set with a protective coating. Households that want the convenience of dishwasher-safe blades without sacrificing sharpness. Anyone who wants a real lifetime warranty at a mid-range price.
For whom it’s bad
Cooks who prefer wood or composite handles for a warmer grip. Buyers who want all-metal construction in the handle.
9. Astercook 21-Piece Set – Best Variety for Cooks Who Want Every Specialty Blade
Pros
- 21 pieces including pro boning and cheese knife
- Built-in pull-through sharpener
- Dishwasher safe
- German stainless steel with anti-rust coating
- Strong grip on handles
Cons
- Shears not as sharp as main blades
- Grip can feel slick when wet
If you have ever wished your block had a real boning knife, a peeling blade, and a cheese knife, the Astercook 21-piece set is for you. It is one of the few sets at this price that includes a 6-inch pro boning knife and a 5-inch cheese knife alongside the usual chef, slicer, santoku, bread, utility, and paring blades.
The construction matches the smaller Astercook 15-piece: 1.4116 German stainless steel with the same black non-stick anti-rust coating, the same built-in sharpener in the block, and the same dishwasher-safe convenience. With 4.7 stars across more than 2,700 reviews, it has the rating to back up the promise.
It is also one of the few sets that has been positioned as a gift-friendly bundle, which makes sense. Between the 8-inch chef, 8-inch slicer, 7-inch santoku, 8-inch bread, 5-inch utility, 3.5-inch paring, 3-inch peeling, 6-inch pro boning, 5-inch cheese, eight steak knives, poultry shears, kitchen shears, and the hardwood block with sharpener, the new homeowner in your life will not need to buy a single knife for years.
Two small honest notes. The kitchen shears included are not as sharp as the main blades, which is common in bundled sets. And the handle material, while comfortable, can feel a touch slick when fully wet. Both are easy to live with for the value you get.
For whom it’s good
Home cooks who want specialty blades like a boning knife and cheese knife without buying them later. Wedding, housewarming, and graduation gift buyers who want one box that has everything. Households that cook a wide range of proteins and produce.
For whom it’s bad
Minimalist cooks who only use a chef’s knife and paring blade. Buyers with very small counters who do not want a 21-piece footprint.
10. Yatoshi 15-Piece Professional Set – Best Japanese-Inspired With Pakkawood Handles
Yatoshi Professional Kitchen Knife Set, 15 Pieces, High Carbon Stainless Steel, Ergonomic Handle
Pros
- Pakkawood ergonomic handles
- Japanese waved pattern finish
- 7Cr17 steel at 57-58 Rockwell
- Acacia block with deep slots
- Non-slip rubber grips on block
Cons
- Some rusting reported after dishwasher runs
- Premium price for a newer brand
The Yatoshi 15-piece set is the most overtly Japanese-inspired design in the roundup. The blades carry a tsuchime-style waved pattern that reduces food sticking, the handles are warm Pakkawood (laminated hardwood that holds up to kitchen moisture), and the steel is 7Cr17 high-carbon at 57 to 58 Rockwell, which is harder than most German sets in this range.
The result is a block that feels closer to a premium imported set in the hand. The 8-inch chef’s knife slices cleanly, the santoku is light and precise, and the acacia block with deep slots and non-slip rubber feet looks like it belongs in a design magazine. With 4.4 stars across 1,475 reviews, the early consensus from buyers is very positive.
The set includes the 8-inch chef, 8-inch bread, 7-inch santoku, 8-inch slicer, 5-inch santoku, 5-inch utility, 3.5-inch paring, six 6-inch steak knives, kitchen scissors, and the acacia block. The weight is 8.5 pounds, which is the heaviest in this roundup, so make sure your counter can handle the footprint before you buy.
The two honest cautions. A small number of reviewers report spotting on the blades after running them through the dishwasher, which is a recurring issue with harder Japanese-inspired steels. Hand washing is the safer bet. And Yatoshi is a newer brand than Cuisinart or Henckels, so long-term warranty service is still being proven. The blades themselves feel excellent in hand.
For whom it’s good
Cooks who love the look and feel of Japanese-inspired design. Anyone who wants warmer Pakkawood handles instead of polymer or stainless. People upgrading from a budget set and ready to invest in a more refined block.
For whom it’s bad
Buyers who refuse to hand wash. Cooks who want a brand with a multi-decade warranty track record.
How to Maintain Your Knife Set So It Lasts Decades
Even the best knife sets lose their edge if you treat them poorly. The good news is that a few simple habits will keep your blades sharp for years, whether you spent modestly or invested in a premium block.
Hone before every cook and sharpen a few times a year. Honing realigns the edge and takes seconds with a honing steel; sharpening removes a small amount of steel to create a new edge. Most home cooks only need to sharpen two to four times a year, while honing should happen almost every time you cook. Our beginner sharpener guide walks through the options if you are not sure where to start.
Hand wash and towel dry, even if the box says dishwasher safe. Detergents, jostling, and prolonged water exposure are the three fastest paths to dull, pitted blades. A 30-second hand wash and a quick towel dry are all it takes.
Store them so the edges stay dry and protected. A hardwood block is the most common solution and the easiest to keep on a counter. A magnetic strip mounted on a wall is the choice of serious cooks because the blades dry fully and are easy to grab. In-drawer organizers with blade guards work well in small kitchens where counter space is at a premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand of knife set is the best?
There is no single best brand for every home cook, but Zwilling, Wusthof, Shun, Cuisinart, and McCook consistently earn high marks from both professional chefs and everyday users. The right choice depends on your grip, your cooking style, and your budget. For a balanced pick, our editor’s choice is the McCook 15-piece set for its built-in sharpener, sharp 15-degree edge, and over 36k positive reviews.
What are the highest quality knife brands?
The highest quality kitchen knife brands include Wusthof, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Shun, Miyabi, Global, and Mac for premium German and Japanese construction. Mid-tier brands like Cuisinart, Henckels Statement, and Misen offer excellent performance at friendlier prices. Budget brands such as Amazon Basics, Farberware, and Astercook deliver strong everyday value for new kitchens.
How many knives do you need in a knife set?
Most home cooks are well served by a core of 4 to 6 knives: an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, a serrated bread knife, a santoku, a utility knife, and a honing steel. Larger sets add steak knives, shears, and specialty blades like boning or slicers. Buy the core first and add specialty knives only when a real cooking need appears.
Is it better to buy knives individually or as a set?
Buying knives individually lets you choose the exact blade for each task, but it usually costs more and requires separate research. A well-curated set delivers the core knives plus a matching block at a lower combined price. For most home cooks, a quality 8 to 15-piece set is the more practical path, with the option to add specialty blades later.
What is the best way to store your knives?
The best knife storage is whatever keeps the edges dry, protected, and easy to grab. A hardwood block is the most popular option and the easiest to keep on a counter. A magnetic wall strip is the choice of serious cooks because blades dry fully and stay visible. In-drawer organizers with blade guards work well in small kitchens where counter space is limited.
Final Verdict: Which Knife Set Should You Buy in 2026?
After six weeks of testing, our top pick for the best knife sets in 2026 remains the McCook 15-Piece Block Set. The combination of a real 15-degree edge, a built-in sharpener that people actually use, full-tang construction, and over 36k reviews averaging 4.6 stars is hard to beat at any price. It is the set we recommend to friends who want one purchase that handles every common kitchen task without a learning curve.
If your budget is tighter, the Amazon Basics 14-Piece delivers real everyday performance for a fraction of the cost, and the Astercook 15-piece is the dark-horse winner if you want a higher rating and dishwasher-safe construction. For an all-stainless design, the Cuisinart C77SS-15PK is the elegant choice, and the imarku 14-piece is the best way to get Japanese-style sharpness without the four-figure import price. Whichever set you choose, hand wash, hone often, and the knives will serve your kitchen for many years to come.