**CHICAGO CUTLERY **has been a reliable name for decades.  Should we now be suspicious  because it's products are both less costly *and* made in China by the company that bought the original **CHICAGO **out? On the basis of comments I received after reviewing the **CHICAGO 3-inch Paring Knife**, a little more awareness may be wise.  Buy-outs sometimes involve paring the product down in quality.  On the other hand*...* perhaps, the owner just needs to give his or her knife a good sharpening to be back on the cutting edge! My husband Pal had two **CHICAGO Knives **in his dowry when we got married.  Both were older **CHICAGO**s with unfinished, solid walnut handles.  (You can find these "vintage" **Chicago** knives regularly on *ebay.)  *One was a boning knife, the other a larger-than-life chef's knife.  Because the giant knife intimidated me, I eventually bought Pal the one seen here.  Blade length?  A mere eight inches of high-carbon, 420 stainless-steel. No sooner was the **CHICAGO Eight-Inch Chef's Knife** in our house, than the older and larger one was set aside.  Pal and I far prefer the facility and versatility of the eight-inch knife.  And, like all **CHICAGO **knives, it is easily gripped and feels comfortable in the hand. You can buy **CHICAGO**'s "Three Piece Prep Set" and work with exactly the same model knives we've bought individually over the years.  **CHICAGO** also offers more contemporary  styles, knife blocks, sharpeners, etc.  Checking online should prove useful for gift buying.  Prices are competitive, so comparison shopping's also good idea if you have time. Finally?  Don't forget to add a sharpener to your purchase!  Twenty-umpty years later, our **CHICAGO** knives slice through things beautifully when properly maintained.

TunefulGal

Los Angeles, CA