I love this silverware set. After my experiences with other brands where the coating flaked off, the black coating on these has thus far held strong. The form factor is nice, they're normal size and substantial enough for a good grip and for use without bending. They're also smooth, shaped naturally, and are pleasing to use, with no burrs. The spoon is excellent for soup as it has a good amount of surface area. The knife is decently sharp for most tasks, but is certainly not comparable to a dedicated steak knife. I've used the chopsticks only once and they worked fine, but since I'm not a frequent user of chopsticks I can't speak to their effectiveness compared to others. I was initially looking for a set with a hard case, but actually now prefer this soft case because it takes up less room and you don't get the noise of silverware clanking. The case is nicely made and works well for keeping the silverware all together and in place, as well as keeping it clean (or dirty if you want to keep your dirty utensils from touching other items in your lunchbox). The case also has a nonporous liner so it's easy to clean with a wet cloth if you do decide to put dirty utensils in it. There is a loop on the outside of the case, which is thoughtful, for hanging the silverware from a hook or attaching it with a D-ring. I wouldn't hesitate to buy this set again should I need another, or should someone I know be in need.