Peterock36Your assumption that these knives aren't of high quality are misconceived. I agree that the knives are not going to be as eye catching as the ones you have mentioned, especially in regards to the handle. But, the handles are easy to care for and are perfect for preventing the knife from slipping.
The Spyderco kitchen knives are as sharp as the MAC Professional knives in regards to the steel, but, they favor being used as slicers rather than chopping, if you have big fingers or large knuckles.
SagaraSIt's not Full Tang and there's not even any info on the Rockwell hardness. Plus what kind of steel is that? Is the steel better or worse than 420 HC? I think the price on this knife is more to do with Spyderco's name. But it's a good knife set for the person who likes their folding knives line I think, but for me I'll Pass.
Peterock36I genuinely looked for the Rockwell rating for that steel but didn't find it. I found a lot of comparisons to VG10 as someone noted this steel was chosen to be "different" or special. I do love my Spyderco pocket knives, and enjoy having some Spyderco in my kitchen as well.
As I/others said, the handles leave a lot to be desired in the looks department but they are nicely ergonomic and very grippy.
Subiesaurus_R3XAccording to CliffStamp and ZKnives, MBS-26 has similar performance to VG10 and is more flexible given the same hardness. The Spyderco Utility knife I gave as an engagement gift was scary sharp compared to my Delicas' in VG10, though not as sharp as the one in ZDP-189. The knife was both very thin and has enough flex to give semiflexible fillet knives a run for its money.
Masahiro should be the supplier of the MBS-26 steel and probably makes the kitchen knives for Spyderco. Masahiro knives, as far as I can find, appear to have between a 58-60 HRC. From the limited time sharpening the K04, the knife is very easy to touch up on a Sharpmaker.