No one knows how much they need a high-quality kitchen knife set until they go and buy a low-quality one. The two are like chalk and cheese. When you buy a high-quality kitchen knife set, you benefit from steel that cuts through the softest tomato and the grisliest meat. You can also rest assured that winter vegetables will feel like a knife through hot butter – even squash and pumpkin.
However, how are you supposed to know that the kitchen knife set you’re looking at is going to last the distance? Often, it can come down to a few factors; price, steel, and handles. The best steel for a kitchen knife set is low chromium steel which offers an exceptional balance of edge holding, corrosion resistance, strength, and durability. These factors are all crucial for when you want your set to last the distance.
The price is also important because you want to strike a healthy balance between quality and price. Typically, the less you pay, the lower the quality steel. Then, the handles play a significant role as well. You need to be able to get a decent and comfortable grip on the knife, while also featuring materials that won’t wear out or peel over time.
If you are in the market for a new kitchen knife set and are having trouble knowing which to buy, these options below may be of assistance.
1. Emojoy German Kitchen Knife Set for Chef, 15 Pieces
Finding a balance between price and quality for a new kitchen knife set is hard, but it’s not impossible. Thanks to Emojoy, you can experience that balance with a 15-piece kitchen knife set within a beautiful pakkawood block. You receive all the knives you need for meal preparation, and you even get a six-piece steak knife set as well. You can expect to cover all your kitchen needs with this set.
Even though you aren’t paying the earth, you can expect to receive so much quality all rolled into one neat package. The knives feature German steel, while all the handles feature stunning polymer. You also receive a self-sharpening manual and a pair of scissors as well. While you have to wash this set by hand, it’s a small price to pay for so much quality for such a small amount of money.
Features
- 15-piece set
- Wooden block
- Self-sharpening manual
- German stainless-steel
- Chef knife
- Slicing knife
- Santoku knife
- Bread knife
- Utility knife
- Paring knife
- Kitchen scissors
- Knife sharpeners
- 6x steak knives
- Pakkawood block
- Polymer handles
Pros
- Won’t rust
- Strong and sharp
- Comfortable to use
- They don’t pit
- They sharpen effortlessly
Cons
- You can’t use them in the dishwasher
- The screws on the handles loosen
- The handles fade
- The wood pulls away from the blade over time
- The scissors rust
2. Cangshan Y2 Series German Steel Forged Knife Block Set, 6 Pieces
If you want every cut you make to feel like a knife through hot butter, then set your sights on this kitchen knife set from Cangshan. Even though you spend a little more than you would for other sets, you will soon realize it was worth every cent.
The knife block is the first noteworthy feature as it’s striking and looks beautiful on any bench top. The six German steel blade knives within it look sleek and stylish while also getting the job done correctly. They are also comfortable to use courtesy of their ergonomic handles, giving you peace of mind that you made the right choice. Cangshan’s kitchen knife set is in a league of its own.
Features
- Ergonomic handles
- Acacia wood block
- German steel – HRC 58
- Chef knife
- Santoku knife
- Bread knife
- Serrated utility knife
- Paring knife
- NSF-Approved
Pros
- Comfortable handles
- Contrasting knife block looks stunning
- Affordable price tag for quality on offer
- Bolster-free
- 16-degree edge for a better cut
Cons
- They don’t stay sharp very long
- You can only use the knife block vertically
3. Calphalon Self-Sharpening Cutlery Set, 10 Pieces
Whether you lack space in your kitchen or you want a high-quality kitchen knife set that will make meal preparation a breeze, this Calphalon set is the answer. As a narrow and compact 10-piece set, it ticks all the boxes for a family while still being versatile enough for home or business use. It comes with four steak knives that don’t sit within the Maplewood block, as well as a chef, santoku, paring, and utility knife, shears and a sharpening block.
You don’t even need to worry about spending hours sharpening your knives before you use them. Thanks to SharpIN technology, they sharpen themselves every time you put them back into the block. Sealing the deal is the lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that it’s a kitchen knife set to provide you with years of faithful service.
Features
- Built-in ceramic sharpener
- High-carbon German steel
- Labeled handles
- Ergonomic handles
- Maplewood block
- Self-sharpening with SharpIN technology
- Lifetime warranty
Pros
- You don’t need to sharpen them
- They look stunning on any bench
- They are strong
- They don’t rust
Cons
- The knives don’t sit nicely in the block
- The plastic pulls away from the blade
4. Chicago Cutlery Knife Block Set, 18 Pieces
If you want your kitchen knife set to look a million bucks without costing that, then you may find the Chicago Cutlery knife block set is the answer to your problems. Not only is it an 18-piece set that features everything you need for meal preparation and service, but it meets the mark for quality and style as well.
All blades feature carbon stainless-steel, the block has an inbuilt sharpener, so you don’t need to lift a finger, and they come with a lifetime warranty as well. What’s more, the block is attractive while contrasting beautifully against the stylish polymer handles of each knife. When the time comes to upgrade your kitchen knife set, don’t look past this one from Chicago Cutlery.
Features
- Paring knife
- Boning knife
- Utility knife
- Serrated bread knife
- Santoku knife
- Chef knife
- Slicer
- 8x steak knives
- Shears
- Block with sharpener
- Carbon stainless-steel
- Full-tang blades
- Forged bolsters
- Triple rivets
- Polymer handles
- Lifetime warranty
- Handwash only
Pros
- They sharpen themselves
- The knife block is attractive
- The unit rate is one of the most affordable online
- It includes everything you need for meal preparation
- The handles are comfortable
Cons
- You can’t put them in the dishwasher
- The in-built knife sharpener is not always effective
- The blade metal has pits and notches in them
- They can develop rust spots
5. J.A. Henckels International Statement Knife Block Set, 15 Pieces
Don’t waste your money on a low-quality kitchen knife set when you can have this set from J.A. Henckels. Known for their quality knives, you can rest assured this set is no exception to the rule. It comes with 15 pieces, an attractive block, and everything you need to make mealtime a breeze in the kitchen.
When you buy this kitchen knife set, you benefit from a paring, utility, chef, Santoku, and bread knife. You also get shears, a hardwood block, and six steak knives for each member of the family. If that wasn’t enough to convince you that it ticks all the boxes, then maybe the quality will.
Each of the blades features precision-stamping and a satin finish, as well as offering polymer handles with a tang design and triple-riveting. The best part is, you don’t have to waste time washing them by hand. Instead, you can pop them in the dishwasher, and they will come out as good as new.
Features
- Paring knife
- Serrated utility knife
- Santoku knife – hollow edge
- Chef’s knife
- Bread knife
- 6x steak knives
- Shears
- Hardwood block
- Precision-stamped blades
- Satin finish
- Lightweight tang design
- Triple-rivet handles
- Dishwasher safe
Pros
- Includes everything you need for meal preparation
- Affordable price tag
- Comfortable to use
- You can put them in the dishwasher
Cons
- You have to sharpen them by hand
- The slots don’t fit the knives perfectly
- The blades stain
- Some of the knives tear meat
- The handles can crack and separate over time
6. Chicago Cutlery Fusion Block Set, 18 Pieces
If you’re in the market for an affordable yet high-quality kitchen knife set that will last for years, then this Chicago Cutlery set could be the answer. Even though you don’t have to hand over a lot of your hard-earned money, you get 18 pieces of high-quality kitchen equipment that will put a smile on your face.
This kitchen knife set includes every type of knife you require to make mealtime a breeze, as well as eight steak knives for every member of the family. The set also includes sharpening steel so you can keep the set cutting through everything like a hot knife through butter.
Each of the knives feature hard carbon stainless steel, polymer handles, and taper grind edge technology as well. What’s more, they are comfortable to use, easy to clean and don’t pit or rust. This kitchen knife set is everything you could want it to be and more.
Features
- Parer
- Peeler
- 8x steak knives
- Bread knife
- Partoku knife
- Santoku knife
- Sharpening steel
- Forged blade
- Polymer handles
- Taper Grind edge technology
- Hard carbon stainless-steel blades
- Handwash only
Pros
- The block is beautiful
- The blades don’t pit or rust
- The handles are comfortable to use
- It’s an affordable set
Cons
- You can’t put them in the dishwasher
- They won’t cut through bone or similar materials
- The handles feel cheap
7. DALSTRONG Gladiator Series Knife Set Block, 8 Pieces
Trying to find a kitchen knife set that will handle all manner of meal preparation is challenging. Often, you end up with knives that won’t cut, won’t stay sharp, and won’t do as you need them to do. Fortunately, DALSTRONG has produced a knife set that will continue to deliver on value time and time again.
While the knife block quality is lacking a little, the knives more than make up for it. Each blade is hand-polished with a 16 to 18-degree angle, while also offering a satin finish and tapered polymer handles with triple-riveting. The design has won awards – which is not surprising given its comfort – and they feature full tang with high carbon German steel as well.
When you decide to purchase this kitchen knife set from DALSTRONG, you will be more than impressed with everything it has to offer.
Features
- Full tang
- High-carbon German steel
- Hand polished 16-18-degree edges
- Award-winning design
- Pakkawood handles
- Triple-riveting
- Comfortable handles
- Satin finish
- Tapered handles
- Acacia wood block
- 8-piece set
Pros
- Attractive design
- Comfortable handles
- Luxury finish
- Cuts through anything with ease
- Offers everything you need for mealtime preparation
- Money-back guarantee for peace of mind
Cons
- Some people noticed the wood block splitting
- If you don’t polish the knives, they rust
- The handle color fades over time
8. Zyliss Control Kitchen Knife Set with Block, 16 Pieces, Professional Cultery Knives
If you need a kitchen knife set that offers all the tools of the trade, then set your sights on this one from Zyliss. Even though it can take up a significant amount of space on your counter, it’s well worth the sacrifice. You benefit from a complete range of knives for every task, as well as a lifetime warranty and included anti-bacterial sheaths. Everything about this set says quality.
What you will enjoy about this kitchen knife set is how attractive and functional it is. It looks striking in any kitchen while also being easy to use. All the knives are razor sharp, while also slotting into universal slots to save time trying to find the right hole for the right tool. They are also very affordable given how many pieces you get in the set. Don’t look past this kitchen knife set if the quality is important to you.
Features
- Chef’s knife
- Santoku knife
- Bread knife
- Carving knife
- Utility knife
- Paring knife
- Serrated paring knife
- Shears
- 6x steak knives
- Lifetime warranty
- Anti-bacterial sheaths
Pros
- Takes care of all meal preparation requirements
- Attractive kitchen knife set
- Universal knife slots that fit beautifully
- Affordable given the number of knives you get
Cons
- The handles aren’t well made
- They rust
- Go blunt quickly
- They take up a lot of space on your counter
9. AmazonBasics Premium Knife Block Set, 9 Pieces
This kitchen knife set from AmazonBasics proves that you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to benefit from quality kitchen utensils. Instead, as long as you take care of them and use them as instructed, you can pay a fraction of that price and benefit from a long-lasting set that continues to impress.
This AmazonBasics kitchen knife set includes every type of knife you require for meal preparation on a daily basis. Each knife features high-quality stainless steel, triple-riveted handles to keep the polymer in place, and a comfortable handle design as well. What’s more, they are affordable but still attractive. When you place this kitchen knife set on your kitchen counter, it will look like it cost several hundred dollars.
Features
- Chef knife
- Santoku knife
- Bread knife
- Boning knife
- Utility knife
- Paring knife
- Sharpener
- Woodblock
- Precision blades
- High-quality stainless-steel
- Triple-riveting
- Ergonomic handle design
Pros
- They are very comfortable to use
- They are stylish
- The block is attractive
- They offer excellent grip
- They are one of the most affordable sets on the market
Cons
- You can’t put them in the dishwasher
- The blades arrive dull
- Some of the handles aren’t very strong
10. Top Chef Super Knife Set, 20 Pieces
Even though you do pay a little more for this kitchen knife set, you can do so with the knowledge it’s a set that will last you a lifetime. Each knife within the 20-piece collection is built to perfection with non-slip surfaces, comfortable handles, and ice-tempered stainless steel. What’s more, they are well-balanced and striking in design.
The knife block looks beautiful on any counter, it won’t stick thanks to the hollow ground, and you benefit from 20 knives to help you carry out all manner of kitchen preparation tasks. It’s clear to see this kitchen knife set is well worth your consideration.
Features
- Ice-tempered stainless-steel blades
- Hollow ground
- Full steel handles
- Polished bolsters
- Non-slip surface
- Laser etched logos
- 20-piece set
Pros
- High-quality set
- Striking design
- Comfortable to use
- Remain sharper for longer
- Stunning knife block
Cons
- Knives arrive dull
- Poor balance
- The blades can rust
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Last update on 2021-01-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API