A knife is one of the most important tools you must have in your kitchen. However, you will need different types of knives for various purposes like cutting bread, mincing, dicing, peeling, slicing, etc.
This means that instead of buying single knives you should go for a knife set. These sets come with many knives, which means that you will always have a special tool that is perfect for the type of work you are doing.
Most of them come with a convenient storage block that allows you to retrieve the knives easily. However, choosing the best kitchen knife sets is not very easy because they come with different features and designs. If you are not careful, you can easily end up purchasing a low-quality model.
You should not worry because I have already compiled a list of the 9 best knife block sets that are indeed worth your money. I only picked those with the best features and those with the highest number of customer reviews. These knives have also been manually tested by our reviewers to confirm their effectiveness.
01. Wusthof Classic 7-Piece Knife Set
As compared to other knife sets on the market, the Wusthof Classic 7-Piece Slim knife block set is undoubtedly the best kitchen knife set even for professional chefs. It is packed with amazing features that are not easy to find in other models.
It comes with 7 pieces, which include a bread knife, chef’s knife, Kiritsuke prep knife, serrated utility knife, paring knife, come-apart kitchen shears, and a 6-slot slim design wooden block. This wooden block has a slim design to save your kitchen space.
In terms of performance, it is equipped with a precision-forged full-tang blade, which is made of high-carbon stainless steel.
As a result, the blade is very sharp and highly resistant to corrosion. Again, the knives have a 14⁰ cutting edge on both sides to prevent dragging when slicing food.
Our reviewer noted that the set has a traditional triple-riveted handle to enhance your comfort when cutting. This handle is made of a long-lasting Polyoxymethylene synthetic material, which has a very tight molecular structure. This means that it is resistant to fading and discoloration.
Related: Find Out Some Premium Quality Knife Sets Under $500
02. Dalstrong 8-Piece Knife Set
In terms of design, the DALSTRONG 8-Piece Knife Set has a better design than most models on the market.
The set boasts outstanding craftsmanship and excellent cutting-edge technology, which makes it to be so popular. It also has stunning design elements and is made of top-quality materials.
This popular block set comes with a chef’s knife, carving/slicer, utility knife, bread knife, serrated knife, santoku knife, paring knife, and 10-inch honing steel.
The blades are razor-sharp and have a full-tang design to give you superb control when cutting.
These blades are precisely tempered and hand-sharpened at 16-18 degrees on each side to enhance performance.
They are also resistant to stains since they are made of high-carbon German stainless steel. Again, they have a Rockwell hardness of 56 and are hand polished to a satin finish.
Another incredible thing about these knives is that they feature luxury ABS polymer triple-riveted handles that are extremely comfortable.
When buying, you need to ensure that you have ordered the correct color since the set is available in 3 different handle colors.
These colors include red, white, and black handles. This allows you to choose the one that suits your kitchen décor.
Also Read: Get my Favorite Knife Sets Under $300
03. Mercer Culinary 6-Piece Knife Set
Even though this knife set doesn’t come with many knives, the 6-pieces included, but these are versatile and effective. The set also has a high number of customer reviews, which means that it is indeed reliable.
In the box, you will find a 5-inch utility knife, an 8-inch bread knife, an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, a 6-inch boning knife, and a nice-looking tempered glass block. This block has a modern glass design, which allows you to find the right knife easily.
In order to enhance performance, our tester noted that all the knives have taper-ground edges, which make them easy to sharpen.
This design also enables them to maintain their sharpness for a long time to boost efficiency when cutting.
These blades are made from a single piece of X50CRMOV15 high-carbon German steel, which makes them resistant to rust, discoloration, and corrosion.
The knives also boast a precision-forged construction to enhance strength and durability. Additionally, they come with a non-slip handle, which has an ergonomic design for comfort.
Read More: Get the Top Rated Knife Block Sets Under $200
04. Emojoy 15-Piece Knife Set
If you are searching for an affordable or multi-purpose knife set the Emojoy 15-Piece block set will be a great choice.
The set includes a Santoku knife, chef knife, slicing knife, bread knife, utility knife, kitchen scissors, paring knife, 6 pieces steak knives, and a knife sharpener.
The blades are made of superior high-carbon stainless steel, which means that they are resistant to rust and corrosion. Apart from that, they feature a long-lasting bolster for stability and control.
Our reviewer also noted that the handle is ergonomically designed to prevent finger cramps or aches. As a result, you can use the knife for many hours without any discomfort.
Again, the knives are very easy to maintain since you only need to hand-wash them after use. Whether you are a professional chef or just an amateur, this model is among the best knife sets for the budget.
Read More: Find Out Some Budget-Friendly Knife Sets Under $100
05. Farberware Stamped 15-Piece Knife Set
For those who are searching for the most affordable knife set, the Farberware Stamped 15-Piece Knife Set is the cheapest model on our list.
Despite its inexpensive price, it is packed with amazing features, which means that the knives are designed to provide a great performance.
It comes with a serrated utility knife, chef’s knife, slicing knife, santoku knife, bread knife, 6-piece steak knives, paring knife, kitchen shears, sharpening steel, and a black wooden block.
However, these knives feature a stainless steel handle, which is ergonomically designed to provide excellent grip. Again, all the knives are uniquely designed to give you a balanced precision when cutting.
Our reviewer also mentioned that the blades have a superior quality meaning that they are very sharp.
They are made from superior high-carbon stainless steel, which enables them to maintain their ultra-sharp edges longer than the conventional stainless steel blades.
Finally, this set is only suitable for college students or those who are setting up a first-time kitchen.
Related Post: 7 Cheapest Knife Sets Under $50 in 2022
06. Calphalon Classic 15-Piece Self-Sharpening Knife Set
Calphalon Classic self-sharpening knife set comes with high-quality knives you would require for everyday tasks such as slicing meat, peeling, or cutting vegetables.
The set comes with a chef’s knife, santoku knife, utility knife, serrated utility knife, paring knife, kitchen shears 8-piece steak knives, and a storage block.
This block has inbuilt ceramic sharpeners that hone the knives automatically when you are replacing or removing them from the block.
All the knives are made of forged high carbon, which means that they are resistant to discoloration, stains, and corrosion.
The set also features triple-riveted handles, which are well-contoured to provide a secure grip when cutting.
Additionally, they have a full-tang design and a bolster to give you balance when chopping, dicing, or slicing.
The handles are well-labeled for easier identification. Again, it comes with a full lifetime warranty which means that it is built to last.
07. HENCKELS 15-Piece Dishwasher Safe Knife Set
HENCKELS Statement 15 Pieces dishwasher safe knife set is another best-selling model that is worth your money.
The set comes with a santoku knife hollow edge, bread knife, chef knife, serrated utility knife, 6-piece steak knives, sharpening steel, kitchen shears, and a hardwood block. All these knives have a full-tang design for maximum maneuverability.
They are also lightweight for easier use. In terms of comfort, they are equipped with traditional triple-rivet handles, which provide excellent balance. These handles feature stainless steel end caps, which give them a stylish look.
Besides that, they are safe to clean in a dishwasher although hand-washing is highly recommended.
They are made of top-quality stainless steel, which means that they are resistant to corrosion.
Our tester also mentioned that they have a fine-edge blade, which is perfectly honed to provide a long-lasting sharpness.
08. Ginsu 12-Piece Japanese Knife Set
The first thing you should know about the Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series 15-Piece Knives is that they have been named as ‘best buy for 5 times’ in a consumer report.
They come with a lifetime warranty which means they will give you incredible value for your money.
In terms of performance, they are made of Japanese steel, which runs from the tip to the tang to enhance their performance. This also means that you can use them when preparing simple or complex dishes.
In addition, they boast razor sharpness and are able to maintain their sharp edges for a long time.
Another fantastic thing about them is that they have a perfect balance to give you excellent control and maneuverability every time you are using them.
This Japanese knife set comes with a paring knife, chef’s knife, utility knife, santoku knife, serrated utility knife, honing rod, shears, 4 steak knives, and a sophisticated Bamboo block.
09. Cuisinart 15-Piece Hollow Handle Knife Set
Whether you are a professional chef or a home chef, the Cuisinart 15-Piece block set is undoubtedly the best knife set for the budget.
It is very affordable and it also has the highest number of customer reviews than any other knife set on this list.
All the knives in this set are made of high-carbon stainless steel, which means that they are resistant to rust and corrosion.
These knives feature precision-tapered ground blades meaning that they have an extremely sharp edge.
Again, they come with a sturdy and long-lasting bolster, which provides excellent control as well as stability.
In order to make your work easier when cutting, our reviewer mentioned that they are very lightweight, which means that you can use them for many hours without straining your wrist.
The knives included in the set are chef knife, slicer, santoku knife, sharpening rod, serrated utility knife, paring knife, spear-tip paring knife, 6 steak knives, and kitchen shears.
According to Cuisinart, these knives are dishwasher safe but you should hand-wash them if you want them to serve you for many years. They are very sharp, which makes them perfect for heavy slicing and cutting tasks.
Things to Consider Before Buying
When searching for the best kitchen knife set, there are some features you need to check to ensure that the one you have picked will give you great value for your money. Some of the things you should check include;
Available Knives and Tools
Before you spend your money on any knife set, you need to check the number of knives or tools available.
It would be better if you go for a set with many pieces but if you opt for one with just a few knives, you should ensure that it has all the necessary knives you need every day to prepare different types of foods.
Those sets with many knives are a bit pricey but they are very convenient and better than those with fewer pieces.
Blade Material
Most kitchen knives are made of carbon steel or high-carbon stainless steel. The good thing about carbon steel knives is that they are highly resistant to rust and corrosion. However, they become dull more easily but they are easy to sharpen.
On the other hand, stainless steel blades maintain their sharp edge for a long time, which means that you don’t need to sharpen them frequently.
These blades are not very easy to sharpen but they are resistant to rust and corrosion. Another benefit of stainless steel blades is that they are easy to maintain.
Handle Material
Most kitchen knife sets have a durable and comfortable handle. It should also be non-slip and resistant to discoloration.
The most common materials used to make handles include stainless steel, composite, and wood. Wooden handles are very attractive and they also provide excellent grip. However, they are not dishwasher safe.
In terms of durability, stainless steel handles are the best but they are very slippery and dangerous if your hands are wet or oily.
Composite handles are designed using laminated wood, which makes them easy to maintain. They are also lightweight, attractive, and they are designed to provide an excellent grip.
Weight
Some knives are made of a heavy material that makes them uncomfortable to use. Such knives are cause your wrist to strain especially when using them for a long time.
Make sure that the knife set you are buying has a good balance between the blade and the handle.
If you are searching for a lightweight model, stamped knives are the best although they lose their sharpness easily.
Bolster
It is also important to consider a knife set with a sturdy bolster. The work of a bolster is to strengthen the joint between the handle and the blade.
Apart from that, it protects your fingers by ensuring that the knife doesn’t slip off when cutting. It also ensures that the knife is well-balanced for easier use.
Size
You will find that the knives in knifes sets have different lengths according to their purpose. A chef’s knife is usually the most important knife and most professional chefs prefer those that are 7-8 inches long.
You should also ensure that the knives will fit perfectly in your hands. Again, you need to ensure that each knife has a suitable size that suits its purpose.
Price Range
The price of knife sets varies according to the design, number of tools, and the material used in their construction. The most expensive ones are usually more reliable and durable than the cheaper ones.
You can still find cheaper models with excellent quality. Therefore, you should read customer reviews before buying to determine if the set is worth the price or not.
Warranty
You can easily tell the quality of the knife set by just checking the warranty. The best models are those that come with a lifetime warranty.
They are normally expensive but they give you peace of mind since you can take them back or get a refund in case you are not satisfied. Again, you need to read the warranty terms to see what is covered.
Style of Storage
Most kitchen knife sets come with a block for storage. However, these blocks have different features.
For example, some have inbuilt sharpeners, which ensure that the knives are allows ready for use.
Others are very stylish meaning that they give your kitchen a nice look. You also need to check the size of the block to ensure that it won’t take a lot of space.
Ease of Cleaning
If you want your knives to last, you should avoid cleaning them in a dishwasher. This means that when buying, you should consider a model that is resistant to stains. Such knives are very easy to hand wash using water and a cleaning detergent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Should You Spend on a Knife Set?
The price of a kitchen knife set is determined by various factors like the number of tools, materials, blade type, brand, etc.
The best models range from $50 to $500, which means that you can find a reliable model even if you are on a budget.
Irrespective of the price, make sure that the set you have picked will give you great performance.
Should You Buy a Set of Knives or a Single One?
If you want to get the best value for your money, you should buy a knife set instead of buying single pieces. This will also help you to save some money.
Again, you are more likely to end up with high-quality knives if you buy a set than when you are purchasing individual knives.
What Block Sets Do Professional Chefs Use?
Professional chefs use premium-grade knife sets like the Wusthof Classic or the DALSTRONG 8-Piece Knife Set.
These sets are a bit expensive but they are made of top-quality materials than the cheaper models.
They are also extremely sharp, comfortable, sturdy, and highly durable meaning that they are ideal for heavy-duty cutting tasks.
Are Expensive Knife Sets Worth It?
Expensive knife block sets are better than the cheaper ones. This is because they are normally made of premium and high-quality materials that enable them to provide an exceptional performance.
They also come with a lifetime warranty since they are built to last. In case you would prefer to purchase an expensive model, you should ensure that it comes from a reputable brand.
Are Self-Sharpening Knife Sets Good Quality?
In case you are a beginner or you want a block set with many knives, self-sharpening models are the best.
The block of these sets has inbuilt sharpeners, which hone the knives automatically when you are removing them from their slot. This saves your time since sharpening the knives manually may take a lot of time.
Conclusion
If you have been searching for the best kitchen knife set on the market, I hope that you have already made a choice on which block set you should consider from the products I have reviewed.
I did a lot of research on many knife sets where I compared the materials, handle design, blade quality, and customer reviews to ensure that the ones I have picked are indeed the best.
In case you are still not sure which one you should choose, the Wusthof Classic 7 Piece Slim Design Knife Set will give you unmatched value for your money. It comes with amazing features which you can never find in any other model.
Due to its exceptional quality, it is more expensive than others but it is worth the price. It has better features than other models on the market which makes it a great option even for professional chefs.
For those who are on a budget, the Cuisinart 15-Piece Hollow Handle Knife Set is the best for the budget. It has the highest number of customer reviews than any other cheap model on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best chef’s knife for most cooks in 2023 for home or restaurant?
For most cooks who are in need of a sought-after, efficient and reliable chef’s knife, either for home use or restaurant use in 2023, the Misen Chef’s Knife truly stands out. It’s a terrific all-rounder that delivers noticeable value for money. What helps to set Misen Chef’s Knife apart is its approachable design. It sports an easy-to-handle weight of 8 inches in length. This design is particularly beginner-friendly, so if you’re just finding your feet in the kitchen or trying to get a grip on handling chef’s knives, the Misen Chef’s Knife could be a comfortable fit. It is nimble and easy to control, allowing even the most inexperienced hands to wield it with ease.
What knife set do top chefs use?
When it comes to choosing a knife set, top chefs have their personal favorites and choices depending on their unique requirements and cooking styles. Each set often has its own specific features, benefits, performance, handling, and pricing. The choice of knife set can be drastically influenced by the chef’s skills, cutting techniques, type of work involved, and even the ingredients they frequently use. Therefore, there isn’t a definitive answer to this question as different chefs will have different preferences when it comes to knife sets.
What is the world’s best kitchen knife?
Choosing the “best” kitchen knife is a highly subjective question and the answer can significantly vary based on multiple factors including personal preference, type of cuts needed, the ingredients that are commonly used, and the level of precision required. However, professional ratings, user reviews, and general trends often bring up several top contenders for this title. To get the best kitchen knife for your needs, it’s best to do thorough research, try out a few knives and see what suits your individual requirements and comfort.
What knife does Gordon Ramsay recommend?
When it comes to kitchen gear, professional standards, and personal preferences, the acclaimed British chef, Gordon Ramsay, recommends using Henckels knives. This information is supported by the MasterClass, reinforcing Ramsay’s preference for this brand. Henckels is a well-known German brand with a reputation for creating durable and robust knives. According to the Acit Group, German style chef’s knives like Henckels are renowned for their sturdy, hefty, and durable blades. These traits make them resilient enough to tackle heavier food items such as chicken bones. If kitchen durability and power are high on your priority list, then Henckels knives could be an excellent investment for your culinary endeavours.
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