Finding the best kitchen knife set to fit your needs is no easy task. You likely want a quality product that is built to last at an affordable price. Luckily, you can buy a high-quality knife set for less than the cost of a few dinners out. We looked through hundreds of knives on Amazon to compile this list of the best knife sets under $200. This price point will allow you to purchase higher quality products than you find at a big box store while remaining budget-conscious. Kitchen knives are an important element in your home cooking, so picking the right set is crucial.
Best Knife Sets Under $200
Set Includes
- 9″ Slicing Knife
- 8″ Bread Knife
- 8″ Chef’s Knife
- 7″ Santoku Knife
- 5″ Serrated Utility Knife
- 3.5″ Paring Knife
- 2.75″ Peeling Knife
- Acacia Wood Block
Features:
- Hand-crafted wood block
- NSF International Certified
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects
- Ergonomics handle
- Full tang forged
- HRC 58 +/- 2 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale
Best Knife Set Under 200: Cangshan S1 Series
What’s Included
- 9” slicing knife
- 8” bread knife
- 7” santoku knife
- 8” chef’s knife
- 5” serrated utility knife
- 3.5” paring knife
- 2.75” peeling knife
- Wood block
- Knife sharpener
- Kitchen shears
Pros
- The ergonomic handle is comfortable and easy to grip
- Well balanced knives
- Full bolster
- Full tang
- Hand sharpened with a 16-degree angle
Cons
- Some users have reported the knives rusting.
- There may be a slight color variation on the shade of brown on the woodblock.
Overall Cangshan S1 Series Review
This knife set provides a wide variety of types of knives, perfect for a variety of uses. The wooden block is sleek and safely holds your cutlery. I like that this set includes kitchen shears and a sharpening tool as well. The knives are made of German steel, and the woodblock is made of walnut.
The fact that the woodblocks are also handcrafted is impressive, though it does result in a unique grain on each unit, which some customers may find to be a drawback. Nevertheless, the seamlessly crafted knives mean they are suitable for heavy usage and easy to clean.
This set has received a 4.8 out of a 5-star review on Amazon. Read more about them in our Cangshan knives review.
Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set
What’s Included
- Paring knife
- Utility knife
- Flexible boning knife
- Wavy edge bread knife
- Chef’s knife
- Knife block
Pros
- Unique knife block design allows you to see the knives for easy selection
- Made of high carbon German steel
- Precision-forged construction
- 15-degree blade angle
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some users have found that the knives begin to rust after just a few months of use.
- Some people have reported concerns regarding the product’s durability as knives chip or the tempered glass block scratches easily.
Overall Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set Review
If you are looking for a smaller knife set, this is a great option to consider. It provides five knives and a knife block made of beechwood and glass. I really like the sleek design of the knife block. It allows the knives to be stored vertically and for the user to easily see which knife they want to grab and use.
All the knives are made of high carbon German steel using a precision forged construction design. This set is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. To protect your knife set, you should hand wash the knives instead of placing them in the dishwasher.
This set has earned a 4.8 out of a 5-star review on Amazon. Read more about them in our Mercer Culinary knives review.
Calphalon Contemporary Self-Sharpening 15-Piece Set
What’s Included
- 8” chef’s knife
- 8” bread knife
- 7” Santorum knife
- 6” utility knife
- 4.5” purer
- 8 steak knives
- Kitchen shears
- Maple wood knife block
Pros
- Fully forged construction
- The built-in ceramic sharpeners mean that your knives are automatically sharpened with each use.
- Made of high carbon German steel
- The steak knives are made from stamped Asian steel
- Offer a full tang design
Cons
- The knife block comes with extra slots, so it may look incomplete if you do not have additional knives to store in it.
- Some users compare the sharpening sound to nails on a chalkboard and find it unpleasant to hear it each time a knife is removed from the knife block.
Overall Calphalon Contemporary Self-Sharpening 15-Piece Review
I really like that the handles are labeled to easily pick the knife you want to use from the knife block. The full tang design means that the knives are built to be strong and well-balanced. The handles are also ergonomic for easy gripping and a firm, secure grip while in use.
This set offers additional pieces than some of the other knife sets reviewed. If you are just starting or looking for a single purchase that will provide a wide array of knife options for both cooking and while eating, this is a great option to consider as it comes with eight steak knives. The built-in sharpening feature is notable and really makes this option stand out.
This set has earned a 4.7 out of a 5-star review on Amazon. Read more about them in our Calphalon knives review.
Henckels Modernist Self-Sharpening Set
What’s Included
- 3” paring knife
- 5” serrated utility knife
- 6” utility knife
- 7” santoku knife
- 8” chef’s knife
- 6 steak knives
- Kitchen shears
- Self-sharpening block
Pros
- The knives are made to be durable and balanced with a fully forged bolster.
- Knives made with German stainless steel and a satin-finished blade
- The knife block sharpens the blade each time a knife is removed
- The knife block is labeled for proper knife placement
- Ash wood base and brushed stainless steel cap on the knife block
Cons
- Some users report problems with rust on the knives
- Some people have found the blades to chip over time
Overall Henckels Modernist Self-Sharpening Block Set Review
This self-sharpening knife block set offers a unique aesthetic that combines dark wood with steel. I like that six steak knives are included, along with a variety of other types of knives. The fully forged bolster is a noteworthy feature as it adds durability and strength to the knife.
Whether you are chopping vegetables or needing a steak knife, this set is versatile enough to meet your needs. In addition, the knife slots contain built-in sharpeners to help keep your knives usable with sharp blades.
This knife set has earned a 4.5 out of a 5-star review on Amazon. Read more about them in our Henckels knives review.
Victorinox 8-Piece Knife Block Set
What’s Included
- 4” paring knife
- 6” boning knife
- 8” chef’s knife
- 8” bread knife
- 10” slicing knife
- 10” sharpening steel
- Kitchen shears
- Hardwood knife block
Pros
- Stainless steel knife blades
- Designed to ensure long-lasting sharp blades
- The handle offers a non-slip grip
- Weighted and balanced for easy use and comfort
- Meets the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards for public health protection
Cons
- The knife block does not seem to be customized to this specific knife set only, so some users find that the knives do not fit as snugly as they would like
- The knife block has two extra slots, so if you do not have additional knives to store, it may look incomplete or like something is missing.
Overall Victorinox 8-Piece Knife Block Set Review
This Victorinox knife set comes with a lifetime guarantee and exemplifies the Swiss quality of production. They are lightweight but super sharp knives. I really like the slip-resistant handle. This set has a nice variety of knives and offers well-balanced options for a variety of cooking needs. The storage block is convenient for safely storing your knives when they are not in use.
This set has earned a 4.7 out of a 5-star review on Amazon. Read more about them in our Victorinox knives review.
Wüsthof Gourmet Starter Block Set
What’s Included
- 3” spear point paring knife
- 4.5” utility knife
- 6” serrated utility knife
- 6” cook’s knife
- 9” steel honing rod
- Kitchen shears
- Knife block with 9 slots
Pros
- Designed to resist corrosion and dulling
- Made in Germany
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
- The blades are made of high carbon stainless steel
- Designed for easy maintenance
Cons
- The hand guard is small
- Some users report that the shears break easily
Overall Wüsthof Gourmet Starter Set Review
This starter set is a nice option if you are looking at knife sets for under $200. The handles are made with triple-riveted synthetic polypropylene. This means they will resist discoloration, fading, and heat. This kitchen knife set contains stamped knives and offers quality construction without breaking the bank.
The wooden knife block looks good with the black knife handles. If you are looking for a basic knife set to get you started, be sure to check out this option.
This set has earned a 4.6 out of a 5-star review on Amazon. Read more about them in our Wüsthof knives review.
Cuisinart 15-Piece Knife Block Set
What’s Included
- 8” chef’s knife
- 5” Shantou knife
- 8” bread knife
- 8” slicing knife
- 4.5” utility knife
- 3.5” paring knife
- 8” sharpening steel
- Shears
- Six steak knives
- Wood block
Pros
- The blades are made of high carbon stainless steel
- The design of the blades allows for both precision and accuracy when using them
- The blades are precision-tapered and ground to a razor-sharp, fine edge
- Include an extra-wide safety bolster
- The full-tang blade is secured using stainless steel rivets.
Cons
- Steak knives are not serrated.
- Some users report challenges with removing knives from the knife block if placed under the counter due to the angle at which the knives are stored.
Overall Cuisinart Triple Rivet Collection 15-Piece Knife Set Review
This knife set offers you a variety of kitchen knives, perfect for your cooking needs. They are made of high-quality stainless steel and are full tang knives. The knives are razor sharp and able to cut precisely. I like that they are also designed for comfort and safety.
This set has earned a 4.7 out of a 5-star review on Amazon. Read more about them in our Cuisinart knives review.
Nanfang Kitchen Damascus 9-Piece Kitchen Knife Set with Block
What’s Included
- 8” chef knife
- 8” slicing knife
- 7” santoku knife
- 8” bread knife
- 5.5” utility knife
- 3.5” paring knife
- Kitchen shears
- Knife sharpener
- Beechwood block
Pros
- Curved handle for comfort and support
- Designed with Damascus steel blades for accuracy and precision
- Exceptional sharpness and edge retention
- Easy to clean
- Integrated blade design that is safe and durable
Cons
- Some users question whether they are authentic Damascus steel
- Some users have reported rusting or chipping of their knives
Overall Kitchen Damascus 9-Piece Kitchen Knife Set Review
This is an all-in-one complete knife set that is backed by a lifetime warranty. The wooden block is made of oak and features a unique 3D design with more depth than a traditional rectangular knife block.
The design of this set is visually appealing and contains a variety of knives to meet a variety of cooking needs. In addition, the knives offer great edge retention. If you are looking at reasonably priced knife sets, be sure to check out this option.
This set has earned a 4.7 out of a 5-star review on Amazon. Read more about them in our Nanfang Brothers knives review.
Dalstrong Knife Block Set – Gladiator Series
What’s Included
- 8” chef’s knife
- 9” carving/slicing knife
- 9” bread knife
- 6” utility knife
- 3.5” paring knife
- Oak woodblock
Pros
- Razor-sharp
- Full tang
- Made of high-carbon German steel
- 14 – 16 degrees per side
- The height of the knife block can be easily adjusted.
Cons
- Some users report that the knives rust easily.
- There have been reports of knives chipping or breaking.
Overall Dalstrong Knife Block Set – Gladiator Series Review
The craftsmanship on this set is impressive. It combines cutting-edge technology, quality design elements, and premium materials to offer you a high-quality knife set that is built to last. In addition, the knives are stain-resistant and tempered precisely.
The handles are black and made of food-grade ABS polymer. They are triple-riveted and offer a grip that helps ensures the knives are easy to use and comfortable to hold onto. Additionally, they are carefully tapered. This allows for more flexibility and reduces the slicing resistance experienced. The knives are also NSF certified.
I like that this set comes with a money-back guarantee if you are not 100% satisfied with it. In addition, the ability to try the set risk-free is a compelling feature!
This set has earned a 4.8 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. Read more about them in our Dalstrong knives review.
✅ After going through all of the knife sets this is the one that we would buy based on all of its qualities.
Knife Buying Guide: What To Look For In A Knife Set Under $200?
Number of knives
When considering buying a knife set, keep in mind the number of knives you need. If you are looking for a starter set, you may be fine with a smaller set that contains fewer knife options. However, some larger sets also include steak knives as well. Think through what you already have and how you plan to use them to decide what size set is best for you.
Quality of knife steel
Knives can be constructed differently, and this often greatly impacts the quality of the knife. You want to buy high-quality knives that are built to last and provide a razor-sharp edge to easily cut through various foods. In addition, forged knives tend to be stronger than stamped knives.
Handle
When deciding on a knife set, be sure to look at the handle. Is it ergonomically designed so that you can comfortably hold it and safely use the knife? In addition to its design, you should also examine the visual appeal of the handle. Knife handles come in a wide variety of colors and materials, so you have your choice of the type of handles in your set.
Knife block
The knife block is an important feature as it is on display in your kitchen and safely stores your knives. First, consider whether you want a knife block with built-in sharpening or whether you want to sharpen your knives by hand when they need it. Next, be sure to measure the space where you plan to store your knife block so you know that you can easily insert and remove the knives without bumping your hand on a cabinet or shelf. Knife blocks are available in a variety of types of wood or other materials. Some are solid with only the knife handle visible, and others are see-through, allowing you to see the knife blades through the glass. The angles of the knife blocks can also differ, with some storing knives vertically and others at varying angles.
Dishwasher safe
Most high-quality knives are not dishwasher safe. Instead, you should wash them with warm, soapy water and promptly dry the knives to avoid rust.
Warranty
Many knife sets under $200 come with a warranty. Before making your purchasing decision, be sure to read the warranty details and what is and is not covered.
Maintenance
To maintain your knives, you will need to sharpen them regularly. Also, promptly clean them by hand and dry the knives well before placing them back in the knife block.
Final Thoughts on Best Knife Set Under $200
After reviewing numerous knife sets available and specifically focusing on knife sets under $200, I would choose to buy the Dalstrong Knife Block Set – Gladiator Series. In addition to many quality design features, it also comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.
I like this benefit because if I try out the product and determine it does not meet my needs or expectations, I can request a refund. The adjustable height of the knife block is also a unique selling feature. If you are worried about space, check out this option.
In conclusion, there are many good options to consider if you want to buy a quality knife set that will not break the bank. With a $200 budget, there are a variety of knife sets you can choose from. Be sure to think about the types of knives needed before making your purchasing decision, as not all sets are equal in the number or type of knives included. You should also consider your kitchen design and your preferred color or type of knife handle and knife block, as some may not be the look you want on your kitchen counter.
✅ After going through all of the knife sets, this is the one that we would buy based on all of its qualities.
