Best Kitchen Knife Set
With so many different options out there, it can be rather overwhelming to find the best knife set for your kitchen. Not to mention, once you start considering the different types of material, number of knives included, brands, etc., you can easily get lost in kitchen knives.
Whether you are replacing your own knives or purchasing as a gift for someone, we want you to be a confident and knowledgeable consumer. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best kitchen knife sets and everything you might need to know about, so you can easily determine which set is the best one for you.
✅ After going through all of the best knife sets, this is the one that we would buy based on all of its qualities.
Best Kitchen Knife Sets:
Hammer Stahl 21-Piece Classic Knife Set
This set was at the top of our list, having all the different types of knives any home chef would need, plus all of the parts of this knife set looked beautiful from the pakkawood handles down to the steel used for the blades.
What’s Included:
- 3.5-inch Paring Knife
- 7-inch Vegetable Cleaver
- 4.5-inch Santoku Knife
- 7.5-inch Santoku Knife
- 8-inch Carving Knife
- Carving Fork
- 8-inch Bread Knife
- 10-inch Slicer
- 5-inch Cheese Knife
- 8-inch Honing Steel
- 8 Steak Knives
- 2 removable Steak Knife Blocks
- V-shape rotating Bamboo Display Block
Pros:
- Ergonomic and easy-to-hold handles
- 55-57 Rockwell hardness
- 2 removable steak knife block sets
- Balanced quad tang design with steel exposed on all four sides
- Pakkawood handles with a sloped bolster for beauty and comfort
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects
Cons:
- The storage block has a larger footprint at 10.5” x 10.5”
Hammer Stahl 21-Piece Classic Knife Set Review
Often with larger knife sets, there tends to be a compromise in quality or quite a few unnecessary pieces included; however, this is not the case with Hammer Stahl’s 21-piece block set. Each knife is precision forged from high-quality German steel and features a unique quad-tang design with a sleek Pakkawood handle.
They are designed for optimal performance with a focus on balance, edge retention, durability, and comfort. It includes a variety of essential knives depending on your needs. Personally, I really loved the beautiful three-piece block set: the rotating wooden block and two removable steak knife blocks.
Although this set has a bit of a higher price tag, it offers the best value with its 18 high-quality knives. Hammer Stahl’s set currently has a 4.2-stars rating on Amazon and a 4.8-stars rating on their website. Reviewers commented on how easy to hold the ergonomic handles were. The value for money and gift ability of this beautiful set was highly reviewed as well.
I am always impressed by Hammer Stahl’s knives. We included this specific set in our Best Professional Knives review, and their Chef’s knife was our pick for the Best Chef Knife under $50. Read more about them in our Hammer Stahl Knives Review.
Runner up: Dalstrong Gladiator Series Colossal Knife Set
What’s Included:
- 9-inch Carving Knife
- 9-inch Serrated Bread Knife
- 8.5-inch Kiritsuke Chef Knife
- 8-inch Chef Knife
- 7-inch Santoku
- 7-inch Nakiri Knife
- 6-inch Boning Knife
- 6.5-inch Utility Knife
- 6-inch Serrated Knife
- 6 x 5-inch Straight Edge Steak Knives
- 3.5-inch Paring Knife
- 2.75-inch Bird’s Beak Paring Knife
- 10-inch Gladiator Series Honing Steel
- Solid Acacia Wood Block
Pros:
- 56+ Rockwell hardness
- Full tang for extra strength
- Knives are NSF certified
- Triple-riveted for extra durability
- Lifetime warranty against defects
Cons:
- The wooden block takes up a lot of counter space
- Weight is mostly in the blade
Dalstrong Gladiator Series Colossal 18-Piece Knife Block Set Review
Dalstrong’s highly reviewed Gladiator knives are precision-forged from a single piece of high carbon, stainless steel, and hand sharpened to 16-18 degrees per side. Its triple-riveted ABS polymer handles offer a secure and comfortable grip.
Like the Hammer Stahl set, Dalstrong’s 18-piece forged knife block set includes everything you might possibly need in the kitchen, even 10-inch honing steel to ensure you can maintain sharpness. These knives are designed for high-quality performance.
I also appreciated Dalstrong’s money-back guarantee, so you can try it out first to make sure it meets your needs. However, with its practically near-perfect reviews, I doubt that you can go wrong with this 18-piece forged knife set. With over 1,000 (mostly 5-star) reviews, Dalstrong’s 18-piece block set has a 4.8-stars rating on Amazon. You can read the customer reviews here.
Read more about the company and its products in our Dalstrong Knives Review.
Best Block Knife Set: Cutco Kitchen Knife Set Cherry Wood
What’s Included:
- 3-inch Gourmet Paring Knife
- Trimmer
- Santoku-Style Trimmer
- 7-in Santoku Knife
- 8-in Santoku-Style Carving Knife
- 10-in Santoku-Style Slicer Knife
- Traditional Cheese Knife
- Gourmet Prep Knife
- Turning Fork
- 8 Table Knives
- Sharpener
- 18-slot Cherry Finish Oak Block
Pros:
- Gorgeous cherry oak knife block
- Dishwasher safe
- Full-tang blade
- 55-57 Rockwell hardness
- Double-D Edge – sharp, clean cut
- Forever Guarantee Warranty
Cons:
- The Double-D Edge requires special sharpening
- Some reviewers found the steak knives to be a bit flimsy
Overall Cutco Homemaker Cherry Wood Block Set Review
The Cutco Homemaker 18-piece knife block set is perfect for any home cook, especially since it includes a variety of Cutco’s best stainless steel knives. These knives feature a full-tang blade with a Double-D edge which ensures superior sharpness and edge retention.
Its handles are designed to be “hand-perfect” and allow anyone to use them comfortably. Cutco’s Homemaker Set with its Cherry Finish Oak Block is our pick for the best block set. This 18-slot knife block is a gorgeous addition to any kitchen countertop.
If you are looking for high-quality American knives, then this set from Cutco is the right set for you. The “Forever Guarantee” warranty is a nice touch as well and shows that they stand behind their knives. These are highly reviewed at 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon; you can read the customer reviews here.
We’ve had Cutco knives in our homes for over a decade, and they stay sharp and are easy to use. We highly recommend them.
Read more about them in our Cutco Knives Review.
Best Japanese Knife Set: Shun Classic 6-piece Slim Knife Block Set
We go through all of the best Japanese knife sets, and this is the one that we would add to our kitchen in a heartbeat. You will soon see why.
What’s Included:
- 3.5-in Paring Knife
- 7-in Santoku Knife
- 8-in Chef’s Knife
- 9-in Combination Honing Steel
- Pair of Kitchen Shears
- 8-slot Slim Design Dark Wooden Block
Pros:
- 60-61 Rockwell Hardness
- Full tang, double-bevel blade – can be used by right- or left-handed
- D-shaped Pakkawood handle – asymmetrical and ergonomic
- VG-MAX cutting core with 34 layers of Damascus cladding
- Limited lifetime warranty
- NSF certified for use in professional kitchens
Cons:
- Requires special maintenance to maintain edge sharpness
Overall Shun Classic 6-Piece Slim Knife Set Review
We have discussed Shun knives quite a bit here at Millennial Homeowner. They are one of the most well-known, top-of-the-line brands of Japanese knives. It is no surprise that they would be our choice for the Best Japanese Knife Block Set, especially since they were included in our reviews for the best Nakiri knife, best Gyuto knife, best Sushi knife, and best Professional knife set. Shun knows how to craft high-quality knives.
The knives in this set are well balanced and incredibly sharp, which makes them ideal for anyone from home cooks to professional chefs. Their sleek design features a double-bevel blade with a VG-MAX cutting core and a D-shaped Pakkawood handle.
I appreciated that this design allows for a secure, comfortable grip, even if you are left-handed. Oftentimes, you have to purchase knives that are specifically designed for left-handed use, so this is really nice design. Although Shun does recommend their Premier line for a more ambidextrous knife, Classic is also designed for this.
This 6-piece set includes all the essential knives and tools you will need for your everyday tasks. Housed in a beautiful, slim Pakkawood block, this set is a beautiful addition to your kitchen counter without taking up too much space. Perfect if you need to save on counter space or just WANT to save in counter space.
If you are looking for the best Japanese-style knives, then this kitchen knife set from Shun is the ideal choice for you. This knife set has an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon; you can read the reviews here.
Read more about them in our Shun knives review.
Best Professional Knife Set: Wusthof Classic Knife Set
We love Wusthof knives and have used them for years. These knives are on the top of our list of best professional knife sets. This set also tops our Best German Knife Set list as well. Be sure to check them out !
What’s Included:
- 3.5-inch Paring Knife
- 4.5-inch Utility Knife
- 5-inch Serrated Utility Knife
- 6-inch Utility Knife
- 7-inch Hollow Edge Nakiri Knife
- 8-inch Serrated Bread Knife
- 8-inch Chef’s Knife
- 9-inch Sharpening Steel
- Six 4.5-inch Steak Knives
- 17-slot Acacia Knife Block
- Come-Apart Kitchen Shears
Pros:
- Full tang knives
- Lifetime warranty
- Precision-forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel
- 58 on the Rockwell Hardness scale
- Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) for razor-sharp edges
Cons:
- Commonly used knives can dull quickly
- POM (plastic) handles might feel weird or heavy
Overall Wusthof Classic Knife Set Review
Wusthof’s attention to detail and precision is why they are a top pick for professional chefs and our choice for the Best Professional Knife Set. These high-quality German knives are made of premium German steel with highly durable synthetic handles. With their Precision Edge Technology (PEtec), Wusthof ensures that the stainless steel blades are uniform from the tip to heel and some of the sharpest knives.
The Classic line has been Wusthoff’s best collection for generations. Each knife is carefully designed to have a well-balanced, comfortable grip that feels like an extension of yourself. Although it comes with a higher price tag, the Wusthof Classic 16-piece set reflects the premium, high-quality craftsmanship that they have become known for over the years.
If you are looking for the absolute best of the best and the price point is not a concern, then this set of knives is for you. Wusthof’s best-selling collection for generations, this set gets a 4.7 out of 5 stars; you can read the reviews here.
Read more about them in our Wusthof Knives Review.
Best Affordable Knife Set: Cuisinart Graphix Collection 15-Piece
This budget set of knives fits nicely onto our affordable knife sets under $100 list and is a great knife set for anyone needing a good starter knife set and an affordable price.
What’s Included:
- 8-inch Chef’s Knife
- 8-inch Slicing Knife
- 7-inch Santoku Knife
- 5.5-inch Serrated Utility Knife
- 3.5-inch Paring Knife
- 2.75-inch Bird’s Beak Paring Knife
- Six 4.5-inch Steak Knives
- 8-inch Sharpening Steel
- All-Purpose Kitchen Shears
- Block
Pros:
- Textured handles for an easier, secure grip
- Best value for the price
- Stainless steel blade
- Limited warranty
- Durable and sturdy
Cons:
- Knives need to be sharpened often
- Rusts easily, if not properly maintained
Overall Cuisinart Graphix Collection 15-Piece Knife Set Review
Cuisinart is one of the most reputable brands in the kitchenware market. They are trusted and known for their high-quality products. This 15-Piece knife block set is no exception to this standard.
The knives are constructed of stainless steel blades with textured handles that offer a secure grip and precise cutting. Overall, its design just adds a sleek look to the kitchen as well as control and comfort in its performance. On our Best Knife Set under $100, these knives are an amazing deal at a very affordable price.
This kitchen knife set is highly reviewed on Amazon at 4.7-stars from over 2,000 reviews. Many users raved about their value for money, especially since they were easy to hold, comfortable, and durable.
The only drawback that was mentioned by a few users was that the knives rusted after washing in the dishwasher; however, the majority of users mentioned that they did not have this issue if you hand wash and dry immediately. You can read the reviews here.
Read more about them in our Cuisinart Knives Review.
Best Chef Knife Set: Yarenh Chef Knife Set with Block Wooden
What’s Included:
- 8-inch Chef Knife
- 8-inch Sashimi Knife
- 6.5-inch Nakiri Knife
- 6-inch Boning Knife
- 5-inch Utility Knife
- Kitchen Shears
- Walnut Block
- Knife Whetstone
Pros:
- 73-layer Damascus steel construction
- Double forged full tang blade
- Dalbergia wood handle
- 60+ Rockwell Hardness
- Packaged in a beautiful gift box
Cons:
- Hand wash only
Overall Yarenh Chef Knife with Block Set Review
This set from Yarenh is constructed of high-carbon Japanese steel and designed in a western style. Its V-shaped, full tang design ensures strength, durability, and preciseness. Each blade is hand-sharpened to 10-15 degrees per side to deliver an effortless cutting performance. Its handle is made of Dalbergia Wood and features an ergonomic and anti-slip design. All six knives are secured in a beautiful Walnut knife block. This set also includes a knife whetstone to maintain the blade’s sharpness rather than a honing steel.
If you are looking for a beautiful set of knives with just the essentials, then this is an excellent option for you. This gorgeous Chef Knife set has a 4.5-stars rating on Amazon, which you can read here.
Best Self-sharpening Knife Set: Henckels J.A. International Graphite 20-pc Self-Sharpening Block Set
When we went through all of the best self-sharpening knife sets, this one topped the list.
What’s Included:
- 3-inch Paring Knife
- 4-inch Paring Knife
- 5-inch Serrated Utility
- 5.5-inch Prep Knife
- 6-inch Utility Knife
- 5. 5 inch Boning Knife
- 7-inch Santoku Knife
- 8-inch Serrated Bread Knife
- 8-inch Carving Knife
- 8-inch Chef’s Knife
- Eight 4.5-inch Steak knives
- Kitchen shears
Pros:
- Labeled slots to ensure proper placement
- Self-sharpening slots that sharpen each time knives are removed or replaced
- German stainless steel
- Lightweight, ergonomic, stainless steel handles
- Full tang blades
Cons:
- Hand wash only
Overall HENCKELS J.A. International 20-Piece Knife Block Set Review
This HENCKELS Graphite 20-piece knife block set is our number one pick for the best self-sharpening knife block set. Every time you remove or replace a knife, it is sharpening your knife with its built-in sharpener.
You don’t need a honing steel. Not only will you never have to sharpen your knives manually, but it also includes all the knives that you need to get yourself set up properly. This set contains the key knives for all your day-to-day tasks, everything from the 4-inch paring knife to the 6-inch utility knife to the workhorse Chef’s knife.
Typical of HENCKELS, these knives feature a fully forged bolster construction that ensures strength, durability, and balance. The handles are contoured to ensure a comfortable, smooth feel and fatigue-free use. This design gives it a sleek, stylish look that you will want to be displayed prominently in your kitchen. I appreciated that the slots were clearly labeled on the block to ensure proper knife placement.
This knife block set has a 4.6 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon; see the reviews here.
Read more about them in our Henckels Knives Review.
Best Budget Set: Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel 13-Piece knife set with block
After reviewing countless knife sets and trying to find a good balance between price and value, we’ve found that you can do a lot with a knife set under $200. This one tops our list. Be sure to check out our full list of best knife sets under $200.
What’s Included:
- 8-in Chef’s Knife
- 8-in Serrated Bread Knife
- 7-in Santoku Knife
- 8-in Utility Knife
- 3.25-in Paring Knife
- Six 4.5-in Steak Knives
- Kitchen Shears
- Wood Knife Block
Pros:
- 52-55 Rockwell Hardness
- Ergonomic, all-metal handles
- Full tang blade
- 26-degree Taper Grind edge for sharpness and precise cutting
- Full warranty against manufacturing defects
Cons:
- Hand wash only
- Frequently used knives will need to be sharpened more often
Overall Chicago Cutlery Insignia 13-piece Knife Block Set Review
Chicago Cutlery is known for making great value products and then standing behind them with their for-life warranty. This is a major reason why it is our best budget-friendly knife block set.
These contemporary-looking knives are constructed of high-carbon steel and feature a contoured handle and full metal tang. This design ensures balance and control for all your tasks – dicing, peeling, chopping, etc. All of the knives are securely housed in a stylish gray wood block.
I was impressed with the quality and the reviews of this 13-piece block set, especially when considering how great of a deal it is. If you are looking through the kitchen knife sets for the best at a budget-friendly price, then this set from Chicago Cutlery is the deal for you.
This set has a 4.5-stars rating on Amazon. Or you can read more about them in our Chicago Cutlery Knives Review.
Best Knife Set Under $200: Cangshan S1 Series
If you are looking for a different type of affordable knife set this one tops our list of best knives sets under $200.
What’s Included:
- 9-inch Carving Knife
- 8-inch Serrated Bread Knife
- 8-inch Chef’s Knife
- 7-inch Santoku Knife
- 5-inch Serrated Utility Knife
- 3.5-inch Paring Knife
- 2.75-inch Peeling Knife
- 3-in-1 Knife Sharpener
- Kitchen Shears
- Wood Block
Pros:
- 58 Rockwell Hardness
- NSF Certified
- Lifetime Warranty
- ULTRA-6 Heat Treatment Process
- Ice-hardened blade for long-lasting durability and edge retention
Cons:
- Hand wash only
Overall Cangshan S1 Series Review
I am always impressed by Cangshan knives. Even though they are still considered fairly newer knifemakers, they have made a name for themselves and shown that their knife craftsmanship is exceptional. Their knives are recognized for their design and function and are always highly reviewed by users. If you are looking for the best under $200, then the Cangshan S1 10-piece knife block set is our choice.
The S1 knives are made of tight-grained stainless steel and undergo heat treatment and an ice-hardening process to deliver long-lasting durability and exceptional sharpness. Its full tang and full bolster design ensure that the knife is well balanced and practically feels like an extension of your hand.
Like most of Cangshan’s collections, this set of knives is highly reviewed, with a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon. You can read the reviews here. Or, if you would like to learn more about some of their other collections, you can read our Cangshan Knives Review.
Best Steak Knife Set: Wusthof Gourmet Steak-Knife Set
What’s Included:
- Six 4.5-inch Steak Knives
- Beechwood Knife Block
Pros:
- Full tang knives
- Lifetime warranty
- Precision-forged from a single piece of tempered stainless steel
- 58 Rockwell Hardness
- Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) for razor-sharp edges
Cons:
- Beechwood Knife Block is lightweight, and some users noticed it fell over easily
Overall Wusthof Gourmet Steak Knives Set Review
This 7-piece knife block set includes six steak knives and one wooden knife block. Wusthof’s set of steak knives are precision-forged from high carbon stainless steel and features their signature PEtec which results in extraordinary sharpness and edge retention. The handles are made of synthetic material and triple riveted to the end of the full tang, which gives it a classic look. I loved the design and feel of these steak knives.
This set of steak knives is perfect for anyone looking for an amazing housewarming gift or even just wanting to replace their steak knives. Highly rated from a premium brand, these are not knives that you will hide in your drawer. Currently, this steak knife block set has a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon, which you can read here.
Read more about them in our Wusthof Knives Review.
Best cheese knife set: Zwilling J.A. Henckels
For a complete list of knife sets we looked at to find the best cheese knife set, you can see our article here.
What’s Included:
- Medium-Hard Cheese Knife
- Soft Cheese Knife
- Hard Cheese Knife
Pros:
- Constructed of high-quality stainless steel
- Extremely sharp
- Stylish design
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Premium quality knives
Cons:
- Only comes with the 3 knives
Overall Zwilling J.A. Henckels Cheese Knife Set Review
When choosing a set of cheese knives, it is important to always consider what is included, what they are made of, and who the manufacturer is. Zwilling is considered an industry standard, and they, of course provide the exact results you would expect. Their 3-piece set was included in our Best Cheese Knife Sets Review and is our pick for the absolute best one.
Each steel blade is designed for long-lasting durability and performance. Ideal for the homeowner that is hosting or really anyone that loves cheese. The knives in this set accommodate multiple types of cheese, and the only thing you will need before serving is a cool stone or marble cutting board. Zwillings’ set of cheese knives has a 4.5 stars rating on Amazon. You can read the reviews here.
You can read more about Zwilling in our Henckels Knives Review.
Best Ceramic Knife Set: Kyocera 5-piece knife set
What’s Included:
- 7-inch Chef Knife
- 5.5-inch Santoku Knife
- 4.5-inch Utility Knife
- 3-inch Paring Knife
- Sleek knife block
Pros:
- Universal slotted knife tower – holds 6 to 8 knives
- Easy to clean and low maintenance
- Kyocera offers resharpening for life
- Maintains edge sharpness up to 10x longer than steel blades
- Ultra Lightweight knives
Cons:
- Can chip easily if not properly handled or maintained
- Must be sharpened by a specialist
Overall Kyocera 5-Piece Knife Block Set Review
More and more people are turning to ceramic knives. The best ceramic knives are definitely an option to consider when shopping for a new knife set because the knives are extremely hard, incredibly sharp, and often very budget-friendly. Plus, you do not have to worry about corrosion or rusting as you do with metal knives. Kyocera’s stunning 5-piece knife block set would look beautiful on anyone’s kitchen counter.
The ceramic knives are lightweight, ultra-sharp, and easy to clean. Like ceramic cookware, people often refer to them as the “healthier” knife option because you do not have to worry about corrosion, acid reactivity, or any metal shavings potentially ending up in your food. With its ceramic blade, it delivers an optimal cutting performance and maintains its edge sharpness up to 10 times longer than steel knives.
The only thing you really should consider is the effort you want to give to properly maintain these ceramic knives because they can accidentally chip or break if you are careless. This set has a 4.2 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon; you can read the reviews here.
You can read more about them in our Best Ceramic Knives article.
Buying Guide: What To Look For In A Kitchen Knife Set?
When I finally decided to upgrade my kitchen knives, after years of suffering from low-quality, dull knives, I quickly realized that I had absolutely no idea what to look for to find a good kitchen knife set. Even as I tried to research, it seemed like every brand was touting that they had the best knife sets, and it was difficult to distinguish what was actually good. I just knew that I wanted a set that would last me for years and not require daily sharpening.
Hopefully, this buying guide will help you to avoid the information overload altogether and give you the confidence to decide which is the right one for you. I wish that I had come across something like this myself before spiraling into information overload. Before jumping into this section of what you should look for in a set of kitchen knives, you should consider some of your own kitchen preferences and needs.
For example, how much do you want to spend? I personally always recommend that you purchase the highest quality you can confidently afford. One nice thing about knives, there are high-quality sets from premium brands and even value brands. Another thing to consider, what type of knives do I need in my kitchen? If you rarely use more than a Chef’s knife and a serrated bread knife, then you won’t want to purchase a 21-piece knife block set which will have way more than you will ever need or use.
After you have considered what your needs are in the kitchen, then this is what you should look for and consider when looking:
Number of knives
The number of knives included does not impact whether or not they are one of the best knife sets. However, it is an important aspect to consider for your kitchen and cooking needs. If you only needed a set of cheese knives, you are not going to purchase an 18-piece knife block set. And on the other hand, if you are a family of eight, you won’t want to pick up a set that only includes four steak knives (unless you plan to buy more separately). Before you head out to purchase a set, it is a good idea to consider what you need, how much space you have available, etc.
Quality of knife steel
Another aspect that you should consider is the material used for the construction of the knife. Knife quality varies greatly from one set to the next, and it is the quality of the blade material that determines the capabilities and care of the knives.
Depending on your preference and usage, there is a variety of materials available, with the most common types being Japanese steel, German steel, and Ceramic. When considering what to purchase, you will first need to determine the type of blade material you want. Do you need a sturdy boning knife? A high-quality German steel block set. Do you prefer a lightweight knife that you can use without sharpening constantly? You might consider Japanese-style knives. Or maybe even a Ceramic set of knives.
Once you determine the type of material you want, you can narrow down your options to just this type of material, to more well-known brands, or even just to our list of the best knife block sets.
Handle
How do you want the handle to look and feel? Do you prefer a traditional triple-riveted wood handle? Or do you like an all-metal handle? Is the handle made of high-quality material that is durable and sturdy? The handle’s construction is an important aspect to consider because you want the knives to be durable, comfortable, and almost feel like an extension of you while using them. Plus, you want to like how they look in your kitchen!
Want to know more about the different parts of a knife? You can read more in our Knife Anatomy article.
Knife block
Although it does not affect the knife’s performance, you will still want to consider how the knife block will look as it sits on your counter over the years. Do you want a wooden block? Are you considering a more contemporary design like a glass block? Is there space for any additional knives that you might purchase in the future? It may be an aesthetic choice, but you want to make sure that you will like it for the lifespan of your knives.
One thing that I will mention in regards to the block, though, it is often possible to purchase just the block itself. This is a great option if you find knives that you love but don’t necessarily like the block or realize your style has changed over the years.
Dishwasher safe
Although some kitchen knife sets are dishwasher safe, it is usually recommended to hand wash your knives. Even if the manufacturer claims that the knives are dishwasher safe, I still recommend that you wash with hot, soapy water and immediately dry with a cloth. Dishwashers tend to dull, rust, or even completely damage your knives due to the harsh cycles and detergent used.
Warranty
Another important aspect that you should consider is the warranty that is offered by the manufacturer for your knife. How long are the knives covered? What exactly does the warranty cover? What could potentially not be covered by the manufacturer? Many of the sets included in this list offer a lifetime warranty or limited warranty of some sort against manufacturing defects.
Maintenance
When purchasing a kitchen knife set, you expect it to maintain its performance and quality over the years. Purchasing knives can be an investment, and it is important to ensure that you properly maintain your knives over the years. The type that you have will determine the steps that you will need to take to properly maintain your kitchen knife set. I always recommend reviewing the provided manual for the proper use and care of your knives. However, as mentioned before, the majority of these sets are hand wash only and will occasionally need to be sharpened either professionally or at home with a honing steel or knife sharpener.
Which Types of Knives Should I Have In A Knife Set
There are many different types of kitchen knives, and some knife sets will have all of them, others just a few. There are certain ones you should have. For example, a chef’s knife, paring knife and a bread knife all have different purposes and one cannot duplicate what the other does. The other consideration is if you need steak knives or not
Here is a good list
- Chef knife
- Paring knife
- Bread knife
- Steak knife
- Utility knife
- Santoku knife
- Carving knife
- Tomato knife
- Cleaver
- Boning knife
- Fillet knife
- Salmon knife
- Oyster knife
- Nakiri knife
- Gyuto knife
- Sushi knife
Final Thoughts on Best Kitchen Knife Set
Deciding which knife sets are the best and which one works for you really depends on your preferences, cooking requirements, budget, and more. There are so many options out there, and the best for one person might not be the best for you.
Personally, though, I would choose the Cangshan S1 set for a few different reasons. It has a beautiful, sleek design that just works, especially if you choose the white handle option. Second, Cangshan’s craftsmanship and design process are impressive. You can tell that a lot of thought went into it to ensure a seamless blend of beauty and functionality. Then, its near-perfect rating of 4.8-stars was just the icing on the cake. Plus, their knives are NSF Certified for professional use and backed by a warranty against manufacturing defects. Although Cangshan is still a newish brand in the knifemaker world, they have really made a name for themselves with their highly-rated, highly-rewarded collections.
Another great option that I liked was the Henckels Graphite set with its built-in sharpener. I mentioned before that I am not a fan of constantly needing to sharpen my knives. I know that it is a necessary part of maintaining your blades (no one wants to use a dull knife), but sometimes it can feel like a hassle. I loved that this set sharpens the knives every time that you remove or replace them. Plus, the overall design really considers its use from its strength and balance to its secure, ergonomic grip.
Hopefully, this list has helped you to decide which set will work best for your kitchen or at least pointed you in the right direction. From here, you click any of the links above to purchase your choice right now. Or if you would like to learn more, you can read our reviews about specific brands (Wusthof Knives Review) or specific types of knives (Best Cheese Knife).
✅ After going through all of the best knife sets this is the one that we would buy based on all of its qualities.
