10 Best Kitchen Knife Sets In 2020
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Every cook needs a great set of knives. Essential for chopping, slicing, dicing, and other food prep tasks, knives are among the most important tools in the kitchen.
As you choose the best kitchen knife set for your purposes, it’s important to keep in mind that not all cutlery is created equal.
With this in mind, we’ve tested dozens of the best-selling kitchen knife sets, and we’ve read thousands of reviews, all with an eye toward helping you choose the best knife set for your kitchen and your budget.
Our Top Picks:
#1 Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 15-Piece Cutlery Knife Block Set
The Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening cutlery set features full-tang knives forged of high-carbon no-stain steel. Each straight-edged knife has its own built-in ceramic sharpener inside the wood block, and each of these knives is fitted with a stainless steel end cap that includes a label for easy identification when removing. All knives feature strong bolsters and triple-riveted handles for added strength and durability. The steak knives are made from stamped steel. All knives come with a full lifetime warranty.
This complete kitchen knife set includes:
- 4 ½” Paring knife
- 6” Utility knife
- 6” Serrated utility knife
- 7” Santoku knife
- 8” Chef’s knife
- 8 steak knives
- Kitchen shears
- Blonde rubberwood sharpening knife block
Pros
- Knives stay sharp
- Kitchen knives have a good, sturdy feel
Cons
- Bread knife not included
- Stamped steel steak knives feel and look cheap
People who Bought This Kitchen Knife Set Said:
- This is an excellent set of knives for the money, meets our needs as well as our price range. I would recommend it.
- I like having perfectly sharpened knives each time I use them! No more dull knives or having to take time to sharpen before each use.
This Kitchen Knife Set is Ideal For:
Average home cooks who aren’t terribly demanding are likely to appreciate these knives, but should be very careful to hand-dry them after washing. Most complaints concerning this set involve the lack of a bread knife as well as the high-carbon steel’s tendency to rust and pit without a combination of hand washing and careful, immediate drying after washing. While these knives are not perfect, they get good points for sharpness and make a nice step up from a very basic starter set.
#2 Cangshan S1 Series 1022599 German Steel Forged 17-Piece Knife Block Set
The Cangshan S1 Series 1022599 17-Piece knife block set is built for lasting durability, with forged blades of German-sourced X50Cr15MoV steel, which is stain resistant and offers a hardness of HRC 58 +/-2 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale.
The knives are National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified, for sanitary use, and come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Off-white polymer handles, stainless steel end caps, and triple rivets lend an attractive appearance.
This complete set of kitchen knives includes:
- 2 ¾” peeling knife
- 3 ½” paring knife
- 5” serrated utility knife
- 5” tomato / cheese knife
- 6” boning knife
- 7” hollow edge Santoku knife
- 8” chef’s knife
- 8” bread knife
- 8” honing steel
- Six 5” steak knives
- All-metal kitchen shears
- Walnut wood storage block
Pros
- Excellent quality, especially for the price
- Very attractive appearance
Cons
- Knives pull straight out of block rather than at 45 degree angle
- Block is often reported to have finish flaws
People who Bought This Kitchen Knife Set Said:
- This is a really nice set of knives if you’re looking for a full matching set without paying an astronomical sum of money. They’re not cheap but knife prices can skyrocket once you get to a certain level. The knife block has some cosmetic flaws but not enough to keep one from considering these knives. I would recommend this set to a friend.
- Sharp and nice-looking set of knives. This set replaced our old set of Wustof Grand Prix that we had for 17+ years. The knives are razor sharp, easy to cook with, wash, and store easily.
This Kitchen Knife Set is Ideal For:
The Cangshan S1 Series 17-piece kitchen knife set offers a blend of good quality and moderate pricing, and most reviewers are very happy with the overall quality and sharpness. Many reviewers note that the block isn’t of the same quality as the knives themselves; on the other hand, quite a few like it for its rustic appearance.
If you love to cook and want a good assortment of knives to work with, but don’t want to pay more than about $250 for the entire set, then you are quite likely to appreciate these. They get top marks for appearance, sharpness, weight, and the overall quality is better than just decent.
#3 Chicago Cutlery Insignia2 18-Piece Knife Block Set
The Chicago Cutlery Insignia2 knife set features a variety of popular kitchen knives, all made with high-carbon stainless steel. With forged bolsters and full tangs for reliable strength, these knives feature triple stainless steel rivets, which attach the polymer handles to the blades. The wooden block provides a spot for each knife in the set, along with a convenient built-in sharpener.
This complete set of kitchen knives includes:
- 3” Paring knife
- 3 ½” Paring knife
- 5” Boning knife
- 5 ½” Utility knife
- 7” Serrated bread knife
- 7” Santoku knife
- 8” Chef’s knife
- 8” Slicing knife
- 8 4 ½” forged steak knives
- kitchen shears
- Wood knife block with built-in sharpener
Pros
- Classic styling
- Built-in sharpener is a nice touch
Cons
- Carbon steel blades are prone to rust staining without very careful maintenance
- A few reports of rusting around the rivets/ handles
People who Bought This Kitchen Knife Set Said:
- These knives are nice and sharp, and they feel great, too. The steak knives are a personal favorite, and I like the shears too, which are unique thanks to a screwdriver on one side and a bottle opener on the other. The knife block looks nice, too. While this is not a $500 set, it is a great addition to our kitchen.
- All the knives arrived sharp, ready to use, and well-packaged. They have solid, comfortable handles and solid bolsters, and feel balanced. So far we are very pleased; granted these are not “high-end” knives but if you keep them sharp and take care of them they cut as well as any knife. Good purchase.
This Kitchen Knife Set is Ideal For:
Offering a good combination of quality and attractive pricing, the Chicago Cutlery Insignia2 knife set is sure to appeal to most home cooks. While they are not made with premium materials, they are crafted with good attention to detail, and the set includes everything you need to do a variety of basic kitchen tasks. The multi-use kitchen shears and the built-in knife sharpener are very nice extras.
#4 Cuisinart C77SS-15PK 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set
The Cuisinart C77SS-15PK 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle kitchen knife set is made with superior high-carbon stainless steel, with strong bolsters and ergonomically shaped handles for comfort and easy cleanup. The set comes with a lifetime warranty.
This complete set of kitchen knives includes:
- One chef’s knife
- One bread knife
- One slicing knife
- Two paring knives
- One set of kitchen scissors
- One honing tool
- Six 4.5” hot-forged steak knives
- Black knife block with contrasting silver Cuisinart logo
Pros
- Attractive appearance
- Quick and easy to handwash, solid design keeps water from getting under handles
Cons
- Numerous reports of rusting when knives are placed in the dishwasher
- Lightweight feel
People who Bought This Kitchen Knife Set Said:
- Love this knife set. We have owned it for just about a year now. They have held up nicely and are still pretty sharp. My only complaint is that some of the knives don’t fig snugly on the top portion of the block as it is not easy to distinguish which knives go where.
- Love the knife set, very contemporary style. Works like a charm for steak, chicken, veggies. Not very clear on the product information but only con is that this isn’t dishwasher safe in my opinion. After a few months of use, washing in the dishwasher, a few little rust spots started appearing. Wish that was more clear when I ordered. Otherwise I love the style and look of the set.
This Kitchen Knife Set is Ideal For:
If you’re on a tight budget and you’d like a decent “starter” set of kitchen knives for well under $100, then this one from Cuisinart is worth considering. Note that the feel of these knives is pretty lightweight – they are not as heavy as standard knives with Pakkawood or composite handles.
Additionally, be sure to care for them if you’d like them to retain their attractive appearance. Numerous reviewers state that they have had issues with rusting when they have placed the knives in the dishwasher.
#5 Dalstrong Gladiator Series Colossal Knife Set
Dalstrong Gladiator Series knives are made with precision-forged single-piece high-carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel, with hand-sharpened edges and tall blade heights for ample knuckle clearance. The blades have been hand-polished to an attractive satin finish after precise tempering, and are stain resistant.
All knives in this set feature full tangs and laminated Pakkawood handles with triple rivets. Protective finger bolsters and ergonomic shapes provide comfort, maneuverability, and safe gripping. Each knife features an engraved Dalstrong center rivet and an attractive stainless steel endcap. In addition to a handmade walnut wood storage block, the set includes a BPA-free sheath for each knife.
This complete kitchen knife set includes:
- 9” Carving / slicing knife
- 9” Bread knife
- 5” Kiritsuke Chef knife
- 8” Chef knife
- 7” Santoku knife
- 7” Nakiri knife
- 5” Utility knife
- 6” Serrated Utility knife
- 5” Paring knife
- 75” Bird’s Beak paring knife
- Six 5” straight-edge steak knives
- 1 honing steel
- Handmade walnut wood block
Pros
- Excellent selection of useful kitchen knives
- Beautiful fit and finish, overall excellent quality
Cons
- Block takes up quite a bit of counter space
- The included sharpener is OK – doesn’t give quite the same edge as a stone or ceramic rod
People who Bought This Kitchen Knife Set Said:
- This is a great set! You can’t beat the value for money with Dalstrong. This set includes all the major knives and has a few interesting additions such as tie Kiritsuke. Their customer service is also top notch, don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you have an issue.
- Beyond satisfied with this product! The block is well-constructed and presents the knives in a handsome, unique fashion. Nothing appears or feels plastic or cheap. Knives are razor sharp, fit comfortably in the hand, and are weighted and balanced well. Handles are finished flawlessly. Truly an unbeatable set for the money.
This Kitchen Knife Set is Ideal For:
If quality is important to you and you’ve got a bit of wiggle room in your budget, then you’re likely to appreciate the Dalstrong Gladiator Series set, which offers far more than basic performance. Premium materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and beautiful presentation make it an attractive choice for any well-appointed kitchen, and the knives offer enough utilitarian appeal to please even the most demanding cooks.
#6 Dalstrong Gladiator Series 8-Piece Knife Set
The Dalstrong Gladiator Series knives in this set feature precision-forged single-piece high-carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel. Each knife offers hand-sharpened edges, and the tall blades are designed to provide a good level of knuckle clearance.
All knives feature full tangs and protective finger bolsters, and have been tempered and hand-polished. The pakkawood handles feature a comfortable, ergonomic shape, plus engraved Dalstrong center rivets and contrasting endcaps of stainless steel. The storage block is handcrafted of acacia wood.
This complete kitchen knife set includes:
- 8” Chef’s knife
- 7” Santoku knife
- 9” bread knife
- 9” Carving / slicing knife
- 5” Utility knife
- 6” Serrated utility knife
- 5” Paring knife
- 8” Gladiator series honing steel
- Acacia wood storage block
- BPA-free protective Dalstrong PerfectFit sheath for each knife
Pros
- Sleek appearance
- Professional quality
Cons
- No steak knives
- A few reports of knife blocks arriving with defects; quickly remedied by manufacturer
People who Bought This Kitchen Knife Set Said:
- Great set of knives, really sharp. They feel good in the hand and the balance is OK. The block did have a crack on the side and Dalstrong did a great job fixing the issue. I would recommend this to anyone.
- Excellent quality knives! Perfect weight and very comfortable handle. Block looks great on the counter. Knives were very sharp out of the box.
This Kitchen Knife Set is Ideal For:
Demanding cooks who long for a fantastic set of high-quality German steel kitchen knives are likely to appreciate this set by Dalstrong. The lack of steak knives may be a deal-breaker for some, but if you’re not terribly concerned about this, then you’ll appreciate the lower cost that comes with a set that includes kitchen knives only.
#7 J.A. Henckels International Statement 15 Piece Knife Set
With blades made from stamped stainless steel, this J.A. Henckels kitchen knife set features knives with full tang construction, black polymer handles, triple rivets, and stainless steel endcaps. The handles are contoured for a comfortable, secure grip.
This complete kitchen knife set includes:
- 3” Paring knife
- 5” Serrated utility knife
- 7” Santoku hollow-edge knife
- 8” Chef’s knife
- 8” Bread knife
- Kitchen shears
- Sharpening steel
- Six 4.5” steak knives
- Hardwood knife block
Pros
- Attractive, classic appearance
- Good sharpness right out of the box
Cons
- Manufacturer states that these are dishwasher safe; quickly rust when placed in dishwasher, however.
- Knives do not hold a sharp edge as long as those made from better-quality steel
People who Bought This Kitchen Knife Set Said:
- Great set of knives for this price point. It’s a versatile set, with a knife for each task in the kitchen. They get a lot of use!
- This is a good, value set of knives; important to note that they are made in China and after comparing them with German-made Henckel, I have to say that while the quality is not the same, I will get many years of good use out of them. They’re generally well-made and overall a good set of all-purpose knives.
This Kitchen Knife Set is Ideal For:
While experienced chefs may not be happy with this set, most average cooks find the knives both useful and of satisfactory quality. If you’re looking for a basic knife set at a moderate price, then you are likely to appreciate the J.A. Henckels International Statement set for its great looks, decent quality, and overall utility.
With careful hand-washing and drying, plus regular sharpening, they are likely to serve you well for at least a few years.
#8 Maestro Cutlery Volken Series German High-Carbon Stainless Steel 15-Piece Knife Set
The Maestro Cutlery Volken Series knife set features knives with blades made from German high-carbon stainless steel. All knives feature full tangs and heavy-duty triple riveted polymer handles, and all fit neatly inside the classic wooden knife block. The set comes with a lifetime warranty and is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
This complete set of kitchen knives includes:
- 8” Chef’s knife
- 8” Bread knife
- 8” Slicing knife
- 6” Boning knife
- 5” Utility knife
- 5” Paring knife
- Knife sharpener
- Kitchen scissors
- 6 4.5” steak knives
- Wood knife block
Pros
- Knives look and feel good
- Knives hold their edges well with regular honing
Cons
- Some reviewers note that the scissors are not as sturdy as anticipated
- Steak knives are not as nice as the kitchen knives
People who Bought This Kitchen Knife Set Said:
- This is a nice, versatile set of knives for the price, they’re a comfortable weight and length with nice sharp blades. The wooden block holder is convenient and looks nice on the countertop.
- I’m impressed at what you get for the price. I got this for a rental property that I have and I will definitely purchase them again. So far no rusting or issues, it’s only been about 3 months.
This Kitchen Knife Set is Ideal For:
If you’re looking for a nice starter set of kitchen knives at a very affordable price, then this one is well worth your consideration.
Many buyers note that the steak knives and the kitchen shears seem to be of lower quality than the main kitchen knives, so if these components are very important to you, you might want to look at a higher-cost set. For basic cutting jobs around the kitchen though, the kitchen knives are versatile and useful.
#9 Victorinox Forschner Swiss Classic 14-Piece Walnut Swivel Knife Block Set
Made in Switzerland of premium Swiss stainless steel, the Victorinox Forschner Swiss Classic kitchen knife set offers a simple, classic appearance. Black Fibrox handles offer slip-resistant performance, as well as excellent sanitation. All knives in this set are certified by the NSF (National Sanitary Foundation).
The walnut wood knife block features a swivel bottom and a spot for a supporting a cookbook, tablet, or smartphone on back, designed to make it easy to see recipes. This kitchen knife set is covered by a lifetime warranty.
This complete kitchen knife set includes:
- 3 ¼” Paring knife
- 4 ½” Serrated utility knife
- 7” Hollow edge Santoku knife
- 8” Chef’s knife
- 8 ¼” Bread Knife
- 10” Sharpening steel
- Kitchen shears
- Six 4.5” Steak knives with serrated edges
- 13-slot Walnut wood swivel knife block
Pros
- Handles feel very comfortable
- Knives are very sharp, and hold edges very well
Cons
- Handles aren’t the nicest looking
- A few reports of problems with the block’s swivel function
People who Bought This Kitchen Knife Set Said:
- I really like these knives. They are razor sharp, capable of cutting 10 slices of paper in a swipe and they feel really nice in your hand. They have a good balance to them. They aren’t the nicest looking knives but if you want a good quality blade for a decent price, I’d say this is a good fit.
- Nice knives that are lightweight and easy to cut with. This company makes Swiss Army Knives so they know a thing or two about useful tools. The knife block is nice and it’s very convenient that it swivels for a tablet or recipe card to sit on the back when you’re cooking.
This Kitchen Knife Set is Ideal For:
While this may not be the best kitchen knife set for someone who places a great deal of emphasis on attractive appearance, these knives function very well, and have an excellent reputation with professional chefs. If you’re looking for a good quality set of utilitarian kitchen knives at a fairly affordable price, then you are likely to be pleased with everything Victorinox has to offer.
#10 Zyliss Control Kitchen Knife Set
With contoured, non-slip antibacterial handles built for a comfortable and safe grip, Zyliss Control kitchen knives feature blades of German stainless steel. The set includes a storage block with universally-sized storage slots, as well as protective, antibacterial sheaths for each knife. The knives are rust-resistant and dishwasher safe, and the set features a 25-year guarantee.
This complete kitchen knife set includes:
- 8” Chef’s knife
- 5” Santoku knife
- 8” Bread knife
- 8” Carving knife
- 5” Utility knife
- 5” Paring knife
- 5” Paring knife
- 5” Serrated paring knife
- Kitchen shears
- 6 Steak knives
Pros
- Well-balanced knives
- Good cost to quality ratio
Cons
- A few reports of rust spots after being put through the dishwasher
- Handles feel slippery when wet
People who Bought This Kitchen Knife Set Said:
- Definitely a solid investment – and I didn’t even have to pay much! I love these knives. They look great, come out of the box extremely sharp, and are very comfortable to use. If you’re looking for some quality and inexpensive knives, these are a great choice.
- Great, well-rounded knife set. Sharp, nice weight to the knives, heavy block, steak knives included and affordable. It’s got all the perks for its extremely low price tag.
This Kitchen Knife Set is Ideal For:
Home cooks in search of balance between quality and price are likely to appreciate the Zyliss kitchen knife set. Most consumers are very happy with the blades and handles, while a few find the blades feel a bit lightweight and the handles feel slippery when wet or damp.
If you tend to chop food with wet hands, then you may not like the set; if your hands are normally dry when you work with knives, you will probably find the grips feel good in your hands. The overall quality of the set is better than just decent, however they are not perfect.
Key Considerations:
Since knives can represent quite an investment, and since a poorly manufactured set can be disappointing, dangerous, and lead to frustration, it’s very important to know what to look for in a good set of kitchen knives. If you cook only occasionally, then it stands to reason that you’ll require a bit less in terms of selection; if you prep several meals each week or spend time in the kitchen every day, then a wider selection will probably serve you better.
- Durability – Because kitchen knives can be expensive, it’s a good idea to choose a set that will stand the test of time. Durable knives are usually built with full tangs, meaning that the metal that forms the blade extends through the handle. This isn’t the only mark of quality, but it does tend to offer some reassurance that the knives won’t come apart.
- Quality of Materials – Most kitchen knife sets are made with stainless steel or stain-resistant steel, but not all steel is the same. American, Japanese, and German or European steel tends to be far superior to steel made in China. As for handles, quality construction often matters more than materials alone; plain wood may be attractive, for example, but may lose integrity with age and repeated washing.
- Forged or Stamped Blades? – Forged blades are stronger than stamped ones, but they tend to be more expensive.
- Gimmicks – The idea of knives that never need sharpening may seem fantastic, but don’t fall into this trap. The “no sharpening needed” knives are poorly made and cannot be brought back to sharpness once the edge fails. The same wisdom applies to ceramic knives; these are sharp in the beginning and definitely have their uses, but if you want a kitchen knife set that will last you for many years to come, you’ll want to select traditional knives that can be sharpened as needed.
- Price – Professional chefs often pay thousands for their knives, but that doesn’t mean you have to do the same. You can find a good, reliable set of kitchen knives for a few hundred dollars, and if your budget is tight, you can find a cheaper one that will work pretty well for a few years before needing replacement. In general, you get what you pay for; good kitchen knives are not normally cheap.
- Types of Knives Included – Most kitchen knife sets include at least a few of the following basics:
- Chef’s knife – used for a variety of chopping and cutting tasks
- Paring knife – used for cutting, trimming, and other tasks that call for a small blade
- Bread knife – used to slice breads and other baked goods
- Carving knife – used to slice cooked meats such as roasts, hams, and poultry
- Fillet knife – used to filet fish
- Cleaver – used to chop meat and large, heavy vegetables
- Sharpening steel – used to hone knife edges and keep them sharp
- Steak knives – used to cut meat into bite-sized pieces while dining
- Is a Storage Block Included? – Many kitchen knife sets come with a storage block of some type; this keeps blades protected and helps keep knives within easy reach. Many chefs and experienced cooks opt to store their knives on wall-mounted magnetic knife bars as an alternative; this is a fantastic idea for anyone who enjoys an extensive collection of knives and likes to keep them within view.
- Reputation – Some brands come with a great reputation, while others aren’t as well-known. Do a little bit of homework if you’ve never heard of a certain brand. Consumer reviews can be very helpful here; you’ll find out what others thought and this can prevent you from making a costly mistake. We’ve gone to great lengths to complete this sizeable task on your behalf, in hopes of helping you save time and make the right choice with confidence.
With these factors in mind, we’ve selected ten of the best kitchen knife sets available, at different prices and with a variety of knives and accessories included.
Tips for Caring for Your Kitchen Knives and Knife Block
Now that you’ve chosen the best kitchen knife set for your purposes, take great care of all the components so that they’ll last you for years to come. The following tips will help you keep your knives in great shape, plus you’ll learn how to clean the slots in your knife block.
- Hand-wash and dry your knives. True, it takes a little time to get through this task, but it will help keep your knives sharp, and it will prevent rust and other damage.
- Don’t soak your knives. Wash your kitchen knives immediately after using them so that you don’t have to soak them. You don’t want to give water the chance to penetrate the space between the tang and the handles.
- Hone and sharpen regularly. Hone your knives with a steel and use a good sharpening stone to maintain their edges. Perform this task regularly and it’ll be quick and simple – and you’ll never have to worry about the danger that comes with using dull knives.
- Clean your knife block regularly. You can use a hair dryer to blow debris through the slots if they go all the way through the knife block, or you can vacuum them out with the crevice tool on your vacuum cleaner. Use a pipe cleaner to gently scrub if you need to. Carefully wipe the exterior of the knife block and dry it immediately, and it’ll look as good as new. That’s it!
The better you care for your knives and the block that holds them, the longer they’ll last you. This is great news, since a great set of kitchen knives can represent quite an investment. We wish you all the best in your coming culinary adventures!
