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I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing I find more annoying than trying to prep food for a delicious meal with a subpar knife. Before I discovered the joys of cooking, I used to make do with cheap knives I bought in discount stores, but I soon saw the error of my ways.
Once I experienced how much more enjoyable it is to work with top-quality knives, I promised myself I’d never go back. A good knife can last a lifetime if properly taken care of, but it’s crucial to find the best kitchen knife set for your specific needs.
In A Rush? Check Out Our Top Choice!
- Unique curved bolster design makes cutting much easier and safer
- These knives are an extension of the cook’s hand
- Lack of straight edges keeps knives hygienic and makes cleaning easy
- High-quality steel lasts a lifetime
- Elegant dark wood finish of knife block fits in any kitchen
You’ll never buy another knife again once you’ve experienced this user-friendly set from Zwilling J.A. Henckels. The innovative angled bolster is comfortable to grip, making cutting easy and safe. Made from proprietary steel perfected over 280 years, these knives are hand-finished by skilled artisans and displayed in an elegant block that looks great in any kitchen.
Treat yourself today to the stunning Zwilling J.A. Henckels Pro 9-Piece Knife Set that will last a lifetime.
Top 11 Best Kitchen Knife Set Reviews
1. Zwilling J.A. Henckels Pro 9-Piece Knife Set: Best Kitchen Knife Set
This elegant 9-piece knife set is designed with the user in mind, and it shows. The innovative creators of these knives produced an original curved bolster that offers many benefits. Most importantly, it allows you to hold the blade naturally while maintaining a comfortable grip.
You may be wondering why I haven’t selected a more extensive set as the best kitchen knife block set, but the truth is these high-performance blades meet all your needs. Cluttering up your kitchen with endless knives is unnecessary; these 9 pieces cover all eventualities, and the chic dark wood block shows them off to perfection.
The Zwilling Pro set is undoubtedly on the higher end of the price scale. However, these knives, created by one of the world’s best kitchen knife brands, will last a lifetime. In the words of the Zwilling Pro designer himself, “The bitterness of poor quality lasts longer than the sweetness of a low price.”
Who Should Get This?
This set is the best choice for anyone who loves cooking and wants to invest in top-quality knives that they can cherish and use for many years to come.
Pros
- Compact block doesn’t dominate your kitchen counter
- With only 9 pieces, the set offers everything a cook needs
- Innovative bolster design means the blade can be sharpened without interference
- Due to the position of the bolster, you can use the whole blade when cutting
Cons
- The price could be prohibitive
This superb range offers some of J.A. Henckels brand knives’ most loved features at a more attainable price. The lightweight full-tang design makes these knives highly maneuverable, yet they retain a decent balance.
Unlike more expensive knife sets that often require a fair bit of maintenance, these blades are dishwasher-safe, so they are suitable for busy families and professionals. The handles have a classic triple-rivet design, which never goes out of style.
Another appealing aesthetic feature of the International Statement Knife Block Set is the range of colors available for the block, a quality that is rarely offered. This means you can pick the perfect shade to match your tastes and not have to compromise on looks to get the knives you want.
This well-rounded set offers excellent quality at an affordable price, making it a great choice for any discerning home chef who doesn’t want to blow the budget.
Who Should Get This?
Ideal for anyone looking for the perfect balance between performance quality and affordability and wants to beef up their home kitchen tools for the long-haul.
Pros
- Affordable range from one of the best kitchen knife brands out there
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Durability provided by single-piece precision-stamped blade construction
- Knife block is available in four different colors
- Includes sharpening tool and shears
Cons
- Lightweight means they don’t feel particularly solid
This gorgeous set of classic Wusthof knives hails from Solingen, Germany, known as The City of Blades, offers a comprehensive collection of knives that can more than satisfy any aspiring cook’s needs.
When buying Wusthof blades, you know you’re buying quality, as this family-owned business has been at the top of its game for over 200 years. Each knife in this 12-piece set is full-tang and precision-forged from a single piece of exclusive high-carbon stainless steel, which gives them a satisfying weight and balance.
The set is displayed in an attractive 13-slot block. The stylish design of both the block and the knives themselves means they look great on your countertop and the extra slot gives you some space to grow your collection.
Some customers have reported small cracks in the block after long-term use, which is unfortunate. Yet, as every home cook and professional chef knows, the knives’ performance is the priority when choosing to invest in a new set.
Who Should Get This?
This set is for anyone who wishes to invest in high-quality blades but isn’t sure where to start. It includes everything needed in a home kitchen from a trustworthy brand.
Pros
- Precision Edge Technology: Blade is 20% sharper with 2x edge retention
- Comprehensive set that includes all the knives you’ll ever need
- Wusthof offers professional sharpening at a low cost
- Contoured handles provide a comfortable grip
Cons
- The Wustof emblem on the blade is a sticker
- Some users have reported slight cracking in block
A premium set of knives always make a thoughtful gift, whether it’s for a newlywed couple setting up their first home or a retiring colleague who knows their way around a kitchen. This compact and sophisticated set is a perfect choice.
Cangshan Cutlery produces an original set of knives that offers quality performance with a price tag that won’t make you shudder. Each knife is handcrafted and hand-sharpened and feels weighty and well-balanced in your hand.
The slim design on the block means that this collection is ideal for home chefs working in bijou kitchens, although the modern white handles sometimes show small cracks with age.
With only 6 knives that make up the set, it doesn’t offer a wide variety, but quality certainly trumps quantity in this instance. These knives will become your trusted tools as you rustle up delicious dinners for years to come.
Who Should Get This?
It’s the best kitchen knife block set for anyone concerned with style and space—an excellent choice to give to a loved one who identifies as a chic foodie.
Pros
- Chic design of both the hand-crafted block and knives
- Sleek block takes up minimal counter space
- Sharp steel-forged knives at a reasonable price
- White handles offer a unique look
Cons
- Handles may show small cracks after heavy use
- Difficult to store in cupboards due to height
Experts have fought over whether ceramic or stainless steel knives are superior for many years and, while each style has its advantages, it comes down to personal preference.
If you’re looking to branch out and sample what ceramic blades have to offer, this stunning set by Kikusumi could be just for you. If it doesn’t live up to your expectations, your money is safe with Kikusumi’s Lifetime Warranty.
As with any ceramic blade, whose material is the second hardest substance in the world, these knives rarely need to be sharpened. This means they are an excellent choice for cooks with busy lives who just want to get in the kitchen and start slicing and dicing without worrying about maintenance.
Although this sleek black set doesn’t come with a block that could make them difficult to store, the knives themselves are lightweight and easy to handle. The ceramic blade is much less porous than metal alternatives, meaning that spice-lovers can go from chopping peppers to other foods without worrying about transferring flavors.
Who Should Get This?
Food lovers interested in trying ceramic blades and are concerned with aesthetics, as well as those who struggle to use heavier models on the market.
Pros
- The ergonomic handle prevents slipping for both right- and left-handed users
- Zirconium oxide blend makes these knives 50 times harder than steel knives
- Presented in an attractive gift box
- Stylish Japanese design stands out
- Lightweight; doesn’t tire the hand
Cons
- Doesn’t include knife block
If you’re unable (or unwilling) to fork out hundreds of dollars for the best kitchen knife brands but don’t want to have to replace your knives every year, an affordable set like this could be perfect for you.
Going for an inexpensive product can sometimes mean sacrificing style, but this lovely collection by Emojoy avoids that issue. The elegant pakkawood knife block looks right at home in any kitchen, while the quirky handle design marries design and practicality with its non-slip functionality.
Owning premium brand knives can be more trouble than it’s worth for busy people who don’t have time to worry about knife maintenance. The fact that this Emojoy set is dishwasher-safe is a relief for those who want sharp knives that work with your lifestyle.
Unlike some other cheap brands, this stainless steel set’s low price includes 6 steak knives, perfect for all those meat lovers out there.
Who Should Get This?
These knives are perfect for the cash-conscious cook who wants a durable yet elegant set of kitchen knives that includes everything they need to prepare a lovely homemade meal.
Pros
- Extensive collection, including sharpener and shears
- Pretty handle design adds a unique touch
- Very competitive price
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Kitchen shears are rather small
- If not dried thoroughly, they can rust
For BBQ lovers, finding the perfect grill is fundamental. However, if you want to serve up the top-notch meat fresh from that grill, you have to put some consideration into the knives you use.
When it comes to producing exquisite, high-performance knives, nowhere does it better than Japan. This kanso (simple) BBQ set from Shun Cutlery is no exception. With only 4 pieces, the collection equips you with everything you need to prepare your meat, fish, and vegetables to hit that grill.
The knives come with a handy travel pack that allows you to safely store your blades at home and on-the-go. It’s easy for BBQ and kitchen utensils to get mixed up, so having a designated place to keep these special knives is a great idea. It also keeps curious children safe.
The handles of the Shun Cutlery knives are made with tagayasan wood, known in Japan as iron sword wood. Although this attractive material requires occasional maintenance by applying oil, it is sturdy and provides a solid grip.
Who Should Get This?
This set is just right for BBQ lovers who enjoy grilling both at home and away and understand the value of treating their meat and fish right at every grilling stage.
Pros
- Highly portable with a travel-friendly bag
- Knives specially designed for preparing meats for the grill
- Perfect for chopping, scoring, trimming, filleting, and boning
- Beautiful Japanese design
Cons
- Wooden handles require some maintenance
For those of us living in smaller homes, adopting space-saving solutions can make all the difference. Smart design, like this set of sleek nesting knives by Mr Moo, can allow you to have beautiful, functional items without losing valuable kitchen real estate.
There are so many great sets of kitchen knives on the market these days, but most of them come with large knife blocks that take up loads of room on the kitchen counter. That kind of set-up is not ideal for tiny kitchens.
The 4 knives in this lovely little collection take up the same space as one large knife, and the stand can be displayed upright or slipped into a drawer. Now, that’s versatility.
The handles’ unusual shape can take some getting used to and may not be suitable for all cooks. However, each of the knives has a nice weight to it, with surprisingly good balance. This minimalist knife set delivers on both style and substance.
Who Should Get This?
This nesting knife set is for the style-conscious chef who needs practical space-saving solutions that work with their existing utensils. It’s also ideal for anyone willing to try a unique knife set.
Pros
- The clever design saves space on countertops or in drawers
- Made from sturdy and durable stainless steel
- Unconventional stylish look
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to maintain
- Versatile storage solution
Cons
- Removing the smallest knife can be tricky
- Can take time to adjust to the handles
One of the great things about staying in vacation rentals instead of hotels is that it gives you a chance to indulge in your love of cooking and try out new recipes you’ll enjoy sharing with your loved ones. Poorly equipped kitchens can quickly spoil this fantasy.
Trying to prepare food with blunt knives is not only frustrating; it’s dangerous. Thankfully, Wusthof has produced this handy travel knife set that includes everything you could possibly need to make delicious meals safely.
The set comes in a compact travel pack and includes shears, a knife sharpener, and a corkscrew, making it the ideal kit to take on a picnic, as well as vacations.
Practicality is not the only thing the Traveler Set has to offer. The knives live up to the Wusthof name, with razor-sharp blades and perfect balance. With this set, you won’t miss your home kitchen one bit.
Who Should Get This?
A travel set is an excellent choice for the foodie who loves traveling but doesn’t want to have their relaxing cooking time ruined by substandard knives. Great for cooks on-the-go who always like to be prepared.
Pros
- The handy storage pack is ideal for travel
- The handle has a comfortable grip
- The set includes a portable sharpener, shears, and corkscrew
- Full-tang adds weight and balance
Cons
- Only includes 3 knife types
For students leaving home for the first time, getting everything they need to set up a new home can be daunting. This attractive Ginsu knife set includes everything they need to slice and dice and serve up great meals to their new friends.
Nobody wants to spend a fortune when they’re a student, especially when roommates and visitors may use your things, and that’s why this knife set is an excellent choice. These stainless steel knives are durable and sharp, but won’t break the bank. This sturdy set can withstand heavy use and can last way past graduation.
The bold combination of red and black makes this collection stand out from others on the market. They are dishwasher-safe and make a great transition into a first apartment or first home knife set.
Who Should Get This?
This snazzy set is perfect for students who need to stock up their kitchen without spending a fortune. It’s great for any cook who wants strong knives that look good.
Pros
- Comprehensive set with a reasonable price tag
- Long-lasting and durable
- Suitable for any dishwasher
- Striking colors stand out in any kitchen
Cons
- Doesn’t include sharpener
Who said that kitchen utensils couldn’t be fun? This hilarious novelty knife set can be a real conversation starter in anyone’s home. Whether you want to liven up a dull dinner party or encourage your teenage children to help out more in the kitchen, this little guy can put a smile on anybody’s face.
As with any novelty item, this 5-piece Voodoo knife set makes an excellent gift for anyone with a great sense of humor. Its relatively small size also means it won’t take up too much real estate on the kitchen counter, a crucial consideration for those living in small apartments.
The price of this amusing item could be considered rather steep, but these knives offer function, as well as fun. The sleek stainless steel plains retain their sharpness, even after heavy use, and they are light and easy to handle.
This comical knife set, which comes in various colors, is like a piece of artwork for your kitchen. Practical and fun, what more could you ask for?
Who Should Get This?
This set is for anyone with a great sense of humor who doesn’t take life too seriously. It’s perfect for people of any age who like anything a bit quirky and different.
Pros
- Great conversation starter piece
- Ideal for a humorous gift
- The stainless steel blades are durable and sharp
Cons
- Perhaps a little pricey for a novelty item
Final Verdict: Best Kitchen Knife Set For Your Money
We’ve looked at some of the best products the kitchen knife market has to offer, from the practical to the fun, but the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Pro 9-Piece Knife Block Set continues to be my favorite. You can’t beat its ease of use.
Once you’ve tried these knives, with their user-friendly design, it’s impossible to go back. If you love cooking, I truly believe it’s worth investing in these beautiful knives that will be with you forever.
