The best kitchen experience calls for the best kitchen knife sets, and that is what we are here to help you find. In this article, we will share our reviews for ten popular knife sets on the market, going over what we liked and disliked about each of them. Follow along, and in one quick read, you will have all the information you need to make the best purchase for your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Product FAQ
What Comes in a Knife Set?
At the minimum, a knife set will come with a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated utility or bread knife. More versatile knife sets may come with extras, like a Santoku knife, kitchen shears, steak knives, scissors, and more.
What Qualities Should I Look for in the Best Kitchen Knife Sets?
- Balance between blade and handle
- One-piece construction
- Rust resistance
- A sharpness that holds
- Forged steel construction
Where Can I Buy the Best Kitchen Knife Sets?
Any store carrying kitchen supplies will carry varying selections of knife sets. Most of the best kitchen knife sets are also available online, on sites like Amazon.
How We Reviewed
The following products were reviewed based on features, pros & cons, price, how many knives you get, and the warranty. We take a look at how they’re made and what real users think of them in order to help you decide on the best knife set for your needs.
Overall Price Range
The main factors accounting for their price differences include the materials used to make them, the tempering process for forging the blades, the number of pieces included in a set, the technologies used in their construction, the sharpness of the blade, and their edge-holding ability.
What We Reviewed
ZYLISS Control Kitchen Knife Set with Block
[amazon box=”B01HQAIDGO”]Features
The ZYLISS Control Kitchen Knife Set with Block is designed for flexibility, pleasing aesthetics, and convenient storage. It features anti-bacterial removable and dishwasher safe sheaths which keep your knives pristine and ready for immediate use. Its knife slots are universally sized so you can arrange your knives according to your own personal preferences.
The knives included in this set are made of premium German Steel. Enjoy the high quality of German craftsmanship as these knives take your cooking to the next level. with the ZYLISS Control Kitchen Knife Set, cutting is precise, easy, comfortable, and hygienic.
Pros
- Universally sized knife slots
- Incredibly sharp edges
- Attractive design
- One of the best kitchen knife sets in affordability
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- One-piece construction
- Comes with high-quality butcher block
Cons
- Underwhelming durability (expect about a year of use)
- Prone to rusting after long term use
# of Pieces
The ZYLISS Control Kitchen Knife Set with Block includes 6 pieces. It comes with an 8″ Chef’s Knife, an 8″ Bread Knife, an 8″ Carving Knife, a 5.5″ Utility Knife, and a 3.5″ Paring Knife.
Warranty
The ZYLISS Control Kitchen Knife Set with Block comes with a generous lifetime warranty.
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic Knife Block Set
[amazon box=”B005LRYS64″]Features
The Victorinox Swiss Army Classic Knife Block Set is a highly versatile set that provides both home chefs and cooking professionals alike with everything they need for a quality cooking experience. It is designed to provide topnotch precision and durability for all cutting tasks, from small to large. Its knives are crafted with high carbon stainless steel, featuring conical grinding and ice tempering for a sharpness that lasts.
Victorinox has designed these knives with Swiss Classic textured handles and non-slip grips that ensure a firm hold even when wet. They are carefully weighted and balanced for easy, safe handling.
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic knives are best washed by hand with a soapy cloth and immediate drying. They are dishwasher safe, but Victorinox recommends hand washing for the best edge maintenance.
Pros
- Comprehensive set with 22 pieces
- Easy storage
- Non-slip textured handles designed for reducing hand and wrist fatigue
- High-quality, lightweight European stainless steel
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Dishwasher safe
- One of the best kitchen knife sets in terms of sharpness
- Fantastic longevity
Cons
- On the pricey side
- Block requires a lot of counter space
# of Pieces
The Victorinox Swiss Army Classic Knife Block Set is a comprehensive set containing 22 pieces, including 2.5″ shaping, 3.25″ paring, 4.5″ utility, 4.5″ steak, 5″ chef’s utility, 6″ utility, 6″ boning, 7″ santoku, 8″ carving, 8″ chef’s, 8″ bread, 10.25″ slicing knives, kitchen shears, and a slant hardwood block.
Warranty
The Victorinox Swiss Army Classic Knife Block Set comes with a lifetime warranty.
J.A. Henckels International Forged Knife Block Set
[amazon box=”B002SR0SW8″]Features
The J.A. Henckels International Forged Knife Block Set features a variety of knives made from high-quality German stainless steel with a forged bolster construction that provides enhanced durability and a seamless transition from blade to handle. Its blades are professionally finished with satin for a refined precision that exceeds its highly affordable price point. They also feature a modern, triple-riven design with a curve that makes them comfortable in the hand and exceptionally safe to use.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- One of the best kitchen knife sets for shoppers on a budget
- Comes with extra slots
Cons
- Durability issues with included scissors
- Steak knives not forged
# of Pieces
The J.A. Henckels International Forged Knife Block Set comes with 13 pieces, including a 3″ paring knife, a 5″ serrated utility knife, a 7″ santoku hollow edge knife, an 8″ chef’s knife, 9″ sharpening steel, a hardwood block, six 4.5″ steak knives, and kitchen shears.
Warranty
The J.A. Henckels International Forged Knife Block Set comes with a lifetime limited manufacturer warranty.
Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Knife Block Set
[amazon box=”B000IBU9FW”]Features
The Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Knife Block Set is an Amazon’s Choice product that delivers quality at an affordable price. This knife set comes with an elegant tempered glass block that provides a full view of your blades as they wait on your countertop for their next use. These knives come with ergonomic Santoprene handles that offer superior comfort and a reliable, non-slip grip even when wet. Their handles are built to last, featuring a resistance to kitchen oils and extreme temperatures.
The knives included in this premium set are made with high carbon, stainless German steel that wards away rust, corrosion, and discoloration. They boast a precision forged construction for optimal strength and durability. Their edges are taper-ground for enhanced stability, easy honing, efficient cutting, and a sharpness that lasts.
Pros
- Unparalleled quality at this price
- Excellent grip on the handles
- Comes with a beautiful block of tempered glass
- Highly resistant to rust and corrosion
- Impressive sharpness for the price
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Block height makes storage a slight hassle
- Metal dividers in block
# of Pieces
The Mercer Culinary Gensis Forged Knife Block Set comes with six pieces, including a 3.5″ paring knife, a 5″ utility knife, an 8″ chef’s knife, an 8″ bread knife, and a 6″ boning knife.
Warranty
The Mercer Culinary Genesis Forged Knife Block Set comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Wüsthof Gourmet Deluxe Knife Block Set
[amazon box=”B0014JDQD4″]Features
The Wusthof Gourmet Deluxe Knife Block Set is an Amazon’s Choice product that delivers the quality of German craftsmanship in a wide variety of cutting tools. It features stamped laser cut blades made of high carbon stain-resistant steel. These blades are precisely tempered to hold their edge against the test of time. They are also laser tested for superior consistency in cutting angle and sharpness.
Each of the included knives are equipped with synthetic handles that are compression riveted to the full tang of the blade. These handles feel comfortable to grip and provide an easy, yet safe cutting experience.
Pros
- Superior sharpness
- Does a great job holding their edges
- Fantastic appearance
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not the best kitchen knife sets for someone on a budget
- Has a slightly flimsy feel
- Knives’ labels prone to fading from washing
# of Pieces
The Wusthof Gourmet Deluxe Knife Block Set includes 14 pieces, including a cook’s knife, sharpening steel, come-apart kitchen shears, six steak knives, and a 17-slot beechwood block.
Warranty
The Wusthof Gourmet Deluxe Knife Block Set comes with a lifetime warranty.
Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set
[amazon box=”B013PKJSPY”]Features
The Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set is an Amazon’s Choice product designed to provide you with everything you need and more in your cutting tools. Its block includes highly convenient built-in ceramic sharpeners that automatically sharpen its chef knives and other straight edge knives with each use. The knives themselves are forged of high-carbon, stainless steel (steak knives are made from stamped steel). They come with labeled handles for easy identification, and with their triple riveting they provide contours that feel comfortable to grip.
Pros
- Labeled handles on knives
- Comes with a full lifetime warranty
- Built-in ceramic sharpeners
- Excellent price
Cons
- No bread knife included
- Steak knives prone to rusting
# of Pieces
The Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set comes with 15 pieces, including a 4.5″ paring knife, a 6″ utility knife, a 6″ serrated utility knife, a 7″ Santoku, an 8″ chef’s knife, kitchen shears, 8 steak knives, and a sharpening knife block.
Warranty
The Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set comes with a full lifetime warranty.
Dalstrong Knife Set Block
[amazon box=”B01M4G9ZNK”]Features
The Dalstrong Knife Set Block provides unmatched craftsmanship, innovative technology, beautiful design, and premium materials that home chefs and professionals alike will enjoy. Its blades are made for razor sharp precision, featuring high-carbon German steel with hand polished edges at 14 to 16 degrees per side. These knives have been crafted with a meticulous attention to detail, and they are designed to last an entire lifetime.
The knives included in this set feature luxury imported black pakkawood handles that are triple-riveted for a comfortable and maneuverable grip. They are also laminated and polished for optimal sanitation and a gleaming appearance that is sure to catch every eye in the kitchen.
Pros
- Easily one of the best kitchen knife sets in terms of sheer quality
- Unmatched durability
- Extremely comfortable handles
- Blades hold their edges for ages
- Fantastic customer service
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Some minor cosmetic quality control issues
# of Pieces
The Dalstrong Knife Set Block comes with 8 pieces, including an 8″ chef’s knife, a 7″ Santoku knife, a 9″ bread knife, a 9″ carver/slicer, a 6.5″ utility knife, a 6″ serrated utility knife, a 3.5″ paring knife, and an 8″ Gladiator Series honing steel.
Warranty
The Dalstrong Knife Set Block comes with a lifetime warranty.
Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Japanese Steel Knife Set
[amazon box=”B0011TRO80″]Features
The Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Japanese Steel Knife Set features one-piece knives made of premium Japanese stainless steel. They arrive razor sharp and maintain their edges longer than competitors, allowing you to enjoy your cooking experience with minimal maintenance. These knives are perfectly balanced for both power and control and have been named Consumer Report’s “Best Buy” five times.
Pros
- Highly affordable price
- Excellent sharpness
- Minimal maintenance required
Cons
- Comes with stamped, not forged, steak knives
- Prone to rusting
# of Pieces
The Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Japanese Steel Knife Set comes with 12 pieces, including a 3.5″ paring knife, a 5″ utility knife, a 5″ serrated utility knife, a 7″ Santoku knife, an 8″ chef’s knife, shears, a honing rod, and four steak knives
Warranty
The Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Japanese Steel Knife Set comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
BergHOFF Geminis Cutlery Set
[amazon box=”B000X8R1VU”]Features
The BergHOFF Geminis Cutlery Set features handles of synthetic fiber, ergonomically molded for a safe, comfortable grip. The handles contain a metal counterbalance that provides the optimal balance for all your cutting tasks. This 7-piece set provides everything a home chef needs to get elevate their favorite recipes with superior performance.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Incredible balance between blade and handle
- Ergonomic grip on handles
Cons
- Can be difficult to find in stock
# of Pieces
The BergHOFF Geminis Cutlery Set includes 7 pieces, including a 3.25″ paring knife, a 5″ utility knife, an 8″ carving knife, an 8″ chef’s knife, an 8″ bread knife, a pair of poultry shears, and a wooden block.
Warranty
The BergHOFF Geminis Cutlery Set comes with a lifetime warranty.
Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel Knife Block Set
[amazon box=”B0016P3708″]Features
The Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel Knife Block Set is a fully stocked knife set with 18 pieces providing everything you could possibly want in your cutting tools. These knives are equipped with contoured stainless steel handles, giving them a sleek, modern look and a comfortable hold. Their forged design delivers a satisfying heft refined by an optimal balance. They feature an exclusive taper grid edge technology that gives them the sharpness you need to cut with precision and ease.
It is recommended that you hand wash these knives for the best edge maintenance.
Pros
- Relatively affordable knife set
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- Exceptionally sharp
- Fantastic balance
- Attractive block
Cons
- A bit too lightweight
- Does not include a sharpening rod
- Prone to rusting
# of Pieces
The Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel Knife Set with Block includes 18 pieces, including a 3″ peeler, a 3.25″ paring knife, a 6″ boning knife, a 5″ utility knife, an 8″ serrated bread knife, a 7″ Santoku knife, an 8″ slicing knife, an 8″ chef’s knife, shears, eight 4.5″ steak knives, and a block with an in-block sharpener.
Warranty
The Chicago Cutlery Insignia Steel Knife Set with Block comes with a full lifetime warranty.
The Verdict: The Best Kitchen Knife Sets
Three sets stood out to us as being the best kitchen knife sets on the market. In no particular order, they are the Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set, the Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Swiss Classic Knife Block Set, and the Dalstrong Knife Set Block. These sets fall on different parts of the overall price range, so you can find quality regardless of your budget.
If you are seeking professional-quality knives that will last you a lifetime and have the budget for it, you will not be disappointed with the Dalstrong set.
If your priority is getting as many pieces as possible for the ultimate versatility, the Victorinox is a fantastic choice.
If you are on a tighter budget but want a set that not only looks great but provides a quality cutting experience as well, you cannot go wrong with Mercer.
Either way, these are all excellent options, and you are sure to enjoy your kitchen experience with all of them.
G Patel has been honing his craft in the restaurant industry for over 25 years. After graduating from North Carolina State University with a degree in business, G set out to turn Eschelon Hospitality into a recognized brand throughout Carolina’s state restaurants; and he did just that when acquiring Mura North Hills. Since then, it has become an iconic sushi-serving establishment.
