Top 17 Best Kitchen Knife Sets Reviews in 2020

I guess we all understand the importance of getting a good knife in one’s kitchen. It is probably the best workhorse to help you finish most cooking tasks, from the beginning of a recipe to its finishing garnish.

But to pick the right knife set, there are many elements to consider, such as the amount of space available in your kitchen counter, how you cook and even your budget.

Don’t worry, the following guide will help you find out the best kitchen knife set on your own, at the best price ever. Read on!

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Top 17 Best Kitchen Knife Sets Reviews In 2020

Cuisinart C77SS-15PK Kitchen Knife Sets

The Cuisinart C77SS-15PK 15-Piece knife set is a famous option under 100.

It does not only look good but also is my most favorite among the competition. Made of superior-high-quality materials, it is durable, long-lasting, and even gives you souped-up accuracy.

The set is crafted 100% of high-carbon stainless steel with strong bolsters. They are generally lightweight yet firm hand-feel which makes it easy to chop, carve, and slice with full control and decent stability.

To increase the sharpness of these knives, Cuisinart specifically designed them with precision-tapered ground blades and fine edges.

A notable thing is it comes with 6 steak knives with a shiny, classic look that you can be proud to set them at the dining table.

Product Specs

Cuisinart C55-01-12PCKS Kitchen Knife Sets

Designed with nowadays’ design-smart customers in mind, the Cuisinart C55-01-12PCKS features a colorful 12-piece knife set that not just adds styles to the modern kitchen interior but also helps reduces cross-contamination when cutting meat and vegetables.

This color coating is also non-stick so, slicing can’t be easier, especially when you want to chop potatoes, cucumbers, and other veggies.

Regardless of its toy-alike looking, the knife is super-sharp that could fillet a pufferfish to perfection. The santoku and the paring knife are my most favorites. They really hold their own against some of the more expensive knives out there.

Like most counterparts here, each knife blade is made of high-grade stainless steel and also comes with a matching blade guard which is so nice so you can keep it in a drawer with no accidents.

For the price, you can’t beat this.

Product Specs

Chicago Cutlery 1119644 Kitchen Knife Sets

Chicago Cutlery is known as the world’s leading manufacturer making professional-grade knives to any at-home chef. Particularly, they are well-balanced and comfortable to hold.

One of their bestsellers is the 1119644 Cutlery Fusion 18-Piece Block Set.

It’s got tons of compliments from worldwide customers about the unparalleled sharpness as well as the ease of use, all thanks to the exclusive taper grind edge technology aside from high carbon stainless steel material.

With it, you can easily cut through different materials or re-sharpen.

The material is also praised for its decent resistance to pitting, rust, and stains. Just a pity that they can’t be cleaned in a dishwasher, which means you have to wash them by hand. But overall, this is a nice kitchen knife set under 200. Highly recommended!

Product Specs

Mercer Culinary Kitchen Knife Sets

Seven of the 12 chefs recommended this Mercer Culinary Genesis when I asked them about the best knife set for kitchen use.

It’s no strange because Mercer Culinary is the go-to source for cutlery for culinary professionals and commercial kitchens, with over 30 years’ expertise, and this is one of their most recognized sets.

Boasting the high-carbon, no-stain German X50 Cr Mo V15 steel, it prevents corrosion, rust, and even discoloration like a dream.

According to customer reports on Amazon, this knife is outstanding in well-balanced proportion and its ergonomic Santoprene handle offers decent grip and comfort to the touch. This makes it extremely controllable and safe even with wet hands.

In addition, the handle is durable enough to handle high heat, cold temperatures, and kitchen oils without breaking down.

The precision-forged structure that is made from a single piece of steel helps soups up for its durability and strength. As a result, it stays sharp longer and easier to sharpen.

Product Specs

Calphalon Classic Kitchen Knife Sets

No knives could retain their sharpness forever, especially under regular use. That’s why Calphalon decided to re-design the block holder of this knife set with some built-in ceramic sharpeners with hope to improve their customers’ cutlery experience.

These sharpeners are specifically designed to auto-sharpen the set’s straight edge knives every time you replace and remove them in the block.

But if that isn’t reason enough to love it, the ergonomically-designed handles will do. They are triple-riveted with contouring for better secure hand-feel. The easy-to-read labels are also a wise addition, which makes it easy to distinguish the right blade that you’re in need of.

To top all the goodies off, there also comes in a full lifetime warranty.

Product Specs

Zwilling J.A. Henckels 30782-000 Kitchen Knife Sets

Owning a German knife set is a typical dream of many cooking enthusiasts but the expensive price range is a common thing that has stopped some budget-minded people from buying it.

To help make your dream come true, I’ve got a bit of good news – the Zwilling J.A. Henckels 30782-000, priced under $300 for a set of up to 19 pieces.

They are all Germany-made, hand-sharpened and polished with laser control in the edge, giving a perfect 15-degree angle on each side.

But blades are truly the most outstanding. They’re made of a proprietary, special formula steel with a brand’s signature technique called FRIODUR ice-hardening. It makes the knives retain its sharpness longer while being much sharper, harder, as well as resisting better to chip or stains.

Another big bonus of German steel is lightweight, which makes the knife easier to hold and control, especially during long food-prep.

Product Specs

Victorinox  7-Piece Kitchen Knife Sets

Amazon shoppers call this set a great statement of art on their counter, leaving it more than 400 five-star ratings.

But aside from the beautiful Rosewood block and handle, this Swiss-made knife set is even more notable for its performance. Part of the set comprising of 7 pieces includes a 10” slicing knife, a 3.25” paring knife, a 6” boning knife, an 8” bread knife, and an 8” chef’s knife.

All blades are high-carbon stainless, conical ground and ice tempered for the best sharp retention, and they fit all cooking tasks. Combining with the aesthetic wood material which also helps minimize wrist tension, it gives a nice proportion for easy handling.

Product Specs

Victorinox  4-Piece Kitchen Knife Sets

While being known for high-quality, delicate knife sets, another thing that makes Victorinox stand out from the crowd is their knives’ utility. Instead of producing a specific knife for certain functions, each of a Victorinox set can handle a bunch of tasks.

That’s why their sets commonly include fewer pieces than other brands but never lack of functionality.

This Army Cutlery Fibrox Pro 4-Piece Knife Set is a typical example. It comprises of just 4 pieces: a 4” paring knife, a 6” utility knife, a 10.35” bread knife, and an 8” chef knife. See? All of them are multifunctional cutlery styles.

And a good thing is it meets the NSF standards for public health protection, meaning that it’s completely safe to use. There is additionally a lifetime commitment from the manufacturer for the set’s material and workmanship.

The handles are textured with ergonomic Fibrox Pro design and a non-slip grip to excel your hand-feel, preventing it from slipping out of your hand while cutting, even when wet.

All-in-all, this is my proud suggestion for beginners.

Product Specs

Dalstrong Kitchen Knife Sets

While the stunning hand-made acacia woodblock is a big draw for shoppers, these German-made knives from Dalstrong are no joke in quality.

Blades are full-tang, made of imported high-carbon German steel, then precisely tempered with a hand-polished edge at 14-16 degrees and stain-resistant coating. Based on such outstanding craftsmanship and premium materials, it is highly valuable for the price.

Pairing with luxury imported black pakkawood triple-riveted handles, it is good at maneuverability with a satisfying heft to ensure comfort when holding and preparing food.

In addition, hand-polished, engineered to perfection at 56+ Rockwell hardness and laminated to a satin finish makes it awesome for busy kitchens. Above all, the whole set is backed by a 100% satisfaction warranty with risk-free.

Product Specs

Wusthof Classic Kitchen Knife Sets

If there’s just one thing to talk about Wusthof knives, it is the diligent craftsmanship.

This Germany-made Classic 7-piece Slim Knife Block Set with a lifetime warranty is just perfect to the tiniest detail.

It features an ultra-slim knife block to save extra space on your counter, the stain-resistant high-carbon stainless steel blades with precision-forged full tang design and durable bolster, and the traditional triple-riveted Polyoxymethylene handle.

This synthetic material is the best upgrade in my opinion as to when compared to other handle materials, this is much better in discoloration and fading resistance. So, it would be safer and last longer to use.

Product Specs

Calphalon 1990630 Kitchen Knife Sets

By cutting 2 steak knives off the set, this Calphalon self-sharpening set is in a better deal for people who want to save a few extra bucks.

And as the set now just has 10 pieces, the knife block is shrunk down to a slimmer profile, making it fit more sizes of counters. Regardless, the overall performance of this classic set remains the same, with top-notch quality.

They are super-sharp with very good hand-feel, can cut through most food items by simply sliding the blade without using much force, as what is advertised on TV. So whether chopping, dicing, or slicing, it helps finish the task effortlessly.

Having the built-in ceramic sharpeners is just the topping on the cake, which helps keep them sharp longer.

Product Specs

Shun Classic Kitchen Knife Sets

The Shun Classic 6-Piece Knife Block Set is handcrafted in Seki, a city in Japan and also the same city where the legendary Samurai sword is made.

So, it’s no strange when these are reputable for their unique Japanese styling and sharpness, even superior to the traditional European styled knife blades.

The key thing lies in the perfect combination of Japanese super-steel materials and the 16-degree angle which makes the blade, not just ultra-sharp but also maintain their sharp edges longer. Moreover, it is applied to the Tsuchime hammering finish to prevent food from sticking on the blade.

Adding to its perfection is the D-shaped ebony PakkaWood handles made with a resin finish to help avoid moisture absorption, keeping it last much longer.

Product Specs

Global Kabuto Kitchen Knife Sets

Aside from Shun, Global is another reliable Japanese brand where you can trust to buy the best of the best blades.

They are made of Cromova 18 high carbon stainless steel that features 56-58° Rockwell Hardness for unbeatable durability and sharpness retention.

With both sides of the edge are ground meticulously, it delivers a perfectly straight sharp edge that can cut through any materials, even bones or any hard food item.

The handles are very solid both in hand-feel and the weight but not too heavy to hold. It gives you a very nice balance with a safe grip thanks to the molded dimpled design, even when wet.

Product Specs

Wusthof Classic 8-Piece Kitchen Knife Sets

The Wusthof Classic 8-Piece Deluxe Walnut Block Set can completely satisfy every professional chef or home cook, thanks to its traditional forged design.

Namely, these blades are forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel that is heated and tempered to 58-degree Rockwell Hardness with the application of PEtec (stand for the Precision Edge Technology).

This leverages the edge retention 2x longer as well as the blade sharpness up to 20% than the previous versions, which means it resists dulling and corrosion much better.

Although I don’t like the look of its synthetic handles, I can’t deny that they are high-quality with abilities to resist impact, heat, discoloration, and fading.

Designed with durability, functionality, and safety in mind, no doubt when this WÜSTHOF Classic Series, in fact, has been the best-selling for generations.

Product Specs

Global 8-Piece Kitchen Knife Sets

Next up, we’ve got the Global 8-Piece Knife Block Set with Bamboo Block.

There are two biggest selling points setting it apart: the edge and the way each knife is kept balanced.

Rather than a beveled edge, both sides of these blades are ground to a perfectly straight point, making the edge sharper. Meanwhile, the blades are crafted of Cromova 18 stainless steel – one of the finest steels on the market with a Rockwell Hardness of 56-58°.

Such innovative features make these knives less dull over time while keeping them resistant efficiently to impact and rust. I also love how the balance of these knives when holding them on the hand, which is a big thank you to the uniquely sanded hollow handle design.

One thing to note: Although these Japan-made knives are durable, it’s recommended washing them by hand with gentle dish soap and dry immediately afterward for longevity.

Product Specs

Shun DM2004B Classic Kitchen Knife Sets

The durability and sharpness of this Shun DM2004B Classic 9-Piece Knife Set with Bamboo Block shocked and impressed me. They are weighed, great quality, and long-lasting if taken care of properly.

This 9-piece knife set is made of 16-layer SUS410 high-carbon stainless steel and VG-10 stainless steel clad, offering a classic look of Damascus steel with decent rust resistance abilities.

Chopping, cutting, and slicing with these knives are effortless, just like cutting through butter.

The bamboo knife block is also appealing, classy, and functional. But as it is 11” deep and features the knife projection up to 4” beyond that, it looks a bit bulky and giant on a small counter.

In a nutshell, made with both the look and functionality in mind, it would be an ideal gift for chefs or cooking enthusiasts as well. Shun seems to understand that extra needs as they provide this package with a nice, luxurious gift box as well.

Product Specs

Messermeister Park Plaza Kitchen Knife Sets

If you regularly host backyard BBQ parties or family gatherings, this knife set is top-notch.

It’s a 9-piece set including a 16-slot block, an 8” scissors, a 10” regular steel for sharpening, two paring knives of 3 ½” and 4 ½”, a 7” santoku with hollows in addition to a 5” scalloped slicing and an 8” scalloped break knife.

They are all crafted from German Krupp stainless steel with the finest stamped high carbon for lightness yet sharpness and durability to last longer. Featuring a Rockwell hardness of 56 degrees, it’s also praised for the excellent sharpness retention over time.

Along with the blade, its handles are durably made to handle rigorous abuse, with triple-riveted design and polyoxymethylene POM material.

Product Specs

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Kitchen Knife Sets In 2020

Blade Materials

Although ceramic kitchen knives have been so popular these days, I still highly recommend using the steel (because ceramic is prone to break or chip).

They are durable, affordable, and easy to maintain.

However, take note that not all steel is made equally. Some types of stainless steel will be more durable than the rest with better rust and corrosion resistance abilities. But they’re obviously more expensive.

Stainless steel

The most affordable grade is stainless steel, which is good at corrosion- and stain-resistant.

Its biggest flaw is quick to get dull, hard to re-sharpen, and effort-taking to maintain (commonly, you need to wash it by hand)

Carbon steel

This is the high-end steel, which means it is ultra-sharp and retains its sharpness the longest, not to mention the ease of sharpening. But unlike stainless steel, this material is prone to rust, which requires you to dry it immediately right after a wash.

In addition, it is expensive.

The mixed

This is an in-between grade that mixes between the stainless steel alloys and high-carbon. Knives made from this material is extremely durable, sharp, and hard to get dull.

It’s commonly found in Japanese knives. But as it inherits all strengths from both grades of steel, the price is relatively high.

Construction

There are two common types of knife construction: stamped knives and forged knives.

This feature directly affects the weight and price of a knife so you should understand the strength and weakness of each one to find out the most suitable:

Handle materials

The three most common materials when it comes to the kitchen knife handles are:

• Wooden handles
• Stainless steel
• Composites

You’ll often see the wooden handles in high-end knife set because of their high value in both sophistication and style. But one thing to note: Unless they are coated with a waterproof finish to avoid moisture absorption, these wooden handles MUST be kept dry.

So, only choose this type of knife handles if you have time and needed knowledge to properly take care of it. Otherwise, the wood will rot, resulting in unpleasant smells and breaking down soon.

The choice between stainless steel and composites depending mostly on your preference as they’re similar in terms of longevity and strength.

FAQs

What is the best brand of kitchen knife set?

My most favorite brands of kitchen knife set are

• Cuisinart
• Chicago Cutlery
• Mercer
• Calphlon
• Dalstrong
• Victorinox
• Wusthof
• Shun

…

What is a good brand of knife set?

Shun and Global are two good brands for Japan-made knife sets while Dalstrong, Mercer, and Messermeister are well-known for German knives. Other worth-trying names are Cuisinart, Chicago Cutlery, Victorinox, and Wusthof.

What is the best knife set for home?

Although it depends on your needs, budget, and other features, here are the top 5 universal choices for most at-home chefs:

• Cuisinart C77SS-15PK 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set
• Chicago Cutlery 1119644 Cutlery Fusion 18-Piece Block Set
• Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set with Tempered Glass Block
• Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Cutlery 12-Piece Knife Block Set with Sharpin Technology
• Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Rosewood 7-Piece Knife Block Set

What knives does Gordon Ramsey use?

Wusthof knives

What knife sets do chefs use?

Here are the 4 most favored by most famous chefs:

• Cuisinart C55-01-12PCKS Advantage Color Collection 12-Piece Knife Set
• Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Cutlery 12-Piece Knife Block Set with Sharpin Technology
• Zwilling J.A. Henckels 30782-000 Twin Signature 19-Piece Knife Block Set
• Calphalon 1990630 Precision Space-Saving Self-Sharpening 10-Piece Cutlery Set

What are the best kitchen knives for the money?

My choices are:

• Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Rosewood 7-Piece Knife Block Set
• Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Fibrox Pro 4-Piece Knife Set
• Calphalon 1990630 Precision Space-Saving Self-Sharpening 10-Piece Cutlery Set
• Shun Classic 6-Piece Knife Block Set

Are expensive knives worth it?

It depend on your needs and budget.

Expensive knives commonly feel more nicely balanced in the hand and remain sharpness longer. If you’re ready to invest in a high-end knife set for long-term use, just go for it.

What should I look for when buying a kitchen knife?

There are three most important things to look for when considering a kitchen knife:

• Blade material
• Knife construction
• Handle material

You can read my buying guide in the previous section to learn more.

Conclusion

Shopping for the best kitchen knife set is a struggling yet fun adventure. It’s a great piece of kitchen utensil that will make your cooking tasks finish in a blink of an eye with effortlessness. While on the hunt, make sure to keep in mind all what features are essential for you.

That’s all for this article. Thanks for reading!