8 Best Knife Sets
- by Kristina Perrin
- Last Updated: May 25, 2023
A fantastic knife block set gives you the basics and can save time and money involved in building up your cutlery collection piece by piece. It also eliminates the guesswork in outfitting your kitchen with all of the necessary tools.
A good knife set is an essential investment for any serious cook. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, a good set of knives can make all the difference in the kitchen.
Well, kitchen infinity will help you make a perfect knife set choice for your needs. We have several years of experience reviewing kitchen products. Our experts work hard to find the best products on the market and test them thoroughly. So, you can be sure that any kitchen knife set we recommend is worth your investment. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the best knife set for your needs.
Best Knife Sets Top Picks
- 1. Best Budget - Misen Essentials Knife Set
- 2. Best Overall - Wusthof Classic 7 Piece Slim Knife Block Set
- 3. Best Steak Knife Set - Messermeister Meridian Elite Starter Set
- 4. Best Value - Mercer Culinary Genesis 6 Piece Forged Knife Block Set
- 5. Best from Amazon - Amazon Basics 18 Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set
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Types of the Best Knife Sets
The best kitchen knife sets usually come with at least three knives: a chef’s knife and a slicing. So what are the best knife sets? Here are some of the best knife block sets according to our research.
1. Missen Essentials Knife Set
The Missen Essentials Knife Set is a great starter set for anyone who is looking to get into cooking or wants to upgrade their current knives. Missen itself is amongst the best knife brands.
This set includes a chef’s knife, paring, and a serrated knife. The knives are made from German stainless steel and are heat treated to be extra durable. The handles are ergonomically designed for comfort and balance. There’s also a five-piece set with the essentials, plus a santoku knife and utility knife.
Pros
- Unique bolster
- Includes three essential knives
- Made with AICHI steel
Cons
- It doesn’t include a honing steel
2. Wusthof Classic 7 Piece Slim Knife Block Set
The Wusthof Classic 7 Piece Slim Knife Block Set is a great option for anyone who wants a little more than just the essentials. This set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, an 8-inch serrated bread knife, and a 5-inch serrated utility knife. There’s also a slim design wooden block to hold the set.
The additional kitchen shears are a highly ranked pair that can come in handy for a variety of tasks. The knives are made from German stainless steel and are precision forged for exceptional durability. The handles are made from a comfortable synthetic material that is easy to grip.
Pros
- Includes six knives
- Made from German stainless steel
- Precision forged for durability
- Slim design wooden block is storage-friendly
- Comfortable handles
- Sharp blades
Cons
- The block is slim, so it may not fit all knife sizes
3. Messermeister Meridian Elite Starter Set
The Messermeister Meridian Elite Starter Set is amongst the top rated kitchen knives for those in the market for a new knife set. These professional-grade knives are crafted from a stainless carbon alloy that resists staining and corrosion while holding their edge, and they’re a one-piece, hot-drop hammer forged for a strong blade. The sets include an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 6-inch utility knife, and a 3.5-inch paring knife. These high-end products are backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Pros
- Easy to resharpen
- Offers a lifetime warranty
- The bolsterless heel makes them very versatile
Cons
- Storage block not included
4. Mercer Culinary Genesis 6 Piece Forged Knife Block Set
If you are looking for a top-quality knife set that will last a lifetime, the Mercer Culinary Genesis 6 Piece Forged Knife Block Set is an excellent option. The set provides essential knives plus a bonus boning knife.
In addition to the sharp blades, each knife has a great balance and is comfortable to hold, making them perfect for even the most delicate tasks. The set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, an 8-inch serrated bread knife, a 5-inch utility knife, and a 6-inch boning knife, which are stored upright in a thin, glass case.
Pros
- The knives are extremely well-balanced.
- The blades are very sharp.
- The set includes a bonus boning knife
Cons
- It doesn’t include honing steel or kitchen shears
5. Amazon Basics 18 Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly knife set with all of the basic knives you need, then this set from AmazonBasics is a great option. The set includes a chef’s knife, santoku knife, slicing knife, bread knife, utility knife, boning knife, and paring knife. It also includes kitchen shears, a sharpener, a knife block, and eight steak knives.
All the knives have stainless steel blades and ergonomic handles. The full tang adds strength and sturdy balance to the knife. The blades also make them resistant to rust and corrosion.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Good selection of basic knives
- Full tang construction
- Made of high carbon stainless steel blades
Cons
- Knives are not particularly sharp out of the box
- Includes more knives than you need
6. Global 6 Piece Knife Set With Block
The Global 6 Piece Knife Set With Block is a great addition to any kitchen. It includes a chef’s knife, a carving knife, a serrated bread knife, and a utility knife. The set also comes with a low-profile metal block.
All the knives in the set have molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel blades. The blades are full tang and triple riveted to the handles. The handles are made of Global’s signature dimpled stainless steel.
This set is a great value because it includes all the basic knives you need to get started in the kitchen. It would also make a great gift for a new homeowner or college graduate.
Pros
- Includes all the basic knives you need to get started in the kitchen
- The blades are full tang and triple riveted to the handles
- The handles are made of Global’s signature dimpled stainless steel
Cons
- Expensive
- It doesn’t include honing steel or shears
7. Zwilling Pro 7 Piece Knife Block Set
For beginners, this Zwilling Pro 7 Piece Knife Block Set is a great starter set because it includes all the essentials: a chef’s knife, a serrated bread knife, a utility knife, and a paring knife, along with a honing steel, kitchen shears, and a large, wooden block. The blades are made of high carbon stainless steel, and the handles are triple riveted for durability.
Pros
- Very sharp
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- It’s heavy
- A bit expensive
8. Miyabi Evolution 7 Piece Knife Block Set
Japanese-style knives have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for a good reason. They tend to be very sharp and have a sleek, minimalist design. This Miyabi Evolution 7 Piece Knife Block Set includes a chef’s knife, a bread knife, a utility knife, a paring knife, honing steel, kitchen shears, and a large wooden block. The blades are made of high carbon stainless steel, and the handles are triple riveted for durability.
Pros
- Japanese style knives
- Razor sharp edges
- Comfortable grip
- Minimalist design
- Includes a santoku knife
Cons
- Includes heavy kitchen shears
- Higher price point
Factors to Consider when Purchasing a Knife Block Set
Getting the best set of knives from different types of kitchen knives can be a hustle if you don’t know what to look for. With this guide, you will be able to identify the best kitchen knife set that will help you with your specific needs. Below are the factors that you need to consider when purchasing a knife block set:
Number of Blades
The blades are the most important part of any knife, so it’s important to ensure that the set you’re considering has the right blades for your needs. If you do a lot of precision work, like slicing vegetables or carving meats, you’ll want a set that includes smaller paring and utility knives.
For general chopping and slicing, a chef’s knife will be your go-to blade, so look for a set that includes one. And if you’re looking for a do-it-all knife, consider a Santoku knife, which can handle most kitchen tasks.
Ease of Use
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a knife block set is how easy the knives are to use. You’ll want to look for a set that includes comfortable handles that fit well in your hand and blades that are easy to control. Also, be sure to check the weight and balance of the knives; you don’t want a set that feels too heavy or unbalanced in your hand.
Storage
When it comes to storing your knife block set, you’ll want to consider both the size of the set and the type of storage. If you have a small kitchen, you’ll want to make sure the set you choose doesn’t take up too much counter space. And if you have young children in the house, you may want to opt for a set that can be stored safely out of reach.
Cleaning and Maintenance
It’s important to clean your knives after each use to prevent bacteria build-up. Most knife sets come with a honing rod to keep the blades sharp; however, you may need to purchase a sharpening stone separately if your set doesn’t include one. It’s also a good idea to have a separate cutting board for meat and vegetables to avoid cross-contamination.
Budget
The price of a knife set can vary widely, from around $30 to $500 more. In general, you get what you pay for when it comes to knives, there are some great sets available at lower price points. But with so many different kitchen knife brands on the market, how do you know which set is right for you?
It’s important to find a that fits your needs and budget.
Size
Most knife sets come with at least four knives, including a chef’s knife, a slicing knife, a bread knife, and a paring knife. Some also include steak knives, kitchen shears, and honing steels or sharpening stones. If you do a lot of cooking, you may want a set that has all the bells and whistles. If you’re just starting out, a more basic set may be all you need.
Versatility and Ergonomics
A good knife should feel comfortable in your hand and be well balanced. It should be able to handle anything you throw at it, from chopping vegetables to slicing meat. A versatile knife set will have a knife for every task, whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook.
The best JA Henckels knife sets are everyone’s favorite.
FAQs on the Best Knife Sets
In what order should you buy kitchen knives?
Start with an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 4-inch paring knife, and a serrated bread knife, then you can add on from there. You’ll also need a sharpening blade and honing steel to keep your knives in good condition.
How often should you sharpen your knives?
It depends on how often you use them, but as a general rule of thumb, you should sharpen your blades every two or three months.
What is a good knife set to purchase?
A good knife includes all the knife types you need in your kitchen. If you are a beginner, it is advisable to purchase a set of basic knives that includes a paring knife, utility knife, chef’s knife, and bread knife.
Our Recommendations
Overall, Wusthof Classic 7-piece slim knife block set is the best knife set on this list. This knife comes with amazing features, including German stainless steel, and is precision forged, making it last longer than its counterparts and amongst the best German knives.
Secondly, the Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-piece forged knife block set is our second best as it has been tried and tested by many professional chefs and tends to also offer superb quality.
Lastly, if you don’t have cash for Wusthof classic or Mercer culinary knife block sets, you can still enjoy the features of high-quality features from Misen Essentials knife set. This knife set is a nice starter for anyone looking to get into cooking without sacrificing much.
Our survey for are global knives good, always give us maximum positive response from the chefs.
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Our writers and reviewers thoroughly research every aspect of kitchen appliances or home improvement products so you can make a well-informed decision when investing in these products. We evaluate top quality products from several brands within budget friendly price ranges and contrast consumer reviews, surveys, satisfaction forms, brand performance, and annual appliance rankings. We go to great lengths to ensure that your next buy is worth every penny!
Kristina Perrin
Kristina is an expert DIY home remodeler and mom to three. When she's not cooking or experimenting with new recipes, you can find her working on new home improvement projects or writing about her favorite kitchen appliances or DIY projects on Kitchen Infinity blog.
