If there's one must-have in your kitchen, culinary skills aside, it's good, sharp cooking knives. After all, what's the use of having cabinets full of Instagram cookware if you're never going to actually cook anything in them? The best (and safest) knives are sharp knives, and if you want to remove the guesswork out of what you need to buy, a knife set can help make the decision an easier one.
There are a few things you should look out for in any good knife set (namely, which knives are actually included), but then there are many other subjective factors, like style of knives, whether or not you want a block, and how much you want to spend. To help you sharpen up your options, we talked to a number of chefs to find out what you should look for in a knife set and which ones they prefer or use themselves. Ahead, find 16 of the best knife sets to have in your kitchen, so you can get cracking on all the pumpkin recipes for the season.
- 01What to look for in a knife set
- 02What are the 3 most important knives in a kitchen?
- 03What knives do you actually need?
- 04What do you need to know before you purchase a knife set?
- 05What makes a high quality knife?
- 06Should I buy a knife set or separate knives for separate tasks?
- 07Best kitchen knife sets
- 08Best knife sets with block
- 09Best knife sets for chefs
- 10Best Japanese knife sets
- 11Best knife sets from Amazon
- 12Best knife sets for the money
- 13Best high-end knife sets
- 14Best no-rust knife sets
Best knife sets at a glance
- Best overall: WÜSTHOF Classic Seven Piece Knife Block Set
- Best classic: Zwilling J.A. Henckels Professional "S" 7-Piece Knife Block Set
- Best self-sharpening: Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 12-Piece Cutlery Set
- Best with steak knives: WÜSTHOF Classic 12-Piece Block Set
- Best minimalist: Material The Knives + Stand
- Best knife roll: Mercer Culinary Genesis 7-Piece Forged Knife Roll Set
- Best for professionals: Wolf 7 Piece Cutlery Set
- Best Japanese: Shun Premier Blonde 5-Piece Knife Block Set
- Best lower maintenance Japanese: Global Classic 7-Piece Takashi Knife Wood Block Set
- Best budget: Amazon Basics 18-Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set
- Best lightweight: Cuisinart 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set
- Best with heat-resistant handles: Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Forged 8-Piece Japanese Steel Knife Set
- Best essentials: Misen Essentials Knife Set
- Best portable: Victorinox Forschner 7 Pc Fibrox Deluxe Culinary Knife Roll Set
- Best splurge: Coltellerie Berti 5 Piece Insieme Kitchen Knife Set
- Best unique design: Silverthorn Knife & Tool Set
- Best value: Chicago Cutlery Fusion 17 Piece Kitchen Knife Set
- Best with sustainable handles: Made In The Knife Set
- Best chef-designed: Cangshan Thomas Keller Signature Collection
What to look for in a knife set
First and foremost, when shopping for a knife set, make sure it has all the essential knives you need. You also need to decide if you prefer Eastern or Western style knives, if you want to add on additional knives beyond the essentials, and consider what materials the knives are made of.
Additionally, you may want to consider storage of a knife set. A block can help organize all your knives in one place and protect the blades, but it can also take up counter space. If your set doesn’t include a block, you can also store them using in-drawer inserts or a magnetic strip.
What are the 3 most important knives in a kitchen?
Regardless of how many pieces are in a knife set, most chefs agree that there are three essential knives to have: a chef’s knife, paring knife, and serrated knife. You don’t need many knives for day-to-day cooking, says Button, who says she only uses those three knives and either a boning knife or petty (also known as utility knife). Horn also considers a 5-6” petty knife an essential knife as well, as “it’s a great workhorse when you don’t want to unveil your chef's knife,” and can be used on things like mushrooms, herbs, or even a quick breakdown of fruits.
What knives do you actually need?
Keefe says the foundation of your knife set will be an 8” or 9” chef’s knife, which is the knife you’ll likely reach for most often. You want something that almost feels like an extension of your hand: it should fit in your hand and not overwhelm it in length or weight. “It doesn't matter how good the set is if you don't love the chef's knife,” she says.
Once you’ve got your three knives nailed down, look for a pair of kitchen shears, a steel, and a knife sharpener," adds Carla Contreras, a chef, food stylist, photographer, and health coach.
Eastern or Western Style
There are traditionally two styles of knives: Eastern (i.e., Japanese) and Western. The difference between the two, explains Keefe, comes down to the blade and the shape of the blade. Western-style knives have two blades (it comes to a point) and generally have more of a curve, whereas Japanese knives have one blade (it looks slightly slanted) and tend to be straighter. “A sharp knife is the best knife, so it's all about sharpening, and many believe that a Japanese knife is sharper because of the type of blade,” says Keefe. But at the end of the day, it's about knowing the difference between sharpening each type and which you're likely to do.
Traditionally, Eastern knives are sharpened on a whetstone and take more care, adds Contreras, while Western knives usually require less maintenance. There are also hybrid designs, and both can be easily maintained with a steel. You still need to sharpen the blade with home use at least once a month for heavy use and every few months for lighter use, she says, but you can also take your knives to a professional to get them sharpened if you don’t want to do it yourself.
“If you aren’t a blacksmith, now is not the time to start,” says Horn. “Honing your blade with a steel (preferably ceramic) is great for keeping your knife's edge even and in the middle.”
What do you need to know before you purchase a knife set?
Chef Alain Allegretti of Fig & Olive Restaurant Group says to keep in mind a few things before making your purchase decision. For example, material (steel, carbon or ceramic), weight, comfort and balance, left-handed or right-handed, and more importantly the type of knife you are looking for and what task you are looking to accomplish, are all important to consider. "Knives can be investments and having good knives in the kitchen can make all the difference in cooking and enjoying your time in the kitchen," he says.
What makes a high quality knife?
For high quality knives, it's all about the blade.
Knife Materials
Most high quality knives are made out of high carbon stainless steel, which is low maintenance and rust-resistant, says Contreras, who teaches basic knife skills, sharpening, and care in her online cooking school, Cook+Chop. "I also love ceramic knives for food styling. They are incredibly sharp but very delicate," she says. It's also important that the knives can achieve and maintain sharp edges, because sharp knives are the goal (and are safer to have in the kitchen).
Full Tang
"You want to make sure that you can see the metal part from the tip all the way to the edge of the handle," says Meg Walker, Executive Chef & CEO of Made by Meg Catering. This is called "full tang," which shows you that the metal runs through the whole length of the knife and won't break in the middle of chopping or cooking. "The metal part of many lower quality knives is simply fused into the plastic handle rather than running all the way through, making it easy for it to snap off," says Walker.
Should I buy a knife set or separate knives for separate tasks?
While it’s hard to argue with the ease and convenience of a knife set, many chefs recommend building your own. “Trust me, each knife has a purpose and it’s not a one-size-fits-all. You also need way less than you think you do,” says Keefe.
We tend to use only one or two knives in a home kitchen, says Michelle Hernandez, pastry chef and owner of Le Dix-Sept Patisserie in San Francisco. And it’s easier to care for a couple of knives and keep them sharp than a larger set at home. She recommends buying three high-quality knives at a specialty knives store—if it’s a quality knife, it will last a lifetime, she says.
In what order should I buy my kitchen knives?
Start with a 8” chef’s knife, a 4” paring knife, and a serrated bread knife, and you can add on from there. You’ll also need a sharpening blade, which you should use every time before using your knife. The key is quality over quantity. “One of my chefs that I worked for in France told me you only need one good knife to do everything in the kitchen,” Hernandez says. Some of her favorite knives include a Wusthof 8” chef’s knife, which is a great sturdy, starter knife; Material’s almost 4” knife or Victorinox Utility Knife; and a Wusthof “double serrated” bread knife to slice through crusty loaves
If you’re looking for domestic craft knives, Button recommends South Carolina-based Middleton Made Knives, which makes comfortable, well-made knives for everyday use, and Vermont-based Chelsea Miller Knives, one of the few female knife makers in the country. “Choosing a domestic craft knife allows you to get to know your knife maker, talk to them about what you want and how you’re going to use it," she adds.
Best kitchen knife sets
These Wusthof knives have blades that are precision-forged from a single piece of high carbon stainless steel and synthetic handles. This is another seven-piece set that includes an 8″ cook’s knife, 3 1/2″ paring knife, 6″ utility knife, 8″ bread knife, 9″ honing steel, kitchen shears, and a 13-slot storage block so you have extra room to stash some extra knives you pick up later.
“This was my first set of professional knives and what got me through culinary school. Wusthof makes quality knives that will last for decades. I find the grip and handles are smooth and comfortable, but some people may find these knives to be a little heavy, especially the chef’s knife,” says Devan Cameron, chef and owner of Braised & Deglazed, a food-focused website with recipes, tips and inspiration for the home cook.
Wusthof “are great workhorse knives. They are affordable, have a heavier and durable blade and last forever,” says Katie Button, award-winning chef, restaurateur, and host of the series From the Source on Magnolia Network.
Pros
- Each knife is made from one piece of steel
- Includes honing steel and storage block
- Handles are full tang
- Full bolster protects fingers
Cons
- Storage block has extra knife slots, which may not be needed
This Henckels seven-piece set has everything you need to start testing our some new recipes, including an 8″ chef’s knife, 4″ paring knife, 5″ serrated utility knife, 6″ slicing knife, kitchen shears, honing steel, and a wood storage block to hold everything in one place.
“This is basic and beautiful. I love how simple it is. This set will last for a lifetime,” says Contreras. Adds Zoë François, pastry chef and host of Zoë Bakes on Magnolia Network, “Henkel were my very first set of knives and they still hold up 30+ years later.
Best knife sets with block
The block included this set has built-in ceramic sharpeners, ensuring your knives are nice and sharp every time you remove or put them back into the block. There are six, 12, and 15-piece options depending on what knives you need. The 12-piece includes a 8″ chef’s knife, 6″ serrated utility knife, 4.5″ paring knife, 5″ Santoku knife, six steak knives, kitchen shears, and the block. And to make it easier for you to grab the right knife at the right time, most of the knives have labeled handles.
Pros
- Made from high carbon
- Riveted handles help with grip
- Handles are full tang
- Storage block has ceramic sharpeners built in
Cons
- Don’t have as much control sharpening your knives
This Wusthof 12-piece set includes all your go-to cutlery: A 6″ and 8″ cook’s knife, 3 1/2″ paring knife, a 6″ utility knife, and 8″ bread knife”— as well as a steel, kitchen shears, and four steak knives to help you properly enjoy your dinners at home.
Allegretti suggests this set for at home use. “This has the essentials for anyone to use in their home kitchen—they are sharp, durable, and affordable.”
Pros
- Each knife is made from one piece of steel
- Includes honing steel and storage block
- Ergonomic handles
- Full bolster protects fingers
Cons
- May not need all the extra steak knives
Simple and sleek, Material’s set includes an 8″ chef’s knife, 6″ serrated knife, and an almost 4″ paring knife, as well as a walnut or beech stand. The knives have three layers of Japanese stainless steel and carbon to be both super sharp and durable, and the stand is magnetized for easy storage. The knives + stand were also a pick for Oprah’s Favorite Things 2021.
Pros
- Includes just your three essential knives
- Made from Japanese stainless steel and high carbon
- Includes slim, magnetic wood stand
Cons
- No sharpener or steel included
Best knife sets for chefs
There’s no block included in this set, but there is a knife roll that will make you think you’re a contestant on Top Chef. The roll has a non-slip grip, can withstand hot and cold temperatures, and has seven pockets to hold the knives included in this set: A paring knife, utility knife, flexible boning knife, bread knife, chef’s knife, and sharpening steel.
Says Contreras, “This is a culinary school kit by Mercer. These are incredible knives and some of my favorites! They are affordable and last for ages.”
Pros
- Made from high carbon German steel
- Ergonomic handles
- Storage roll is portable and wipes clean
- Includes steel
Cons
- Storage roll fabric is thin so need to be careful of weight and sharp knives
Wolf is synonymous with professional-level kitchen appliances, and this applies to their knives, too. This set comes with four knives—bread, paring, chef’s, and Santoku—with high carbon stainless steel blades and moisture-resistant wood handles. You also get a honing steel, kitchen shears, and a wood block that has a tablet/book rest on the back if you need to refer to some new or old recipes.
This set was made with industry professions in mind, says Aceq chef and owner Elijah Safford. “While comfortable and easy to use, the knives are designed to last since it was made in line with Japanese precision and German durability. At home, I use each instrument for prepping big meals or making a quick meal after a long night,” he says.
Pros
- Each knife is made from one piece of stainless steel
- Includes honing steel and storage block
- Handle fits in left or right hand
Cons
- Expensive
- Block has extra knife slots
Best Japanese knife sets
Shun knives are handcrafted in Japan with hand-hammered blades and wooden knives, making them lightweight, effective, and attractive on your counter. The slim bamboo block holds an 8″ chef’s knife, 4″ paring knife, 6 1/2″ utility knife, and a combination honing steel.
“Shun makes great knives both for the professional and the home chef. Great blade that will retain its edge with good care, ” say Khoran Horn, a Philadelphia-based chef and restaurateur.
Pros
- Each blade has microthin layers of stainless steel
- Hand-hammered finish
- Handles have a two-position design
- Includes honing steel and storage block
Cons
- Expensive
Handcrafted in Japan, Global knives have been made using the same tradition for decades and have super sharp edges that have been ground into a point. No matter what you’re slicing or chopping, the knives in this set—8″ chef’s, 3″ peeling, 4 1/4″ utility, 5 1/2″ vegetable, and 9″ bread— will make meal prep a breeze. When it’s time to resharpen those blades, you can use the included ceramic honing rod.
“This is an Eastern style designed knife set that can be sharpened like Western knives, which makes them a lot easier to care for. The design is simple and beautiful,” says Contreras.
Pros
- Made from stainless steel
- Includes honing steel and storage block
- Handles are sand-filled for balance and control
- Ergonomic handles
Cons
- Stainless steel handles may be harder to grip
Best knife sets from Amazon
If you’re looking for some bang for your buck, this 18-piece Amazon Basics set is it. It includes a chef’s Santoku, slicing, bread, utility, boning, and paring knife, as well as shears, a sharpener, a knife block, and eight steak knives. All the knives have stainless steel blades and ergonomic handles. The extremely affordable set also has over 13,000 five-star reviews, with one reviewer saying, “There is nothing flimsy about the blades…thick, sturdy and they seem to hold an edge. The full tang adds strength and balance, a bonus not usually found when purchasing inexpensive knives.”
Pros
- Made of high carbon stainless steel
- Includes honing steel and storage block
- Handles are full tang
- Affordable
Cons
- Includes more knives than you probably need
The stainless steel knives in this set have precision-tapered ground blades and hollow handles, making them sharp and lightweight enough to handle even the biggest jobs in the kitchen. The set includes 15 pieces, including a chef’s knife, a Santoku knife, a paring knife, six steak knives, shears, and more. The set is highly rated on Amazon, with reviews like this one: “First things first; they are SHARP. I can only cut with one hand and these bad boys slice through tomatoes like nobody’s business. One handed cutters dream!! Second, they are GORGEOUS. I am beyond proud of displaying them. Third, they have a wonderful balance to them.”
Pros
- Made from high carbon stainless steel
- Includes honing steel and storage block
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Stainless steel handles may be harder to grip
- Storage block has extra knife slots, which may not be needed
Ginsu knives are forged from Japanese stainless steel and have traditional rounded handles that are heat resistant. The set includes five different knives, a honing rod, kitchen shears, and bamboo storage block. One reviewer said, “These knives are sharp! They are balanced well and the round grip works fine. I like the variety of knives in the set—I have used the chef’s knife for chopping, the Santoku for slicing, the paring knife for peeling and hand-cutting things like broccoli. The scissors are super sharp and cut through anything, even splitting a chicken.”
Pros
- Each knife is made from one piece of Japanese stainless steel
- Streamlined handles
- Extended tangs
- Includes hong steel and storage block
Cons
- Some reviewers report rust on the blades
Best knife sets for the money
For minimalists, this Misen set includes just the essentials: a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated knife. Top Chef season 18 contestant Sara Hauman calls it “the best knife set for home use and is reasonably priced and made from steel that will stay sharp and can take a beating from everyday use. The set includes three knives that are really all you need to tackle any kitchen task.” There’s also a five-piece set that has the essentials, plus a Santoku knife and utility knife.
Pros
- Made with AICHI steel
- Just the three essential knives
- Unique bolster
Cons
- Doesn’t include a honing steel
This knife roll set can be used be amateur or pro chefs, and includes five different knives, including an offset wavy bread knife, a sharpening steel, and a handy polyester bag to store it all away without taking up too much room. “Victorinox makes great but affordable knives. It’s worth noting that these knives won’t keep their edge as long as Wusthof or Henckel knives but they’re still easily sharpened. I highly recommend Victorinox knives for their very reasonable price and comfortable grips,” says Cameron.
Pros
- Made with high carbon stainless steel
- Roll bag is lightweight and portable
- Bolsterless edges so you can use the entire blade
- Slip-resistant handles
Cons
- Reviewers say they’re hard to keep sharp
Best high-end knife sets
Handmade in Italy since 1895, Berti knives are almost works of art. Each knife is made by one craftsman from start to finish, and their initials are engraved in the blade. This set of knives has lucite carbon handles and stainless steel blades, and includes a chef’s, utility, paring, and bread knife. Each knife has its own wood block (with a picture of the knife and its Italian name on the front), and the blocks can be magnetized together or kept separated. Oh, and the brand is also a favorite of Giada De Laurentiis‘.
“Berti makes a pretty and pretty good knife set that can be bought individually or separately, the ‘block’ actually snaps together,” says Ashton Keefe, a chef and food stylist.
Pros
- Made from stainless steel
- Each knife is handmade by a single craftsman
- Storage block pieces can snap together or be separated
Cons
- Expensive
For a knife set that’s not like what all your other friends have, Horn is a fan of these sets from a hyper local blacksmith out of North Carolina. ‘He pours love into his blades and each is unique, with special steel mixes to create patina over time. For the adventurous chef.” You can choose between sets of trimming, boning, and petty knives, and they all have colorful handles you’ll love looking at while you slice and dice away.
Pros
- Handmade by a blacksmith
- Unique handle designs
- Made with O1 tool steel
Cons
- Doesn’t have chef’s knives
- Expensive
Best no-rust knife sets
You’ll never be without whatever sharp knife you need with this set, which includes a chef’s knife, serrated bread knife, two Santoku knifes, a utility knife, a paring, eight steak knives, a sharpening steel, a chop assist, and a wood block. The blades are made with high-carbon stainless steel and designed to be stain- and rust-resistant.
Pros
- Affordable
- High-carbon stainless steel
- Includes all the essentials and a sharpening steel
- Includes wood block
Cons
- Bulkier block
Made in France by a 5th generation bladesmith, each of these Made in knives is crafted from a single rod of stainless steel and hardened with nitrogen. They’re finished with stylish, smooth handles made from sustainably-sourced reclaimed olive oil—you’ll want to show these off on your counter. The set includes a chef’s knife, bread knife, paring knife, and a Naikiri knife, which has a blunt-nose blade.
Pros
- Made be a bladesmith
- Full tang
- Stainless steel
- Attractive handles
Cons
- No block
Even if you haven’t dined at one of Thomas Keller’s Michelin-starred restaurants, you can cook at home with knives designed by the chef himself. This knife set is designed by Keller (his name is on the blade and handle) and made by cutlery brand Cangshan, and includes a pairing knife, a utility knife, two chef’s knives, a bread knife, and a carving knife. And if you’re low on counter but not on wall space, the set includes a magnetic bar instead of a block, which makes it easier to see and reach for the right knife. The knifes have full-tang construction and are made from Swedish Damasteel RWL34 powdered steel, which is hard and corrosion-resistant.
Pros
- Chef-designed
- Swedish Damasteel RWL34 powdered steel
- Full-tang
- Magnetic bar saves counterspace
Cons
- Expensive
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