If there’s one must-have in your kitchen, apart from basic cooking skills, it’s cooking knives—and those looking to fix up a kitchen for the first time or upgrade their collection might want to purchase a knife set. To find the best knife set for you, look for a set that comes with quality knives you will actually use for a variety of kitchen tasks.
- Alain Allegretti, culinary director and partner at Fig & Olive Restaurant Group
- Ashton Keefe, chef and food stylist
- Carla Contreras, chef, food stylist, photographer, and health coach
- Devan Cameron, chef and owner of Braised & Deglazed
- Elijah Safford, head chef and owner of ACEQ
- Jake Cohen, chef and author of Jew-ish: Reinvented Recipes from a Modern Mensch
- Katie Button, chef and restauranteur
- Khoran Horn, Philadelphia-based chef and restaurateur
- Meg Walker, executive chef and CEO of Made by Meg Catering
- Michelle Hernandez, pastry chef and owner of Le Dix-Sept Patisserie
- Sara Hauman, chef and former Bravo Top Chef contestant
- Stephen Chavez, chef-Instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles
- Zoë François, pastry chef and host of Zoë Bakes
With that said, there’s no shortage of knife sets on the market—and the choice among the myriad options can make shopping for your ideal set overwhelming. To help you narrow down your choices, we consulted professional chefs to find out what makes a quality knife set and which ones they recommend or use themselves. Ahead are the 12 best knife sets that are sure to become your most prized kitchen essentials.
The best knife sets, at a glance
- Best overall: Wüsthof, Classic 7-Piece Knife Block Set, $280
- Best with steak knives: Wüsthof, Classic 12-Piece Knife Block Set, $550
- Best with a slicing knife: Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Professional “S” 7-Piece Knife Block Set, $370
- Best Western-Eastern-hybrid: Wolf Gourmet, 7-Piece Cutlery Knife Set, $600
- Best Japanese-style: Shun, Premiere Blonde 5-Piece Knife Block Set, $450
- Best low-maintenance Japanese-style: Global, Takashi 7-Piece Knife Block Set, $350
- Best budget: Mercer Culinary, Genesis 7-Piece Forged Knife Roll Set, $163
- Best portable: Victorinox, 7-Piece Fibrox Handle Cutlery Set With Black Canvas Knife Roll, $219
- Best minimal: Misen, Essentials Knife Set, $170
- Best splurge: Coltellerie Berti, 5-Piece Insieme Kitchen Knife Set, $2,096
- Best editor-approved: Kline, The Knife Set, $240
- Best for small kitchen jobs: Opinel, Essential Small Kitchen Knives, $95
What to consider when shopping for a knife set
There are a few things to consider as you shop for a knife set—and the best knife sets can come with a variety of knives in a couple of styles (like Western- or Eastern-style options) and include anywhere from three or more knives. Regardless of how many and what type of knives you want in a set, you may also want to consider a knife set with a sharpener and your preferred choice of storage.
Type and number of knives
First, consider choosing a knife set that includes pieces that can tackle a wide variety of tasks. According to the majority of the professional chefs we interviewed, there are three essential knives that every set should have—these include a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated bread knife. “Those three knives handle 95 percent of my kitchen jobs,” says Jake Cohen, author of the cookbook Jew-Ish: Reinvented Recipes from a Modern Mensch and former food editor of Tasting Table and Time Out New York. “That being said, every kitchen is different, and the way you cook is going to help dictate what other knives you might want to add [to your collection].”
To help you figure out what other knives you might want in a set, think about what you cook and the complexity of your at-home cooking projects. For instance, you might want to look for a knife set that includes a utility or petty knife. “It’s a great workhorse when you don’t want to unveil your chef’s knife,” according to Khoran Horn, Philadelphia-based chef and owner of Guard House Cafe, Stripp’d Juice, and BLVCK. If carving, trimming, and deboning meats and fish is a frequent task for you, a boning knife may come in useful too, adds Katie Button, chef and co-founder and CEO of Katie Button Restaurants. In addition to these pieces, chef and food stylist Carla Contreras recommends looking for sets with secondary but important items, like kitchen shears or scissors.
If there’s one knife that you’ll always want in a set, it’s an eight- or nine-inch chef’s knife, says Ashton Keefe, chef, culinary stylist, and author of Lemon & Salt: A Modern Girl’s Guide to Culinary Revelry. “It doesn’t matter how good the set is if you don’t love the chef’s knife,” she says, adding that it should fit in your hand and not overwhelm it in length or weight.
Just as the types of knives in a set can vary, so can the number of knives. If you want a dedicated knife for every cooking task, you might prefer the versatility of a larger set. That said, a smaller set can serve you perfectly well should you choose an option that comes with knives that can tackle a wide variety of kitchen jobs. Most of the chefs we talked to also cautioned against sets with lots of pieces. “When it comes to knife sets, I would avoid the trap that more is better,” says Stephen Chavez, a chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles. “The average household does not need a sixteen-piece set of knives or steak knife additions.”
Western vs. Eastern-style knives
As you shop for a knife set, you’ll also come across options with knives that are classified into two main categories: Western and Eastern-style knives, with some varieties featuring aspects of both types. According to Keefe, the main difference between the two often comes down to the blade. Western-style knives typically have a thicker blade with more of a curve on the cutting edge, whereas Eastern or Japanese-style knives feature a thinner blade without much of a curve to it. It’s also important to mention that Western-style knives can retain their edge longer than Japanese-style knives, says Contreras, and thus require less effort to maintain. However, “many believe that a Japanese knife is sharper because of the type of blade,” says Keefe. Ultimately, though, the choice is a matter of preference.
Sharpening accessories
Regardless of which knife set you choose, the knives that come with your set will require sharpening once a month or, if used less often, every few months. “A sharp knife is the best knife,” says Keefe, and considering this, you might want to purchase a set with a sharpener, like honing steel or a knife-sharpening stone, to maintain their edge. Otherwise, you can purchase these sharpening accessories separately. As an alternative, Contreras says that you can have a professional sharpen your blades—just keep in mind that while convenient, this option will come at a recurring cost.
Storage
Ideally, a knife set will also come with either a knife block or a knife roll for storage. The choice between the two options will come down to the space you have available and how you organize your kitchen. A knife block allows for easy access to your blades, but if you are limited on kitchen space, you might prefer a knife set that comes with a knife roll.
Should you purchase a knife set?
If you’re setting up a kitchen for the first time or want to upgrade your collection, buying a set of kitchen knives can be a convenient and affordable alternative to purchasing knives piecemeal. However, while purchasing a quality knife set can offer all you need at a wallet-friendly price, you might want to build your own knife set if you want to customize your collection to your exact cooking needs. According to Michelle Hernandez, a pastry chef and the owner of Le Dix-Sept Patisserie in San Francisco, most home cooks only use one or two knives, and she adds that it’s also much easier to care for and maintain a few knives than it is to care for many.
Which kitchen knives should you purchase, and in what order?
If you opt to build your own knife set, start with the essentials—a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated bread knife—and from there, you can always add individual implements to your collection. If you’re looking to purchase a chef’s knife, Hernandez recommends the Wüsthof Classic 8-inch Chef’s Knife ($170); the Material Almost 4-inch Knife ($55) or the Victorinox 4-Inch Utility Knife ($9); and the Wüsthof Classic 9-Inch Double Serrated Bread Knife ($150).
Folks willing to shell out more money can also consider purchasing domestic craft knives. “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 [your knives],” says Button. She recommends South Carolina-based Middleton Made Knives, which is known for making well-made knives that are comfortable to use, or Chelsea Miller Knives, which is owned by one of the few female knife-makers in the country.
Factors of a quality knife
Whether you’re purchasing knives per piece or as a set, all the chefs we interviewed recommend prioritizing quality over quantity. “Quality does make a difference in longevity, durability, and reliability,” says Chavez, and if you want quality knives, you’ll want to consider ones made from high-carbon stainless steel or ceramic materials with a full-tang construction and sturdy ergonomic handle.
Material
According to Contreras, you’ll want to choose knives made from materials like high-carbon stainless or ceramic—each of which has pros and cons. Many knives constructed from high-carbon stainless steel are easy to care for and resistant to rust, says Contreras, though they can be quite costly. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, ceramic knives can perform tasks just as well as their counterparts. “They are incredibly sharp,” she says, with the caveat, “but very delicate.”
Full-tang construction
You’ll also want to choose knives with a fully forged and full-tang construction, in which the blade extends all the way to handle, says Chavez and Meg Walker, executive chef and CEO of Made by Meg Catering. Knives made only with a partial-tang construction (which don’t run all the way to the handle) are of lower quality than their counterpart and more prone to breakage, she explains.
Handle
Last but not the least important is a knife’s handle. “For longevity, avoid unfinished wood handles, especially with rivets,” says Chavez. “Over time, the wood will separate from the rivets and be hard to keep sanitary.” You’ll also want a handle that is comfortable to hold to make it convenient to use day-to-day, says Alain Allegretti, chef and former owner of Allegretti, La Promenade des Anglais, and Azure by Allegretti, with Chavez adding that it should fit perfectly in your hand. While comfort is subjective, the options on the list have been vetted by chefs who can attest to their comfortability.
With this in mind, here are the 12 best knife sets—all recommended by professionals.
Best knife sets
Includes: 8-inch chef’s knife, 3 ½-inch paring knife, 6-inch utility knife, 8-inch serrated bread knife, kitchen shears, honing rod, and 13-slot knife block
This knife set comes with the recommendation of Button and Devan Cameron, chef and owner of the food blog Braised and Deglazed. It’s beloved by TV chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, and Ina Garten, too—and there’s no question why.
“Wüsthof makes quality knives that will last for decades,” says Cameron. “This was my first set of professional knives and what got me through culinary school.” Button attests to the quality of the included knives. “They are affordable, have a heavier and durable blade, and last forever,” she says. As further testament to their durability, the blades have a full-tang construction and are forged from one continuous piece of high-carbon stainless steel. Each knife in the set is likely to get lots of use in the kitchen too, with Button referring to them as “great workhorse knives.” The knives are on the heavier side, however. “Some people may find these knives to be a little heavy, especially the chef’s knives,” says Cameron, but he says that the “smooth” and “comfortable” handle can help make maneuvering the blades easier and more pleasant.
The set is one of the most extensive options on the list, and it includes a chef’s knife, a paring knife, a utility knife, a serrated bread knife, plus kitchen shears and a honing steel. Also included is a 13-slot wooden knife block to hold all the pieces with room to spare for more additions.
Style: Western
Knife material: High-carbon stainless steel
Full-tang construction? Yes
Pros:
- Extensive array of knives included in set
- Knives have comfortable and smooth handles, according to experts
Con:
- Chef’s knife might be heavy for some, according to one expert
Includes: 8-inch chef’s knife, 6-inch chef’s knife, 3 ½ -inch paring knife, 6-inch utility knife, 8-inch serrated bread knife, four 4 ½-inch steak knives, kitchen shears, 9-inch honing rod, and 13-slot knife block
This knife set comes highly recommended by Allegretti, who says, “This has the essentials for anyone to use in their home kitchen,” like two different-sized chef’s knives, a paring knife, a utility knife, and a serrated bread knife.
What sets it apart is that it’s the only set featured on the list that comes with steak knives, which can save you the money of having to purchase a steak knives set separately. Allegretti also attests that all the knives included in the set are “sharp” and “durable,” thanks to their high-carbon stainless material and full-tang construction. Considering the array of quality knives that come with the set, it’s worth the cost. It also includes a pair of kitchen shears, a honing steel, and a 13-slot knife block to hold all of its components. If anything, the knife block leaves little room for additional pieces, though you may not need any more knives in your collection if you own this set—it is comprehensive as is.
Style: Western
Knife material: High-carbon stainless steel
Full-tang construction? Yes
Pros:
- The most extensive knife set on the list
- Comes with four steak knives
Con:
- Knife block has limited room
Includes: 8-inch chef’s knife, 4-inch paring knife, 5-inch serrated utility knife, 6-inch slicing knife, kitchen shears, honing rod, and 16-slot knife block
This knife set has the approval of Contreras and Zoë François, pastry chef and host of Zoë Bakes on Magnolia Network. “Henckels were my very first set of knives and they still hold up 30-plus years later,” says François, and Contreras agrees: “This set will last a lifetime.”
The knives are forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel blades for long-lasting durability, and the overall set comes with four knives, including a chef’s knife, a paring knife, a utility knife, and a slicing knife, plus kitchen shears and a honing steel. While the set doesn’t come with a serrated bread knife (which experts typically recommend), the included knife block has plenty of space for more pieces, so you can add your own. Folks may also appreciate the inclusion of the slicing knife (aka carving knife). While the experts we spoke to don’t consider it to be essential, it is useful, particularly for those who frequently serve roasts and large grilled meats at home. What’s more according to Contreras? This set is as attractive as pictured in the above photo—a bonus for those who want an option with a clean and visually appealing design. “This is basic and beautiful,” she says. “I love how simple it is.”
Style: Western
Knife material: High-carbon stainless steel
Full-tang construction? Yes
Pros:
- Knives are made to last, according to experts
- Includes a slicing knife
Con:
- No serrated bread knife included
Includes: 8-inch chef’s knife, 3-inch paring knife, 10-inch serrated bread knife, 6 ½-inch Santoku knife, kitchen shears, honing rod, and 10-slot knife block
Wolf is known to make professional-level kitchen appliances, and the brand’s knives are no exception. According to ACEQ chef and owner Elijah Safford, this set was designed with industry professionals in mind to appeal to trained chefs and enthusiastic home cooks alike.
“While comfortable and easy to use, the knives are designed to last since it was made in line with Japanese precision and German durability,” says Safford. “At home, I use each instrument for prepping big meals or making a quick meal after a long night.” Indeed, the set comes with all the knives you need for at-home cooking—namely, a chef’s knife, paring knife, serrated bread knife, and Santoku knife, a knife that is versatile for many jobs, but especially for cutting vegetables. What’s more, the knives included in the set are as durable as they are functional. They feature a full-tang construction and triple-riveted handles, while the high-carbon stainless steel blades can hold their edge well and stand up to regular sharpening.
Kitchen shears, a honing steel, and a 10-slot knife block round out the set. As a welcome bonus, the knife block doubles as a cookbook or device stand, making it ideal for those who often follow along to recipes while cooking.
Style: Western-Eastern hybrid
Knife material: High-carbon stainless steel
Full-tang construction? Yes
Pros:
- Knives are comfortable and easy to use, according to experts
- Knife block doubles as a cookbook stand
Con:
- Knife block is bulky
Includes: 8-inch chef’s knife, 4-inch paring knife, 6 ½-inch utility knife, honing rod, and 6-slot knife block
If you prefer Japanese-style knives, you might want to consider this knife set from Shun. The set showcases Japanese craftsmanship at its finest, and it also comes with the approval of Horn, who says, it is ideal “both for the professional and the home chef.”
The included knives are handcrafted in Japanese and offer the perfect blend of form and function. Each hand-hammered knife is constructed with high-carbon stainless steel, resulting in a “great blade that will retain its edge with good care,” says Horn, and comes replete with a Pakkawood handle that is resistant to moisture. You’ll only receive a chef’s knife, paring knife, and utility knife with the set, but they might be all you need considering their versatility—and there is, of course, the option to purchase additional knives should you want to expand your collection. The set also comes with a six-slot bamboo knife block with a streamlined design that won’t take up too much space on your counter and a honing steel to keep your blades sharp.
Style: Eastern
Knife material: High-carbon stainless steel
Full-tang construction? Yes
Pros:
- Knives are handmade in Japan
- Includes essential knives recommended by experts
Con:
- Only includes three knives
Includes: 8-inch chef’s knife, 4 ¼-inch utility knife, 8 ½-inch serrated bread knife, 5 ½-inch vegetable knife, 3-inch peeler knife, honing rod, and 9-slot knife block
This Japanese-style knife set has the essential implements—a chef’s knife, utility knife, and serrated bread knife—along with a vegetable knife, peeler knife, honing rod, and a nine-slot knife block to store them all. According to Contreras, the knives included in the set are also easy to maintain.
“This is an Eastern-style knife set that can be sharpened like Western knives, which makes them a lot easier to care for,” she says. It doesn’t skimp on quality either. The included knives are handcrafted in Japan, using the same decades-long process, resulting in sharp blades that will make meal prep a breeze, regardless of what you’re chopping, slicing, or dicing. The knives are forged from a single continuous piece of stainless steel, and the dimpled handles offer a secure grip. Functionality aside, “the design is simple and beautiful,” says Contreras, making it worthy of display on a kitchen counter.
Style: Japanese
Knife material: Stainless steel
Full-tang construction? Yes
Pros:
- Knives are handmade in Japan
- Knife block includes extra room to expand your collection
Con:
- Knife handles are made of stainless steel, which might uncomfortable for some people
Includes: 8-inch chef’s knife, 3 ½-inch paring knife, 5-inch utility knife, 8-inch serrated bread knife, 6-inch boning knife, honing rod, 7-pocket knife roll
If you’re on the market for a budget-friendly option, this knife set ranks among the best for the money. This seven-piece set is especially great for beginner cooks (“This is a culinary school kit,” says Contreras) and it can grow with you as your skills develop.
Not only is it affordable, this set also covers the essentials. It comes with a chef’s knife, paring knife, utility knife, serrated bread knife, boning knife, plus a honing steel to keep your blades sharp. “These are incredible knives and some of my favorites,” says Contreras, adding that they will “last for ages.” Each knife is crafted from high-carbon stainless steel and comes replete with a non-slip handle to offer you a comfortable and secure grip. There’s no block included in this set, which might be a small tradeoff for some folks, but it comes included with a knife roll that will make you think you’re a contestant on Top Chef. The roll features seven elastic pockets to securely hold the pieces in place, and it’s equipped with an adjustable strap for easy transportation.
Style: Western
Knife material: High-carbon stainless steel
Full-tang construction? Not specified
Pros:
- Ideal for beginners and professionals, according to experts
- Knife roll allows for compact storage
Con:
- No kitchen shears included
Includes: 10-inch chef’s knife, 4-inch paring knife, 8-inch serrated bread knife, 6-inch boning knife, 8-inch carving knife, honing rod, and 8-pocket knife roll
This knife set is ideal for amateur and pro chefs—and it comes with the recommendation of Cameron. “Victorinox makes great but affordable knives,” he says. “I highly recommend [them] for their very reasonable price and comfortable grips.”
The set comes with five knives, including a chef’s knife, paring knife, serrated bread knife, boning knife, and carving knife, all made from stainless steel. It also includes a knife roll for storage, which features eight pockets carrying handles, and a removable, adjustable shoulder strap. One downside according to Cameron? “These knives won’t keep their edge as long as Wüsthof or Henckels knives,” he says, which might be a tradeoff for some folk, but he adds, “they’re still easily sharpened.” Fortunately, the set comes with a honing rod that is perfect for the task.
Style: Western
Knife material: Stainless steel
Full-tang construction? No
Pros:
- Knives are comfortable to use, according to expert
- Comes with a knife roll with carrying handles and removable, adjustable straps
Con:
- According to one expert, knives require frequent sharpening
Includes: 8-inch chef’s knife, 6-inch utility knife, and 8-inch serrated bread knife
The Misen Essentials Knife Set is an ideal choice for those who are after something simple and straightforward. As the name implies, it contains just the “essentials”—namely, a chef’s knife, utility knife, and a serrated bread knife.
The set comes with the recommendation of Top Chef season 18 contestant Sara Hauman, who calls it “the best knife set for home use,” adding that three knives are “all you need to tackle any kitchen task.” She also notes that the set is reasonably priced, and what’s more, the knives are made from quality materials. “[The knives] are made from steel that will stay sharp and can take a beating from everyday use,” she says. The knives also feature a full-tang construction as a further testament to their durability. The only tradeoff? This set doesn’t come with either a knife block or roll for storage.
Style: Japanese
Knife material: AICHI steel
Full-tang construction: Yes
Pros:
- Contains essential knives most chefs recommend for at-home use
- Knives are and will stay sharp, according to expert
Con:
- Does not come with knife block or roll
Includes: 9-inch chef’s knife, 4-inch paring knife, 6-inch utility knife, 9-inch serrated bread knife, 5-inch tomato knife, and five knife blocks
Handmade in Italy since 1895, Coltellerie Berti elevates knife-making into a fine art form. Each knife is made by a professional knife-maker from start to finish, using only the best materials. This quality is reflected in the price, but Keefe says it is a “pretty—and pretty good—knife set” that is well worth the cost.
All five knives that come with the set feature a full-tang construction made from stainless steel and come replete with lucite carbon handles. With a set, you’ll receive a chef’s knife, paring knife, serrated bread knife, and tomato knife, which is sure to come in handy for quick cutting jobs. It also comes with five separate knife blocks (one for each of the included knives) that snap together with magnets, allowing you the option to store them together or separately, as you like. If you can’t look past the price, Keefe says you can always opt to purchase the knives individually.
Style: Western
Knife material: Stainless steel
Full-tang construction? Yes
Pros:
- Handmade by professional knife-marker in Italy
- Comes with five separate knife blocks that can be stored together or separately
Con:
- Pricey
Includes: 8-inch chef’s knife, 4-inch paring knife, 8-inch serrated bread knife, 7-inch santoku knife, kitchen shears, honing rod, and 6-slot knife block
The Kline Knife Set comes with the approval of Well+Good’s associate commerce editor Francesca Krempa. In her review about the Kline knives, she says “it has everything you need to whip up your favorite home-cooked meals without breaking the bank.”
And, indeed, it does. The set includes a chef’s knife, paring knife, serrated bread knife, and santoku knife, all full tang and made from chromium steel. “They were scarily sharp, nothing was too heavy or too awkward to use, and they looked so nice,” wrote Krempa. It also includes an acacia knife block for easy-to-access storage, which she notes, was among her favorite features of the set. “As someone who is a sucker for aesthetics, it just looks so neat on my kitchen counters and makes it easy to reach what I need mid-cooking sesh,” she proclaimed. “It all lives right there, organized neatly (and safely!) in the chic wood block.”
Style: Western
Knife material: Chromium steel
Full-tang construction? Yes
Pros:
- Knives are sharp yet comfortable to use, according to reviewer
- Knife block isn’t bulky
Con:
- Knife block has limited room
Includes: 4-inch paring knife, 4-inch serrated knife, 3-inch vegetable knife, and 2-inch stationary peeler
If you’re looking for a knife set for small kitchen jobs, Well+Good’s SEO writer Danielle Calma recommends this option from Opinel. It comes with a paring knife, serrated knife, vegetable knife, and a stationary peeler, all made from stainless steel blades and visually pleasing wood handles.
“This is the perfect knife set for delicate work, whether it’s chopping fruits or veggies or herbs, saving me the effort of having to use a chef’s knife, and, let’s be honest, cleaning it afterward,” says Calma. Although the stationary peel might seem an extraneous addition to the set, she says it has come in handy more than a few times, including on one occasion involving skinning a pound of potatoes—a mighty feat for its size. She also notes that the blades are not only sharp, but have also maintained their razor edge over the last two years, even if she hasn’t had them resharpened since she received them.
Style: Western
Knife material: Stainless steel
Full-tang construction? Yes
Pros:
- Knives maintain their edge for a long time, according to reviewer
- Comes with stationary peeler
Con:
- Does not come with storage
Frequently asked questions
What are the three most commonly used knives in a chef’s kitchen?
The type of knives a chef will use in a kitchen will vary according to their preferences. However, according to the professional chefs we talked to, the most common knives everyone might want to have are a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated bread knife, as they can work for a wide variety of kitchen tasks.
How can you choose your ideal knife?
When choosing your ideal knife, you’ll want to think about what you would typically use it for, whether you want a knife that is versatile or for a specific task, and whether you prefer a Western- or Eastern-style option. You’ll also want to consider a knife’s quality. According to the chefs we spoke to, a quality knife will typically be made from high-carbon stainless steel or ceramic and will feature a fully forged and full-tang construction.
Is there a knife that never needs sharpening?
All knives must be sharpened to ensure they are effective—and safe—to use. With that said, you can make the task easier for you by either having a professional sharpen your knives for you or purchasing a knife set that comes with a self-sharpening block.
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