Whether you’re a budding Gordon Ramsay or brand new to the cooking scene, a set of quality kitchen knives is your arsenal for the best possible use of your skills.
Knowing where to start, even as an experienced chef, can be tricky.
There are a lot of sets out there, each with different mixes and matches of particular knives.
Figuring out which is best for you can be difficult if you’re not familiar with all of them, or you’re overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice!
Never fear: we’ve narrowed it down nicely for you by picking out five different sets. You’ll notice there’s one to suit any and all budgets. We’ve also tried to select a variety of blade and handle materials, for instance, hoping to please every customer.
Keen knife enthusiasts looking for new knowledge need look no further than our Buyer’s Guide. Not only do we break down what makes a high quality knife, but we also define some of the most common designs and styles you’ll find being made.
For remaining queries or concerns, please have a read of our FAQs section. Having gathered up and answered burning questions from other customers seeking new knives, it’s likely yours will be in there too.
Happy shopping!
OUR TOP PICK
With so many five star reviews and such a budget-friendly price tag, we would highly recommend these knives to any chef looking for a new set in a hurry.
Vremi have curated a lovely ten piece kit here, in bright and distinct colors!
Boasting a chef’s, serrated, carving, utility and paring knife, each is produced from genuine, heavy duty steel, perfectly weighted for those long and laborious preparation sessions. The sharpened tip is rust-proof and easy to maintain.
Thanks to a food-grade, non stick coating, as well as a set of protective sheaths that are included for free, keeping these knives in tip top condition is simple. They are also magnetic and can be attractively stored on a wall mount when not in use.
An ergonomic, non-slip handle for every knife ensures that whether you’re chopping up tomatoes, cutting bread or delicately deboning a fish, your slicing and dicing is precise, smooth and efficient.
You’ll be chopping in record time!
For upkeep, all that’s required is handwashing and the occasional sharpening, to ensure these rust, odor, and dull proof blades stay at the quality you deserve.
Customer reviews attest this set is sure to stand the test of time!
Pros
- Bold, bright colors look great in your kitchen
- High quality, solid stainless steel
- Ergonomic, slip-proof handles
- All the styles you need for versatile cooking
Cons
- As they are so affordable, it’s difficult to compare their longevity to a more expensive set
EDITORS CHOICE
Promising everything you need to cook professionally, including a sharpener and a wooden block for storage, this 15 piece set from Cookit sees a slight step up in price, but you certainly get more bang for your buck.
Made from the best possible stainless steel and featuring smooth, cleanly filed edges that are durable and rust proof, these knives are accurate, precise and made to suit adventurous and creative kitchen cooking.
With all the classics, including a chef’s knife, a bread knife, one for slicing, a Japaense Santoku blade, and two smaller paring and utilty knives, there’s a perfect selection for every job. You even get five, yes, FIVE, steak knives!
A lightweight ABS plastic handle on every knife offers both comfort and confidence, and is suitable for left AND right handled chefs. Triple rivets ensure they’re as secure as possible, for a long-term set you’ll have for years to come.
Coming with a lifelong guarantee of quality, the lifetime warranty with every purchase assures customers they’re buying from a brand they can trust.
Even if you aren’t satisfied, you’ll be able to receive a full refund, no questions asked.
Pros
- Wide range of blade styles
- Durable ABS plastic handles
- Includes sharpener and scissors, plus 5 steak knives
- Lifelong warranty
Cons
- Some customers report these knives can be heavier than typical sets
BEST VALUE
Bright blue and bold, these Emojoy knives are unlike we’ve ever seen, made from beautiful German X50Cr15 carbon stainless steel to offer an all-in-one complete chef’s set.
You’ll find there’s no rust, stains or pitting on these bad boys!
Produced from superior materials for accuracy and precision, with an ergonomically designed, laminated Wengewood handle to minimize cramps and aches after prolonged use, they are industrial strength knives mixing design and practicality.
Each handle is labeled with the knife’s purpose, so even amateurs can identify the right tool for the job. They all have a Rockwell hardness measure of 55+ - equivalent to that of diamonds, so you really know they’re built to last.
Being non-slip, moisture and oil proof, these knives are very easy to clean and upkeep is simple.
Unfortunately, they aren’t dishwasher safe, so handwashing is your only option, but this will keep them in excellent shape for much longer!
Equally beautiful and well-made is the oak wood block, which has an anti-slip base to protect your counters.
It looks beautiful in your kitchen, keeps the knives nice and safe, and it doesn’t have a strange smell either!
Pros
- Distinctive but beautiful blue design
- Premium carbon stainless steel blades
- Features all of the knives that chefs need
- Lovely accompanying block, made from oak
Cons
- Steak knives can be susceptible to rusting if not properly cared for
RUNNER UP
This is the priciest set on our list, and for a good reason. The folks at Mercer have produced a magnificent set of knives here, and all wrapped up in a stunning tempered glass block that increases the class level of any kitchen.
High carbon, stain-resistant German X50CRMoV15 steel blades are defended from corrosion, discoloration and rusting; designed for superior balance, the weight is delicately distributed evenly from the tip of the blade to the butt of the handle.
Withstanding the hottest and coldest temperatures, an ergonomic Santoprene handle is designed to offer superior comfort and the best possible non-slip grip, even if your hands are wet and sticky. Messy cooks, rejoice!
As certified by the National Sanitation Foundation, a global provider of public health and safety solutions, Mercer Genesis knives all meet their standards for knife safety, performance and quality. You truly get what you pay for.
A taper-ground edge increases stability and provides long-lasting sharpness; the efficiency of your cooking is sure to increase, whether you’re cutting, chopping, slicing or dicing, using these knives.
Pros
- Superior German stainless steel
- Heat resistant and slip-proof, even with wet hands
- Solid, soft-grip santoprene handle
- NSF certified for your peace of mind
Cons
- Very much on the pricy end of the budget scale
RUNNER UP
This specialized set of kitchen knives from Home Hero boasts a knife for any and all kitchen needs, and even a few bonus accessories, serving as a true cutlery organizer that will improve any kitchen.
Coated with food-safe non-stick protection, the stainless steel blades are sharp, sturdy and practical. Whether a carving, utility, cheese, bread, paring or stake nife, you’ll have precise cutting every time - a one of a kind set!
On top of your regular expectations, you also receive a premium two stage knife sharpener, the perfect peeler and even a pair of proper kitchen scissors. It’s difficult to beat this level of value!
Featuring six premium quality steak knives, your next barbecue will be oh-so-enjoyable when it comes to serving up meat, whether rare or well done. Even kids won’t struggle to cut up their dinner with these, but make sure you supervise!
You also receive a clear knife stand that holds everything in place for easy and immediate access. Not only does it look cool on your counter, but there’s no need to rummage through your drawer to find what you’re looking for!
Pros
- Has the aesthetics of a pricier set at a friendly price
- Arrive fully sharpened and ready to go
- Cool stand stores everything in one place
- Bonus peeler, scissors and steak knives, plus sharpener
Cons
- Black blades can scuff or scratch easily
Best Kitchen Knife Set Buying Guide
Features To Consider
Material
Perhaps the most frequently used material in knife production is stainless steel, as it’s most responsive to sharpening and is the least susceptible to rust. More expensive sets will avoid, however, as they tend to flex or blunt quite quickly.
Harder than its stainless counterpart, carbon steel knives are made for serious chefs with plenty of money to spend. Unfortunately, though, rust is their nemesis and you’ll need to care for them considerably more to avoid it.
Svelte, sharp, and less expensive than the fancier options, ceramic knives are easier to care for and retain sharpness for much longer. Unfortunately, though, they’re difficult to maintain in a home environment and can chip after rigorous use.
A hybrid of stainless and carbon steel, Damascus steel knives are usually handmade by knife experts and can be recognized by some seriously stunning blade designs. Look out for imitators that are essentially just coated stainless knives!
Comfort
Ideally, your knives will feel comfortable to hold in your hand. Especially good are those with soft-touch, slip-proof rubber grips, as they mold to the contours of your hand and make for excellent form.
Avoid poor-quality handles, particularly those with odd jutting angles or sharp points that could cause callus formation or lead to blistering of the hand. How will you chop quickly and efficiently if you’re covered in sore spots?!
Weight and Balance
Weightwise, we can only suggest that through trial and error you find the size that works for you. Too heavy and you’ll find long-term use causes strain; too light, and precise cuts or carving particularly difficult meat, for example, will prove difficult.
As for proper balance, the weight should distribute evenly from the blade to the handle. Failing to spread this out properly means knives that are cumbersome and difficult to use, leading to discomfort and pain. Not what you want in a good set!
Which Knife Is Which?
Bread Knife
Pretty much what it says on the tin, the serrated blade is extra long, for cutting through the crustiest, crunchiest loaves.
In a pinch, this could work in lieu of a carving knife, though it won’t do as good a job at portioning your meat.
Carving Knife
As the name suggests, this incredibly long, sharp knife was made for slicing and serving large portions of meat.
Failure to use the right knife for this job is only going to ruin your roast, so don’t miss this one off of your list!
Peeling Knife
Like the below but somewhat reminiscent of a toucan’s beak, this small blade is short and sharp but reaches its point with a curve.
Whether removing the skin from fruit and veg or carefully cutting up some pastry, it’s great for intricate work.
Paring Knife
Small but absolutely mighty, this knife is usually reserved for those fiddly little tasks that require a delicate touch.
From deveining seafood and chopping up fruit and veg to seeding chillis, it’s a pretty versatile part of your kit.
Chef’s Knife
Typically a sizeable blade, it can be utilized for a variety of kitchen tasks, usually preparation.
Whether you’re dicing vegetables, readying your meat to cut or finely mincing those herbs for seasoning, it’s important to get the right size for you.
Utility Knife
Basically a baby chef’s knife, this is your best bet if the above is too big to suit the task at hand, but you still need a versatile all-rounder for the job.
You’ll probably find both a chef and utility knife in a good, well-rounded set!
Steak Knife
The sharper sister of a classic butter knife, this is a sharper, serrated smaller knife, provided for meals that feature tougher meats.
It won’t be a part of every set you see, but it’s always worth having one or two on hand, just in case!
Cleaving Knife
Stereotypically seen in the hands of butchers, this rectangular blade is a horror movie classic.
You’ll need it for preparing the heftiest cuts of meat, but it could also serve you well for carving up squash, pumpkin and other hard root vegetables.
Serrated Paring Knife
Where a paring knife is whipped out for peeling, coring and slicing, its sibling with a serrated edge is best suited for prepping tomatoes and other citrus fruits.
It’s also great at getting their juices out before you slice them up!
Boning Knife
Fancy trying your hand at butchery?
This dagger-like, narrow knife is capable of slicing through fat, ligaments and tendons, as well as deftly removing connective tissues and bones.
Filleting Knife
If fish is frequently on the menu in your kitchen, a flexible filleting blade, typically used on its side, is great for the careful motions of removing skin and portioning up your fish of choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are expensive knives worth it?
As with any product, the bigger the price tag, the better the materials used - or at least you’d like to think. However, whilst a more expensive set might feel better in your hand, stay sharper for longer and work well, they aren’t necessarily best.
Sometimes a run-of-the-mill knife set that’s been properly sharpened can be just as efficient and pleasant to use as a knife set that costs hundreds of dollars. It’s just more likely that a fancier knife is going to become dull at a slower rate.
What knives should every chef have?
This is a divisive question and you’ll probably get a different answer depending on who you ask. The primary dishes you cook and your favorite cuisines to prepare will also impact upon which knives best belong in your arsenal.
We would really recommend a chef’s knife, which in the Japanese style is referred to as a Gyutou. This style of knife can take on many typical kitchen tasks with ease - in a pinch, you cna use it for just about anything.
Likewise, a small, sharp paring knife is another great essential. It’s especially useful for tricky small spots, getting into hard to reach places, and performing those more delicate, intricate slicing and cutting tasks.
A knife well suited to slicing or carving will be thin enough to penetrate raw and cooked meat and fish indistinguishably. At least one serrated blade, big or small, is always going to be of use to you as well.
How often should I sharpen my knives?
A set of quality kitchen knives will retain its sharpness for a good couple of months, so you only need to sharpen every eight to twelve weeks. Don’t wait around for your knife to get dull though! It should be sharp enough to use every time.
However, you should only properly sharpen the same knife a certain number of times before it is rendered obsolete, as the material it’s made from can only handle so much sharpening before it won’t take any more!
Last update on 2023-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API