Whether cooking is a serious endeavor to you or just something you need to do, it is important to choose the best knife set that is top quality yet affordable. Consider this quote from a chef, restaurateur, radio show host and author, Tom Douglas: “Get a knife that’s balanced and weighted for you. There’s no reason you shouldn’t get fitted for a knife that way you get fitted for anything else, like a dress, a suit, or a pair of skis.” Since most of us don’t have enough knowledge about our kitchen knives which lead to being hesitant in buying a set or an individual knife, we have made a list of things you need to consider when buying a knife set that is perfectly designed for your needs.
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- Best overall Knife set: Enso HD 16-pc Knife Set
- Best alternative Knife set: Dalstrong Gladiator 8-pc Knife Set Block
A Smart Guide in Buying Knife Sets For Your Kitchen
The selection process can be quite daunting because of the wide varieties and brands of different knife sets with different price ranges in the market. This makes the decision of purchasing as confusing as buying a shoe that fits. With the purpose of assisting you in choosing the best knife, here is a set of guidelines that would make things easier.
Complete Set or Customized Set
Each one of us have different preferences. If you’re just starting to build your kitchen and is considering to buy some knives for your daily needs, you may choose to buy a set to gain experience and then later on, you can build a customized knife as once you become more familiar with the type of handle, weight and materials that would be comfortable. Whether you buy a set or decide to buy separately, do not forget that you need the most basic tools: a chef’s knife, a paring knife and a carving knife, and a utility knife then next would be the boning knife and definitely a high-quality bread knife. You can also include a pair of honing rods but as long as you have those, you’re all set.
Lifestyle Demand
No matter what we do in the world, at some point we all need knives. We can never do away with them. Of course, not all of us are talented cooks and chefs but we can’t argue with the fact that we use them for our daily needs especially with our food. Pick a knife set that you know would be durable. I know most of them would say they are dishwasher safe but they won’t last that long if you use them in the dishwasher. Wash them by hand and don’t forget to care and maintain for them. Pick a set that would be able to fit your lifestyle.
Personal Budget
One important thing to note would be the price of the knife set. A high-priced set doesn’t always mean good quality but you can’t be sure of the quality if you buy a cheap set either. Browse for information online as well as in stores and see what works best for you. There are high-quality knife sets that are very affordable - you just have to know where to look.
Material Used
When buying a knife set, it is important to know the type of material used to make sure that they are safe as well as able to preserve the freshness of the ingredients we’ll be preparing. Stainless steel alloys are still the best type of material for knives, although ceramic is slowly gaining popularity. Weigh the pros and cons of each material then decide which one is better for you.
Storage Type
Most of the knife sets have their own storage container ranging from wooden, steel, plastic or glass blocks to specially-designed knife aprons. Leaving your knives scattering in your drawer is not only dangerous but it will also make the tip and blade of the knives dull faster because they would tend to bump or clash against each other in the drawer. The most usual storage type would be knife blocks but if you’re into the modern vibe then you may also choose to purchase a magnetic knife holder.
Best Knife Sets For The Money
Dalstrong Gladiator 8-pc Knife Set Block
Searching for a solution that delivers accuracy and excellence into your kitchen? This stunning knife set block includes all the fundamental culinary tools.
Set includes:
- 8” Chef Knife
- 7” Santoku Knife
- 9” Bread Knife
- 9” Carving/Slicer
- 6.5” Utility Knife
- 6” Serrated Utility Knife
- 3.5” Paring Knife
- 8” Gladiator Series Honing Steel
Material and Construction
Each blade is precisely forged from an imported premium quality, high-carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel. These are hand sharpened to 16-18 degrees per side, perfect for ultra-thin slicing and effortless dicing. Made with ergonomic luxury black pakkawood handles imported from Spain, this Gladiator knife set is accurately designed for maximum comfort.
Performance
Featuring a perfectly engineered balance with satisfying heft and presence, the knives are both pleasing to hold and to stare at. The hand glossed bolster increases counterweight to individual knives and provides finger protection while the Dalstrong-signature rivets in each handle guarantee a superb level of strength. The blades are razor sharp so you don’t have to exert too much effort when you’re slicing ingredients.
Style and Design
This knife set has a simple and minimalist style that expresses the feel of nature with its acacia wood block. The classic riveted knives add a contemporary twist through their hand-polished, smooth finish. It can be proudly displayed at your countertop and the wooden block looks sophisticated and attractive.
PROS
CONS
Cangshan TV2 3-Piece TAI Knife Set
This knife block set is objectively designed to manifest the beauty and design of classic kitchen knives while having high-quality performance and functionality. These are great for outdoor activities and great for singles.
Set includes:
- 8″ Chef’s Knife
- 3.5″ Paring Knife
- Walnut Knife Block
Material and Construction
These knives are expertly hand-forged and sharpened. Created with Swedish sourced stain resistant high-alloy 14C28N steel, the knives offer an impeccable mix of supreme hardness and durability. These steels take an insurmountably sharp edge and can retain their sharpness up to 5 times longer than other knives in the market. Every blade goes through an ultra-precise 6-stage heat treatment which reveals the best qualities of each steel.
Performance
Cangshan knives are exceptionally well-balanced as the curves and angles used to establish a secure and comfortable hold on the handle. Featuring the unique patented angle bolster, each handle provides a natural, strong pinch grip. Perfect for heavy kitchen use, these knives are easy to use and simple to clean. You can literally glide through your ingredients during meal preparation.
Style and Design
Highlighting the unique open angle-shaped TAI knife block, it has a minimalist, rustic style and it is geometrically-constructed to represent the ideas of inspiration, transformation and movement that deeply connect to the essence of Cangshan — a beautiful design for tomorrow’s kitchen. This knife set suitably fits in smaller, modern kitchens without compromising the quality and without taking too much space.
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Enso HD Series 16-pc Knife Set
Enso intricately designed this stainless steel knife set because of how each blade was constructed. Derived from their original Japanese knife forging principles, the knife set showcases a distinct appeal.
Set includes:
- 3.25” paring knife
- 6” serrated utility knife
- 6.5” Santoku
- 8” Chef’s knife
- 9” bread knife kitchen shears
- 6-slot dark ash slim knife block
Material and Construction
Constructed with premium Japanese VG10 37-layer stainless steel, these Damascus blades were hand-ground to approximately 12 degrees. The Japanese knives are truly sharp and precise with almost perfect edge retention. Each piece has a double bevel edge for both right and left-handed use. The handle is made from black canvas micarta with three-stainless steel rivets, bolster, and end cap while enclosed in a full tang handle construction for maximum comfort.
Performance
The knives are insanely sharp and strong as you can slice a tomato thinly without difficulty and can even shave arm hair easily and instantly. Each knife is well-balanced and easy to maneuver because of the lightweight design. Each blade doesn’t flex or feel flimsy and can cut through almost anything.
Style and Design
There is a noticeable and alluring feature found on each blade — a stunning hammered (tsuchime) finish for elegance and uniqueness. Five Japanese kanji characters are engraved into the sides of each of the blades and they translate to “harmony” and “Made in Japan”. They are carefully etched into the blades giving that samurai-like look.
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Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-pc Forged Knife Set
For a more sleek and modern style with the element of clearness, Mercer made a knife block set with a captivating design that complements any kitchen and offers superior visibility.
Set includes:
- 3.5” Paring Knife
- 5” Utility
- 8” Chef
- 8” Bread
- 6” Boning knife
- Tempered glass storage block
Material and Construction
These professional knives are made from high-carbon traditional German X50 Cr Mo V15 cutlery steel that resists rust, corrosion, and discoloration. The knives are skillfully forged. With the Santoprene non-slip knife handles, each knife comfortable to hold and easy to use. Each knife also has a thick bolster for added balance and support.
Performance
There’s increased stability, long-lasting sharpness and efficiency due to the taper-ground edge of the knives. They are durable and well balanced. Each blade is incredibly sharp and an absolute workhorse that’s able to cut through anything. The Genesis grip is great so you don’t need to hold the knife very tightly.
Style and Design
The clarity of the entire glass block helps you easily see through the knives and check if they are wet, dry or clean. The tempered glass block also adds a nice, elegant touch to your kitchen. It is a fascinating principle that emphasizes the value of directness towards the products. This Mercer Knife Block Set is all about monochromatic neutral tones that fully illuminate your kitchen.
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Wanbasion TK-80812 Knife Set
Classic black indicates qualities of prestige and power as this color is fully depicted in this knife set from Wanbasion.
Set includes:
- 8” Chef’s Knife
- 7” Santoku
- 8” Carving Knife
- 8” Bread Knife
- 5” Utility Knife
- 3.5” Paring Knife
Material and construction
Made with high-quality stainless steel, these knives are very durable. They will not rust, wear and tear easily due to their corrosion-resistant titanium coating. These knives keep their sharpness for a long time and are scratch-proof. It will not slip off easily either due to its specially-designed ergonomic handle.
Performance
These high-quality knives are super sharp, long-lasting and very functional at a good price. This tough set of knives are well-balanced, lightweight and perfect for beginners. The knives are easy to use as you can feel a sense of control and comfort while working. They are also very easy to maintain and re-sharpening doesn’t need to be frequent. The protective sheaths also help in having them stored in a cool, dry place.
Style and Design
The overall Wanbasion Knife Set has a striking black color that implies discipline and professionalism, setting it apart from others. The sheaths give a good finish to them when stored. They can serve as gifts to your friends and loved ones.
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Chicago Cutlery Fusion 18-pc Block Set
Wanting to have a high-performance level knife assortment to display on your countertop? This set greatly exhibits high quality and simplicity and includes a wide range of knives to cover an enormous amount of food preparation especially for big events.
Set includes:
- 3” Peeling knife
- 5” Utility knife
- 7.75” Chef’s knife
- 8” Slicer
- 7.75” Bread knife
- 5” Partoku knife
- 7” Santoku knife
- 3.25” Paring knife
- (8) 4.25” Steak knives
- 8” Sharpening steel
- Stained pine wood block
Material and Construction
The knife blades are forged with top-quality, high carbon stainless steel for durability and strength. With the use of Exclusive Taper Grind edge technology, the knives provide accuracy and sharpness with each use.
Performance
The set includes 8 pieces of steak, chef, paring, utility, slicer, partoku, and santoku knives which are very sharp and durable, great for different cutting and slicing methods. Their weight and balance feel great and secure in the hand. They can cut various ingredients with precision and they are easy to re-sharpen.
Style and design
The block set has a sleek and simple style that looks great in any kitchen. The arrangement of the blades on the block also adds an aesthetic effect.
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Comparison of The 6 Knife Sets To Buy
Knife Set | Material | Unique Features | Current Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel and Acacia wood block |
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| Swedish Sandvik 14C28N Steel |
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| Stainless Damascus with VG-10 Steel Cutting Core |
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| German Steel |
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| Stainless Steel coated with Titanium |
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| Stainless Steel |
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The Final Verdict
To sum it all up, a knife remains more than a creative or functional kitchen tool. It brings a cultural, historical and technological content in proportion to its simple structure and holds a unique purpose that reflects a relative perfection of form and function.
After examining the best knife sets, Dalstrong Gladiator 8-pc Knife Set Block is our top pick among the rest because it manifests most of the top qualities such as superior strength and power, long-lasting construction and durability, and maximum comfort and performance due to the premium materials used. Not only that, but they are also sold at a very reasonable price. We also recommend the rest of the aforementioned products that have their own unique flair in case you don’t agree with our top pick. They are all suitable to fit your daily kitchen knife cutting and slicing activities. Choose among these knife sets so you will never be stressed during meal preparation while you’re cooking.
I hope this knife set reviews served its purpose and helped you choose the best one for you. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll answer them for you.