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10 Best Knife Sets 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

McCook® Knife Sets, German Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Block Sets with Built-in Sharpener

Blade Material: High-carbon German stainless steel
Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Number of Pieces: 15
Weight and Balance: 7.34 pounds, well-balanced
Sharpness and Edge Retention: Taper grind edge technology
Storage Options: Knife block with built-in sharpener

Chosen by 1160 this week

WÜSTHOF Classic 15-Piece Knife Block Set

Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Synthetic Polypropylene
Knife Types Included: Paring, utility, Santoku, bread, cook’s, steak
Number of Pieces: 15
Weight and Balance: Full tang, triple-riveted design
Sharpness and Edge Retention: 20% sharper, twice edge retention, 58 HRC
Storage Options: 17-slot block

Shun Premier 15-piece Knife Block Set

Blade Material: VG-MAX steel, Damascus-clad
Handle Material: walnut PakkaWood
Knife Types Included: paring, utility, chef's, steak, honing steel
Number of Pieces: 15
Sharpness and Edge Retention: excellent sharpness and retention
Storage Options: angled knife block

DALSTRONG Gladiator Series Elite-18pc Stainless Steel Knife Set with Block-High Carbon German Steel-Acacia Wood Block-Knife Set w/White Handles-NSF Certified-Men's Valentines Gift

Blade Material: high-carbon German stainless steel
Handle Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Knife Types Included: chef’s, steak, honing steel, santoku
Number of Pieces: 18-piece
Weight and Balance: 4.2 pounds total
Sharpness and Edge Retention: hand-polished 16-18° edges; stain-resistant
Storage Options: acacia wood block

Cuisinart 15-Piece Knife Set with Block, High Carbon Stainless Steel, Forged Triple Rivet, Natural C77CTR-15P

Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Handle Design and Comfort: Stainless steel, triple rivet, wide bolster
Included Knives: Chef, slicing, santoku, paring, 6 steak knives
Sharpness and Edge Retention: Sharp longer, resists rust and stains
Balance and Weight: Weight balanced for control
Maintenance and Care: Dishwasher safe; hand wash recommended

Shun Classic 9 Piece Chef’s Block Set, Includes 7 Shun Classic Knives, Honing Steel and 22-Slot Knife Block, Handcrafted Japanese Knife Set, Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding, Pakkawood Handle

Blade Material: VG-MAX steel, 68 layers Damascus
Handle Design and Comfort: Pakkawood, D design, ambidextrous comfort
Included Knives: 8 knives, honing steel, bamboo block
Sharpness and Edge Retention: Impressive sharpness, long-lasting edge
Balance and Weight: Forged, 11.6 pounds with block
Maintenance and Care: Hand wash only, no dishwasher

Dalstrong 24 Piece Block Knife Set - Vanquish Series - Stainless Steel Knife Set with Block & Kitchen Scissors - Forged High Carbon German Steel - Premium POM Black Handles - NSF Certified

Blade Material: High-carbon Thyssen-Krupp German steel
Handle Material: POM black handles
Knife Types Included: chef's, bread, carving, Santoku, scissors, honing, steak
Number of Pieces: 24
Weight and Balance: 9 pounds, balanced
Sharpness and Edge Retention: Rockwell hardness 55+, hand-sharpened 9-11 degrees
Storage Options: carbonized ash wood and aluminum block

Shun Classic 10-piece Knife Block Set

Blade Material: VG-MAX core, 34-layer Damascus cladding
Handle Material: D-shaped ebony PakkaWood
Knife Types Included: paring, honesuki, nakiri, utility, santoku, chef, carving
Number of Pieces: 10
Weight and Balance: 11.75 pounds
Sharpness and Edge Retention: Rockwell Hardness 60-61, 16° double-bevel
Storage Options: deluxe bamboo knife block

Victorinox Swiss Classic Knife Block - Kitchen Knife Set with Block for Home Essentials - Includes Chef's Knife, Kitchen Shears & More - Black Handles, 22-Piece Set

Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Knife Types Included: chef, bread, santoku, boning, steak, shears
Number of Pieces: 22-piece
Weight and Balance: lightweight, well-balanced, 11.5 Pounds
Sharpness and Edge Retention: good sharpness, decent edge retention
Storage Options: hardwood block

Victorinox Swiss Classic Knife Block - Kitchen Knife Set with Block for Home Essentials - Includes Chef's Knife, Santoku Knife & More - Black Handles, 15-Piece Set

Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Wood
Knife Types Included: Various knives from 3.25" to 8.25"
Number of Pieces: 15
Weight and Balance: 0.16 oz per knife, balanced
Sharpness and Edge Retention: Decent edge retention, stamped blades
Storage Options: Hardwood Block
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

McCook® Knife Sets, German Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Block Sets with Built-in Sharpener

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,160
Blade Material
Knife Types Included
Weight and Balance

Most important from
33964 reviews

Blade Material
The durability and lack of flex in the blades make them reliable for various cutting tasks.
Knife Types Included
The set includes a variety of knives that are exceptionally sharp, making kitchen tasks more efficient.
Weight and Balance
The knives are well-balanced and comfortable to hold, even for those with smaller hands.
Sharpness and Edge Retention
The one-piece construction of the knives is highly appreciated for its sturdiness and sharpness.
Storage Options
The compact knife block with a built-in sharpener is praised for its efficient storage and maintenance.

The McCook® Knife Sets feature high-carbon, forged German stainless steel blades, which are known for their durability and resistance to rust and tarnish. This makes them a reliable choice for both professional chefs and beginners. The built-in sharpener is a significant advantage, ensuring the knives remain sharp without the need for separate sharpening tools. The set includes 15 pieces, covering a wide range of culinary tasks from chopping to slicing, and the knives are well-balanced and comfortable to hold. The taper grind edge technology enhances sharpness and precision, and the knives maintain their edge even with frequent use.

However, the set is not dishwasher safe, requiring hand washing to maintain the integrity of the blades. The knife block is compact and includes the built-in sharpener, providing efficient storage and ease of maintenance. The handle material, stainless steel, complements the blade's durability and offers a solid grip. Although the set is relatively heavy at 7.34 pounds, this contributes to the sturdy feel and balance in use.

This knife set is highly rated, with positive reviews reflecting its quality and performance, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,160
Blade Material
Knife Types Included
Weight and Balance

Most important from
33964 reviews

Blade Material
The durability and lack of flex in the blades make them reliable for various cutting tasks.
Knife Types Included
The set includes a variety of knives that are exceptionally sharp, making kitchen tasks more efficient.
Weight and Balance
The knives are well-balanced and comfortable to hold, even for those with smaller hands.
Sharpness and Edge Retention
The one-piece construction of the knives is highly appreciated for its sturdiness and sharpness.
Storage Options
The compact knife block with a built-in sharpener is praised for its efficient storage and maintenance.
#2

WÜSTHOF Classic 15-Piece Knife Block Set

Rating
9.1
Blade Material
Knife Types Included
Sharpness and Edge Retention

Most important from
316 reviews

Blade Material
The German steel construction ensures they last forever.
Knife Types Included
The set includes a variety of essential knives and tools, all forged from high-carbon stainless steel.
Sharpness and Edge Retention
Exceptionally sharp out of the box, these knives can cut through anything effortlessly.

The WÜSTHOF Classic 15-Piece Knife Block Set is a well-rounded choice for both amateur cooks and serious chefs. It includes a variety of knives such as a paring knife, utility knives, Santoku, bread knife, cook’s knife, and steak knives, ensuring you have the right tool for almost any kitchen task. The set also includes 9-inch honing steel, kitchen shears, and a 17-slot block for convenient storage. Each knife is made from high carbon stainless steel, known for its durability and resistance to corrosion and dulling.

The blades are precision-forged and tempered to a 58-degree HRC, making them 20% sharper and offering twice the edge retention compared to previous models. This means the knives will stay sharp for longer, reducing the frequency of sharpening. The handles are made of synthetic polypropylene, which is resistant to fading, discoloration, heat, and impact, ensuring a comfortable and stable grip. The full tang and triple-riveted design add to the balance and weight, making the knives easier to handle and control.

A notable advantage is the limited lifetime warranty, which adds value by offering long-term assurance. However, one potential drawback is that the knives must be hand-washed and dried immediately to maintain their condition, which might be an inconvenience for some users. Additionally, the set is on the pricier side, but considering the quality and craftsmanship, it could be a worthwhile investment for those serious about their kitchen tools. This knife set is highly durable, sharp, and well-balanced, making it suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks.

Rating
9.1
Blade Material
Knife Types Included
Sharpness and Edge Retention

Most important from
316 reviews

Blade Material
The German steel construction ensures they last forever.
Knife Types Included
The set includes a variety of essential knives and tools, all forged from high-carbon stainless steel.
Sharpness and Edge Retention
Exceptionally sharp out of the box, these knives can cut through anything effortlessly.
#3

Shun Premier 15-piece Knife Block Set

Rating
8.5
Handle Material
Sharpness and Edge Retention

Most important from
34 reviews

Handle Material
A perfect fit for both left-handed and right-handed users, the grip is incredibly comfortable.
Sharpness and Edge Retention
These knives are a game changer, delivering exceptional sharpness and ease of use.

The Shun Premier 15-piece Knife Block Set is a comprehensive and high-quality collection designed for serious home chefs and culinary enthusiasts. The blades are made from a VG-MAX steel core, known for its excellent sharpness and edge retention. The Damascus-clad with 34 micro-layers on each side adds not only to the strength but also gives it a visually appealing finish. Each knife features a hammered Tsuchime finish that aids in food release, enhancing the slicing experience.

The handle is made of walnut PakkaWood, which is durable and comfortable for both right and left-handed users. The set includes a variety of knives such as paring, utility, chef's, and steak knives, along with a honing steel and an angled knife block for storage, making it versatile for different kitchen tasks. However, the knives are not dishwasher safe and require hand washing with gentle dish soap, which could be seen as a slight inconvenience.

Considering the craftsmanship and materials, the Shun Premier might be on the pricier side, but it offers a lifetime warranty, which adds to its value. This set is ideal for those who value precision, craftsmanship, and a comprehensive range of knives in their kitchen arsenal.

Rating
8.5
Handle Material
Sharpness and Edge Retention

Most important from
34 reviews

Handle Material
A perfect fit for both left-handed and right-handed users, the grip is incredibly comfortable.
Sharpness and Edge Retention
These knives are a game changer, delivering exceptional sharpness and ease of use.

Buying Guide for the Best Knife Sets

Choosing the right knife set is an important step in setting up your kitchen for efficient and enjoyable cooking. A good knife set will provide you with the specific tools needed for everyday food prep, from slicing vegetables to carving meats. The goal is to find a set that covers your culinary needs, feels comfortable in your hand, and will last with proper care. It’s also good to consider ease of maintenance and how much space you have for storage when picking a set.
Blade MaterialBlade material is what the knife’s cutting part is made from and it directly affects the knife’s sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. The most common materials are stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and ceramic. Stainless steel is rust-resistant and easy to care for, making it a popular choice for most kitchens. High-carbon steel holds a sharp edge longer but can be more prone to rust if not maintained properly. Ceramic blades stay sharp for a long time and resist staining, but can chip or break if dropped. When picking a blade material, think about your willingness to maintain the knives and how often you’ll use them.
Handle Design and ComfortThe handle is where you grip the knife, and it hugely influences comfort, control, and safety while cutting. Handles can be made from wood, plastic, or composite materials. Wood handles have a traditional feel but need more care to prevent damage from water. Plastic and composite handles are more resistant to moisture and easier to clean. The shape of the handle matters too—choose a handle that fits comfortably in your hand and offers a secure grip. If you have smaller or larger hands, be sure to pick a set that feels comfortable for you during repeated use.
Included KnivesKnife sets come with a variety of pieces, usually including a chef’s knife, paring knife, bread knife, and others like utility or serrated knives. Some sets have more speciality knives, while others stick to just the basics. Consider what kind of cooking you do most often; if you mostly do general cooking, a few basic knives will suffice, but if you like baking or preparing exotic dishes, a set with specialty blades might be helpful. Avoid buying sets with lots of knives you won’t actually use.
Sharpness and Edge RetentionSharpness refers to how finely the knife can cut, and edge retention is how long it stays sharp before needing to be honed or sharpened again. This depends mostly on the blade’s material and design. Knives that stay sharp longer require less upkeep but can be harder to sharpen on your own. If you don’t want to sharpen knives often, look for a set known for edge retention. If you’re comfortable sharpening, you might prioritize knives that are easy to hone regularly.
Balance and WeightBalance and weight describe how the knife feels in your hand and how easily you can control it. A balanced knife is neither blade- nor handle-heavy, and should feel natural to maneuver. Weight is a personal preference—some people like heavier knives for chopping, while others prefer lighter ones for delicate tasks. Think about what feels comfortable for your wrist and hand strength, and choose a set with knives that won’t tire you out during prep.
Maintenance and CareMaintenance and care refer to how easy the knives are to clean, sharpen, and store. Some knives are dishwasher safe, but hand washing is usually best to preserve sharpness and prevent corrosion. Consider whether the set comes with a storage block, magnetic strip, or protective sheaths, as this helps keep knives safe and handy. If you want the least upkeep, pick knives that resist staining and rust, and avoid wood handles if you'll be washing them often.

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