By Brittany Rowland

Knife sets can be a convenient solution if you want a complete set of all the essential tools but you don’t want to spend a fortune on each individual knife. Value was one of the key considerations we had when choosing the top 10 knife sets. Other factors included:

1. Number and types of knives
2. Convenient storage like a block or case
3. Sharpener included
4. Strong, sharp blades that retain their edges
5. Bolsters that provide excellent weight and balance
6. Ease of sharpening and cleaning
7. Attractiveness of design
8. Comfortable, non-slip grips

You can find some decent quality knives for relatively low prices. If you’re looking for top-notch quality, however, the sky’s the limit as far as pricing goes.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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The last thing you want to do is keep all your sharp knives—chefs, santoku, filleting, paring, etc.—is throw them all together in a drawer. Not only does it look untidy and fail to protect the blades, but it’s like sticking your hand in a land mine to fish one out… [more]

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After a lot of busy work in the kitchen, chopping up and cooking food, you just want to enjoy the fine meal you’ve prepared and get the kitchen cleaned as quickly as possible. It’s tempting to throw your nice knives in the dishwasher along with all the other cookware, but you should resist the urge… [more]

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Sharpening your special kitchen knives when it’s required will keep them cutting and slicing away with speed and precision. Even though many knife manufacturers boast that their knives stay sharp and rarely need honing, it’s still smart to have a couple tools at hand for when your blades inevitably start getting dull.

Remember, sharpening knives isn’t just for keeping them in peak condition; it’s also a matter of safety. A dull knife is more likely to slip and cut you than a razor-thin blade.

Whetstone

A whetstone is a great tool for sharpening knives because it doesn’t wear away too much of the blade. The task is fairly straightforward and takes only a couple minutes.

• Position the whetstone on the cutting board, scratchy side up.
• Hold the knife’s edge against the whetstone at a 22 ½ degree angle and slide it forward against the stone, covering all parts of the edge.
• Repeat this movement 10 times, and then flip the knife over to do the other side 10 times.
• Flip the whetstone over so the finer side is facing up. Repeat the previous steps.

The whetstone works away parts of the blade’s edge to get it sharp again. However, the process leaves the edge rough and uneven. After whetting the knife, you’ll need to use the knife sharpener to get the blade’s edge smooth again.

Sharpening Steel

A steel smooths, or hones, the knife’s edge to a straight line, close to the way you originally had it. The steel should be at least as long as the knife you’re sharpening.

• With your non-dominant hand, hold the steel up with the point resting against the cutting board, your hand at the top of the steel.
• Position the knife perpendicular to the steel, with the back of the blade (the part closest to the handle) against the steel. Once again, the knife should be angled 22 ½ degrees against the steel.
• In one fluid motion, simultaneously pull the knife back toward you and down the length of the steel. This motion should cover the entire edge of the blade.
• Do this stroke 10 times, and then turn the knife over and give that side 10 strokes.

After whetting and honing the knife, carefully rinse any miniscule metal filings off the blade and dry it with a cloth. These simple steps will preserve the fine quality and angle of your knife’s edge. Whatever you do, avoid rinky-dink electric sharpeners, which can seriously damage the fine craftsmanship of the blade.

As you get used to the sharpening process, you’ll notice the difference between a sharp and dull blade right away. Some chefs sharpen their knives frequently—at least once a week. You’ll appreciate your whetstone and steel when you see how smoothly your knife cuts through tomatoes, cheese, and carrots.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

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Top 10 Knife Sets

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The finest quality santoku knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. The word santoku means “three virtues,” after all. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected our top 10 knives, including: 1. Durable, strong forged steel, 2. A full tang for extra strength…. [more]

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The finest quality chefs knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected our top 10 knives, including:1. Durable, strong forged steel, 2. A full tang for extra strength…. [more]

So you’re in charge of your own kitchen now and you need to build up your collection of kitchen tools. As any professional or aspiring chef knows, the greatest tools you have at your disposal are knives. Different knives perform different functions, of course, be it chopping, mincing, dicing, slicing, paring, scooping, sawing, or deboning.

With knives, you generally get what you pay for. There are plenty of decent knives out there for reasonable prices. For better quality performance, however, you should expect to shell out more money. Before you make any expensive purchases you need to decide exactly what you need and how much you’re willing to pay for it.

Do you need a whole set?

One of the first decisions you should make is whether to look for one really good open stock knife or a complete knife set. Often this choice boils down to your budget. Knife sets can be really economical if you find a decent set for a fair price. But you may also just want a good chefs knife or a basic utility knife. Perhaps you already have a knife set but a piece or two broke or went missing, and you really just want to replace those.

While a fine-quality chefs or santoku knife can serve you well in the kitchen, handling most of the basic cutting tasks, it can also be quite expensive—sometimes more expensive than a basic knife set that offers a bit of everything: paring, bread, utility, and steak knives. Sets typically come with a sharpening steel so you can keep the edges fine and sharp. Another benefit of the knife set is the convenient knife block that stores and protects your knives and looks so fancy on the counter.

Regular or professional quality

It’s perhaps unfair to compare regular kitchen knives to professional knives, because the knives you find in most kitchens are perfectly adequate for the tasks they’re assigned. Professionals look for knife sets with extra fine edges and ceramic blades. These knives are top-quality, but they also require a lot of maintenance—more maintenance than they’re worth if you’re just a regular person looking for regular kitchen knives. Regular knives, while still great quality, are much easier to upkeep. The stainless steel kind hold up well, don’t stain or rust with proper care, and sharpen easily.

Picking the best knives

Sometimes what qualifies as the best in knives comes down to personal preference. Some people like a heavy, sturdy feel. Forged stainless steel blades with bolsters fit big hands well and feel powerful. Other people prefer a lighter feel, a bit more flexibility. Stamped blades tend to be a little lighter and easier to handle.

Handle material also comes into play.

• Wooden handles are attractive and traditional, but if they’re left in water too long they can crack or warp. Bacteria also likes to hide in the wood’s porous surface.
• Plastic handles are usually of some cushioned, non-slip material. They’re hygienic and look fine if you like a contemporary style.
• Some knife handles use a composite of wood and plastic, providing the heft and aesthetic appeal of one and the sanitary features of the other.

Ultimately, you’re the best judge when it comes to determining what works for you. Shop around, read reviews, and compare prices before making your final purchase. Whenever possible, go to a store and handle different knives yourself to get a feel for the weight, balance, and style you prefer.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Related Knife Set Articles

How to Wash Your Knives

After a lot of busy work in the kitchen, chopping up and cooking food, you just want to enjoy the fine meal you’ve prepared and get the kitchen cleaned as quickly as possible. It’s tempting to throw your nice knives in the dishwasher along with all the other cookware, but you should resist the urge… [more]

The Importance of Chefs Knives

When it comes to preparing food, the knife is of utmost importance. For the greatest control and versatility, a chefs knife cannot be topped. Featuring a blade between 8 and 10 inches long, it’s expensive and requires special care… [more]

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Knife sets vary in the types of knives they offer. Typically, the more knives in a set, the higher the price rises. While it’s awfully convenient to have a versatile collection for all your cooking tasks, you also don’t want to get saddled with a bunch of frilly knives that you never use… [more]

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Top 10 Chef’s Knives

The finest quality chefs knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected our top 10 knives, including: Durable, strong forged steel… [more]

Top 10 Santoku Knives

The finest quality santoku knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. The word santoku means “three virtues,” after all. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected… [more]

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The last thing you want to do is keep all your sharp knives—chefs, santoku, filleting, paring, etc.—is throw them all together in a drawer. Not only does it look untidy and fail to protect the blades, but it’s like sticking your hand in a land mine to fish one out.

Some knives come with a protective sheath, including the kind with sharpening teeth that keep the edge sharp. But the most convenient solution is to look for a knife block. Blocks are now available for purchase separate from knife sets. They look nice on the counter and make it fast and easy to pull out whichever knife you need. Some have slots for over 20 knives and include space for scissors and steak knives.

When you place your knives in the block, be sure to slide them in with the edge facing up. This position prevents the edge from going dull.

Other options

• Of course, if you can’t afford to give up the counter space, there are under-counter, in-drawer, and wall-mounted storage units that also help keep the knives organized.
• If you have a really nice set of knives that you’re proud to show off, there are attractive knife magnets that either sit on the counter or hang on the wall.
• For transporting knives, individual sheaths work great, as do knife rolls or cases. Professional cooks use these methods to take their knives with them wherever they go.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Related Knife Set Articles

How to Wash Your Knives

After a lot of busy work in the kitchen, chopping up and cooking food, you just want to enjoy the fine meal you’ve prepared and get the kitchen cleaned as quickly as possible. It’s tempting to throw your nice knives in the dishwasher along with all the other cookware, but you should resist the urge… [more]

The Importance of Chefs Knives

When it comes to preparing food, the knife is of utmost importance. For the greatest control and versatility, a chefs knife cannot be topped. Featuring a blade between 8 and 10 inches long, it’s expensive and requires special care… [more]

The Essential Knives You’ll Find in Most Knife Sets

Knife sets vary in the types of knives they offer. Typically, the more knives in a set, the higher the price rises. While it’s awfully convenient to have a versatile collection for all your cooking tasks, you also don’t want to get saddled with a bunch of frilly knives that you never use… [more]

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Chef’s Knives

The finest quality chefs knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected our top 10 knives, including: Durable, strong forged steel… [more]

Top 10 Santoku Knives

The finest quality santoku knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. The word santoku means “three virtues,” after all. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected… [more]

Top 10 Knife Sets

Knife sets can be a convenient solution if you want a complete set of all the essential tools but you don’t want to spend a fortune on each individual knife. Value was one of the key considerations…[more]

Knife sets vary in the types of knives they offer. Typically, the more knives in a set, the higher the price rises. While it’s awfully convenient to have a versatile collection for all your cooking tasks, you also don’t want to get saddled with a bunch of frilly knives that you never use.

Perhaps you need a quick course on the different kinds of knives standard in most sets and how they’re used.

Santoku knives are gaining popularity and finding their way into knife sets. Similar to chefs knives except lighter, they feature indentations along the blade that reduce friction between the food and the blade. They slice through tough food easily without it sticking to the blade.

Utility knives, typically around 5 inches long, are still found in many knife sets. They’re between a paring knife and a chefs knife in size, but they’re generally too big for delicate tasks and not sturdy enough for heavy tasks.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Knife Sets

Knife sets can be a convenient solution if you want a complete set of all the essential tools but you don’t want to spend a fortune on each individual knife. Value was one of the key considerations we had when choosing the top 10 knife sets. Other factors included:…. [more]

Top 10 Santoku Knives

The finest quality santoku knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. The word santoku means “three virtues,” after all. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected our top 10 knives, including: 1. Durable, strong forged steel, 2. A full tang for extra strength…. [more]

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The finest quality chefs knives are guaranteed to last you many years and provide versatile function in the kitchen. We looked for a variety of factors as we selected our top 10 knives, including:1. Durable, strong forged steel, 2. A full tang for extra strength…. [more]

By Brittany Rowland

A handsome, durable knife set with all the essential pieces and more, this Chicago Cutlery Fusion collection includes a new creation by the company: the Partoku, a hybrid of the santoku and paring knives. It’s ideal for intricate work and fits comfortably in small hands. In fact, if you have large hands, you may feel all the handles are a tad short. But the knives have perfect weight and balance and feel heavy enough to be substantial workers. Forged from a hard steel that resists stains and pitting, these knives come backed with a lifetime warranty. The attractive honey maple wood block completes the nice picture. The set is available for $119.93, a great bargain given the number of knives it includes.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

Fusion 18 Piece Cutlery Block Set – $109.00 Retail Price: $119.00 You Save: $10.00

By Brittany Rowland

If cooking is your profession—or you’re training to become a chef—then you know that your knives are your most important work tools. Global recognizes this need and fulfills it with this 7-piece professional chef’s knife set. The 5 knives and diamond steel stay protected and easy to transport in an 11-pocket storage case. While these knives are expensive at $499.95, they signify an important investment and come with a lifetime warranty. All you have to do is clean and sharpen them properly. With such a handsome, sturdy collection of knives, you’ll be happy to.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

If you’re looking for a fine-quality knife set on a budget, then this Chicago Cutlery set for $85 may satisfy your needs. The blades are forged from high carbon stainless steel, which runs from the tips to the tang. The handles are stainless steel as well, lending the knives a sleek, seamless look. With proper care—washing and drying by hand—these knives will stay looking polished and rust-free. The steak knives slice through tough meat effortlessly even without serrations, and all the other knives in the set perform whatever kitchen tasks you have in store. The knives come sharp and stay sharp, but for your convenience there’s a built-in sharpener in the wood block.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

Insignia Steel 18 Piece Block Set with In Block Sharpener – $102.54 Retail Price: $112.54 You Save: $10.00

By Brittany Rowland

Shun is a Japanese company known for its high-quality knives forged of extra-strong stainless steel for a hard but not brittle feel. The blades retain their edges incredibly well, requiring just regular honing. What we love about these knives is how you can see the layers of stainless steel in the blade, an intricate pattern that indicates the strength behind these knives. The same forging process was used in making samurai swords from long ago. The bolsters provide great control and cutting power, and the handles are well suited to smaller hands. At $399.95, this set is quite an investment, but it’s high-quality, elegant, and built to last a lifetime.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

Shun Classic 6 Piece Basic Block Cutlery Set – $449.95 Retail Price: $459.95 You Save: $10.00

By Brittany Rowland

For only $22.47, the Cuisinart Advantage C55-01-12PCKS is an affordable and good quality knife set that will surprise you with its razor sharpness. The knives come in an array of bright colors—not just for decoration, but as color coding to prevent cross contamination between chicken, fish, bread, etc. The knives come in sturdy packaging in such a way that you don’t have to worry about cutting yourself getting them out. And while the knives should be hand washed to preserve their non-stick colored coating, they are easy to keep clean. We were also impressed with the weight and balance of these knives, which have ergonomic handles and blade guards.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

By Brittany Rowland

Ginsu may have initially given itself a bad name with those infamous infomercials, but the quality of its knives has improved remarkably over the years, and this Chikara knife set is no exception. The blades of forged Japanese stainless steel are incredibly sharp and retain their edges well. The set includes all the essential tools you’ll need, including the handy chefs knife and santoku knife for all your chopping and mincing. We loved how sturdy and heavy the knives feel in the hand. They definitely don’t feel cheap, and they shouldn’t for $95.99. The resin handles can lose some of their shiny finish after a couple washings, but if it’s important to you, some oil can restore the luster.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

Chikara Series 12 Piece Bamboo Knife Block Set – $106.99 Retail Price: $116.99 You Save: $10.00

By Brittany Rowland

With high carbon stainless steel laser-cut and tempered in Germany for precision, this Wusthof Gourmet knife set has all the essential tools for a kitchen. The full tang knives have a sturdy, balanced feel; a tad lightweight but not cheap feeling. The riveted polypropylene handles are comfortable to grip and don’t have crevices that can trap bacteria. As with all good knives, these Wusthof knives are best washed and dried by hand. The honing steel comes in handy when the knives need sharpening, which isn’t too often; the blades retain their edges very well. You get what you pay for, and this $199.95 set, while not professional grade, is still a high-quality purchase.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

Gourmet Twelve Piece Block Set – $169.99 Retail Price: $179.99 You Save: $10.00

By Brittany Rowland

An attractive knife set from J.A. Henckels, these full tang knives feature contoured, cushioned handles with a backing of brushed stainless steel that adds to the aesthetic appeal and improves the strength. The set is complete with such tools as a santoku, chefs, paring, and boning knife, and the included 9-inch sharpening steel is a handy accessory. These knives, stamped with German stainless steel, require some special care: hand-washing and drying and periodic sharpening. They, along with the black block, are sure to complement most kitchen décor, and they’re available at the low price of $69.45.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

International Fine Edge Synergy 17 Piece Block Cutlery Set – $99.99 Retail Price: $109.99 You Save: $10.00

By Brittany Rowland

For a fairly inexpensive knife set, this 15-piece set from Chicago Cutlery has all the essential tools you’ll need to tackle various tasks in the kitchen. At $59.99, it holds great value with the included shears and multi-tiered block. The full tang stainless steel knives come sharp, and Chicago Cutlery promises that they’re easy to resharpen. While not as strong as knives with forged blades, these knives still hold up remarkably well with proper care, and they come backed with a full lifetime guarantee. The high carbon stainless steel blades resist stains, rust, pitting, and corrosion. For the fair price, you can’t complain about the fine quality of these knives.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

Metropolitan 15 Piece Block Set – $55.38 Retail Price: $65.38 You Save: $10.00

By Brittany Rowland

For a complete collection of knives at a great low price, this Ginsu knife set cannot be beat. At only $29.99, it offers 6 kitchen knives, 6 steak knives, shears, and a hardwood knife block. The utility, chefs, and santoku knives will probably get the most use, but the paring knife is also handy for small, precise jobs and the boning knife for taking apart poultry. Even the shears serve multiple purposes with a built-in bottle opener, nut cracker, and jar opener. Ginsu claims that the two-dimensional serrated edges never need to be sharpened; in truth, all knives eventually become dull, but happy customers report that this set stays razor-sharp for quite a while.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Prices

14 Piece Bakelite Traditional Knife and Block Set in Natural – $27.10 Retail Price: $37.10 You Save: $10.00