Updated on Apr. 24, 2025
After testing 20 sets and 70 kitchen knives, our shopping editors found the best kitchen knife sets for every budget, cooking style and skill level
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NICOLE DOSTER FOR TASTE OF HOME
For an heirloom-quality set, turn to this sleek, steel option. Our tester loved the knives' light feel and balanced weight that still delivered exceptional sharpness.
According to James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Messina, “At a minimum, a home cook should own three to four knives, depending on what they are making. First, and most importantly, a good quality chef’s knife, or a gyutou in Japanese, is the single most important knife in any kitchen, including professional kitchens.” Apart from a chef’s knife, Tony says all you really need are two additional kitchen knives: A paring knife and a serrated utility knife (or bread knife). However, tons of knife sets offer versatile extras like knife blocks for storage, shears and even knife sharpeners.
To help you find the best knife set for your kitchen, our shopping team tested dozens of kitchen knives to determine which ones are worth buying. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re bound to find it in this list of the top kitchen knife sets for every cooking need.
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Zwilling is practically synonymous with quality. Given that, we’re unsurprised that it scored the most points in our tests for the best kitchen knife set. The Four Star knife set is a basic but remarkable assortment of three essential knives. The set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 3-inch pairing knife and a 5-inch serrated knife. We love that there’s no gimmicky extras or flashy frills—just a simple, high-quality set of kitchen tools. The quality of the chef’s knife, in particular, is not lost on Affiliate Content Director and self-described knife snob, Nicole Doster.
“You know how prepping ingredients usually feels like a chore? Now I look forward to it because I have such a nice knife that slides through celery, peppers, potatoes, broccoli florets, roast chicken and steak like butter,” she says. “With just a little pressure, the Zwilling knife chops harder ingredients too, like super fibrous sweet potato. I even retired my beloved Ergochef chef’s knife that I thought you’d have to rip from my cold dead hands in favor of the new Zwilling.”
She notes the overall ergonomics of this set are perfect for those who don’t like holding heavier utensils. “At first, I was shocked to feel that the knives were so lightweight. I’ve been used to handling Ergochef knives, which I consider high quality,” she says. “The Zwillings weren’t heavy in my hands but had enough weight distributed to feel well-balanced, like the knife wouldn’t sway one direction or the other.”
Each inclusion falls right into the “Goldilocks zone” of size and value, making them perfect for both budding home cooks and experienced chefs. The blades themselves come from high-carbon stainless steel using Henkel’s proprietary “FRIODUR” methods. This method centers on heating and cooling the blades in a specific manner to create a high-quality cutting tool that doesn’t chip or crumble throughout the years. While the serrated knife works well for most baked goods, our one complaint is that the 5-inch blade may be too short for larger bread loaves.
“I’ve had these knives since May 2024 and use them several times a day,” notes Nicole. “The knives perform as good as day one! They are still my favorite knives for everyday use. The blades have not chipped or warped and the handles are still in perfect condition. I continue to be surprised with how effective the chef’s knife is, considering its weight. It feels lightweight but still sturdy and durable enough for tough prep like spatchcocking a chicken.”
Unfortunately, this particular Zwilling set doesn’t come with a dedicated knife block (or sheaths, for that matter). However, given the quality and value of the set, we don’t consider that a deal breaker. Those interested in the set should snag one of our favorite knife holders to keep your workspace tidy and your knives from knocking against each other.
Blade material: Carbon stainless steel | Storage: No | Includes: 8″ chef’s knife, 3″ pairing knife, 5″ serrated knife
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You could argue that the chef’s knife is the most important knife in a cook’s repertoire. This chef’s knife set from Hedley & Bennett celebrates the core kitchen utensil with a small-yet-mighty three-piece collection built around it. The sleek set offers the ideal blend of style and substance thanks to high-quality materials and a thoughtfully designed handle. It’s also available in a range of five colors: Shiso, caviar black, miso, enoki and capri blue.
The three-layer Japanese steel construction of the paring and chef’s knife means they’re better equipped against tough foods like potatoes, beets and turnips. While the serrated knife comes from German steel rather than Japanese steel, we actually see that as a “pro” rather than a “con.” It provides better edge retention over the life of the knife, which is perfect for serrated blades that are notoriously difficult to sharpen.
Caroline Lubinski, former Senior Editor, finds herself reaching for these the most out of all the knives in her kitchen, especially when handling delicate fruits and crusty sourdough. After two months of almost daily use, she still hasn’t had to sharpen them at all—a remarkable feat for a set under $300. Apart from being well-balanced and stylish, the knives are also mom-approved. “My mom remarked it was like cutting through butter with these knives,” notes Caroline.
While each knife doesn’t come with a display block, it does arrive with its own sheath. For a little extra pizzaz, they also offer a set of custom wood sheaths sold separately. We recommend this set for those looking to spend a bit more for better quality. It’s the perfect upgrade for experienced home cooks—the set offers more longevity and better balance than budget picks. Plus, Hedley & Bennett’s generous lifetime guarantee also makes the rather high price point a little easier to swallow.
Blade material: Three layer Japanese steel, German steel | Storage: Sheaths | Includes: 5.6″ utility knife, 8.6″ bread knife, 8″ chef’s knife
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We’re already obsessed with the Beautiful by Drew kitchen collection at Walmart, so we had to try the Beautiful knife block set when it came across our radar. Priced at under $50, the 12-piece set comes loaded with a chef’s knife, a serrated utility knife, a serrated Santoku knife, a paring knife, six steak knives, shears and a stylish white and gold knife block that holds it all.
A gorgeous gold and white theme is the real star here—it offers a luxe look that feels like it should cost twice the price. The knives themselves come from durable stainless steel. In addition, each includes a stick-resistant gold resin coating that helps them glide through fruits, veggies and meats seamlessly. White ergonomic handles feature a soft-touch material for extra comfy cutting, especially when you’re faced with party prep or impending holiday meals.
At this price point, we weren’t expecting the same quality as other sets that cost more than $200. That said, we were pleasantly surprised with the performance for the price—especially when other budget options we tested felt flimsy or unsafe. According to former Senior Editor Daria Smith, these budget knives pack a lot of utility into an affordable package if you temper your expectations accordingly.
“If you’re going for volume, it’s a fair price. The knives look beautiful sitting in their block on my counter, and I’m impressed with how powerful the shears are,” she says.
While Daria still gravitates towards her pricier sets for most of her kitchen prep, she notes that the set is a solid backup. Overall, it performs as expected; the knives feel sturdy and safe, and the set looks lovely sitting on a counter. It checks the boxes when it comes to everything we’re looking for in a budget kitchen knife set.
Blade material: Stainless steel, resin coating | Storage: Gold and white knife block | Includes: 8″ chef’s knife, 5.5″ serrated utility knife, 5″ serrated Santoku knife, 3.5″ paring knife, (6) 4.5″ steak knives, shears, knife block
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Yes, chef! When budget isn’t a concern, the best kitchen knife set should have you feeling exactly like a line cook (minus the shouting and ever-mounting pressure). That’s exactly what you get with the HexClad Damascus chef knife set, which includes a magnetic walnut knife block, chef’s knife, Santoku knife, utility knife, paring knife, serrated knife and honing steel. Besides HexClad’s generous lifetime warranty that protects against manufacturer defects, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay backs the brand’s quality.
In her full review of the knives, Senior Editor Katie Bandurski notes that they’re especially handy for unwieldy foods. “One notable experience? Cutting through a butternut squash. While they’re one of my all-time favorite fall veggies, I’d be lying if I said I looked forward to the prep,” she says. “Before HexClad, I would spend at least five minutes wrestling and rocking with my knives to cut through the dense, slippery flesh. But with the help of the 8-inch chef’s knife, I cut through the thickest portion with one simple swipe. It was like cutting through butter.”
After months of near-daily use, Katie is still impressed with their performance. “I’ve been using the Damascus chef knife set since September 2023—well over a year! As to be expected, the knives dulled a bit, but they’re still fully functional. We got them professionally sharpened over the summer and I expect we’ll need to continue that cadence every six months or so. Beyond that, there are no noticeable signs of wear. This is my go-to set and I use them every single day—and they haven’t ever let me down.”
Those seeking an heirloom set that may very well last decades will find the HexClad Damascus chef knife set up to the task. The set comes priced with that in mind, but we consider this set an investment that’s worth the extra cost if you can swing it.
Blade material: Japanese Damascus steel | Storage: Magnetic knife block | Includes: 8″ chef’s knife, 7″ Santoku knife, 5″ utility knife, 3.5″ inch paring knife, 8″ serrated knife, 9″ honing steel, magnetic walnut knife block
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Cangshan knives, available at a comfortable mid-tier price point, offer a good balance between value and quality. The brand has a range of knife types, including forged German and Damascus steels. However, their Helena German steel knife block set is our top pick from their mid-range lineup. My husband and I were gifted the Helena knife block set by my mother-in-law last year, and we use them nearly daily.
These knives are sharp right out of the box. The set comes with a chef’s knife, Santoku knife, bread knife, honing steel, forged shears, serrated utility knife and a paring knife. A gorgeous, solid acacia wood block nestles everything inside. The sleek and slim handles feel amazing in my (admittedly small) hands. I love that they’re not super weighted.
When it comes to daily use, I find myself reaching for the chef’s knife the most. Its 8-inch blade perfectly suits a range of kitchen tasks, from chopping cherry tomatoes to cutting chicken for curry. In my opinion, every knife block should come with a set of come-apart shears—and the Canghan shears deliver. They easily twist apart for cleaning and sharpening and can cut through almost anything. That includes herbs, tendons—really any food item that needs a quick snip during meal prep.
Apart from the full tang that makes these knives feel ultra-safe and sturdy, my favorite aspect of the handle is the flush rivets. I’ve had budget knives that are difficult to clean since gunk can build up around the rivets. These clean up well during a hand wash, though they begin to look less lustrous as time goes on. That said, after more than a year of use, I haven’t noticed any deterioration, and the discoloring doesn’t affect the performance at all.
Blade material: Alloy Steel | Storage: Wood block | Includes: 8″ chef’s knife, 7″ Santoku knife, 8″ bread knife, 8″ honing steel, 9″ forged shears, 5″ serrated utility knife, 3.5″ paring knife, solid acacia wood block
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Nothing is more disappointing than buying the perfect set of kitchen knives and watching them slowly get duller and duller as time goes on. Many of us don’t have our knives professionally sharpened, and using a knife sharpener is a bit of a learned skill. The Ninja Foodi Never Dull knife set counteracts this by including a dedicated sharpener right on the knife block. Apart from taking up next to no room, the sharpener is also incredibly simple to use—and it’s super handy for home cooks.
“I like that the base that holds the sharpener and the knives has little suction feet to keep it steady,” notes tester Caroline. However, it is worth noting that you should not sharpen other non-Ninja-branded knives in the sharpener, which Caroline was a little disappointed to learn. That said, this tidbit doesn’t affect those who are seeking a knife set that covers all of their cutting needs. The built-in sharpener makes this a great gift for chefs or newbie cooks looking for an all-in-one solution.
“I’m leaving them out on my counter because the knife block looks so sleek,” says Caroline. “They did a nice job constructing a set that doesn’t create an eye sore in the kitchen.”
In terms of performance, Caroline mentions that the knives are razor-sharp right out of the box, easily chopping through fruits, veggies and fish. At nearly $300, the set is rather pricey, but we found it an excellent value when you factor in all the knives, the sharpener and the stylish storage block.
Blade material: German stainless steel | Storage: Sharpening knife block | Includes: 8″ chef’s knife, 8″ bread knife, 5″ Santoku knife, 5″ boning knife, 5″ utility knife, 3.5″ paring knife, 6 steak knives, shears
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It may seem surprising to see a minimalistic set as our pick for the best Japanese knife set, but hear us out! Material’s three-piece knife set may look simple, but each knife features cryogenically tempered Japanese stainless steel and high carbon, making it ultra-durable. It claims to last a lifetime and comes in an assortment of four neutral shades that complement a range of kitchen decor.
Japanese steel boasts a higher Rockwell scale rating than German steel, making these kitchen workhorses much lighter and more durable than competitors. Once finished, bladesmiths hand-polish, then heat-treat and temper the blades. This increases the knives’ hardness, sharpness and durability. They won’t rust or scratch and they’ll stay sharp for a long time, though this intensive treatment boosts the cost a bit higher than some of the other sets on this list.
Our tester, Daria, can’t get enough of these knives. She notes her obsession with their aesthetics, design and functionality. “I’m a minimalist and believe less is more,” she says. These three knives are created to last a lifetime, and they’re all I’ll ever need! I have used this set daily since receiving it and haven’t had to sharpen yet.”
Material’s website also offers engraving for $30 and a magnetic knife stand sold separately. Daria also recommends snagging the reBoard cutting board, engineered to keep them looking like new.
These minimalist kitchen tools may be a bit costlier than other options, but they’re well worth it for the ultra-light feel and long-lasting sharpness. Those seeking an heirloom collection that tackles almost every kitchen task flawlessly will find this knife set well worth the splurge.
Blade material: Japanese high-carbon, stainless steel | Storage: No | Includes: 8″ chef’s knife, 3.5″ paring knife, 6″ serrated knife
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When it comes to kitchen prep, I’m a bit of a stickler for an all-in-one solution. Tools that don’t match simply drive me bananas, which is why I love my Caraway Prep Set. Boasting FSC-certified birch wood, German stainless steel blades and BPA-free handles, the set offers a bounty of non-toxic tools that handle most meals. It also comes in six stunning shades that bring me immense joy every time I use the included knives.
Included are a set of birchwood tongs, spatulas, serving spoons, shears and a magnetic modular organization unit that keeps it all tidy. Inside the magnetic modular storage unit is a birchwood knife block sporting a chef’s knife, prep knife, bread knife and paring knife.
Compared to my pricey Cangshan set, the Caraway Prep Set knives performed surprisingly well. The serrated knife saws through bread without squishing a single piece, and it doubles as a nice slicer for sandwiches. The chef’s knife impresses with its sharp blade and lightweight handle. I love that the premium German stainless steel extends all the way through the handle—it makes the entire set feel so much safer than budget brands.
The paring knife is my favorite of the bunch. Its small size fits perfectly in my hand, and the handy sharp blade works well for peeling apples, chopping cucumbers and removing the fat from cuts of meat. Even after slicing and dicing several meals, the paring knife still easily cuts through most foods. No dull blades here!
I’ve used these knives almost daily for over a year. So far, I haven’t noticed any deterioration or discoloration. While the overall quality isn’t the same as a $500 set, I love that this is an all-in-one purchase that covers the basic needs of most home cooks. Plus, each included aspect is cute to boot!
Blade material: German Stainless Steel blades | Storage: Modular storage unit, wooden knife block | Includes: 8″ chef’s knife, 6.5″ prep knife, 7″ bread knife, 3.5″ paring knife, knife block, 5 wooden utensils and modular storage unit
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Those seeking a medium-sized knife set that looks lovely and cuts flawlessly, listen up. Cutluxe works with professional gourmet chefs to craft high-quality tools at the lowest possible price. Their five-piece kitchen knife set delivers solid performance at a low price point, making them an excellent value overall. Each set even comes with a little cleaning cloth to keep your new knives looking sleek!
Apart from the standard chef’s knife and paring knife that come with most sets, this set also includes a Santoku knife, utility knife and carving knife. The Santoku knife, in particular, is worth the price alone. It has a Granton edge blade with little dimples. These divots help the knife slice cleanly through almost anything without sticking. I’ve tried it with tomatoes, potatoes and even meat without having to stop and peel anything off.
One area where this knife set fails a bit is in variety. There’s no serrated knife included, which may be a dealbreaker for bakers. I go through a healthy amount of sourdough throughout the week and find myself missing this essential. I’d love to see the set with at least one serrated option. That said, the other knives work in a pinch.
Cutluxe also boasts one of the best brand warranties on this list. Each set has a lifetime warranty against material or workmanship defects, making this a great pick for those leery of splurging on a defective set. That said, the price is very manageable at under $100. I find the lower price point a great value for a five-piece set!
Blade material: High Carbon German Steel | Storage: No | Includes: 8″ chef’s knife, 7″ Santoku knife, 5.5″ kitchen utility knife, 9” carving knife, 3.5” paring knife, cleaning cloth
A great kitchen knife can elevate your cooking, whether you’re dicing veggies or slicing a roast. But with so many options (and price points), figuring out what you actually need can feel overwhelming. Here’s what professional chefs recommend when shopping for a knife set.
You don’t need a massive block of knives to cook well at home. In fact, most people only use a few regularly.
“A well-made chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated bread knife will do the trick for most kitchens,” says Dennis Littley, chef and recipe expert at Ask Chef Dennis. “You can always add specialty knives later if you find you need them.”
His go-to pick? The classic chef’s knife.
If you love cooking or experimenting with new techniques, a more comprehensive set might be worth it.
“When choosing a knife set, home cooks should think about their cooking style and skill level,” Dennis advises. “If you love trying different methods, consider knives like a boning knife, a santoku, or a nakiri for vegetables.”
Chef Tony Messina adds that if you’re buying high-end knives a la carte, prices can add up quickly. “Plan to spend around $150–200 for a quality chef’s knife, the same for a slicer, and about $100 for a good bread or paring knife.”
That said, our tests also found plenty of budget-friendly sets that perform well and are perfect for newer cooks.
One thing to keep in mind is that a knife set is only as good as its maintenance. While some manufacturers claim that their sets are dishwasher safe, our team feels that you should never put your knives in the dishwasher. It dulls the blades and can bend the knife. Instead, always hand-wash and dry once finished.
“One of the biggest mistakes people make with knives is poor maintenance,” says Dennis. “Never put them in the dishwasher—the heat and detergent can dull and damage the blade.” Tony agrees: “Always hand-wash and dry your knives. Dishwashers not only dull blades—they can bend them.”
Hand-in-hand with proper maintenance is the need to use the right cutting board to ensure your knives don’t dull prematurely. “Avoid glass or marble. Stick to wood or soft plastic to keep your blades sharp,” Dennis says.
Knives lose their edge over time—it’s normal. But keeping them sharp is key to safe, effective cooking. “A honing steel helps maintain the edge between sharpening sessions,” Dennis explains. “But every few months, your knives will need a proper sharpening.”
Tony recommends learning to sharpen your knives. This will not only make your cooking experience easier but also allow you to be more in tune with your knife. “Eventually, if you cook enough, the knives will become an extension of your arm,” he says.
Nicole recommends spending a little extra on a good knife sharpener to complement your fancy new knife set.
“I’d highly recommend this knife sharpener,” she says. “It’s a no-B.S. sharpener that you have to set up on a workspace (think: metal shavings everywhere), but it works a thousand times better compared to the ones you’d typically find attached to a knife block or in something you’d keep in a kitchen drawer. And it actually keeps your knives razor sharp!”
The bottom line is, “a great knife—or set—should feel comfortable, hold a sharp edge, and match how you actually cook,” Dennis says. Whether you’re a minimalist or a culinary explorer, investing in a few high-quality tools—and taking care of them—will make all the difference.
I’m the Taste Recipes shopping team’s resident food and beverage expert and a home cook who knows her way around a kitchen. I have ample experience using and reviewing everything from kitchen utensils to cookware. I’m also well-versed in shopping for pricey home goods like portable range hoods and fancy Japanese steam ovens.
After splurging on a Misen knife, my kitchen transformed from a bargain diner at best to a five-star eating establishment. The best kitchen knife set really makes all the difference when it comes to creating a flawless charcuterie board or deboning a chicken in record time.
For this piece, we enlisted the help of the Shopping and Product Testing Teams. Together, we tested 20 different knife sets—that’s over 70 knives in total! We have decades of combined experience testing and reviewing products in the kitchen and beyond. We also spoke to two professional chefs, James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Messina and Dennis Littley, a classically trained chef of over 40 years and owner of Ask Chef Dennis, about what to look for in a good kitchen knife set.
To find the best kitchen knife sets, the editors on our shopping team tested 20 sets and 70 kitchen knives over nearly two months. We sliced, diced, chopped and peeled our way through everything from tender steak to fibrous potatoes and delicate tomatoes. Each editor tested at least two sets to compare performance. We noted various criteria, including packaging, safety, quality, inclusions, performance, washing and value.
Overall, we collected over 324 data points across all the tested sets. In this list, we included a range of top-performing options that span price points, sizes and aesthetics to find something for each home cook.
The parent brand Zwilling J.A. Henckels owns both Zwilling and Henckels knives. Each has its own lineup of collections, from professional-quality kitchen knives to more budget-friendly sets intended for the home cook. While both brands sell solid-performing knife sets, Zwilling typically offers more premium options than Henckels, which offers greater value for the price.
According to Gordon Ramsay, “A chef is only as good as their knives.” The well-known celebrity chef publicly backs HexClad knives. The Master Series Japanese Damascus knife set is one of his favorite collections.
According to our tests, the number one knife set is from Zwilling. The brand offers incredible bang for your buck. In addition, high-quality materials and simple maintenance make it a great fit for home cooks. Sure, you can spend $500 on a set that boasts specific inclusions for various kitchen tasks. But in our testing, we found that you only need three staples: a parer, a serrated utility knife and a chef’s knife. The three-piece Zwilling set performs well across the board, whether you’re deboning chicken, slicing up slivers of spring onions or dicing fragile tomatoes for salsa.
