Regardless of cooking skill level, everyone knows that a few good knives make all types of cooking easier. Every task requires specific tools, and in the kitchen, good knives are essential tools. Sometimes your favorite cooking knives are inherited from a relative, and sometimes you get to buy a new set. If you’re in the latter category and you’re looking for the best kitchen knife set, you’ve come to the right place. There are a handful of essential knives that everyone needs in their kitchen — a chef’s knife, a serrated knife, and a paring knife — so if you’re shopping for a new knife set, be sure yours includes at least these three. It’s also important to purchase knives that are durable, made of high-quality steel, and have a good design. The sets below have all of these qualities and are the best buys for any kitchen.
Case Cutlery nine-piece block set
This set of knives is American-made and comes from a company that specializes in pocket knives. Case Cutlery makes their knives with their Tru-Sharp stainless steel, and the wooden handles on these knives are walnut wood, which may match beautifully with your kitchen décor. While the wood may be beautiful, the handles are less ergonomic than some of the more modern handles of other knives on this list. One knife that sets this set apart from the others is the 5.5-inch tomato knife. The tomato knife has very fine serration, which helps it slice through tomatoes effortlessly.
Calphalon Precision 13-piece knife set with self-sharpening block
Calphalon has been making cookware for over 50 years, but the well-respected company didn’t get into the knife game until the early 2000s. Regardless of how long Calphalon has been making knives, they do it very well. One of the most incredible things about this set is that it comes with a self-sharpening knife block for storage. If you are the type of person who either hates sharpening their knives or forgets that sharpening knives is even a thing, this is an excellent option for you. The knives are made of high-carbon, no-stain German steel that is forged rather than stamped (except for the steak knives), making them stronger.
Wusthof Forged Legende seven-piece set
If you know anything about kitchen knives, you know that Wusthof is a coveted brand. The newest line, The Legende series, is a modern take on the well-respected Classic knife line. The Legendes are more well-balanced and lighter than their predecessors, and the handles are also a bit more comfortable, which is impressive since Wusthof is known for comfortable handles. All of the knives in this set are forged from a single piece of top-notch German steel, which is then made better by Wusthof’s special heat treatment. One complaint users have is that the block this set comes with doesn’t have empty steak knife slots if you want to add a set later.
Mercer Culinary Genesis six-piece forged knife set with tempered glass block
This six-piece set from Mercer Culinary is made of precision-forged, high-carbon, non-staining German steel with taper-ground edges and a full tang that runs the handle’s entire length. The knives are weighted and precision balanced, so they will not slide or move if you bump into them. The set includes a paring knife, utility knife, chef knife, bread knife, boning knife, and tempered glass block. The block allows you to easily find the knife you are looking for quickly and add décor to your kitchen counter.
Amazon Basics 18-Piece Block Set
This set of knives from Amazon’s ‘Basics’ line is 18 pieces and includes a paring knife, utility knives, a chef’s knife, sharpening steel, eight steak knives, and more. The stainless steel blades provide precise cutting, peeling, and slicing, and the knives have a full tang for excellent balance and control.
Knives are essential tools in any kitchen, no matter your skill level. If you’re in the market for a new set of knives, one of the sets above is sure to suit your needs. Depending on what exactly you want out of your knives, whether they be self-sharpening or include a set of steak knives, you will be pleased with your new tools.
