The most important tool belt in the kitchen is your knife set. While I haven’t heard of a knife set that you can strap on a belt… you can definitely get started with a normal knife block set.
Few people can get away with one or two decent knives laying loose in the cutlery drawer. But a truly skilled home cook knows that quality is an essential component to consistent high performance in the kitchen.
In fact, there aren’t many things as important to a professional chef as their knives. It’s an investment that can last for decades, especially if you invest in a good knife set, and care for your knives over the years.
Some people may tend to lean towards buying individual pieces, or just the essential knives for every kitchen, however, if you are wanting to keep your knives consistent (or are just starting to take your cooking to the next level), then investing in the best kitchen knives set is usually the better option.
Plus, getting a complete set is a much easier option for most people who aren’t wanting to do extensive research of the different types of kitchen knives available, then buy each individual knife separately.
[amazon table=”2406″]
16 Best Kitchen Knife Sets For Your Kitchen
When looking for the right one for your kitchen there are a few things to look out for. Just because they have been made by a popular manufacturer, doesn’t always mean you’ll be getting high-quality. Companies will sometimes put their B or C products at as high a price as their A products, leaning on their brand name, hoping buyers will make the purchase (despite the lower quality).
Another trap to avoid is blades that have the same style, with just minor differences in size. This makes it appear as if you’re getting a lot more than you’re really getting, while in reality, you’ll just be getting echoes of the same blade, without the practicality of a varying blade. Or, you will find a gimmicky product in there that doesn’t serve you any practicality in the kitchen.
Thankfully, you can avoid these mistakes.
Have a browse through our knife set reviews and you can learn what the kitchen knife sets on the market are by hearing right from those who have purchased their own and by learning a few simple tips here. Here are 16 of the best currently on the market.
1. Vremi 10-Piece Colorful Knife Set
Top Budget-Friendly Set
| Unique Quality | Budget-Friendly, Colorful |
| Amazon Reviews | 1000+ |
| Amazon Rating | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 5 |
| Block Included | No |
| Honing Steel Included | No |
These are fun, colorful, and perfect for a starter kit. They are the best on your budget, and you’ll never lose sight of them.
Though they aren’t the highest quality, and they won’t last forever, they’re perfect if you aren’t able to spend a ton and want something to get started with.
2. LivingKit K16004 Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Block>
Top Knife Set & Block Under $60
| Unique Quality | Top Knife Set + Block Under $60 |
| Amazon Reviews | 475+ |
| Amazon Rating | 4.1 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 14 |
| Block Included | Yes |
| Honing Steel Included | Yes |
If you’re wanting knives (with the block included), and you’re on a budget, then this is a good option. With 14 knives and a block, this is one of the best for value on Amazon.
Plus, including a honing steel so you can keep your knives sharp over the years.
3. J.A. Henckels International 13550-005 Statement Block, 15-Piece
Top Chef Knife
| Unique Quality | Top chef knife |
| Amazon Reviews | 700+ |
| Amazon Rating | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 15 |
| Block Included | Yes |
| Honing Steel Included | Yes |
When it comes to using your various knives in the kitchen, there is one that stands above the rest. The chef knife.
You will be using the chef knife for over 80% of your cutting, so you better make sure you get a good one. These top rated knife sets include a great chef knife with an ergonomic handle perfect for cutting almost anything up.
4. Chicago Cutlery 1134568 Fusion High-Carbon Stainless Steel Block
Top High-Carbon Set
| Unique Quality | Top High-Carbon |
| Amazon Reviews | 1700+ |
| Amazon Rating | 4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 12 |
| Block Included | Yes |
| Honing Steel Included | No |
If you’re looking for something very durable that will last for years, then this may be your best bet. This Chicago Cutlery has to be up there with the best and features professional high-carbon stainless steel blades that are perfectly sharp from the start and therefore is probably the best knife block set for you.
They will cut through almost anything.
5. Dalstrong Knife Block, Gladiator Series
Top Professional Knife Set
| Unique Quality | Top Professional Set |
| Amazon Reviews | 300+ |
| Amazon Rating | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 7 |
| Block Included | Yes |
| Honing Steel Included | Yes |
If you have got some money to invest in the best knife sets that chefs use in professional kitchens, then this is for you. Made from high-carbon German steel, these Dalstrong knives are made for the chef.
It is professionally designed, intended for heavy use and built to last for decades.
6. Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 15-pc. Cutlery Knife Block
Easiest To Maintain, Self-Sharpening Set
| Unique Quality | Self-Sharpening Blades |
| Amazon Reviews | 600+ |
| Amazon Rating | 4.2 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 15 |
| Block Included | No |
| Honing Steel Included | No (There are built-in sharpeners) |
If you want something easy to use, easy to maintain, and can get any job in the kitchen done, then this is for you. When it comes to cooking an incredible meal, it can be a drag thinking about all the kitchen cleanup to be done afterward. Maintaining your kitchen tools and appliances adds to the work.
If you want knives that will make the cooking experience that much easier, then this may be your perfect choice. With automatic built-in sharpeners, it takes the stress out of maintenance. Every time you take out the blade and put it back, it keeps the edges straight.
7. Chicago Cutlery 18-Piece Insignia Steel Set with In-Block Sharpener
Top Knife Set With Built-In Sharpener
| Unique Quality | Built-In Sharpener, Forged Stainless Steel |
| Amazon Reviews | 1000+ |
| Amazon Rating | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 18 |
| Block Included | Yes |
| Honing Steel Included | No (Includes built-in sharpener) |
Like the above, this includes a built-in sharpener. However, the built-in sharpener does require a bit more effort (though it’s still easier to maintain than most).
What makes this different from the Calphalon above is that it’s made with forged stainless steel. If you want blades that have more durability and a bit more weight to them, then this is your set.
8. Chicago Cutlery Fusion 18-Piece Block
Top Steak Knives In A Set
| Unique Quality | Top Stainless Steel Steak Knives |
| Amazon Reviews | 1700+ |
| Amazon Rating | 4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 18 |
| Block Included | Yes |
| Honing Steel Included | Yes |
This gorgeous group of knives from Chicago Cutlery is an excellent overall choice for home cooking. If you love to grill up steaks, this is for you. Fully equipped with 8 stainless steel steak knives, this has to be the best for the steak lover.
Just picture firing up the barbecue with a couple of friends this Summer and serving up their steaks with these stainless steel blades…
9. Cuisinart C77SS-15PK 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block
Top Lightweight, Stainless Steel Set
| Unique Quality | All Stainless Steel, Lightweight |
| Amazon Reviews | 1700+ |
| Amazon Rating | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 15 |
| Block Included | Yes |
| Honing Steel Included | Yes |
Looking for something to get the job done and isn’t sore on the eyes? This all stainless steel set is a modern designed set that’s an impressive addition to the kitchen countertop.
It’s equipped with hollow blades so as to not add any stress to your wrists. If you want something that is efficient, lightweight, and fully stainless steel to match the appliances in the kitchen, this is the best knife set.
10. Cuisinart C77SS-17P 17-Piece Artiste Collection Cutlery Knife Block
Top Overall Stainless Steel Set
| Unique Quality | Top overall stainless steel set |
| Amazon Reviews | 400+ |
| Amazon Rating | 4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 17 |
| Block Included | Yes |
| Honing Steel Included | Yes |
They’re beautifully designed and are fully equipped with enough steak knives for the whole family to enjoy. If you have a big family or often have friends coming over for meals, then you need to get the best knife block set.
They include a full set of stainless steel knives, a block, honing steel, and 8 precision steak knives to make any big meal enjoyable and classy.
11. Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Set, Tempered Glass Block
Top Minimalist Knife Set 
| Unique Quality | Top Minimalist Set |
| Amazon Reviews | 900+ |
| Amazon Rating | 4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 5 |
| Block Included | Yes (Tempered Glass Knife Holder) |
| Honing Steel Included | No |
When it comes to operating in your kitchen, in reality, you’ll be using just a few knives for 90% of the work. Your chef knife will be used mostly followed by the paring knife.
If you want just a few really high-quality knives, and you like having a clean, organized, and simple kitchen, then this Mercer set might be the best fit for you.
12. Utopia Kitchen — Stainless Steel Knives With Acrylic Stand
Top Minimalist Knife Set Under $50
| Unique Quality | Minimalist, Budget Friendly, Most Reviews |
| Amazon Reviews | 2800+ |
| Amazon Rating | 4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 12 |
| Block Included | Yes (Acrylic Stand) |
| Honing Steel Included | No |
If you’re wanting a slick, minimalistic design that won’t hurt the wallet, give this one a look. With over 2800 reviews on Amazon, it easily beats out any others here as the most popular and is truly up there as best knife sets go.
This minimalistic set has included 6 steak knives unlike the set above but still has the same modern design.
13. Chef Essential 7 Piece Block, Red
Top Space-Friendly Knife Set
| Unique Quality | Best For Small Counter Space, Colorful |
| Amazon Reviews | 700+ |
| Amazon Rating | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 6 |
| Block Included | Yes |
| Honing Steel Included | No |
Not a lot of countertop space at home? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
This bold red set by Chef Essential is good if you have limited room on your countertops. Plus… they’re really sharp (they come in blue or black as well).
14. Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Forged 12-Piece Japanese Steel Knife Set
Top Japanese Knife Set
| Unique Quality | Top Japanese Set |
| Amazon Reviews | 1400+ |
| Amazon Rating | 3.8 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 12 |
| Block Included | Yes |
| Honing Steel Included | Yes |
Japan is known for its high-quality knives. These Chikara knives are made of forged steel which means a high quality, heavier blade that will last for years.
They are durable, easy to use, and razor-sharp which means your knife will do the work in the kitchen, not you.
15. ZYLISS Control Kitchen Knives with Block, 16-Piece
Top German Knife Set
| Unique Quality | Top German Set, Removable Knife Slots |
| Amazon Reviews | 200+ |
| Amazon Rating | 4.1 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 5 |
| Block Included | No |
| Honing Steel Included | No |
Germany has been one of the best makers of chef knives for decades. They are the leader of the western-style knife that is heavier, durable, and ergonomic. Zyliss carries the German durability forward with this high-quality 16-piece group.
These kitchen knife sets are designed beautifully so you can rock back and forth from end to end with ease. Plus, it includes removable sheaths (knife slots) that are dishwasher friendly so you can keep harmful bacteria out of sight.
16. Victorinox Swiss Classic 15-Piece Cutlery Block
Top Swiss Knife Set
| Unique Quality | Best Budget Friendly |
| Amazon Reviews | 500+ |
| Amazon Rating | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Number Of Knives | 15 |
| Block Included | Yes |
| Honing Steel Included | Yes |
The Swiss are known for more than just making excellent chocolate. They have proven their excellence in craftsmanship for generations. The Swiss Army Knife is a household tool in nearly every western home.
Victorinox has been making superior Swiss knives since 1884, so you can trust that investing in this set will make daily cooking in your kitchen a brand new experience.
This set includes a full 15 pieces, with extremely durable blades, and a textured handle making it easy to grip – so you can cut anything in your kitchen effortlessly.
