Finding the perfect knife set can be tough, especially when there are so many options out there. Keep in mind that buying a knife set is a commitment and you’re going to want to buy a set that is going to last. A good knife set should be able to last you a lifetime if it is properly taken care of.
Don’t make the mistake of buying a set of knives just because it’s inexpensive and convenient, it’s guaranteed that in a year you’ll be in the same position you are now, looking for the perfect knife set. As my father used to say, buy cheap and you buy twice.
Let me help you find the right set of knives that will last you a lifetime. As a knife expert I am happy to give you reviews and opinions that you can trust before you make a commitment. If you don’t know much about the qualities of what a good set of knives should have, I’ve got you covered and I promise that you will walk away from this article knowing exactly what type of set is the right fit for you and your needs.
Table of Contents
What to Look For in a Knife Set?
While searching for the best knife set, I kept these main points in mind.
What knives are you going to need?
Let’s be real, if you’re not a chef you’re most likely only using three essential knives.
- The chef’s knife- The multipurpose knife used for your basic cutting needs (slicing,chopping,etc.)
- The bread knife- A knife used for cutting bread and/or other delicate foods.
- The paring knife- A knife that is mainly used for peeling or trimming
- The fillet knife – The perfect tool for processing fish and meat.
Make sure the set you’re going to buy is practical and will be used daily for your needs. Think about the types of thing you enjoy to cook and what knives you use most right now.
Handling and Balance
While it is hard to handle a knife you can’t actually handle (if you are online shopping) look for the sets that guarantee comfort, maneuverability, and safety. There is nothing worse than a set of knives that feel awkward or dangerous to hold.
Durability, Finish and the Aesthetic
As stated previously you want a set of knives that will last a lifetime. You want to pick a set that guarantees the longevity of the sharpness of the knives blades. We all know dull blades are a huge inconvenience and also a danger. My favorite finish is a “no stain” stainless steel. Easy to clean, care for and NO STAINS, what more could you ask for?
You’re also looking for a knife set that is going to look sleek and professional in your kitchen especially if you are someone who hosts dinner parties or just wants to feel like a bad ass.
Best Knife Set
After extensive research I was able to come up with our top three favorite sets of knives money can buy. I also found three others that were good but didn’t compare to our top three!
ZWILLING Pro-7 pc Knife Block Set
All of the knives have a blade that are guaranteed to start sharper and stay sharper for a longer period of time. This knife set is the highest ranking in durability beating all of its competition.
This set not only has the strength, history and durability but it is also extremely aesthetically pleasing. It is sleek and professional looking and it is sure to make your kitchen look like it’s something straight out of Better Homes. The wooden slot block is casual and comforting looking. The set also comes with a pair of shears and a steel sharpening rod to keep your knives in the perfect condition. The knives are made with high carbon, stainless steel.
High carbon stainless steal is easy to clean and your knives will always look good as new. The set includes all three of the essential knives (parring, bread and chef’s). With only seven pieces it is simple,to the point and practical. Make your lifetime commitment to the ZWILLING Pro and I promise you will not be disappointed. While using these knives I felt safe, comfortable and professional.
Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening
The Santuko knife also has a very wide blade and it can be used to scoop up every last piece of food from a cutting board. The set also includes eight steak knives and a six inch utility knife. I love the fact that this set allows me to have so many choices of knives all of which are top notch quality.
The block has built in sharpeners to ensure that every time you stick your knife back into the block it is getting sharpened to guarantee a lifetime of durability and sharpness. The knives are made from high carbon, stainless forged steel. They all have balanced handles making them safe and comfortable to use.
My favorite part of this set is that each of the knives are labeled to ensure that you are always pulling out the correct knife. In my opinion the Calphalon Classic set is the best value for its very reasonable price.
J.A. Henckels International, Statement Block Set
This set is still incredible and holds value, the difference between this set and the other two sets is that you won’t have to break the bank. The set includes the three essential knives plus a few others including the Santuko knife and steak knives. The knives’ finely edged blades are a guarantee to long lasting sharpness. The knives are made from high quality stainless steel by single piece stamped construction making them lighter than knives that are forged.
I must say I definitely noticed a difference in the weight as compared to other knives that are forged. The light weight of these knives reduces the chance of hand fatigue during long cooking sessions.
This knife set is extremely easy to clean. Did I mention that the set is dishwasher safe? This incredible feature makes cleaning and properly taking care of your knives all the easier. The set is sleek and aesthetically pleasing making it the perfect addition to your kitchen. The handle is three riveted and curved to fit your hand shape ensuring comfort.
You will not find a better deal for your budget. If you can’t spend the extra money on The ZWILLING or the Calphalon the J.A Henckels International Statement set is the answer. It holds the same value as the others its just a bit cheaper.
The next three are honorable mentions but I would strongly encourage you to purchase a set from the top three.
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The Home Hero Knife Set
The set comes equip with the three essential knives and a few exciting extras such as a knife specifically for cutting pizza and a cheese knife. The blades on each knife are coated with a nonstick finish and have ergonomic synthetic handles. For a new cook this set is a great start and it looks very professional.
The knives were a bit too light for my taste also this finish can only mean one thing, if it’s getting washed often it is going to fade over time. If you don’t plan on hosting and you don’t cook at home often then I would say this set would best suit your needs. You are getting what you pay for here which is not necessarily a bad thing. For the price the set brings value.
The Aokiwo Set - Made in Germany
It is recommended that you do not use a dishwasher, corrosive detergents or sponges that have harsh surfaces when cleaning these knives. Using any of these could cause damage to the polished finish that keeps the knives looking glossy. The blades on these knives seem to be less durable than others making me think that these knives will not last a lifetime and dull quickly.
Conclusion
In the end it all comes down to what you are looking for in a knife set. I have stated my personal top choices based on research and honesty.
The ZWILLING Pro – Also known as the knife set of your dreams. The ZWILLING is a knife set incomparable to others in professionalism, aesthetics and durability. This set will help to turn your average dinner party into a fine dining experience. Made with high carbon stainless steel, it will keep a long lasting, sleek brand new look.
The Calphalon Classic – A set that brings you the most value for the price. This set contains not only the essential knives but a few extras as well including the Santoku knife. The Calphalon holding block has built in sharpeners ensuring that your knives will always be sharpened and you don’t even have to lift a finger!
The J.A. Henckels International – Looking for a budget friendly knife set with a five star value? The J.A Henckels set is the set for you. With a modern design and a plethora of knives to choose from you’ll be feeling like you hit the jackpot with this set.
I encourage you to always do your own research on products, especially ones that are commitments like a set of knives. There are plenty of things you need to keep in mind like the durability of the set. I have said it before and I will say it again, a good knife set should last a lifetime if it is properly taken care of. You also need to ensure your safety. Do you feel safe handling the knives in the set you’ve chosen or if you are not able to physically touch the knives, does the company ensure the safety of handling their products.
With all of this in mind you are sure to find your perfect set that will fit all of your needs. Good luck and happy shopping!
