Best Kitchen Knife Sets

A man with black apron is in between the black and white Gladiator Series 8-Piece Knife Block Set

Gladiator Series 8-Piece Knife Block Set

Best Kitchen Knife Sets

  1. Gladiator Series 18-piece Colossal Knife Set with Block
  2. Crusader Series 18-Piece Knife Block Set
  3. Shadow Black Series 12-piece Knife Set with Block
  4. Crusader Series 8-Piece Block Set
  5. Phantom Series 'Dragon Spire' 6pc Knife Set
  6. Quantum 1 Series 5-Piece Knife Set
  7. Gladiator Series 5 piece Knife Set with Modular Block
  8. Shogun Series 3-Piece Paring Knife Set
  9. Shadow Black Series 5-Piece Block Set
  10. Shadow Black Series 4-Piece Steak Knife Set


    1. The Benefits Of A Good Kitchen Knife Set

    Shadow Black Series 5-Piece Block Set laid down on a cutting board.

    Shadow Black Series 5-Piece Block Set

    I started really coming into my own in the kitchen relatively late in life. I didn’t grow up cooking alongside my parents. To me, whatever they did in that room was some mysterious, alchemical process that I had no way of ever figuring out. It was only in my late 20s that I started to figure out that cooking was something I could do and really enjoy. But I was going to need some tools. 

    When you’re making things happen in the kitchen, knives are some of the most important tools at your disposal. For a huge amount of dishes, they are absolutely your number one go-to tool, the key to conjuring up an entire new universe of tastes and textures. So you need to make sure you’re operating with the best tools you can get. 

    For the longest time, all I had was a dull old chef’s knife. When I was first introduced to the idea of owning several types of knives for different kinds of uses, my initial reaction was a long and sustained groan. I was going to have to learn how to use a bunch of different knives? Worse yet -- I was going to have to find them and buy them, one by one?

    Thankfully, some genius at a marketing meeting many years ago had the brilliant idea to bundle knives together in the form of kitchen knife sets. Soon I purchased my first kitchen knife set, and began the process of slowly acquainting myself with my new friends. Of course, that first knife set wasn’t exactly great quality... but you have to start somewhere.

    I wish I’d had someone to guide me through the process, so now I’m going to try my best to guide you. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking to gift kitchen knives for someone else, there’s a lot to take into consideration when picking the best kitchen knife set, so let’s get into it.

    Pro tip: Check out this guide on keeping your tools sharp with whetstones, sharpening steel and more. 

    2. What To Look For In A Kitchen Knife Set

    A man with apron is holding the Gladiator Series 8-Piece Knife Block Set

    Gladiator Series 8-Piece Knife Block Set

     There’s tons of factors to consider when it comes to deciding on the best kitchen knife set. Even folks who are already knee-deep in the world of knives can find it overwhelming, so for the uninitiated it can be absolutely daunting. 

    So what’s the best knife set? Well…  it’s complicated.

    First off, the question you should ask yourself is: what kind of knife set am I looking for? Whether you’re looking for steak knives, paring knives, slicing knives, or even more specific types like the santoku knife, this should be front and center of your thought process when looking for a knife set. 

    The quality of the blade is another important factor. You want a sharp, sturdy blade that will last. The price is also involved here, as the quality of the materials will inevitably go hand-in-hand with the cost of the set.

    If you’re looking for a good variety with a nice presentation you can proudly display in your kitchen, you might want to look into a kitchen knife block set. And even within knife block sets, there are different kinds; some of them feature exclusively one type of knife.

    We’ll show you a few different types of kitchen knife sets, and tell you our picks for best knife sets from each one. Note that some of these knife sets may qualify for more than one “category” at a time. We’ll make note of it when they do.

    3. Best Knife Block Sets

     

    Block sets are a great way to get a good variety of knives for a number of different uses, in a presentation that is stylish and appealing. Chef knife, steak knife, utility knife, boning knife, bread knife… There are all kinds of knife block sets. We’ve assembled a list of some of our favorite block sets, and you can find even more of them here.

    1. Gladiator Series 18-piece Colossal Knife Set with Block

    eighteen piece knife block set on a white background with three knives displayed out of the block

    This absolutely gorgeous 18-piece knife block set from Dalstrong’s Gladiator series features stylish white handles, providing the perfect blend of practicality and aesthetic appeal. 

    It includes six straight edge 5inch steak knives, one 9inch slicer, one 9inch bread knife, one 8inch chefs knife, one 8.5inch Kiritsuke chef’s knife, one 7inch Santoku knife, one 7inch Nakiri knife, one 6inch boning knife, one 6.5inch utility knife, one 6inch serrated utility knife, one 3.5inch paring knife, one 2.75inch bird’s beak paring knife, and one 10inch Gladiator series honing steel. 

    It comes with a beautiful handmade walnut knife block for storage.

    PROS:

    • This eye-catching 18-piece knife block set includes a wide array of knives to cover a multitude of uses.
    • The blades are extremely high quality: precision forged, ultra sharp, wear resistant, high carbon stainless steel (ThyssenKrupp) German knife at 56+ Rockwell. 
    • Each edge is painstakingly hand sharpened to 16-18° per side, resulting in an extremely sharp knife that’s also very durable and resilient.
    • The premium Food-Grade polymer ABS handles are highly impervious to heat, cold and moisture. Available in black, white and red.

    CONS:

    • A set like this, with a wide assortment of high-quality knives, is an investment. Some home cooks might be looking for something with a more modest price tag. (We have budget friendly suggestions below)
    • Its large amount of knives cover a number of highly specific uses, which might extend beyond some home chefs’ needs. 

    2. Gladiator Series 8-Piece Steak Knife Set with knife block

    Another entry from The Gladiator Series, this 8-piece steak knife set comes with vibrant white handles. The colorful knife set is well-balanced, cuts like butter, and is an immediate show-off piece to proudly display in your kitchen.

    PROS:

    • The blades feature incredibly sharp, full-tang, imported Thyssenkrupp high-carbon German steel.
    • You’ll get clean, straight cuts with these blades, hand sharpened to 14-16 degrees per side, expertly heat treated and honed to perfection. 
    • Smart design and engineering make this a collection to proudly flaunt, which its gorgeous knife block facilitates.
    • A great gift for steak lovers and home cooks.

    CONS:

    • Keep in mind that you are getting 8 steak knives here; not the best block set to go for if you are looking for variety.
    • While I’m a huge fan of its bright red finish, some people might prefer something more understated. Luckily for you, this block set also comes in elegant black handles. 

    3. Crusader Series 8-Piece Block Set - NSF Certified

     

    Crusader Series 8-Piece Block Set - NSF Certified

    The Crusader series is a beautifully designed, all-steel knife collection, aiming for a more minimalist aesthetic for those who prefer to keep things looking simple and clean. The sleek design would be perfect beside any steel kitchen appliances or other stainless steel cutlery you may already own. This makes it so that your knives will pair well with any decor. And this great set comes with a stunningly designed Manchurian ash-wood storage bloc.

    The set includes an 8inch chefs knife, one 7” Santoku knife, one 8” serrated bread knife, one 6” utility knife, one 5.5” serrated utility knife, one 4.5” paring knife, and one 8” honing steel.

    PROS:

    • Understated, elegant and unobtrusive “less-is-more” aesthetic.
    • Razor sharp German made ThyssenKrupp x50crmov15 stainless steel blade steel at 58+ Rockwell, for incredible performance.
    • A great variety -- bread knife, chef’s knife, utility knife -- for a wide amount of uses.
    • High-chromium stainless steel handle.
    • Look at that storage knife block! The “slanted” design makes it probably the coolest-looking of all the knife sets in this post.

    CONS:

    • If you’re looking for the absolute be-all end-all as far as kitchen knife variety goes, you’d be better served by an 18-piece set.
    • Some folks might find the blades’ minimalistic look a little bland. 

    4. Quantum 1 Series 5-Piece Knife Set

    5-Piece Knife Block Set | Quantum 1 Series

    The Future Is Here. We don’t forge knives to meet expectations, but to change them. This is the start to a new beginning, and you’ve taken the very first step by joining the culinary revolution with your Dalstrong Quantum 1 Series knife - A knife meticulously crafted and proudly engineered for exceptional performance, and painstakingly hand sharpened by expert bladesmiths.

    Carefully designed to withstand the harsh environments of today’s modern kitchen, the Quantum 1 Series knife is the epitome of culinary magnificence. Boasting extra-durable, ultra-sharp BD1N-VX steel and uniquely designed with our “Nova Prime” blade pattern that reduces drag and increases efficiency, the focal point of the Quantum 1 Series has always been effortless prep that will leave you wanting more.

    Complete with a Dragon Skin G10-carbon fibre handle, the Quantum 1 Series knives is ushering in a new era of culinary adventure with you in total control. 

    PROS:

    • The blades themselves are as good as it gets: forged, ultra sharp, wear resistant, single-piece, high carbon American BD1N-VX steel at an astounding 63+ HRC, with an added vacuum heat seal treatment, earning the "VX" designation.
    • The stamped knives feature a beautiful visual “Nova Prime” blade pattern that reduces drag and increases efficiency.
    • Tall blade height gives knuckle clearance to assist with food preparation and chopping activity.

    CONS:

    • Kind of like the opposite of the Crusader series 8-piece, in that some folks might find its elaborate design pattern a little busy.
    • This is a premium set made of extremely high-quality materials, so some might feel that the price is a little steep for a five-piece.

    5. Phantom Series 'Dragon Spire' 6pc Knife Set

    Phantom Series 'Dragon Spire' 6pc Knife Set

    The first six-piece on our list is a unique spin on the classic 6piece holder. This is a wonderful collection of knives from Dalstrong’s Phantom series, which is made of elegant, agile, and extremely sharp culinary tools. The set also looks great, with a handcrafted six-column walnut wood block, embedded with powerful magnets on both sides to individually display the knives.

    This set includes one 9” serrated bread knife, one 9.5” Kiritsuke chef’s knife, one 8” chef knife, one 7” Santoku knife, one 5” utility knife, and one 4” paring knife.

    PROS:

    • Its Dragon Spire double magnetic sided block looks fantastic in any kitchen.
    • Stylish, powerful blades: engraved Japanese AUS-8 high carbon steel, sharpened to between 13-15 degrees.
    • Features a traditional Japanese D-shaped handle engineered to fit into the palm of your hand, as well as non-slip grip. Feels great! 

    CONS:

    • As with any six-piece, this is not the ultimate collection when it comes to variety, though it does include some great multi-purpose knives. 

    4. Best Steak Knife Set

    One of the all-time great monologues in movie history features Alec Baldwin attempting to motivate a group of hapless real estate salesmen in Glengarry Glen Ross. They have one week to improve their struggling sales. “First prize is a Cadillac Eldorado,” he begins. “The second prize is a set of steak knives. The third prize is you’re fired.”

    The rest of the profanity-ridden rant isn’t really relevant to us here, though it’s a great piece of acting that’s worth watching. The point I’m trying to establish here is that the “set of steak knives” holds an important place in our shared culture. A good steak dinner is one of life’s small luxuries and a solid set of knives will bump it up a notch.

    So do yourself a favor and scope out some of these great steak knives we’ve compiled for you. For even more steak knives, click here

    1. Shogun Series Steak Knife Set

    Shogun Series Steak Knife Set

    The Dalstrong Shogun Series 5” steak knives are the ultimate in dinner time cutlery. Ruthlessly sharp with a handsome design, the knives’ compliment and enhance any mealtime engagement. The Shogun Series handle is meticulously constructed of G-10 Garolite, an incredibly strong military-grade inert and non-porous fiberglass-like material. It also features 5” precision forged blades with an ultra-premium Japanese AUS-10V ‘super steel’ cutting core at 62+ Rockwell hardness for unrivaled performance and incredible edge retention.

    These high performance blades are sure to impress both guests and yourself as they sail through meat, giving you perfectly clean, straight slices, ensuring the juice and flavor remains inside each and every bite.

    PROS:

    • 66-layers of high-carbon stainless steel cladding provides exceptional strength, durability and stain resistance.
    • Ruthlessly sharp scalpel like edge is hand finished to a mirror polish within a staggering 8-12° degree angle using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke method.
    •  A premium-quality polymer Dalstrong PerfectFit saya (sheath) with embossed Dalstrong logo and pin is included with the set to ensure your blade is carefully protected.   
    • Featuring Dalstrong’s exquisite Shogun Series Tsunami Rose blade pattern, for striking, stand out beauty.

    CONS:

    2. Omega Series 4-Piece Steak Knife Set - 5.5" Blade

    Omega Series 4-Piece Steak Knife Set - 5.5" Blade

    Just look at these steak knives. Chances are these are the most stylish, visually appealing steak knives you’ve ever seen. These knives from Dalstrong’s Omega Series are as aesthetically impressive as they are ruthlessly sharp; they’ll bump any steak dinner up several notches with their effortless handling and seamless cutting. 

    PROS:

    • Fantastic set of knives for when you want to show off in front of family and friends, not only because of how cool they look with their gorgeous engraved design but also because of how they feel to use.
    • Extremely sharp edge; sharpened to a staggering 8-12° degree angle per side. Like slicing through butter.
    • The pattern on the steel blade (known as “LiquidMetal”) minimizes drag and improves cutting through food.
    • Incredible ergonomic handle with a non-slip grip.
    • Come on. Just look at them!

    CONS:

    • They are impressive in many ways, and they have the price tag to go along with it. Some cooks might be more inclined to go with a simpler, more affordable blade.
    • At 5.5”, they are also fairly large for steak knives; some people might prefer a smaller steak knife.

    3. Shadow Black Series Steak Knives Set (4) - NSF Certified

    Shadow Black Series Steak Knives Set (4) - NSF Certified

    I love the knives from the Shadow Black Series. They are sleek, they are elegant, and they look vaguely like something from a sci-fi movie. Their deep-black Titanium Nitride coating make it feel futuristic, like I should be using it to slice into whatever the equivalent to steak will be in a few hundred years’ time (it might still be steak). Check out best knife sharpeners here where you will learn about whetstones, sharpening steel and more. 

    PROS:

    • Extremely cool look, with a black, non-reflective surface.
    • Fantastic blade: precision forged, ultra sharp, wear-resistant, single-piece, high carbon 7CR17MOV-X vacuum treated steel.
    • The unique handle design, inspired by the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter, has aerodynamic properties and fits perfectly into your palm.
    • The price allows for a great balance of affordability and high quality.

    CONS:

    • Believe it or not, some people are not wild about the black, non-reflective surface and would prefer a more colorful knife set. It’s crazy, but they’re out there. 

    4. The Frost Fire Series 4-Piece Steak Knife Set

    https://dalstrong.com/collections/steak-knives/products/the-frost-fire-series-4-piece-steak-knife-set

    The Frost Fire series is a fantastic collection of lightweight, razor-sharp knives sporting a sleek icy-cold look. This is a great set of four steak knives that look and handle just great. They compliment any stainless steel cutlery set you may already own. 

    PROS:

    • Premium blade: 7-layer high-carbon, high-chromium 10CR15MOV steel with added cobalt.
    • High quality white resin handle enclosed in aluminum mesh.
    • Knives feature a “frosted” look that is just really cool. (Get it?)

    CONS:

    • The design is awesome, but the opposite of flashy. Think about what you’re looking for!

    5. Gladiator Series 8-Piece Steak Knife Set- Red Handles 

    Gladiator Series 8-Piece Steak Knife Set - Red Handle

    Another entry from Dalstrong’s wonderful Gladiator Series, this 8-piece stainless steel steak knife set comes with vibrant red handles. The colorful knife set is well-balanced, cuts like butter, and is an immediate show-off piece to proudly display in your kitchen.

    PROS:

    • The blades feature incredibly sharp, full-tang, imported Thyssenkrupp high-carbon German stainless steel.
    • You’ll get clean, straight cuts with these blades, hand sharpened to 14-16 degrees per side, expertly heat treated and honed to perfection
    • Smart design and engineering make this a collection to proudly flaunt, which its gorgeous knife block facilitates.
    • A great gift for steak lovers and home cooks.

    CONS:

    • Unlike some of the other options here, this is not a serrated blade, so keep that in mind when deciding whether to purchase this set.
    • While I’m a huge fan of its bright red finish, some people might prefer something more understated. Luckily for you, this collection also comes in a stylish white presentation instead of the red handles. Whichever you pick, you’ll be rewarded with good looks and a fantastic performance.

    5. Best Paring Knife Set

    Three small paring knives on a blue surface facing several sliced fruits

    3 Piece Paring Knife Set | Shogun Series

    I don’t know if this is a widespread opinion, but I kind of get the sense that paring knives are underrated? Or at least they are often passed over in favor for their flashier, or more specialized relatives in the kitchen knife world. 

    The truth is paring knives are extremely versatile and useful. If what you’re looking for is a set of paring knives, we have a few great selections for you below. 

    1. Shogun Series 3-Piece Paring Knife Set - Straight Edged, Serrated & Bird's Beak Paring Knives

    Shogun Series 3-Piece Paring Knife Set - Straight Edged, Serrated & Bird's Beak Paring Knives

    Paring, slicing, coring, and scoring. These knives will open up so many doors for you when it comes to culinary creations. And though the knives in this set are pretty small -- the largest is 3.75” -- they’re all extremely useful.

    This set includes one 2.75” peeling knife, one 3.5” serrated paring knife, and one 3.75” sheeps foot paring knife.

    PROS:

    • Features three different knife blade styles: straight-edge, serrated, and turning, which allows for many different types of uses.
    • Makes for a fantastic gift for any chef, regardless of their level of skill.
    • All three knives are razor-sharp, made with premium materials, and look absolutely gorgeous.

    CONS:

    • The blades are sturdy and thick, so these knives handle a little heavy for a paring/utility knife.
    • Price might be a little steep for folks looking for a more entry-level set of paring knives.

    2. Gladiator Series Paring Knife Set- 3.75" Sheep's Foot, 2.75" Bird's Beak & 3.5" Serrated

    Gladiator Series Paring Knife Set- 3.75" Sheep's Foot, 2.75" Bird's Beak & 3.5" Serrated

    Another set of paring knives that gives us the sheep’s foot, bird’s beak and serrated variety. This time, the knives are from Dalstrong’s Gladiator series. These knives feature high-quality premium materials as well as construction, at a price point that won’t break the bank.

    This set includes a 3.75” sheep’s foot paring knife, a 2.75” bird’s beak paring knife, and a 3.5” serrated paring knife, each with its own Dalstrong PerfectFit sheath.

    PROS:

    • Extremely high-quality blade: precision forged, wear resistant, single-piece, high carbon German stainless steel. (ThyssenKrupp)
    • Just like the last knife set, it features different knife blade styles: straight-edge, serrated, and turning, allowing for many different types of uses.
    • Affordable price while maintaining a high level of quality in materials and assembly.

    CONS:

    • The serration on this paring knife is pretty aggressive, which is great for a lot of uses but some home cooks might be looking for a more understated “bite”.
    • Some people are more inclined to shop for a classic 6piece stand.

    6. Best Carving Knife Set

    Slicers and carvers are some of the most fun knives to use. Few things are as satisfying as simply running a sharp slicing knife down a tender piece of meat. If you’re looking to improve your carving game, maybe you’re in the market for a carving set. 

    Now, to be clear, these aren’t sets that include several carving knives. Rather, these are sets that include a carving knife and a fork, which together make up a formidable team when it comes to tackling meats. Let’s get into them.

    1. Crusader Series 9" Carving Knife & Fork Set

    Carving Knife & Fork Set 9" | Crusader Series

    The Dalstrong Crusader Series is a new collection of stunningly designed, all-steel knives, offering a minimalist aesthetic with unobtrusive beauty. The less is more approach to this series’ design ensures a perfect pairing with any decor, while the razor sharp German made ThyssenKrupp x50crmov15 blade steel at 58+ Rockwell delivers exceptional performance.

    A seamless and hygienic transition from the blade to a high-chromium stainless steel handle characterizes the knives with an aggressive, forward moving stance. The sharply drawn lines forming the profile of each knife are indicative of modern design, while the ‘fuller' groove machined into every blade is reminiscent of historical medieval swords, welding the past and present together. Complete this set with trusty kitchen shears!

    PROS:

    • Its extremely sharp blade was painstakingly crafted over 60 days using the highest quality materials, resulting in a slicing powerhouse for precise cutting.
    • Precision forged, ultra-sharp, wear resistant, single-piece high carbon.
    • Beautiful hand polished to a satin finish, with a tapered design for for hardness and flexibility.

    CONS:

    • Definitely in the upper end of the price range for this type of premium slicer.

    2. Shogun Series 9" Carving Knife & Fork Set

    Carving Knife & Fork Set 9" | Shogun Series

    An amazing 9” carving knife and fork duo, part of Dalstrong’s Gladiator series. It includes a precision forged high-quality blade on the carving knife, and a full-tang carving fork to secure meats. 

    PROS:

    • Another extremely sharp blade, hand sharpened to 16-18° per side to ensure maximum blade resilience.
    • Military grade G10 knife handles, impervious to heat, cold, and moisture.
    • An extremely satisfying knife to handle due to its hand polished bolster, which adds counter weight to the blade

    CONS:

    • The stainless steel second bolster might throw you off at first since it adds counterweight, but you adjust to it very quickly.

    7. Best 18 Piece Knife Set

      1. Gladiator Series 18-piece Colossal Knife Set with Block

       

      If you’re in the market for an 18-piece knife set, you can’t do much better than the Gladiator series 18-piece colossal knife set with block. 

      It includes six straight edge 5” steak knives, one 9” slicer, one 9” bread knife, one 8” chef’s knife, one 8.5” Kiritsuke chef’s knife, one 7” Santoku knife, one 7” Nakiri knife, one 6” boning knife, one 6.5” utility knife, one 6” serrated utility knife, one 3.5” paring knife, one 2.75” bird’s beak paring knife, and one 10” Gladiator series honing steel. 

      Comes with a beautiful handmade walnut knife block for storage.

      PROS:

      • This eye-catching 18-piece knife block set includes a wide array of knives to cover a multitude of uses.
      • The blades are extremely high quality: precision forged, ultra sharp, wear resistant, high carbon German ThyssenKrupp Steel at 56+ Rockwell. 
      • Each edge is painstakingly hand sharpened to 16-18° per side, resulting in an extremely sharp knife that’s also very durable and resilient.
      • The premium Food-Grade polymer ABS handles are highly impervious to heat, cold and moisture.

      CONS:

      • A set like this, with a wide assortment of high-quality knives, is an investment. Some home cooks might be looking for something with a more modest price tag. (We have budget friendly suggestions below)
      • Its large amount of knives cover a number of highly specific uses, which might extend beyond some home chefs’ needs. 

      2. Crusader Series 18-Piece Knife Block Set - NSF Certified

       

      Crusader Series 18-Piece Block Set - NSF Certified

      We also have this absolutely stunning, steel kitchen knife collection which comes very close! 

      This breathtaking collection includes six 5” steak knives in addition to one 8” chef’s knife, one 7” Santoku knife, one 8.5” Kiristuke knife, one 8” serrated bread knife, one 9” carving knife, one 7” nakiri vegetable knife, one 6.5” boning knife, one 6” fillet knife, one 5.5” serrated utility knife, one 3.5” paring knife, one 3” bird’s beak paring knife, and one 9” honing steel.

      All of these feature the Crusader line trademark clean, minimalistic aesthetic, for those of you who don’t want your knives to look too ostentatious even when they are.

      Interested in purchasing a Japanese knife? Check out this handy guide!

      PROS:

      • Incredible selection of high-quality, NSF certified knives.
      • Beautiful, simple, uncluttered design.
      • It comes with a beautiful acacia wood knife block. 
      • The sheer amount of high-quality knives included make this a great value for the money.

      CONS:

      • Even though this 18-piece set is a great value for the money, it is still a considerable cost. Home cooks should evaluate whether they need this amount of knives.
      • Some people might be more inclined towards splashier design, and find the Crusader aesthetic a little bit lacking. 

      8. Best 12 Piece Knife Set

      1. Shadow Black Series 12 Piece Knife Block Set

      Shadow Black Series | 12 Piece Knife Block Set

      The Shadow Black Series features an exceptional grip, screamingly sharp cutting edge, and is engineered for optimal maneuverability. Designed from the ground up to be as sleek, aggressive and muscular looking as it is effective, the Shadow Black Series is sure to deliver the highest levels of satisfaction during your culinary journey.

      Striking from every angle, the unique handle geometry (inspired by the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter) features sharp, aerodynamic lines that cut the air and tuck snugly into your palm. A midnight black titanium coating creates unforgettable styling, sophistication and functionality, sure to turn heads in any kitchen. This is one evil looking knife.

      PROS:

      • When you unsheathe your blade and grasp the handle, you’ll feel the menacing urge to put the razor sharp edge immediately to work, slicing and dicing.
      •  A black, non-reflective titanium-nitride coating adds corrosion resistance, toughens the blade, enhances non-stick properties and adds to the sinister appearance.

      CONS:

      • This may be too much of a knife set for the average home chef, as they may not utilized all the knives in this collection. 

      9. Best 8 Piece Knife Set

      Our pick for best 8-piece knife set is the Gladiator series 8-piece steak knife block set, which comes with red handles as well as in a white handle edition. We reviewed this fantastic set above.

      1. Gladiator Series 8-Piece Knife Block Set

      Gladiator Series 8-Piece Knife Block Set

      There’s also this outstanding collection of absolutely beautiful knives that are a total pleasure to use. This fantastic, varied set includes a 9” carving knife, a 9” bread knife, one 8” chef’s knife, one 7” Santoku knife, one 6” utility knife, one 5.5” serrated knife, one 3.75” paring knife, and a honing steel.

      PROS:

      • A great variety of knives (and honing steel) that can be applied to a wide number of kitchen uses.
      • Beautiful polished spine and ABS Polymer handle.
      • A remarkable value for the money you spend on it.

      CONS:

      • In this particular instance, the knife design -- smart as it is -- is also a little plain compared to some other knives on this list. 

      10. Best Budget-Friendly Knife Set

      Gladiator Series Straight-Edge Steak Knife Set (4)

      Looking over the knife sets listed above, this is our list of most budget-friendly knife sets.

      1. Shogun Series 3-Peice Paring Knife Set
      2. The Frost Fire Series 4-Piece Steak Knife Set
      3. Omega Series 4-Piece Knife Set
      4. Shadow Black Series 4-Piece Cheese Knife Set
      5. Gladiator Series 8-Piece Knife Block Set

      11. Additional Sets and Accessories

        We’ll end on a couple items that didn’t quite fit in the other categories, but can still add a lot of value to your kitchen.

          1. Shadow Black Series 4-Piece Cheese Knife Set

          4-Piece Cheese Knife Set | Shadow Black Series

          Designed from the ground up to be as sleek, aggressive, and muscular looking as they are effective, the Dalstrong Shadow Black Series stands out from the pack. They’re not simply cutting-edge, high-performance tools; they're a statement about who you are and your unique sense of style as a chef.

          A ruthlessly sharp scalpel-like edge is hand finished by expert bladesmiths to 15° per side using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke method. Nitrogen cooled for enhanced hardness and flexibility.

          PROS:

          • Precision forged, ultra sharp, wear-resistant, single-piece, high carbon   7CR17MOV-X vacuum treated steel at 58 Rockwell.
          • The edge is painstakingly hand sharpened to 16-18° per side, maintaining the perfect balance between blade sharpness and maximum resilience.
          • Black, non-reflective titanium-nitride coating adds corrosion resistance, toughens the blade, enhances non-stick properties.
          • Tall blade height gives knuckle clearance to assist with food preparation and chopping activity.

          CONS:

          • Price might be a little steep for folks looking for a more entry-level set of cheese knives.

          3. Dragon Spire Double-Sided Magnetic Walnut Wood Knife Block

          Dragon Spire Double-Sided Magnetic Walnut Wood Block

          Maybe you read this entire article and thought to yourself “I don’t need a knife set. I already have all these knives!” In that case, fair enough. But do you have a nice knife block to place them on for presentation?

          As we’ve established, part of the appeal of several of these pieces is the gorgeous design that goes along with it. Presentation is important; it’s as part of the food experience as anything else. So consider buying this beautiful walnut wood knife block, with its extra-strength magnets on either side of each column providing you with a strong and secure hold. 

          Also look into getting a great knife sharpener! Extremely important to round out your collection. And if you want to learn about sharpening a serrated knife, we’ve got you covered. To complete their collection, other also like to secure kitchen shears. In that case, you can take a look at Dalstrong's kitchen shears here. This Japanese steel kitchen shears will complement your knife block sets really well.

          There you have it, we have come to the end of our comprehensive guide for choosing the best kitchen knife set. 

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          You can also check in with our Expert Knife Finder Quiz and get specific recommendations based on your needs. 

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          Witten by Jorge Farah

          Born on the coast of Colombia and based in Buenos Aires, Jorge is a cooking enthusiast and kitchenware obsessive with a tremendous amount of opinions. 


          Best Kitchen Knife Sets

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