A good knife is the cornerstone of any kitchen, but that’s not to say you need a full collection. Yes, there are chef’s knives, petty knives, Japanese santoku knives, and bread knives, but think about how you really cook and equip accordingly. As Anthony Bourdain wrote in Kitchen Confidential: ¡°Please believe me, here’s all you will ever need in the knife department: one good chef’s knife, as large as is comfortable for your hand.¡± The key is to make sure you don’t end up with a ton of blades and accessories you won’t use. To find the best knife sets, our kitchen and dining writer interviewed chefs, recipe developers, and cookbook authors (and tested some herself).
Top 10 Best Knife Sets for 2025
1. Wüsthof Classic 7-Piece Slim Knife Block Set
Wüsthof is one of the most trusted knife brands, known for their premium German-style blades built to stand up to years of regular use. If you’re looking to invest in a high-quality set that includes five of the most versatile blades and a pair of kitchen shears with pull-apart blades, this collection-which belongs to the brand’s best-selling Classic series-is our favorite pick for most home cooks. Housed in a beautiful, slim acacia block that can fit on even the most crowded countertops, this set comes with six pieces: an 8-inch chef’s knife, 8-inch bread knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, 6-inch prep knife, 5-inch serrated utility knife, and kitchen shears. Featuring full-tang blades that are fully forged from high-carbon stainless steel (which means the same piece of steel extends from the butt of the handle to the very tip), the blades are sharp, durable, and easy to maneuver. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Sharp, durable blades; slim block design saves counter space; full-tang construction; pull-apart shears for easy cleaning.
- Cons: Higher price point; shears may rust if not dried properly.
2. Zwilling J.A. Henckels Pro 7-Piece Knife Block Set
We found the knives in the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Pro 7-Piece Knife Block Set to be super sharp and durable during testing. They feature ergonomic handles that make slicing and dicing easy. We think these high-quality knives will last a lifetime and suggest you give this kitchen knife set a good look. This German-made, handcrafted set includes the three basic knives every home cook needs: an 8-inch chef’s knife, a 3 1/2-inch paring knife, and an 8-inch bread knife. It also includes kitchen shears, a 9-inch honing steel, and an 11-slot acacia block that gives you room to add to your collection. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Razor-sharp blades; ergonomic handles; lifetime warranty; extra block slots.
- Cons: Large block footprint; no utility knife included.
3. Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Knife Block Set
Most knife sets come with a wooden storage block, but this one uses a sleek, modern stand made from beechwood and tempered glass that allowed us to see the blades of each knife at all times; we didn’t have to guess which knife we were grabbing based on the handle. If you prefer a storage block that lets you see all the knives in the set in a single row, the brand also offers this set with a metal and tempered glass stand. Includes: Chef’s knife, santoku knife, bread knife, paring knife, kitchen shears, sharpening steel. Materials: Forged high-carbon stainless steel, triple-riveted synthetic handle. Storage: 6-slot acacia wood knife block. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Affordable; modern glass stand; sharp and balanced blades.
- Cons: Wood handles may darken over time; limited knife variety.
4. Miyabi Artisan 7-Piece Knife Block Set
Featuring hand-hammered steel blades and polished Cocobolo Rosewood Pakkawood handles, the knives included in the Miyabi Artisan 7-Piece Knife Block are absolutely gorgeous. Includes: Chef’s knife, santoku knife, bread knife, paring knife, kitchen shears, sharpening steel. Materials: Micro-carbide powder steel, Cocobolo Rosewood Pakkawood handle. Storage: Bamboo knife block. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Stunning design; exceptionally sharp blades; durable materials.
- Cons: High price; shears have plastic handles.
5. Victorinox 8-Piece Knife Block Set
It’s made by the same company that manufactures the famous Swiss army knife with a reputation for quality at a reasonable price, and this 7-piece set is a shining example of that. ¡°These knives are sharp, comfortable, and eminently capable of performing any task in the kitchen,¡± said our lead tester. The blades are made of high-carbon stainless steel and employ a unique nylon-formed handle. The handles are very comfortable, for the most part, and were easy to firmly grip, wet or dry. The blades themselves were sharp, precise, and held their edge reasonably well throughout our testing. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Budget-friendly; sharp and lightweight; reliable brand.
- Cons: No utility knife; plastic handles may feel less premium.
6. Chicago Cutlery Fusion 17-Piece Knife Block Set
During testing, we were impressed by the sturdy construction and ergonomic, comfortable handles of the knives in the Chicago Cutlery Fusion 17-Piece Knife Block Set. Their sharp blades executed all our tasks with precision. This all-inclusive set includes almost every knife a home chef could ever need. Besides the classic – and heavy – chestnut-stained wood block, you get a 7 3/4-inch chef’s knife, 7 3/4-inch serrated bread knife, 7-inch santoku knife, 5-inch santoku knife, 5-inch utility knife, 3 1/4-inch paring knife, and eight – yes, eight! – 4 1/2-inch steak knives, plus a sharpening steel and chop assist. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Comprehensive set; includes steak knives; precise blades.
- Cons: No kitchen shears; large block size.
7. Shun Classic 10-Piece Knife Set
The Shun Classic 10 Piece set is an excellent option if you are looking for a happy medium between quality and quantity in a Japanese knife set. Set includes the following: 8¡± Chef knife, 4¡± paring knife, 6.5¡± utility knife, 9¡± bread knife, herb shears, combination honing steel, and an eleven slot bamboo knife storage block. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: High-quality Japanese steel; elegant design; sharp edges.
- Cons: Expensive; requires careful maintenance.
8. Cuisinart Stainless Steel 15-Piece Cutlery Block Set
Best Lightweight: Cuisinart Stainless Steel 15-Piece Cutlery Block Set at Amazon $80 Jump to Review. It’s hard to find fault with the Chicago Cutlery Fusion set, which includes every knife you’ll need along with a sharpening steel, and extensive testing cemented this comprehensive collection as our top pick. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Lightweight; affordable; comprehensive set.
- Cons: Less durable than premium brands; may dull faster.
9. Henckels Classic 15-Piece Self-Sharpening Block Set
Best Self-Sharpening: Henckels Classic 15 Piece Self Sharpening Block Set at Amazon $270 Jump to Review. The brilliant thing about this set is the block comes with a built-in sharpener on the side, which means you’ll always have super-sharp knives with little effort. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Built-in sharpener; high-quality blades; good value.
- Cons: Large block; some knives may feel redundant.
10. Paudin Knife Set
This extensive set includes all you need and more, at less than $20 per item. Paudin is proudly a budget knife brand, with dozens of blades in many styles for a small fraction of the cost of more famous names. Most knives this cheap are not high quality, but Paudin is an exception. At less than $20 per piece, its set is reliable and will fully outfit any kitchen and dining room. It includes a diverse set of prep knives, plus a half-dozen steak knives and a block to hold everything. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Extremely affordable; includes steak knives; reliable for price.
- Cons: Minor flaws in testing; not as durable as premium sets.
Comparison Table of Top Knife Sets
| Knife Set | Number of Pieces | Blade Material | Storage | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wüsthof Classic 7-Piece | 7 | High-carbon stainless steel | Slim acacia block | $$$ |
| Zwilling Pro 7-Piece | 7 | High-carbon stainless steel | 11-slot acacia block | $$$ |
| Mercer Culinary Genesis | 6 | Forged high-carbon stainless steel | Beechwood/glass stand | $$ |
| Miyabi Artisan 7-Piece | 7 | Micro-carbide powder steel | Bamboo block | $$$$ |
| Victorinox 8-Piece | 8 | High-carbon stainless steel | Wood block | $ |
| Chicago Cutlery Fusion | 17 | High-carbon stainless steel | Wood block | $$ |
| Shun Classic 10-Piece | 10 | VG-MAX steel | Bamboo block | $$$$ |
| Cuisinart 15-Piece | 15 | Stainless steel | Wood block | $ |
| Henckels 15-Piece | 15 | High-carbon stainless steel | Self-sharpening block | $$ |
| Paudin Knife Set | Varies | Stainless steel | Wood block | $ |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Testing Methodology
We tested 21 knife sets in our dedicated testing lab and in our own kitchens, using each knife from each set. After the testing period, we assigned ratings for each attribute based on our observations and added insights based on our own expertise and kitchen knowledge. We tested 49 knife sets, evaluating each on design, sharpness, and overall value. Our list of the best knife sets includes picks from Wüsthof, Shun, Misen, and Zwilling. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our experts took to the kitchen and tested 26 different knife sets.
Key Testing Scenarios
- Chopping Vegetables: We chopped 24 carrots, diced 24 onions, and 16 shallots, peeled and cored 16 apples, and sliced 18 of the softest tomatoes we could find. The chef’s knife cut through onions easily, and a nice curve to its blade allowed for an easy rocking motion when we chopped.
- Slicing Bread: The set’s bread knife was a real standout, performing just as effectively as 9- and 10-inch versions and slicing through hearty loaves with ease, though bread knives of longer lengths are preferable for wide loaves.
- Shears Testing: If sets included kitchen shears, we used them to cut three whole chicken wings into segments, looking at how well they could grip and chop through joints and cartilage. We also attempted to cut straight through chicken bones to measure the shears’ overall strength.
- Cleaning: Between cutting tests, we hand-washed each knife, noting any special care required. We looked at whether handle and blade shapes tended to hold onto bits of food, and if we saw any rust or corrosion after washing.
Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Knife Set
Key Considerations
- Number of Knives: All the sets on our list contain at least five knives, which should be ample for most home cooks. Consider the dishes you tend to cook and look for a selection of knives that will prove the most helpful. Vegetarians, for example, are unlikely to need a carving knife. However, for roast devotees, it will be essential.
- Blade Material: Virtually all high-quality knives are made from high-carbon stainless steel. The carbon makes them easy to sharpen and helps them keep their edge while the stainless prevents discoloration and rusting.
- Storage: Never throw unprotected knives into a drawer, where they will dull quickly. Wall-mounted magnetic strips-such as the Benchcrafted Mag-Blok-are better and safer. If you don’t want a magnetic strip mounted to your wall, buy a blade guard.
- Maintenance: Maintain a sharp cutting edge with a honing rod. This tool doesn’t actually sharpen the blade-its sole purpose is to realign the microscopic teeth on the knife’s edge that get knocked out of alignment during use.
- Budget: And don’t forget to set a budget. The knives on our list range from ¡ê33.45 to $649. You don’t need to buy the most expensive to enjoy high quality though ¨C ¡ê200 is plenty for most kitchens.
Steps to Choose the Right Knife Set
- Identify your cooking habits and the types of dishes you prepare most often.
- Determine the essential knives you need (e.g., chef’s knife, paring knife, serrated knife).
- Consider storage space and whether you prefer a block, magnetic strip, or drawer storage.
- Evaluate blade materials and handle comfort based on your preferences.
- Set a budget and compare sets within your price range for the best value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum number of knives needed in a kitchen?
At a minimum, every home kitchen should have three knives: a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated (or bread) knife. These cover most cooking tasks, from chopping vegetables to slicing bread and peeling fruit.
Are Japanese or German knives better?
Japanese knives, like those from Shun or Miyabi, are typically thinner, harder, and sharper, ideal for precise cuts. German knives, like Wüsthof or Zwilling, are thicker and more durable, better for heavy-duty tasks. The choice depends on your cooking style and preferences.
How do I maintain my knife set?
Hand-wash knives with mild soap and dry immediately to prevent rust. Use a honing rod regularly to maintain edge alignment and a sharpener periodically to restore sharpness. Store knives in a block, on a magnetic strip, or with blade guards.
Is a self-sharpening knife block worth it?
Self-sharpening blocks, like the Henckels set, are convenient for maintaining sharpness with minimal effort. However, they may wear down blades faster over time compared to manual sharpening, so consider your maintenance habits.
Can I put my knives in the dishwasher?
Most high-quality knives should not go in the dishwasher, as it can dull blades and damage handles. Always hand-wash and dry your knives to preserve their longevity.
Conclusion
Investing in a quality knife set can transform your kitchen experience, making prep work faster, safer, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, the right set should include sharp, durable blades and comfortable handles tailored to your cooking needs. From the premium Wüsthof Classic to the budget-friendly Paudin, there’s a set for every kitchen. For more kitchen essentials, check out America’s Test Kitchen or Serious Eats for expert advice.