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10 Best Knife Sets 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

McCook® Knife Sets, German Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Block Sets with Built-in Sharpener

The McCook® Knife Sets feature high-carbon, forged German stainless steel blades, which are known for their durability and resistance to rust and tarnish. This makes them a reliable choice for both professional chefs and beginners. The built-in sharpener is a significant advantage, ensuring the knives remain sharp without the need for separate sharpening tools. The set includes 15 pieces, covering a wide range of culinary tasks from chopping to slicing, and the knives are well-balanced and comfortable to hold. The taper grind edge technology enhances sharpness and precision, and the knives maintain their edge even with frequent use.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,261
Blade Material
Knife Types Included
Weight and Balance

Most important from
33994 reviews

Blade Material
The durability and lack of flex in the blades make them reliable for various cutting tasks.
Knife Types Included
The set includes a variety of knives that are exceptionally sharp, making kitchen tasks more efficient.
Weight and Balance
The knives are well-balanced and comfortable to hold, even for those with smaller hands.
Sharpness and Edge Retention
The one-piece construction of the knives is highly appreciated for its sturdiness and sharpness.
Storage Options
The compact knife block with a built-in sharpener is praised for its efficient storage and maintenance.
#2
8.8 score

WÜSTHOF Classic 15-Piece Knife Block Set

The WÜSTHOF Classic 15-Piece Knife Block Set is a well-rounded choice for both amateur cooks and serious chefs. It includes a variety of knives such as a paring knife, utility knives, Santoku, bread knife, cook’s knife, and steak knives, ensuring you have the right tool for almost any kitchen task. The set also includes 9-inch honing steel, kitchen shears, and a 17-slot block for convenient storage. Each knife is made from high carbon stainless steel, known for its durability and resistance to corrosion and dulling.

Rating
8.8
Blade Material
Knife Types Included
Sharpness and Edge Retention

Most important from
315 reviews

Blade Material
The German steel construction ensures they last forever.
Knife Types Included
The set includes a variety of essential knives and tools, all forged from high-carbon stainless steel.
Sharpness and Edge Retention
Exceptionally sharp out of the box, these knives can cut through anything effortlessly.
#3
8.2 score

Shun Classic 9 Piece Chef’s Block Set, Includes 7 Shun Classic Knives, Honing Steel and 22-Slot Knife Block, Handcrafted Japanese Knife Set, Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding, Pakkawood Handle

The Shun Classic 9 Piece Chef’s Block Set is a high-quality knife collection suited for home cooks who value precision and craftsmanship. Its blades are made from VG-MAX steel with 68 layers of Damascus cladding, offering impressive sharpness and long-lasting edge retention. The set includes a versatile range of seven knives—from a chef’s knife to a bread knife—covering most kitchen cutting tasks.

Rating
8.2
Sharpness and Edge Retention
Handle Design and Comfort

Most important from
339 reviews

Sharpness and Edge Retention
The knives are incredibly sharp, making cutting feel effortless and smooth, like slicing through butter.
Handle Design and Comfort
The elegant design of the knives adds a sophisticated touch to any kitchen island or countertop.

Top 10 Best Knife Sets 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

McCook® Knife Sets, German Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Block Sets with Built-in Sharpener

Blade Material: High-carbon German stainless steel
Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Number of Pieces: 15
Weight and Balance: 7.34 pounds, well-balanced
Sharpness and Edge Retention: Taper grind edge technology
Storage Options: Knife block with built-in sharpener

Chosen by 1261 this week

WÜSTHOF Classic 15-Piece Knife Block Set

Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Synthetic Polypropylene
Knife Types Included: Paring, utility, Santoku, bread, cook’s, steak
Number of Pieces: 15
Weight and Balance: Full tang, triple-riveted design
Sharpness and Edge Retention: 20% sharper, twice edge retention, 58 HRC
Storage Options: 17-slot block

Shun Classic 9 Piece Chef’s Block Set, Includes 7 Shun Classic Knives, Honing Steel and 22-Slot Knife Block, Handcrafted Japanese Knife Set, Damascus Stainless Steel Cladding, Pakkawood Handle

Blade Material: VG-MAX steel, 68 layers Damascus
Handle Design and Comfort: Pakkawood, D design, ambidextrous comfort
Included Knives: 8 knives, honing steel, bamboo block
Sharpness and Edge Retention: Impressive sharpness, long-lasting edge
Balance and Weight: Forged, 11.6 pounds with block
Maintenance and Care: Hand wash only, no dishwasher

Shun Premier 15-piece Knife Block Set

Blade Material: VG-MAX steel, Damascus-clad
Handle Material: walnut PakkaWood
Knife Types Included: paring, utility, chef's, steak, honing steel
Number of Pieces: 15
Sharpness and Edge Retention: excellent sharpness and retention
Storage Options: angled knife block

DALSTRONG Gladiator Series Elite-18pc Stainless Steel Knife Set with Block-High Carbon German Steel-Acacia Wood Block-Knife Set w/White Handles-NSF Certified-Men's Valentines Gift

Blade Material: high-carbon German stainless steel
Handle Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Knife Types Included: chef’s, steak, honing steel, santoku
Number of Pieces: 18-piece
Weight and Balance: 4.2 pounds total
Sharpness and Edge Retention: hand-polished 16-18° edges; stain-resistant
Storage Options: acacia wood block

Cuisinart 15-Piece Knife Set with Block, High Carbon Stainless Steel, Forged Triple Rivet, Natural C77CTR-15P

Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Handle Design and Comfort: Stainless steel, triple rivet, wide bolster
Included Knives: Chef, slicing, santoku, paring, 6 steak knives
Sharpness and Edge Retention: Sharp longer, resists rust and stains
Balance and Weight: Weight balanced for control
Maintenance and Care: Dishwasher safe; hand wash recommended

Dalstrong 24 Piece Block Knife Set - Vanquish Series - Stainless Steel Knife Set with Block & Kitchen Scissors - Forged High Carbon German Steel - Premium POM Black Handles - NSF Certified

Blade Material: High-carbon Thyssen-Krupp German steel
Handle Material: POM black handles
Knife Types Included: chef's, bread, carving, Santoku, scissors, honing, steak
Number of Pieces: 24
Weight and Balance: 9 pounds, balanced
Sharpness and Edge Retention: Rockwell hardness 55+, hand-sharpened 9-11 degrees
Storage Options: carbonized ash wood and aluminum block

WÜSTHOF Gourmet 16-Piece Knife Block Set

Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
Handle Design and Comfort: Triple-riveted, durable, heat and fade resistant
Included Knives: Various knives, honing steel, kitchen shears
Sharpness and Edge Retention: Laser-cut, sharp, holds edge well
Balance and Weight: 12 ounces, light and easy
Maintenance and Care: Hand wash only, no dishwasher

Shun Classic 10-piece Knife Block Set

Blade Material: VG-MAX core, 34-layer Damascus cladding
Handle Material: D-shaped ebony PakkaWood
Knife Types Included: paring, honesuki, nakiri, utility, santoku, chef, carving
Number of Pieces: 10
Weight and Balance: 11.75 pounds
Sharpness and Edge Retention: Rockwell Hardness 60-61, 16° double-bevel
Storage Options: deluxe bamboo knife block

Shun Premier 8 Piece Knife Block Set

Blade Material: VG-MAX steel, Damascus, Stainless Steel
Handle Design and Comfort: Contoured walnut PakkaWood, comfy grip
Included Knives: 4" Paring, 5.5" Nakiri, 6" Boning, 6.5" Utility, 7" Santoku, honing steel
Sharpness and Edge Retention: Hand-sharpened 16° double-bevel, sharp, durable
Balance and Weight: Forged, solid feel, 12.3 pounds
Maintenance and Care: Hand wash, gentle soap, no dishwasher
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Buying Guide for the Best Knife Sets

Choosing the right knife set is an important step in setting up your kitchen for efficient and enjoyable cooking. A good knife set will provide you with the specific tools needed for everyday food prep, from slicing vegetables to carving meats. The goal is to find a set that covers your culinary needs, feels comfortable in your hand, and will last with proper care. It’s also good to consider ease of maintenance and how much space you have for storage when picking a set.
Blade MaterialBlade material is what the knife’s cutting part is made from and it directly affects the knife’s sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. The most common materials are stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and ceramic. Stainless steel is rust-resistant and easy to care for, making it a popular choice for most kitchens. High-carbon steel holds a sharp edge longer but can be more prone to rust if not maintained properly. Ceramic blades stay sharp for a long time and resist staining, but can chip or break if dropped. When picking a blade material, think about your willingness to maintain the knives and how often you’ll use them.
Handle Design and ComfortThe handle is where you grip the knife, and it hugely influences comfort, control, and safety while cutting. Handles can be made from wood, plastic, or composite materials. Wood handles have a traditional feel but need more care to prevent damage from water. Plastic and composite handles are more resistant to moisture and easier to clean. The shape of the handle matters too—choose a handle that fits comfortably in your hand and offers a secure grip. If you have smaller or larger hands, be sure to pick a set that feels comfortable for you during repeated use.
Included KnivesKnife sets come with a variety of pieces, usually including a chef’s knife, paring knife, bread knife, and others like utility or serrated knives. Some sets have more speciality knives, while others stick to just the basics. Consider what kind of cooking you do most often; if you mostly do general cooking, a few basic knives will suffice, but if you like baking or preparing exotic dishes, a set with specialty blades might be helpful. Avoid buying sets with lots of knives you won’t actually use.
Sharpness and Edge RetentionSharpness refers to how finely the knife can cut, and edge retention is how long it stays sharp before needing to be honed or sharpened again. This depends mostly on the blade’s material and design. Knives that stay sharp longer require less upkeep but can be harder to sharpen on your own. If you don’t want to sharpen knives often, look for a set known for edge retention. If you’re comfortable sharpening, you might prioritize knives that are easy to hone regularly.
Balance and WeightBalance and weight describe how the knife feels in your hand and how easily you can control it. A balanced knife is neither blade- nor handle-heavy, and should feel natural to maneuver. Weight is a personal preference—some people like heavier knives for chopping, while others prefer lighter ones for delicate tasks. Think about what feels comfortable for your wrist and hand strength, and choose a set with knives that won’t tire you out during prep.
Maintenance and CareMaintenance and care refer to how easy the knives are to clean, sharpen, and store. Some knives are dishwasher safe, but hand washing is usually best to preserve sharpness and prevent corrosion. Consider whether the set comes with a storage block, magnetic strip, or protective sheaths, as this helps keep knives safe and handy. If you want the least upkeep, pick knives that resist staining and rust, and avoid wood handles if you'll be washing them often.

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