Best Kitchen Knife Sets

Best kitchen knife sets8 Piece Steak Knife Set with Storage Block | Gladiator Series | Dalstrong ©

Best Kitchen Knife Sets

  1. Gladiator Series 18-piece Colossal Knife Set with Block
  2. Shogun Series Steak Knife Set (4)
  3. Gladiator Series 8-Piece Steak Knife Set
  4. Shogun Series X 5 piece Knife Block Set
  5. Crusader Series 18-Piece Knife Block Set - NSF Certified
  6. Crusader Series 8-Piece Block Set - NSF Certified
  7. Shogun Series 3-Piece Paring Knife Set 
  8. Shadow Black Series 9" Carving Knife & Fork Set - NSF Certified
kitchen knife set sitting on countertop

Content Table: 

  1. The Benefits Of A Good Kitchen Knife Set
  2. What To Look For In a Kitchen Knife Set
  3. Best Block Set
  4. Best Steak Knife Set
  5. Best Paring Knife Set
  6. Best Carving Knife set
  7. Best 18-Piece Set
  8. Best 8-piece Set
  9. Best Budget-Friendly Knife Set
  10. Additional Sets And Accessories

    1. The Benefits Of A Good Kitchen Knife Set

    8 pc knife block set sitting beside kitchen utensils

    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 kitchen counter with a knife block set that contains black handles kitchen knives

    Gladiator Series 8-Piece Steak Knife 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 Set

    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.

    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

    Gladiator Series 8-Piece Steak Knife Set - White ABS Handles with Storage 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. Shogun Series X 5 piece Block Set

    Shogun Series X 5 piece Block Set

    This is what we call a showstopper. This incredible five-piece kitchen knife set isn’t just a showstopper when it comes to looks, it also comes with five of the best knives you can own. Knives in Dalstrong’s Shogun series are painstakingly crafted over a period of 60 days, using the highest quality materials. Its gorgeous stamped knife will have everyone asking about it.

    So if you’re looking for a five-piece that looks great and provides you with a good amount of variety, this is the set for you.

    This set includes an 8” serrated bread knife, one 8inch chefs knife, one 7” Santoku knife, one 6” utility knife, and one 3.5” paring knife. It comes in a handcrafted Acacia wood block with stainless steel finishes. A perfect collection for professional chefs and home cooks alike. 

    PROS:

    • The blades themselves are as good as it gets: precision forged from 
a single piece of ultra premium Japanese high-carbon AUS-10V steel with 67-alternating layers of SUS410 damascus steel. (That means they’re good.)
    • The stamped knives feature a beautiful visual Tsunami Rose pattern, which makes them as much an art piece as they are a feat of knife craftsmanship. Looks especially beautiful on the bread knife.
    • The wood block looks and feels great.

    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 (4)

    Shogun Series Steak Knife Set (4)

    This steak knife set is a sleek and powerful entry in Dalstrong’s famous Shogun series, with a powerful high-carbon stainless steel blade, an ultra-premium G10 handle, and the beautiful Tsunami Rose blade pattern. Looks great, works like an absolute dream.

    PROS:

    • Precision forged from
 a single piece of 66 layered damascus high-carbon stainless steel cladding.
    • Sharpened to an impressive 8 -12°degree angle per side.
    • Tapered bolster provides a comfortable grip. 
    • Featuring the Shogun Series Tsunami Rose pattern, this is another absolutely gorgeous knife that will have friends and family asking you all about it.

    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 Straight-Edge Steak Knife Set - Set of 4 with White ABS Handles

    Gladiator Series Straight-Edge Steak Knife Set - Set of 4 with White ABS Handles

    The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 5” straight-edge steak knives are absolute champs when it comes to cutting into a cut of beef. Not much better than slicing into a juicy tenderloin or chop with these powerful and extremely comfortable knives, which were designed specifically for that purpose! 

    This set includes four stylish 5” knives, with blades that are precision forged from a single piece of imported premium quality, high-carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel. They require minimal maintenance and are extremely easy to clean. Plus they look absolutely great. Dress up your table-setting with this fantastic set.

    PROS:

    • Beautiful ergonomic handle for maximum comfort and maneuverability.
    • Tall blade height provides knuckle clearance, makes eating and even cooking much easier.
    • These knives are as pleasing to use as they are to look at.
    • Very affordable. An accessible price point for steak lovers.

    CONS:

    • Weight-wise, these are among the lightest in this list; some folks might prefer the feel of a heavier blade in their hands.
    • Some people prefer to stick with classic brown cutlery sets. 

    Of course, the Gladiator series 8-piece block set we described earlier, and its white variant,  are also steak knife sets. We rank those very highly, so give them a look. For a more comprehensive guide on steak knives, check out this handy article

    5. Best Paring Knife Set

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

    3 Piece Paring Knife Set | Shogun Series | Dalstrong ©

    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. Shogun Series 9" Carving Knife & Fork Set

    Shogun Series 9" Carving Knife & Fork Set

    This incredible 9” carving knife is perfect for roasts, briskets, ham, turkey, salmon… you name it. If it needs slicing, this is the knife for you. As part of the acclaimed Shogun series, this ultra-sharp blade provides incredible maneuverability and effortless slicing motion. It may be the only slicing knife you ever need again.

    And that’s not all. The carving fork that comes alongside it is similarly wonderful, ergonomically designed to secure the meat in place in a way that feels both comfortable and sturdy. Name a more iconic duo. You can’t.

    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 blade, made from 
a single piece of ultra premium Japanese high-carbon AUS-10V steel with 66-alternating layers of SUS410 damascus cladding. If you’re a knife enthusiast who is familiar with half of those terms (I wasn’t!) then you know this is a tool to be reckoned with.
    • Gorgeous “Tsunami Rose” visual pattern on the blade, making this as much of a kitchen tool as it is a piece of art..

    CONS:

    • As much as it pains me to say it, some people like their knives to look as plain as possible; the gorgeous Tsunami Rose design is not for everybody.
    • Definitely in the upper end of the price range for this type of premium slicer.

    2. Shadow Black Series 9" Carving Knife & Fork Set - NSF Certified

    Shadow Black Series 9" Carving Knife & Fork Set - NSF Certified

    Another entry in the sleek and futuristic look of the Shadow Black series, a truly striking carving knife and fork duo. As I said earlier, I’m a big fan of the look and feel of this series. Not only does the knife handle beautifully, but it makes you feel like you’re in a spy movie. It’s also sure to elicit comments from any visitor as its perfect for professional chefs and home cooks alike.

    PROS:

    • Black, non-reflective titanium-nitride coating that just looks so darn cool.
    • Precision forged, ultra sharp, wear-resistant, single-piece, high carbon ThyssenKrupp steel.
    • Unique geometrical handle design that results in an impressively comfortable grip.
    • Because of its practicality and its super-cool look, this is a fantastic gift piece. Especially if you’re my friend. It’s my birthday soon. Please gift this to me.

    CONS:

    • You have to be a little careful around the titanium cover when you sharpen the knife.
    • I know it’s an impossibility because of how they’re designed, but I really would’ve loved it if the fork was also all-black. As it stands, only the handle is, which is still great.

    3. Gladiator Series 9" Carving Knife & Fork Set

    Gladiator Series 9" Carving Knife & Fork Set

    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

       

      18 Piece knife set displayed on a white surface in front of their wooden block and Dalstrong packaging

       

      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 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. 

      9. 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. Gladiator Series Paring Knife Set- 3.75" Sheep's Foot, 2.75" Bird's Beak & 3.5" Serrated
      2. The Frost Fire Series 4-Piece Steak Knife Set
      3. Gladiator Series Straight-Edge Steak Knife Set - Set of 4
      4. Shadow Black Series 9" Carving Knife & Fork Set - NSF Certified
      5. Gladiator Series 8-Piece Knife Block Set

      10. 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. Gladiator Series 4-Piece Charcuterie & Cheese Knife Set

        Gladiator Series 4-Piece Charcuterie & Cheese Knife Set

        Think beyond your chef’s knife. Having a set of charcuterie and cheese knives is seriously underrated. This incredible four-piece collection will be the talk of the dinner party the next time you have people over.

        Includes a mini cleaver knife, a forked cheese knife, a soft cheese knife, and a serrated cheese knife spreader, all of them 3.75”.

        PROS:

        • A complete, versatile set for all your charcuterie needs.
        • Super high-quality blades that are precision forged, ultra sharp, wear resistant, single-piece, high carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel.
        • Impress everybody you know with these extremely cool-looking knife designs.

        CONS:

        • Maybe not the knives you’ll be reaching for the most often in your collection, but still very nice to have.

        2. 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.

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

        Shop Dalstrong Kitchen Knife Block Sets Today

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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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