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- Mercer Culinary Genesis (6-piece)
- J.A. Henckels International Statement 15-pc Knife Block Set
- Cangshan X Series 59915 6-Piece German Steel Forged Knife Block Set
- Emojoy 15-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
- Cuisinart C77SS-15PK 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set
- The Home Hero Stainless Steel Knife Set with Block
- AmazonBasics Stainless Steel 14-Piece Knife Set
With all the different brands and styles, what is really the best kitchen knife set that money can buy?
I’m glad you’re not like me that just takes the best priced set because it was convenient, just to realize that I could’ve got a lot better knives for an even better price.
Choosing a kitchen knife set can also be an interesting task as there is all kinds of things to look out for.
Do you want a cheap 2-year solution, or do you want a lifelong knife set?
Do you want German steel, or regular stainless steel?
These and many other question can seem like a daunting route, and might even overshadow the simple decision ahead of you.
Instead of making you wonder what’s best, or what you should totally avoid, I’ve laid out the top 7 kitchen knife sets of 2018 for you to choose from.
There are literally thousands upon thousands of different options with all kinds of reviews.
Skip the headache and read through this quick and simple guide to find out exactly what’s right for you.
Table of Contents
Quality and Price Range When Choosing a Knife Set
When choosing the material that a blade is made out of, you have to know what you’ll be using the knives for.
Obviously you’re going to cut meats, breads, cheeses, etc., But you have to know the frequency and how often you’ll use them.
If you consider yourself an at-home chef, the top 3 knives on this list are for you as they are all incredibly high-quality and they last for decades if taken proper care of.
The knife sets in this list range from around $20.00 to $145.00, which gives you a huge amount of room to make the right call.
You might have to buy 3 or 4 sets of the $20.00 knives to last you the same amount of time as the $145.00 knives, depending on how well you take care of them.
That being said, sharpening and cleaning greatly increases how long your knife set will last.
However, high-quality knives naturally last much longer for the most part.
But with high quality comes a higher price range, which might not be for some of you.
Personally, I like a knife set that gets the job done while remaining budget-friendly.
With that being said, I don’t meal prep too often and I only cut foods in the kitchen about once or twice a day, so I usually stick to the $40.00 to $50.00 range when purchasing knives.
This range gives me a few years of precision with an affordable price tag.
Again, it’s really all up to you and you’re budget, so we’ll start with the top of the line, working down to the most budget-friendly.
At #1 through #3, you can expect the best of the best and these are knives that a beginner chef would be proud to own.
At #4 through #7, you’ll find some budget-friendly knives for the casual kitchen-user who doesn’t cut foods more than most people.
With all of this information, you’ll be able to pick the exact knife set for you, so let’s get right into it.
1) Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set
When it comes to the best of the best, the Mercer Culinary Genesis knife set is without a doubt at the top.
It’s both incredibly precise, and very aesthetically pleasing.
Cased within a tempered glass block, you can see your knives without having to pull them out.
It can be frustrating searching for the right knife, but this see-through block takes that away for you.
The ergonomic handle of these knives is made with a special material that can withstand extreme temperatures.
It’s also non-slip, even when wet.
When you’re working around the kitchen, all kinds of stuff gets on your hands, so without having to constantly dry your hands, you can easily work with these knives without fear of dropping them.
Made with high-quality German steel, these blades literally cannot rust, corrode, or discolor and these are the same reasons that most of us end up replacing our kitchen knife sets is because they start to rust or corrode.
Rust in food is obviously not healthy at all, so you then start looking for a new set.
Think about how many kitchen knife sets you’ll have to go through due to rust and corrosion.
Is it really worth it to go cheap in the end?
These knives will stand the test of time due to their high-quality construction, saving you loads of money in the long run.
Currently just under $145.00, it might seem like a steep purchase but with these knives, you’ll be worry-free, which in my opinion is priceless.
If you’re concerned about the ‘what-ifs’, there’s a limited lifetime warranty and Mercer Culinary is so confident that you’ll love their kitchen knives, that they have offered a full replacement if anything goes wrong.
If that doesn’t make you feel comfortable with their stylish, efficient knives, I don’t know what will.
2) J.A. Henckels International Statement 15-pc Knife Block Set
If you consider yourself an at-home chef, you might want to take a look at the J.A. Henckels International Statement 15-pc Knife Block Set.
I’ve found myself searching for the right knife several times, only to settle for one that would hopefully work.
With this 15 piece knife set, there will be no settling.
You get the exact knife you need to get the job done.
There’s all kinds of knives in this 15 piece set, so check out the list below for everything that’s included:
- 3″ paring knife
- 5″ serrated utility knife
- 7″ Santoku knife with a hollow edge
- 8″ chef’s knife
- 8″ bread knife
- 6 – 4.5″ steak knives
- A sharpening steel rod
- A pair of Kitchen shears
The company logo is stamped onto the hardwood block that the knives go into, which is strong, sturdy construction helps the knives stay protected in case someone or something knocks over the block.
Unlike cheaper products, this knife block can’t break from falling onto the ground and it would take a whole lot of force to break something so durable.
The blades on the knives are made in a single piece unlike many other brands as most knives are made in two pieces: the hilt and the blade.
These blades carry through the hilt, making them far more durable and the thickness of the blades at the base also helps with its strength tremendously.
If you’re looking for a high-quality knife set that’s cased in a traditional (yet far more durable) wooden block, then the J.A. Henckels International Statement 15-pc Knife Block Set is definitely worth checking out.
There’s plenty of blades to choose from, so you’ll never run any of them dull to quickly.
When you’re cooking many meals at home, especially for meal preppers, it’s always important to get strong, durable, long-lasting knives.
3) Cangshan X Series 59915 6-Piece German Steel Forged Knife Block Set
If you’re looking for a unique, ultra-precise kitchen knife set, look no further.
The Cangshan German Steel knife set is one of the top contenders for the best knife set in 2018.
From the handle to the tip of the knife, this set has it all.
Starting with the hilt of the knife, you’ll get a stylish, sleek, and ergonomic handle which is very narrow, and perfectly fits in your hand.
Easy handle allows you to focus on the cut, instead of trying to hold a bulky, squarish handle.
It also helps with preventing the blade from slipping, which is an obvious bonus.
These blades are made of ultra-strong German steel and you can’t break these things if you tried.
They rated very high on all hardness tests, and will last you an incredibly long time.
Don’t worry about replacing old knives anymore as these ones are meant to last you a lifetime.
I’m a budget-friendly kind of guy, but I’m also all about the one-time big purchase that’ll save you money in the long run.
Speaking of price, these blades are currently on sale for around $120.00, but act quickly because the sale ends soon.
They’re typically around $200.00, which makes them a steal at this price.
Another unique feature to this knife blade set is the holding block.
While most hardwood blocks stand upright, this one is sideways and it’s also tapered in a pyramid style, which adds to the appearance as well.
So what comes in this knife set?
Check the listing below:
- 8-inch chef’s knife
- 7-inch Santoku knife
- 8-inch bread knife
- 5-inch serrated utility knife
- 3.5-inch paring knife
These hand-crafted kitchen knives prove to be an excellent choice for anything you need while preparing food. Instead of putting up with dull, old hand-me-down knives, it might be time to upgrade to a premium set.
4) Emojoy 15-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
Currently a #1 Amazon best-seller, the Emojoy 15 Piece Kitchen Knife Set should be at the top of the list for budget-friendly shoppers.
This knife set comes with everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
It has plenty of high-quality knives that will last you many years due to the sharpening rod.
Some of us believe it’s time to go kitchen knife shopping whenever our current knife set dulls but the truth is, you can keep a decent knife set like this one around for many years.
You just have to keep up on sharpening.
If you forget to sharpen your knives every so often, they’ll permanently dull, leading to eventual corrosion.
So even if your knives aren’t looking dull, try to sharpen them every few weeks if you’re a heavy user.
This knife set includes all kinds of options to satisfy your inner chef. Check out the selection below:
- 8”Chef Knife
- 8”Slicing Knife
- 8”Santoku Knife
- 8”Bread Knife
- 5”Utility Knife
- 3.5”Paring Knife
- Kitchen Scissors
- Knife Sharpener
- 6 x 4.5”Steak Knives
As you can see, you’ll always have the right knife for what you’re cutting.
Using a knife for the wrong purpose can dull it incredibly fast, so it’s very important to always use the corresponding knife for the job.
Any knife set, even the low-budget ones, can last you a few years if you treat them well.
Sharpen, use them on the right task, place them facing up, and wash them routinely to ensure they stay sharp and clean.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line budget-friendly kitchen knife set, check out the Emojoy 15 Piece Kitchen Knife Set.
The reviews and best-seller rank prove that you won’t be let down.
At around $55.00, these knives are an easy choice for those of you looking to get the right set.
5) Cuisinart C77SS-15PK 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set
While searching for the best budget-friendly knife sets, I came across one of the most well-known and trusted brand in the kitchen industry.
The Cuisinart 15 piece stainless steel knife set is easily one of the top knife sets on Amazon for multiple reasons.
These knives are made out of high-quality carbon steel, making them incredibly tough and durable.
They won’t dull and corrode quickly like many other competitors and they also come with a knife sharpener to ensure that your knives don’t break down too much.
Another cool feature about these budget-friendly knives is the all silver appearance.
From the tip of the blade to the base of the hilt, these knives are all silver, which adds to the futuristic look.
They’re also easy to use, since the handle fits perfectly in the palm of your handle.
Like most of Cuisinart’s products, these knives are fashionable but not too flashy.
The blades are curved, which adds to the unique design seen in very few other knife sets. It’s nice to have something unique and effective at such an affordable price, which is why there’s over 1,000 great reviews on this product.
This knife set has everything you need to get started.
Whether you’re prepping for a big family dinner, or just cutting up some veggies for dinner, you’re all covered.
From bread knives, to steak knives, and chef knives, this Cuisinart set has it all.
If you’re looking for a solid, well-trusted brand for a cheap kitchen knife set, check out the Cuisinart 15 Piece Stainless Steel Knife Set.
It’s the perfect combination of minimalism and efficiency, at a budget-friendly price and these knives are currently selling for just below $45.00, which is perfect for their longevity and reliability.
6) The Home Hero Stainless Steel Knife Set with Block
The Home Hero knife set is the perfect example of budget-friendly fanciness.
The block it sits in is clear, which makes it very easy to see which knife you’re choosing.
It sits as a slight arc, which makes it easy for you to slide the knives in and out with precision.
When knives go into a wooden block, they’re slowly dulled by the wood.
However, tempered glass knife holders don’t do this.
As far as the knives go, the unique all-black finish makes them stand out from the rest.
The pizza knife even states “pizza” on it for a fun little indicator and the handles of the knives are black as well, which makes them appear sturdy and sharp.
This set is easily one of my favorite knife sets on the market for several reasons.
They fit right into my price range, and they’re very unique looking.
I’ve always said that I stand for minimalism paired with efficiency, and this knife set is a great example of the combination.
So what’s all included in the Home Hero knife set? Check out the list below:
-
Carving knife
-
Utility knife
-
Cheese knife
-
Pizza knife
-
Chef knife
-
Bread knife
-
Paring knife
-
Steak knives
- Peeler
- 2-stage knife sharpener
As you can probably assume, everything you need and more is included in this knife set but don’t let the low price of $30.99 (currently) fool you.
These knives are incredibly sharp, precise, and unique in appearance but its durability shouldn’t be questioned, as there’s a 100% money-back guarantee to back up that statement.
When looking for the ultimate knife set that meets your required price range but also contains quality, the Home Hero knife set is one of the best choices.
You’re not going to spend a fortune, and although you don’t get anti-rust or anti-corroding steel, you still get exactly what you actually need.
The added peeler and 2-stage knife sharpener are the cherry on top that makes this on of the top contenders for the best knife set of 2018.
7) AmazonBasics Stainless Steel 14-Piece Knife Set
If you’re looking for a straight-to-the-point (no pun intended) knife set that gets the job done, then check out the AmazonBasics 14-piece knife set.
It contains all the knives you need to work around the kitchen, and it comes in a nice pine wooden block.
Although you won’t get all the fancy German steel and lifetime qualities of the other knives on this list, you’ll still save a decent amount of money.
These knives are an excellent gift for someone moving into an apartment or their first house, and they’re also great for a wedding present.
If you’re always going through knives, you should consider getting a cheaper set to prevent yourself from spending fortunes.
That is, unless you decide to go with the high-end sets at the start of this list.
You’re probably wondering what’s all included in this knife set, right?
Well, surprisingly there’s actually quite a bit, so check out the list below:
- 8-inch chef’s knife
- 8-inch slicing knife
- 8-inch bread knife
- 5.5-inch utility knife
- 3.5-inch peeling knife
- Kitchen scissors
- Knife sharpener
This set is the ultimate minimalist set, and doesn’t have all the extras.
As long as you stay on top of the sharpening, you’ll be fine to keep these knives for plenty of years to come.
They do require more attention than more expensive knives, but cleaning and routine sharpening can lengthen their lifespan dramatically.
You might have to buy a few of these sets over a decade to balance out with the lifespan of some of the more expensive knife sets on the list.
But for a starter set, or a casual user, these are one of the best sets on the market.
If you’re staying on a budget, looking for a gift, or just want a simple set of kitchen knives without spending too much money, then the AmazonBasics knife set is the perfect option for you.
They’re stainless steel blades with comfortable handles, which make them a super simple and affordable purchase without worrying about quality.
Hundreds of positive reviews back up my claims, so check them out for yourself.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully these product reviews have given you some assistance and insight on which knife set you want.
Again, pick according to what you’re comfortable spending and using in your own home.
Some of us use kitchen knives far more than others, so the knives might be of a higher importance.
Others, myself included, are more casual and don’t need the top of the top.
If you’re looking for the best knife set around for your house, then check out the Mercer Culinary Genesis German Steel Knife Set.
It’s got everything you need, with a stylish touch.
You get long lasting, sharp, and durable blades.
They’re rust-resistant, they won’t discolor, and they won’t corrode.
As far as the price goes, they’re on the higher end of the scale for sure.
But again, if you use your knives more frequently, it might be worth the investment.
If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly, replaceable knife set, try out the AmazonBasics knife set.
It’s a simple 14 piece set with all the essentials in a nice wooden block.
Although you’re not getting the finest steel and a tempered glass holding block, you still get decent quality knives to get the job done.
Personally, I have to choose the Home Hero set at #6.
It’s very affordable, and it has everything you need in a knife set.
The design is super unique and stylish, but it’s not too much.
These knives have plenty of amazing reviews that point to the fact that they definitely deserve a spot on the top 7 knives of 2018.
Whatever you choose is up to you as my job here is to help you narrow down the selection from several thousands to just 7.
There’s really no need to search endlessly for kitchen knives, especially if you’re just looking for a decent set.
All of these knife sets also make great gifts for all occasions.
A gift of a knife set is classy, thoughtful, and can be professional as well.
Cooking in the kitchen should be a nice occasion and it shouldn’t be something you stress too much over, and cheap knives will cause nothing but problems.
I don’t mean cheap by price, but cheap from the construction.
Many brands, such as Cuisinart and Home Hero are much cheaper than other brands that don’t even get close to matching the quality.
At a lower price, you can still get a great deal and a much better knife set.
