7 Best Knife Sets, Tested by Our Kitchen Experts
We found the best knife sets from brands like Shun, Wüsthof, Material, and Ninja.
Tested by Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances Lab Director
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While most cooks can get by with just three knives—a good chef’s knife, a bread knife, and a paring knife—our team in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab loves a knife block set for its versatility, value, and built-in storage.
Kitchen Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou says, "In addition to the basics, it's even better if the set includes a second, slightly smaller chef’s knife or a Santoku knife, so you have another workhorse when your main knife is dirty or in use by someone else. I also really like when the set has a good carving knife and a fillet knife. While you may reach for them less often, they come in handy when you're in a pinch."
Our top picks:
- Best Overall: Wüsthof Classic 9-Piece Knife Block Set
- Best Value: Ninja Foodi NeverDull Premium 17-Piece Knife System
- Best Japanese: Shun Cutlery 7-Piece Essential Knife Block Set
- Best Compact: Material The Knives + Stand
I’m a trained chef, recipe developer, and product tester in the Kitchen Lab. I’ve tested individual knives and knife sets for GH, and along with my expert colleagues, have collectively tested hundreds of blades over the years to whittle down this list of the best knife sets.
Best Deal
Pros
- Superior craftsmanship
- Full tang for balance
- Strong edge retention
Cons
- Heavier than others
Who it’s best for
Regular home cooks who need reliably sharp knives and are willing to pay more for quality and durability.
What you’re getting (and what you’re giving up)
Wüsthof’s Classic 9-Piece Set includes all the essential knives you need and then some. The chef’s knife is our Lab’s top-tested pick. It’s sharp, durable, and comfortable to hold.
The well-balanced knives in this set feel premium, matching the slightly higher price tag. They have razor-sharp stainless steel blades that hold their edge well, even with regular use. They’re heavier than other knives, thanks to the full-tang construction, which makes them powerful and durable.
The acacia wood block has a smooth, attractive finish and 17 slots for additional knives, including six steak knives.
How it performed in testing
The bread knife in this set is light and not so long that it’s unwieldy. Its sharp teeth cleanly sliced through the crustiest breads and flakiest croissants in our tests. We also love the paring knife, which has a 3.5-inch blade that is perfect for peeling and coring apples.
Papantoniou especially likes the chef’s knife in this set. “I love the classic design of the handle and that the knife feels sturdy. It’s the epitome of what you think of when you hear ‘chef’s knife,’” she says.
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Handle material | Plastic |
| Block dimensions | 17.2" x 13.66" x 4.96" |
| Includes | 3.5-in. paring knife, 5-in. serrated utility knife, 5-in. Santoku, 6-in. utility knife, 8-in. chef’s knife, 9-in. bread knife, honing steel, kitchen shears, acacia block |
Pros
- Comes with a built-in sharpener
- Solid performance at an affordable price
- Good variety of knives
Cons
- The stand feels light
Who it’s best for
Culinary novices and serious home cooks who don’t want to break the bank on a solid knife set.
What you’re getting (and what you’re giving up)
We were impressed by how versatile and sharp these knives are, especially for the price. The block has a built-in sharpener that keeps your blades in tip-top condition (and knocks a kitchen task off your to-do list). The Santoku and steak knives, in particular, are well-balanced and comfortable to hold.
Though the plastic stand is pretty light, suction feet help keep it fastened to the counter.
How it performed in testing
In our tests, the chef’s knife sliced through everything from thin-skinned ripe tomatoes to dense butternut squash with ease. One home tester has been using this knife set for several years and reports, “It’s still great. No complaints.”
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Handle material | Plastic |
| Block dimensions | 14.37" x 7.45" x 12.63" |
| Includes | 8-in. chef’s knife, 8-in. bread knife, 7-in. Santoku knife, 8-in. slicing knife, 6-in. boning knife, 5-in. utility knife, 3.5-in paring knife, 8 steak knives, shears, knife block with sharpener |
Pros
- Beautiful craftsmanship
- Lightweight and razor-sharp blades
- Well-balanced knives
Cons
- Requires careful maintenance
Who it’s best for
Cooks who value design and prefer more delicate, lightweight knives.
What you’re getting (and what you’re giving up)
Shun’s classic set stands out for its exquisite Japanese craftsmanship. These beautifully balanced knives are delicate but sharp, making them a great choice for precise cuts.
The premium pakkawood handles help justify the higher price tag, but the thin blades require careful maintenance, as they are more likely to chip than sturdier options.
How it performed in testing
The chef’s knife in this set is also our best-tested Japanese knife. Despite the delicate blade, it can easily cut through hard squashes. Papantoniou has used the chef’s knife for years and never sharpened it (“Shh, don’t tell anyone!”), and it still works great.
She’s also a fan of the paring knife, which has a longer, thinner blade than others we’ve tested and peels apples with minimal waste. The bread knife has sharp, wavy serrated teeth; it cut a variety of crumbly items gently and precisely in our tests.
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Handle material | Wood |
| Block dimensions | 17" x 9" x 8" |
| Includes | 8-in. chef's knife, 6-in. utility knife, 3.5-in. paring knife, 9-in. bread knife, shears, honing steel, bamboo knife block |
Pros
- High performance for the price
- Well-balanced, sharp knives
- Chic magnetic wooden block
Cons
- Fewer knives compared to larger sets
- Blades are not as thin as those on premium knife sets
Who it’s best for
Minimalists and anyone who wants extra space on their knife block for additional blades.
What you’re getting (and what you’re giving up)
Material’s knife set combines sleek aesthetics and quality construction. The result is a space-saving, design-forward collection that holds up to long-term use. We’ve included this set in our Kitchen Gear Awards multiple times.
The stylish magnetic block can hold up to eight knives, but this set includes the three you’ll use most: a chef’s knife, a serrated bread knife, and a paring knife. Each is well-balanced, sharp, and great for everyday cooking.
How it performed in testing
The chef’s knife cuts through soft and hard ingredients with ease, and the bread knife features wavy serrations that are sharp yet gentle on delicate items like croissants. It’s also shorter than other bread knives we tested, which some people may find easier to handle.
The magnetic wooden block has a slight learning curve: You need to pull the knives up rather than out, but it’s still easier than fitting the blade into a narrow slit. While the blades are slightly thicker than those on other knives, this set is great for most daily kitchen tasks.
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Handle material | Plastic |
| Block dimensions | 9.5" x 9.5" x 4" |
| Includes | 8-in. knife, serrated 6-in. knife, 4-in. paring knife, magnetic wood stand |
Pros
- Sharp, precise edges
- Comprehensive set
- Block fits well with modern kitchen aesthetics
Cons
- Heavy knives
Who it’s best for
Regular dinner party hosts and steak lovers.
What you’re getting (and what you’re giving up)
All-Clad’s 12-piece set delivers reliable sharpness and durability. Yes, it comes at a premium, but the set covers most kitchen tasks. It includes a chef’s knife, a slightly smaller Santoku, a paring knife, and steak knives with serrated tips.
The full-tang knives have triple-riveted handles that feel comfortable, if not a little heavy.
How it performed in testing
During testing, the knives felt—and performed—like other high-end knives: easy to work with, super sharp, and comfortable. They sliced right through dense and hard-to-cut foods, where the heavier weight is actually a benefit.
The serrated knife has a thick blade that handled crusty bread well, though it required more sawing than others we tested. The paring knife is easy to grasp for finer jobs like peeling and sectioning fruit.
I like that this set includes everything you’re likely to need and comes with a beautiful block I’d happily display on my kitchen counter.
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Handle material | Wood |
| Block dimensions | N/A |
| Includes | 8-in. chef's knife, 8-in. serrated knife, 7-in. santoku knife, 5-in. utility knife, 3.5-in. paring knife, scissors, 5-in. steak knives, honing steel, acacia wood block |
Pros
- Extremely sharp and lightweight
- Makes fine cuts beautifully
- The knives hold an edge well
Cons
- No stand or sheaths
Who it’s best for
Serious cooks willing to invest in knives that will improve their culinary chops (pun intended).
What you’re getting (and what you’re giving up)
The Mac Professional Series knife set delivers extraordinary durability and precision—two terms you don’t often hear together. The GH culinary team prefers the chef’s knife in this set over many options in the Test Kitchen, where they’ve used it for years.
This pared-down set doesn't include knife sheaths or a stand; it’s designed for a knife roll or to fit into an existing knife block.
How it performed in testing
Though these knife blades are on the thinner side, they’re sturdy and very sharp. The knives are also lightweight and well-balanced, so they’re comfortable for long chopping sessions.
The chef’s knife is particularly comfortable and executes clean, quick slices—it really makes you feel like a pro, regardless of your skill level. The paring knife has a longer blade than most we tested, which made it more versatile for peeling and slicing.
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Handle material | Wood |
| Block dimensions | N/A |
| Includes | 8-in. chef's knife, 10.5-in. bread knife, 5-in. paring knife |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Includes carrying case
- Great for preparing and serving meat
Cons
- Serrated knife and knife block not included
Who it’s best for
Grill masters, campers, and RVers who love cooking and entertaining al fresco.
What you’re getting (and what you’re giving up)
The seven-piece set from Victorinox includes all your outdoor cooking essentials plus a honing steel and a long, flexible slicer for expert meat carving and serving. The boning knife has a narrow blade and a super-sharp point that slides seamlessly between bones and joints of raw and cooked meat.
The set’s durable carrying case and lightweight design make it highly portable. The knives are hardy enough for outdoor use, thanks to their rugged plastic handles. Even if you’re not taking these blades on a camping trip, it’s a great starter set for any home cook at an approachable price point, though you may need to buy a serrated knife and a knife block separately for storage.
How it performed in testing
Papantoniou keeps this knife set on hand for grilling and cookouts. She likes that it includes everything she needs for carving and tackling meats, as well as prep. The knives are lightweight but balanced, sharp, and durable. She says she’s “never worried about chipping them.”
Features at a Glance
| Blade material | Stainless Steel |
| Handle material | Plastic |
| Case dimensions | 19.5" x 5.88" x 3.25" |
| Includes | 3.25-in. paring knife, 6-in. boning knife, 8-in chef’s knife, 8-in. carving knife, 10.25-in. Graton edge slicer, honing steel, carrying case |
Pros
- Comfortable sizes
- Blades hold their edges well
- Fun color options
Cons
- Utility knife isn't as delicate for precise tasks as a paring knife
- No block
Who it’s best for
Anyone looking for a minimalist set-up for weekday cooking.
What you’re getting (and what you’re giving up)
Several members of the GH Kitchen team, myself included, have been using the chef’s knife in this set for years and love how it feels and performs. It also happens to come in fun colors like a beautiful Shiso Green.
The set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, which is an appropriate size for most cooks. The 8.6-inch serrated bread knife is well proportioned for slicing crusty boules as well as petite pastries.
The 5.6-inch utility knife isn’t as compact as a standard paring knife. While it might be a little awkward in small hands for super delicate tasks like peeling apples, the larger blade is quite handy for carving chicken, deveining shrimp, and slicing sandwiches.
The set doesn’t include a knife block, but the three knives will fit into most standard blocks and drawer organizers.
How it performed in testing
Even with regular use at home, these knives don’t require frequent sharpening. I use my chef’s knife multiple times a day for most of my prep work in the kitchen, from chopping vegetables to carving rotisserie chicken. It’s nimble, comfortable, and well-balanced for large and small tasks. The serrated knife is easy to maneuver and super sharp; it makes crusty slices of bread with just a few motions.
| Blade material | Stainless Steel |
| Handle material | Composite |
| Block dimensions | NA |
| Includes | 8-in. chef knife, 8.6-in. bread knife, 5.6-in. utlity knife |
Other knife sets to consider
- Cuisinart 15-Piece Knife Block Set: This set includes basic knives, a bird’s-beak paring knife, steak knives, and shears. It offers good value at just under $100 for 15 pieces, but the design may not be for everyone.
- Made In 3-Piece Knife Set: The stylish basic knife set includes your essential knives, and while they’re sturdy, the blades are thicker and less precise than others we tested.
- Miyabi Birchwood 7-Piece Knife Block: This sleek and luxurious knife set is one of Papantoniou’s favorites. She says she gets the “thinnest cuts” with them. However, they feel more delicate than others, and they’re pricey.
- Misen 3-Piece Knife Set: We love the vibrant color options this set comes in, but the knives feel too rigid.
- Schmidt Bros. 6-Piece BBQ Knife Set: This is a nice set for serious pit masters. The blades are sturdy and great for slicing meat, but the handles dry out over time, and the collection may be more specialized than most home cooks need.
- Shun Premier 8-Piece Knife Block Set: Papantoniou also likes these knives, which have wide, comfortable handles. She hasn’t had to sharpen them in years. However, the set costs over $1,000.
- Thyme & Table Supreme 14-Piece Knife Block Set: At under $100, this is a high-value knife set with steak knives plus the essentials. The wooden storage block also includes a sharpener.
- Zwilling Professional Knife Block: This set features 10 pieces, including a slim knife block. During testing, we found the knives sharp and sturdy, but the handles are rigid.
How we test kitchen knives
The team of expert testers in the Kitchen Lab has evaluated over 30 knife sets to find the best options for home cooks. Each set is put through the same performance and usability tests.
✔️ Sharpness tests: We evaluate cutting performance and how well each knife retains sharpness after slicing through common ingredients like onions, whole chickens, steak, carrots, butternut squash, and Cheddar cheese. We also perform more delicate tasks like slicing tomatoes into paper-thin rounds and cutting herbs without bruising them. The top-performing knives made precise cuts with ease and kept their edges sharp.
✔️ Bread test: We assess how well the serrated knives slice crusty bread and delicate items like croissants. We consider ease of cutting and how uniform the slices are.
✔️ Comfort test: We consider the comfort of each handle and grip. Though this is subjective, we consider how smoothly chef's knives rock back and forth, how much pressure we need to apply to get through hard items, and the overall weight. Heavier knives tend to feel more substantial but can be tiring to hold, while lighter knives offer more control.
What to look for when shopping for the best knife sets
✔️ Knife style: German-style knives are known for their durability and heavier weight, while Japanese-style knives are sharper and lighter but often require more maintenance.
✔️ Set contents: You’ll want a chef’s knife, paring knife, and bread knife, at a minimum. Other useful additions include a Santoku knife, a slicing knife, a utility knife, and steak knives.
✔️ Block: Knife blocks vary in materials, from wood to bamboo to stainless steel. Since you’ll be leaving them out on the counter, look for blocks that offer both storage and style.
✔️ Material: Most blades are made of stainless steel, but it’s often combined with other materials that can affect hardness and durability. Carbon steel offers sharpness and can remain sharp for longer, but it can rust without proper care. Ceramic is lighter and sharper, but brittle—the product analysts in the Kitchen Lab aren’t big fans.
✔️ Knife construction: Forged knives are formed from one piece of metal, making them typically stronger and more balanced than stamped knives, which are cut from a sheet of metal and combined with the handle. Full-tang knives extend the blade through the handle, providing better balance and durability. Partial tang knives are less durable but lighter.
✔️ Comfort and handle design: Look for knives with ergonomic handles that feel comfortable to hold for long periods. We prefer wider, thicker handles. Thinner handles are considered more advanced, and some have beveled bolsters to allow for a pinch grip for a more secure hold. Materials like wood, plastic, or composite each offer different levels of grip and comfort.
✔️ Maintenance and sharpening tools: Sets with sharpening tools included are great, but you’ll want to ensure the sharpener is of good quality. Consider whether you prefer manual sharpening or professional sharpening services.
How many knives do I really need in a set?
At a minimum, you’ll need three knives: a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a bread knife. Sets with more variety, including utility knives, steak knives, and a Santoku, are ideal for more extensive kitchen tasks. “I like a second chef’s knife of sorts, like one that’s a little smaller, or a Santoku,” says Papantoniou. “I use them interchangeably, but they’re handy when I’m cooking with others or if one is dirty.” Shears are another nice element for slicing pizzas, cutting herbs, and butchering chicken.
Fillet and steak knives can come in handy, but most home cooks don’t use their fillet knives frequently, and knife blocks don’t always include enough steak knives (plus you can buy a great set separately).
Are expensive knife sets worth the investment?
Higher-end knife sets are generally made with superior materials and craftsmanship. They offer better edge retention, balance, and comfort, making them worth the investment for frequent cooks or culinary professionals. “If you love the knife and everything about it, then sure, it’s worth it,” says Papantoniou. “I personally love a cohesive set and can find benefits in each knife.”
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Lizzy Briskin is a contributing analyst in the Good Housekeeping Kitchen & Cooking Lab, where she has tested chef’s knives, knife block sets, and other kitchen products. She’s a culinary school graduate, recipe developer, and avid home cook who takes her knife collection seriously.
Nicole Papantoniou is the senior director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, where she oversees all kitchen-gear testing. She’s conducted many side-by-side knife set tests in the Lab, as well as tests of chef’s knives, serrated knives, and butcher knives. She’s a trained cook and uses one of her three trusty chef’s knives almost daily.
Nicole (she/her) is the senior director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab. She oversees all content and testing related to kitchen products, food, and recipes. She has worked at GH since 2019, and is a trained cook, published recipe developer, and seasoned product tester with nearly 15 years of experience. She has worked in test kitchens for national magazines and kitchen appliances brands, where she also helped develop products for the home cook. She earned a degree in journalism from SUNY New Paltz, graduated with a Grand Diplome in Classic Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute, and studied culinary nutrition at the Natural Gourmet Institute (both now part of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.)
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