14 Best Knife Sets Every Home Cook Needs In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
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Chopping is an essential part of cooking, and anyone who loves to cook will agree that it is one of their least favorite tasks because it is tedious and time-consuming. However, having the right tools will convince them otherwise.
Make your home cook’s life easier and more convenient by giving them knives they can use comfortably and efficiently. Whether preparing their dishes or plating their masterpiece, a good, reliable knife is a must. So, continue reading this list and find the best knife set to gift for every homecook.
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Home Hero 17-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
Why We Think It’s Great
- INCLUDES VARIOUS CUTTING TOOLS: The set includes 13 knives, a pair of kitchen scissors, and a vegetable peeler for all your cooking and food preparation needs.
- SCRATCH-PROOF AND RUST-RESISTANT: Made of high-quality stainless steel to ensure long-lasting durability.
- NON-STICK COATING: Each knife provides excellent food release and allows easy cleaning.
- 2-STAGE SHARPENER: Keep your knives sharp and ready for action with the included premium sharpener.
- STYLISH, MODERN DESIGN: The transparent acrylic knife block looks good on any countertop.
What We Don't Like
- The included peeler tends to break easily.
What Our Editors Say
Level up your culinary experience with this ultimate kitchen knife set by Home Hero. It includes 13 top-quality professional knives to assist you with all your chopping and cutting needs. Plus, it comes with a vegetable peeler, kitchen scissors, a two-stage knife sharpener, and a modern acrylic stand that perfectly fits any countertop.
The knives are made of premium quality stainless steel, making them sharp, sturdy, scratch-resistant, and rust-proof. Coated with non-stick paint, the blades prevent the food from sticking to them and are easy to clean. Each knife features a durable, ergonomically designed polypropylene handle with thermoplastic rubber coating to ensure a firm grip and comfortable use
Number Of Pieces: 17 | Blade Type: Stamped | Blade Material: Stainless Steel | Handle Material: Plastic | Knife Block: Acrylic | Sharpener: Yes | Additional Items: Peeler, Shears| Color: Black, Silver | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Related: Best Boning Knives In 2022
2. Best For Serious Cooks: Wüsthof Gourmet 16-Piece Knife Block Set
Why We Think It’s Great
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Has the perfect weight to allow total control when cutting while ensuring comfortable use.
- INCREDIBLY SHARP: Cuts with excellent precision and stays sharp longer.
- HIGH-QUALITY BLADE MATERIAL: Stamped blades are made of high-carbon stainless steel and offer 56 Rockwell hardness
- POM PLASTIC HANDLES: The triple-riveted handles are highly durable and resistant to fading and discoloration.
- WOODEN KNIFE BLOCK: Includes a 15-slot acacia block for storing the knives safely and keeping them organized.
What We Don't Like
- More expensive than other brands.
What Experts Say
“One of the best knife sets I've personally used and recommend is from Wüsthof, a German brand. First and foremost, this knife set looks great on my kitchen counter. Secondly, the chef's knife is something I use on a daily basis, and I feel extremely comfortable using it. It also comes with a perfect bread knife which I use about once a week. Then it has other utility knives which come in handy for different purposes while making recipes for my blog,” says Neha Mathur, owner of the popular food blog WhiskAffair.
“This Wüsthof knife set has been with me for nearly 8 years and still works just as new, and hence I feel this is the best. I've other sets, which have gone blunt in a year or so. If I had to buy again, I would go for this same brand,” she continues.
Number Of Pieces: 16 | Blade Type: Stamped | Blade Material: High-Carbon Stainless Steel | Handle Material: Plastic | Knife Block: Wood | Sharpener: Yes | Additional Items: Shears | Color: Black, White | Dishwasher Safe: No
3. Best With Lifetime Warranty: Cuisinart Classic Forged Triple Rivet 15-Piece Knife Set With Block
Why We Think It’s Great
- HIGH-CARBON STAINLESS STEEL BLADES: Superior blade material ensures cutting precision and accuracy.
- SHARP, FINE EDGES: Tapered ground blades narrow gradually to super sharp, fine edges
- EXTRA-WIDE FORGED BOLSTER: Provides perfect stability and total control when cutting.
- TRIPLE-RIVET HANDLES: Stainless steel rivets secure the full-tang blade to the comfortable handles.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: Guaranteed excellent performance for life.
What We Don't Like
- The handles are flimsy.
What Our Editors Say
If you are looking for the best knife set to gift for every homecook, this 15-piece block set by Cuisinart is an excellent choice. The set includes a chef’s knife, slicing knife, santoku knife, utility knife, paring knife, bird's beak paring knife, and six steak knives, making it suitable for any kind of cutting. It also comes with a sharpening rod, all-purpose shears, and a wooden block to keep your tools organized.
With top-quality high-carbon stainless steel blades, the knives can cut with great precision and accuracy. They also have an extra-wide safety bolster to provide stability and allow total control when in use. Plus, the set comes with a lifetime warranty, so you’re guaranteed that these knives will last for many years.
Number Of Pieces: 15 | Blade Type: Forged | Blade Material: High-Carbon Stainless Steel | Handle Material: Plastic | Knife Block: Wood | Sharpener: Yes | Additional Items: Shears | Color: Black | Dishwasher Safe: No
4. Best For Small Kitchen: Global Teikoku 5-Piece Stainless Steel Knife Block Set
Why We Think It’s Great
- PERFECTLY WEIGHED AND BALANCED: Hollow handles are filled with sand to achieve the perfect weight and balance for optimal control.
- ERGONOMIC AND SLIP-RESISTANT HANDLES: Handles are ergonomically shaped and come with the signature textured pattern to ensure a comfortable and slip-free grip.
- STAIN AND RUST RESISTANT: Forged from Cromova 18 stainless steel, the blades resist stain and rust for long-lasting performance.
- COMPACT KNIFE BLOCK: The small footprint of the included oakwood knife block allows easy positioning on any countertop.
- MANUFACTURER’S LIFETIME WARRANTY: Guarantees many years of precision cutting.
What We Don't Like
- The open knife block exposing the blades of the knives can be dangerous.
What Experts Say
“The reason why I love this set is that it includes a bread knife (which can double as a tomato knife), and the bamboo block it comes in allows you to see the blade. Most knife sets come with a wooden block, and it has a large footprint on your counter. The small footprint of the bamboo holder is my favorite feature of this set! If you don’t have a lot of counter space or like to keep things minimal, then this knife set is perfect!” explains Chef Anja Wolf, the CEO and creative director of I Love Cookware.
Handcrafted in Japan, Global knives are manufactured to the highest standards to meet all your cutting needs. Whether you’re a casual cook or a professional chef, you will appreciate the blade’s Cromova 18 stainless steel construction and its well-balanced sand-filled handle. Plus, you will get a lifetime warranty when you purchase this set.
Number Of Pieces: 5 | Blade Type: Forged | Blade Material: Stainless Steel | Handle Material: Stainless Steel | Knife Block: Wood | Sharpener: No | Additional Items: N/A | Color: Silver | Dishwasher Safe: No
5. Best With Built-In Sharpener: McCook 15-Piece Knife Set With Built-In Sharpener
Why We Think It’s Great
- BUILT-IN SHARPENER: Keeps your knives sharp and ready for cutting at all times.
- HIGH-CARBON STAINLESS STEEL: Forged blades are highly durable and resistant to rust and tarnish.
- TAPER GRIND EDGE TECHNOLOGY: Designed for optimum sharpness and easy resharpening.
- PERFECT WEIGHT AND GOOD BALANCE: Fits perfectly in the hands to allow precision cutting and convenient use.
- AVAILABLE IN VARIOUS COLORS: The block and knives come in various finishes to match any kitchen decor.
What We Don't Like
- The handles tend to slip.
What Our Editors Say
Featuring McCook’s exclusive taper grind edge technology, this knife set provides optimum sharpness and allows easy resharpening. Made of high-carbon stainless steel, the knives are rust-proof and tarnish-resistant to ensure long-lasting performance. They also come with ergonomically designed handles for more efficient and comfortable use.
To keep the knives ultra sharp every time you use them, the set includes a knife block with an integrated sharpener. Plus, you will also get two pairs of kitchen shears (all-purpose and utility) when you buy this knife set. Available in various colors, it can easily match your existing kitchen decor.
Number Of Pieces: 15 | Blade Type: Forged | Blade Material: High-Carbon Stainless Steel | Handle Material: Stainless Steel | Knife Block: Wood | Sharpener: Built-in | Additional Items: Shears | Color: Black, Golden/White, Silver/Walnut, Silver/Black, Silver/Natural | Dishwasher Safe: No
6. Best Maneuverability: Henckels Statement Fine Edge 15-Piece Knife Block Set
Why We Think It’s Great
- ULTRA-SHARP BLADE: The single-piece, stamped stainless steel blades offer superior sharpness for precision cutting.
- TRIPLE-RIVET HANDLE: The curved handles ensure a comfortable grip and safe use.
- STAINLESS STEEL END CAP: Adds stylish appeal to the knives while providing balance for total control.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, FULL TANG DESIGN: Designed for easy cutting with minimal effort and maximum maneuverability.
- DISHWASHER-SAFE: Allows easy and quick cleanup in the dishwasher or by hand.
What We Don't Like
- The handles can be too blocky for people with small hands.
What Experts Say
Enjoy effortless chopping with this German-engineered knife set by Henckels. Featuring a blade of professional-level sharpness, each knife ensures precise cutting every time. The lightweight, full tang design allows maximum control, while the triple-rivet handle comes with a stainless steel end cap to provide balance.
When it comes to finding the best knife set to gift for every homecook, Neha Mathur of WhiskAffair believes, “The sharpness combined with a great balance in hand is the most important feature as this will give you comfort and confidence to handle your cooking. Ingredients well cut make a dish stand out on your table.”
Number Of Pieces: 15 | Blade Type: Stamped | Blade Material: Stainless Steel | Handle Material: Plastic | Knife Block: Wood | Sharpener: Yes | Additional Items: Shears | Color: Brown, Dark Brown, Natural | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Related: Best Vegetable Shredders In 2022
7. Most Ergonomic: Master Maison Supreme Series Kitchen Knife Set With Block
Why We Think It’s Great
- RAZOR SHARP BLADES: Forged from a single piece of high-carbon German stainless steel, the blades offer superior sharpness and edge retention.
- BALANCED WEIGHT: Designed to maximize cutting precision while minimizing hand fatigue.
- ERGONOMIC HANDLES: The triple-riveted handles are curved to fit the hands perfectly, ensuring comfortable and safe use.
- REINFORCED END CAP: Adds a stylish touch and allows maximum control when cutting.
What We Don't Like
- The handles tend to loosen easily.
What Experts Say
“When selecting knives, they must meet my three criteria: a general blade weight, weight balance, and a comfortable ergonomic handle. The proper weight of a knife ensures effortless chopping and cutting, where the balance alleviates stress on the cook's wrist. The non-slip grip should deliver excellent cutting control,” notes Barry Schneider, the Owner of European Kitchen Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Founded by two experienced cooks, Maison Master produces only high-quality and top-performing cutting tools that help culinarians in mastering their crafts. Made with a single piece of premium German stainless steel, these knives are razor sharp, durable, and have a balanced weight. The triple riveted handles are ergonomically designed to minimize hand fatigue while maximizing control.
Number Of Pieces: 7, 11, 15, 19| Blade Type: Forged | Blade Material: High-Carbon Stainless Steel | Handle Material: Plastic | Knife Block: Wood | Sharpener: Yes | Additional Items: Shears | Color: Black, Gray, Black/Wood, Red, Silver, Walnut | Dishwasher Safe: No
8. Best For Beginners: Farberware Never Needs Sharpening 22-Piece Cutlery Set
Why We Think It’s Great
- HIGH-CARBON STAINLESS STEEL BLADES: Offers superior strength, durability, and sharpness.
- STAY SHARP AT ALL TIMES: With micro serrations, the blades won’t dull and do not need sharpening.
- ERGONOMIC, NON-SLIP HANDLES: The contoured triple-rivet handles feature a textured finish to provide ultimate control and a comfortable, non-slip grip when cutting.
- COMPLETE SET: The set also comes with meal preparation essentials, including measuring spoons and spatulas in various sizes.
What We Don't Like
- The blades tend to get water spots.
What Our Editors Say
A great starter kit for anyone who loves to cook, this cutlery set includes various cutting tools such as a pair of kitchen shears, chef’s, slicing, utility, paring, Santoku, and steak knives. It also comes with a wooden knife block to keep your tools organized and easily accessible. Plus, you will get some meal preparation essentials, including a set of five measuring spoons and three spatulas.
These knives by Farberware are crafted from high-carbon stainless steel to ensure long-lasting durability and cutting precision. They feature micro-serrated blades that won’t dull like regular ones, so you don’t have to worry about sharpening them. The contoured, triple-riveted handles offer superior grip and ultimate comfort while cutting.
Number Of Pieces: 22 | Blade Type: Stamped | Blade Material: High-Carbon Stainless Steel | Handle Material: Plastic | Knife Block: Wood | Sharpener: No | Additional Items: Shears, Spatulas, Measuring Spoons | Color: Black/Silver | Dishwasher Safe: No
Related: Best French Fry Cutters For Sweet Potatoes In 2022
9. Best Set: Amazon Basics 14-Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set
Why We Think It’s Great
- FULL TANG DESIGN: Offers ultimate control and comfort when cutting.
- HIGH-QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL: The blades provide long-lasting sharpness and ensure precision cutting.
- TRIPLE-RIVET HANDLES: The ergonomic handles offer ultimate comfort and a secure, non-slip grip.
- COMPACT KNIFE BLOCK: Includes a pinewood storage block for storing the knives safely and keeping them organized.
What We Don't Like
- The knives tend to break easily.
What Experts Say
“In my opinion, the most important feature of a knife set is that it has all the basic knives a home cook needs. It is important for a knife set to have a paring knife, utility knife, bread knife, and chef's knife because these are the most commonly used knives in the kitchen,” shares Chris Alexakis, the Founder of CabinetSelect.
Another great contender for the best knife set to gift for every homecook, this block set by Amazon Basics comes with all the cutting tools you need for your daily cooking and meal preparation. Featuring a top-quality stainless steel blade, each knife provides high strength and long-lasting sharpness. It also ensures a comfortable and secure grip with its triple-riveted ergonomic handle.
Number Of Pieces: 14 | Blade Type: Stamped | Blade Material: Stainless Steel | Handle Material: Plastic | Knife Block: Wood | Sharpener: Yes | Additional Items: Shears | Color: Black/Silver | Dishwasher Safe: No
10. Best Low-Maintenance: Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 15-Piece Cutlery Set
Why We Think It’s Great
- SELF-SHARPEN TECHNOLOGY: Featuring built-in ceramic sharpeners on each slot of the storage block, the straight-edge knives automatically sharpen with every use.
- HIGHLY STRONG AND DURABLE: The blades are forged from a single piece of high-carbon, no-stain steel, making them stain and rust-resistant.
- FULL TANG DESIGN CONSTRUCTION: Designed to provide ultimate balance and control when cutting.
- EASY IDENTIFICATION: The handles are clearly labeled on their ends for quick identification.
- FULL LIFETIME WARRANTY: Ensures many years of excellent performance.
What We Don't Like
- The blades are not so sharp.
What Experts Say
“My current Calphalon block set is about eight years old and still in fantastic shape. I love this particular block set because the blocks sharpen the knives precisely the way the manufacturer intended with every pull. As a chef and influencer, I receive free knives from all the expensive European and Japanese name brands. Still, I keep returning to the more economical Calphalon knives that I purchased because they are very well-balanced in my hand, and I keep them sharp,” shares Jessica Randhawa, the Owner and Head Chef at The Forked Spoon.
“Dull knives are a potential ER visit waiting to happen just right before mealtime, and no one likes to get stitches on an empty stomach. A common mistake people make is putting more pressure to overcompensate for dull knives, resulting in an accident that requires stitches. By contrast, a sharp knife saves time by reducing the time it needs for each cutting stroke and is significantly safer as you can be more accurate without the extra force on every stroke,” she explains.
Number Of Pieces: 15 | Blade Type: Forged | Blade Material: High-Carbon No-Stain Steel | Handle Material: Plastic | Knife Block: Yes | Sharpener: Built-In | Additional Items: Sheares | Color: Black/Silver| Dishwasher Safe: No
11. Best Design: Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Forged Japanese Steel Knife Block Set
Why We Think It’s Great
- PREMIUM JAPANESE STAINLESS STEEL: Forged from one-piece stainless steel, the blades are strong, razor-sharp, and stay sharp for a long time.
- TRADITIONAL JAPANESE-STYLE HANDLES: The rounded resin handles offer ultimate comfort and resistance to water and heat.
- WELL-BALANCED DESIGN: Provides the user with total control and power when cutting.
- AVAILABLE IN VARIOUS PACKAGE OPTIONS: Choose from eight- to 12-piece block sets to meet all your cooking and food preparation needs.
- BACKED BY LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY: Purchase these knives with confidence and worry-free.
What We Don't Like
- The steak knives are not forged but stamped.
What Experts Say
According to Martin Betch, who loves to cook and is the co-founder of Hi-van, “This company indeed manufactures high-quality, economically priced tools from Japanese steel. In addition to being sharp right out of the box, they feel extraordinarily well-balanced in hand and retain their edge.”
“The chef's knife features rounded handles that resemble those on far more costly Asian silverware. Yet, it has a traditional European form that works well for chopping and rocking food,” he adds.
Number Of Pieces: 8, 12, 19 | Blade Type: Forged | Blade Material: Stainless Steel | Handle Material: Plastic | Knife Block: Bamboo | Sharpener: Yes | Additional Items: Shears | Color: Black/Silver | Dishwasher Safe: No
12. Most Versatile: Dalstrong Gladiator Series 18-Piece Colossal Knife Set With Block
Why We Think It’s Great
- FORGED HIGH-CARBON GERMAN STEEL: Made of premium material, the blades are razor sharp and stay sharp for a long time.
- 56+ ROCKWELL HARDNESS: Forged at 56+ HRC and hand polished at 16 to 18 degrees on each side, the blades offer improved hardness and minimal slicing resistance.
- DURABLE ERGONOMIC HANDLES: The handles are made of food-grade, high-quality ABS polymer and provide a comfortable grip.
- HANDCRAFTED ACACIA KNIFE BLOCK: Durable and moisture-resistant knife block keeps your knives organized, safe, and protected.
- NSF-CERTIFIED: Specifically designed for professionals and busy kitchens.
What We Don't Like
- The knife block takes up a lot of counter space.
What Experts Say
When asked why she recommends this knife set, Abby W. Pollen of Dalstrong replies, “It has all the knives that a home cook needs, plus a five-star rating with over 400 reviews. The quality of this sizable block set can't be beaten, especially not for this price. It has premium German steel blades with highly durable handles and is NSF rated, meaning it's professional quality. The knives all come razor sharp, and the steel is hard enough to keep an edge for a long time for greater efficiency.”
“The set is incredibly versatile and practical because of the broad selection of knives. It also comes with practical additions, like steak knives, honing steel, and a storage/display block. The wooden block is a beautiful way to display the knives, plus it keeps them safe,” she adds, enumerating the reasons why she believes this product is the best knife set to gift for every homecook.
Number Of Pieces: 18 | Blade Type: Forged | Blade Material: High-Carbon German Steel | Handle Material: Plastic | Knife Block: Wood | Sharpener: Yes | Additional Items: N/A | Color: Black/Silver | Dishwasher Safe: No
13. Most Hygienic: Cuisinart Advantage 12-Piece Color Knife Set With Blade Guards
Why We Think It’s Great
- COLOR-CODED KNIVES: Prevent cross-contamination to ensure safe and risk-free food preparation and cooking.
- HIGH-QuALITY STAINLESS STEEL BLADES: Made of high-quality material, the blades are highly strong and extremely sharp.
- NON-STICK CERAMIC COATING: The blades offer excellent food release for easy slicing.
- MATCHING BLADE GUARDS: Each knife comes with a matching blade guard to keep it safe when not in use.
- LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY: The knives are guaranteed to be free of defects under normal home use.
What We Don't Like
- The knives are flimsy.
What Our Editors Say
A great addition to any cook’s paraphernalia, this knife set by Cuisinart is composed of six types of knives, including chef, slicing, serrated bread, Santorum, utility, and paring knives. Each knife comes in different colors to allow users to color-code when cooking or preparing food. This helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination and safeguard your family’s health.
These knives are constructed of professional-quality stainless steel to provide superior sharpness and long-lasting durability. The non-stick ceramic coating makes slicing easier and keeps the blades sharp for a long time. Each knife has an ergonomic handle and a matching blade guard to ensure accident-free use.
Number Of Pieces: 12 | Blade Type: Stamped | Blade Material: Stainless Steel | Handle Material: Plastic | Knife Block: No | Sharpener: No | Additional Items: Blade Guards | Color: Multicolor | Dishwasher Safe: No
Related: Best Cheese Slicers In 2022
14. Best Budget-Friendly: EatNeat 12-Piece Kitchen Knife Set With Cutting Board And Sharpener
Why We Think It’s Great
- HIGH-GRADE STAINLESS STEEL BLADE: The blades are ultra-sharp for cutting with excellent precision.
- NON-STICK COATING: Allows easy cutting and keeps the food from sticking to the blades for hassle-free cleaning.
- SOFT-GRIP HANDLES: Fit comfortably in hand and provide ultimate control when slicing.
- PROTECTIVE SHEATHS: Keep the blades covered for easy and safe storage when not in use.
- COMPLETE SET: The set also comes with a sharpener for keeping the knives sharp and a chopping board for all your cutting needs.
What We Don't Like
- The set does not include a knife block.
What Experts Say
This 12-piece cutlery set by EatNeat features five knives (chef, bread, carving, utility, and paring), a cutting board, and a knife sharpener to meet all your cutting needs. Each knife comes with a protective sheath to keep the blade covered when not in use and an ergonomic soft-grip handle to ensure precise cutting at all times. Packed in a nice box, this set makes an excellent gift for any occasion.
“The most important feature of knives would be a comfortable grip. For a knife set, we can expect that a cook will handle them repeatedly, for several minutes each day. A good grip will keep it comfortable. It's also much easier to apply pressure and use the knife efficiently,” notes Yester Banuchyan, Chef, CEO, and Founder of CookOnMonday.com.
Number Of Pieces: 12 Blade Type: Stamped | Blade Material: Stainless Steel | Handle Material: Plastic | Knife Block: No | Sharpener: Yes | Additional Items: Chopping Board, Sheaths | Color: Black, Multicolor | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Related: Best Cutting Boards With Drawers In 2022
Final Verdict
What better way to show your support to your favorite cooking enthusiast than by giving them a gift they can use while exploring their passions? Whether they are doing it as a hobby or professionally, they will need reliable cutting tools to tackle all the chopping, slicing, mincing, or dicing that cooking requires, and a good set of knives is always a good idea.
With this list, we have provided you with great options to help you find the best knife set to gift for every homecook. So, what are you waiting for? Start shopping now!
Best Knife Set to Gift Buying Guide
When looking for the best knife set to gift for every homecook, here are a few factors to consider before making a decision:
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Preference And Cooking Skills
According to Oberon Copeland, the founder and CEO of Very Informed, “First, consider the type of cooking they typically do. If they are mostly cooking simple meals, then a basic knife set will suffice. However, if they frequently cook more complex dishes, then a more comprehensive set with multiple knives will be necessary.”
“For casual cooks, lower-end knives may be fine, but for those who use their knives on a daily basis, higher-quality knives will be worth the investment,” he advises.
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Elements Of The Set
According to Chef Ron Stewart, the CEO and founder of CHEFRON LLC, “In terms of the type of knives, a good all-around set should include a chef's knife, a paring knife, and a serrated bread knife. If you're looking for something more specialized, then sets with Santoku knives or cleavers might be a better fit.”
As the name suggests, the chef’s knife is the cook’s primary cutting tool. It is a versatile cutting tool commonly used for chopping, slicing, dicing, or mincing vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat. It has a long, curved blade for rocking back and forth on chopping boards, making it perfect for cutting multiple items at once.
Paring knives are small, pointed knives designed for more intricate cutting, such as peeling small fruits, trimming vegetables, and fluting mushrooms. They usually come with three to four inches long blades. Serrated bread knives, on the other hand, have long (eight to ten inches), straight blades and are used for slicing cleanly through bread and fruits or vegetables with delicate interiors, such as tomatoes, eggplants, and melons.
“The knife set should come with different kinds of knives for paring, serrating, carving, peeling as they come in handy for most home cooks,” adds Neha Mathur of WhiskAffair. Most knife sets include utility knives, steak knives, boning knives, kitchen shears, and other specialized cutting tools to complete the collection. You can also find sets with additional items, such as sheaths or a knife block, for safely storing the knives and keeping them organized when not in use.
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Material
When it comes to knife blades, the most common materials used are carbon steel, stainless steel, and high-carbon stainless steel. Carbon steel is hard, easy to sharpen, and offers superior edge retention. However, it is susceptible to corrosion and requires immediate drying after every use.
Compared to carbon steel, stainless steel is more flexible and less hard. It can absorb impacts without breaking, making it highly durable. It is also rust-proof as it resists water and humidity. However, it is heavier and cannot hold a sharp edge for as long as other materials.
High-carbon stainless steel combines the best features of carbon and stainless steel. It was developed to have a good balance of corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of re-sharpening.
“When it comes to quality, you want to look for blades that are made from high-carbon stainless steel. This type of steel is strong and holds an edge well, making it ideal for kitchen use. Some of my favorite brands are Shun, Henckel, and Wusthof,” adds Chef Ron Stewart of CHEFRON LLC.
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Handles
Knife handles vary in shape, design, and materials to meet every cook’s needs and preferences. In terms of shape and design, choose the one that fits comfortably in your hands. Most knives have ergonomically designed handles to ensure a secure grip and a good sense of control.
A high-quality knife can last for many years, so make sure that its handle is made of a durable and easy-to-clean material. For ultimate comfort and safety, you will want a lightweight, soft, or non-slip material.
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Maintenance
Maintaining your knives means keeping them sharp and ready for any cutting task. Most knife sets include a sharpener or sharpening steel so you can easily sharpen the blades regularly. Others come with a self-sharpening knife block that automatically sharpens the knives every time you remove and replace them in their slots.
Best Knife Set to Gift FAQ
1. What is the most versatile kitchen knife?
The most versatile kitchen knife is the chef’s knife, as it can be used for a wide range of applications, including dicing, chopping, slicing, julienning, and mincing. It can cut through fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and even nuts. You can also use it for spatchcocking a chicken or carving a roast.
2. What dulls a knife the fastest?
The fastest way to dull a knife is by using it wrongly. Touching its blade on glass or marble surfaces is a sure way to lose a knife’s sharpness. So, make sure to use only wood or plastic cutting boards to protect your cutting tools.
Using a dull knife is bad news for both the user and the knife itself. Not only is it an accident waiting to happen, but it can also damage the knife's blade. With a dull knife at hand, you will need to exert more pressure, which can push the blade edge out of alignment. To prevent this, refrain from using unsharpened knives or hone them after every use to fix those misaligned edges.
Storing your knives wet or leaving them in a drying rack, where knocking into the edge of the rack or scraping against other utensils is inevitable, is another big no-no if you want to keep your cutting tools sharp. Scratches from these contacts are susceptible to rusting, so make sure to dry your knives immediately after washing them.
3. Why do people give knives as gifts?
Knives make a great gift because they are useful. Every household needs a reliable knife to get all the cutting jobs done. And anyone who cooks will appreciate a new addition to their kitchen tools collection.
When getting a gift for someone, you want something that will last for many years, if not a lifetime. A high-quality knife can last long, especially if it’s well-maintained. Just make sure to look for trusted knife brands and buy only from reputable dealers, if not directly from the manufacturer.
Another reason why knives are great for gifting is that they are easily customizable. You can choose from different types of knives to fit the recipient’s culinary skills or personality. You can also customize or have them engraved for a more personalized present.
4. Should I sharpen my knife every time I use it?
The answer to this question is no. Every time you sharpen a blade, you are shaving off a part of it, and overdoing this may cause excessive wear on the blade and shorten the knife’s life span. To avoid oversharpening your knives, sharpen the frequently used ones only once every two weeks.
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