The 8 Best Knife Sets, Tested by Experts
We found the best knife sets from brands like Shun, Wüsthof, Material and Ninja.
Reviewed by Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances Lab Director
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
A good knife set is an essential investment for any kitchen. Sure, most chefs say you could get by with just three knives on hand — a chef's knife, paring knife and bread knife — but for those cooking more frequently or with a sous chef, a complete knife set can make all the difference: Sometimes you just need a sharp carving or filet knife you can trust. A knife block also provides a safe, organized place to store — and sometimes hone — your blades, ensuring they stay sharp and accessible.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we've tested hundreds of knives over the years. Our experts sought to find knife sets that offered great value without sacrificing quality. We started by focusing on sets that included the basics: a chef's knife, a paring knife and a bread knife. Ideally, sets include extras such as a slicing knife, smaller chef's knives, Santoku knives and steak knives, too. Then we called in dozens of sets to test side by side.
Testers, including Nicole Papantoniou, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, who's been testing knives for GH since 2019, and fellow analysts used each knife on various foods, paying close attention to the weight, balance, sharpness and how well the knives cleaned up afterward. The knife block itself was also a consideration, not only functional but adding a touch of style to the kitchen.
Best Deal
Wüsthof Classic 9-Piece Knife Block Set
Pros
- Superior craftsmanship
- Full tang for balance
- Strong edge retention
Cons
- High price point
- Heavy
Our Lab testers love the Wüsthof Classic 9-Piece set for its exceptional durability and precision. "It's a really good everyday set that will last a long time," says Nicole Papantoniou. Wüsthof is known for its exceptional craftsmanship, and this set will delight cooks of all skill levels. The high-carbon stainless steel knives are razor-sharp, performing well across a variety of tasks and with strong edge retention. The knives are triple riveted and feature full tangs, offering great balance and a comfortable grip. However, the solid build also makes them heavier than others.
The German-made set includes all the essential knives and a sturdy acacia wood block. However, its premium price may not suit everyone, particularly those on a budget. The upgraded 15-piece version offers even more pieces, including steak knives and a Santoku instead of an Asian utility knife.
The Wüsthof Classic 8-inch Chef's Knife is our best overall chef's knife. The bread knife in this set is great, too, says Papantoniou. It's light and not too long with sharp teeth that can get through the crustiest breads and flakiest croissants. She said the paring knife tested well as well. It features a 3.5-inch blade, which proved to be perfect for peeling and coring apples.
| 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 |
Ninja Foodi NeverDull Premium 17-Piece Knife System
Pros
- Comes with a built-in sharpener
- Solid performance at an affordable price
- Good variety of knives
Cons
- The stand feels light
The Ninja Foodi NeverDull system offers an affordable and convenient solution for everyday cooking, featuring a good variety of knives suitable for both novices and seasoned cooks. The comfortable to hold knives won a Kitchen Gear Award for sharpness and a great price point. Its built-in sharpener ensures that the knives stay sharp, making maintenance simple.
The heavy stainless steel blades performed well in tests. Lab testers found the plastic stand to be very light; the suction feet on the bottom help keep it secure. Overall, it's a good value for casual home cooks, with full tangs and double rivets on each knife.
In our tests, the chef's knife sliced through ripe tomatoes, hard butternut squash and everything in between with ease. Our tester's favorite part of the set was the Santoku knife that doubled as a great second chef's knife and is also smaller than the chef's knife (seven inches vs. eight inches), which might make it more appealing to a wider audience. One consumer tester has been using this knife set at home for a couple of years and said: "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 |
Shun Cutlery 7-Piece Essential Knife Block Set
Pros
- Beautiful craftsmanship
- Lightweight and razor-sharp blades
- Well-balanced knives
Cons
- Requires careful maintenance
- More expensive than most other sets here
Shun's classic set stands out with its exquisite Japanese craftsmanship. It features steel blades that are razor-sharp and lightweight. The knives are ideal for precise cuts and are beautifully balanced. While the set's premium materials — such as pakkawood handles for durability — justify the price, the thin blades require careful maintenance, as they are prone to chipping if mishandled.
The chef's knife is our best overall Japanese knife. It stands out for having a classic design and a very sharp blade that can even cut through hard squashes. Papantoniou had the chef's knife for years and never sharpened it ("Shh, don't tell anyone that!"), and it still worked great. The paring knife is also a Lab favorite with a longer, thinner blade that can peel apples with minimal waste. The bread knife stands out, too. Its serrated teeth are wavy and sharp, allowing it to cut all sorts of ingredients very gently and precisely.
| 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 |
Material The Knives + Stand
Pros
- High performance for the price
- Well-balanced, sharp knives
- Chic magnetic wooden block
Cons
- Fewer knives compared to larger sets
- Not as thin as premium knife sets
Material's minimalist high-carbon stainless steel knives combine Japanese and German influences at a reasonable price. The gorgeous set makes a regular appearance on Good Housekeeping's Kitchen Gear Awards' winners list.
The three knives included are well-balanced and sharp, suitable for everyday cooking. The chef's knife cut through both soft and hard ingredients in our experts' tests, and the bread knife proved to be great for everyday tasks.
The modern magnetic block can fit up to eight knives and is a nice touch for stylish kitchens. There can be a slight learning curve, though. "You need to pull the knives up versus out, but I like that you don't have to get them into a slit," says Papantoniou. Testers say the blades are slightly thicker than those of other knives — not as sharp as a Japanese knife, for example — but most people will find this set to be great for 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 |
Schmidt Bros. 6-Piece BBQ Knife Set
Pros
- Especially crafted for BBQ tasks
- Sturdy and durable knives
- Leather roll for portability
Cons
- Limited in scope
- Heavier knives may not appeal to all users
Designed with BBQ enthusiasts in mind, the Schmidt Bros. portable German-style knife set features robust, sturdy high-carbon stainless steel knives that are perfect for slicing through meat. "I'm obsessed with this knife roll set, and it's even more gorgeous in person. It would make a beautiful gift," says Papantoniou, who also tests outdoor grills.
"I'm super impressed with all the meat knives. Even though this set doesn't have a true chef's knife, it is a great addition to knife sets you already have," says Papantoniou. The butcher's knife is sturdy, with a slight amount of flex. Papantoniou also noted that the leather knife roll appears to get even nicer as it ages, but she recommends keeping the blade covers on the knives to prevent them from cutting through the roll.
Once cookout season is over, you can take this handy set to a rookie’s Friendsgiving and save the day when the turkey needs carving.
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Handle material | Wood |
| Block dimensions | N/A |
| Includes | 11-in. brisket (slicing) knife, 10-in. butcher knife, 8-in. chef’s knife, 6-in. bonding knife, 6-in. carving fork, knife carrying roll, microfiber lined knife sheaths for each knife |
Hedley & Bennett Chef's Knife Set
Pros
- Comfortable to hold
- Stylish design
- Essential knives
Cons
- Slightly rigid
This set is an excellent choice if you're looking for the essential knives commonly used for cooking. The design-forward set comes in various bright and fun colors, including a Shiso Green, which we tested in our Lab. The knives also feature brass rivets, which elevate the overall look and design.
The set comes with essential knives, including a chef's knife, a bread knife and a paring knife. When testing in our Lab, we found the knives very comfortable to hold and easy to grip. Some analysts found the knives to be sharp and sturdy, but a tad rigid.
The set is designed with the professional chef in mind, offering both function and design — the knives are balanced, easy to hold and most importantly, sharp. The knives are also available in a bundle set, which includes a knife block, but we haven't tested the block yet.
| Blade material | Steel |
| Handle material | Plastic |
| Block dimensions | N/A |
| Includes | 8-in. chef's knife, 8.6-in. bread knife, 5.6-in. utility knife |
All-Clad 12-Piece Block Set
Pros
- Sharp, precise edges
- Comprehensive set
- Block fits well with modern kitchen aesthetics
Cons
- Priced on the higher side
- Heavy knives
All-Clad's 12-piece set delivers reliable sharpness and durability, with sleek German stainless steel knives and an acacia wood block that fits modern kitchens. The variety of knives covers most kitchen tasks, except for a long serrated knife, which is used to slice bread.
This set is ideal for home cooks seeking a comprehensive knife set, including two chef's knives and steak knives with unique serrated tips, albeit at a premium price. The triple-riveted handles and full tang make it easy to get a good grasp, though the knives are hefty and a little heavy.
Papantoniou says the knives felt — and performed — like other high-end knives she tested. The variety of knives attracted her to the set, as did the beautiful knife block.
| 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
The Mac Professional Series delivers extraordinary sharpness and precision, favored by professionals for fine slicing tasks and durability. (Two terms you don't often hear together!) They're sharp, lightweight and sturdy. They're also balanced and hold an edge exceptionally well.
Those who want a wider variety of tools might opt for a larger set, but this one delivers on the three main knives a pro needs. This set doesn't come with knife sheaths or a stand, so they're extra ready for your knife roll.
Testers appreciated the chef knife's feel and its ability to slice through food quickly. It's also held up for years in our Test Kitchen. The paring knife has a longer blade than most we tested, transforming it into more of a versatile utility knife.
| 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 |
Other knife sets to consider
- Victorinox Swiss Classic 7 Piece BBQ Cutlery Roll Set Black: The seven-piece set from Victorinox includes all the grilling essentials and then some. It's perfect to keep with your BBQ tools since it comes in a case and the knives are durable, but some may not want to add a second chef's knife to their collection (but we would!) That said, it's an especially great starter set for someone at an approachable price point.
- Cuisinart 15-Piece Knife Block Set: This popular 15-piece set from Cuisinart is a bestseller on Amazon and includes basic knives, such as a chef's knife and a slicing knife, as well as a bird's beak paring knife, steak knives and kitchen scissors. In the Lab, we tested the white handle set, which we thought was a good value for just under $100, especially since it includes 15 pieces, but the overall look and design may not be for everyone.
- Made In 3-Piece Knife Set: The sleek and stylish basic knife set from Made In includes your essential knives: an 8-inch chef’s knife, a bread knife and a paring knife. During testing, we found the knives to be sturdy; however, we noted that the blades were slightly thick. The set can also be purchased with a knife block, though we haven’t tried the block in our Lab yet.
- Miyabi Birchwood 7-Piece Knife Block: This sleek and luxurious knife set is a favorite of Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou. The seven-piece set features knives with carbon steel blades and handles made from birchwood; the block is crafted from bamboo. When using the set, Papantoniou noted that she can get the “thinnest cuts” using these knives. She also noted that while she loves them, they feel delicate and they’re on the pricey side.
- Misen 3-Piece Knife Set: We've also tested this popular and stylish set from Misen in our Lab. The three-piece set comes in bright and vibrant colors, including red, blue and green, but is also available in black for those who prefer classic colors. While we thought the set was beautiful, we found the knives to be rigid during long-term testing.
- Shun Premier 8-Piece Knife Block Set: The Premier set from Shun was another favorite of Papantoniou's during testing. The knives in the eight-piece set feature a wide handle, making them comfortable to hold. Papantoniou notes that she hasn't had to sharpen them in years. This is an excellent set for beginners who want a quality, professional-style knife set. However, we should note that it's on the more expensive side, retailing at just under $1,000.
- Zwilling Professional Knife Block: The Professional Knife Block from Zwilling is another solid set that we tested in our Lab. It features 10 pieces, including a knife block that takes up minimal room on your countertop. During testing, we found the knives to be sharp and sturdy, but the handles are rigid.
How we test kitchen knives
The team at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab has evaluated numerous kitchen knife sets to determine the best options for home cooks.
✔️ Sharpness tests: Each knife was evaluated for its cutting performance and how well it retained sharpness after slicing through ingredients like onions, whole chickens, steak, carrots and cheddar cheese. We also tried more delicate tasks, such as slicing tomatoes into paper-thin pieces and cutting herbs like basil and parsley without bruising them. The top-performing knives made precision cuts with ease and maintained sharp edges throughout.
✔️ Comfort test: We also considered the comfort of each knife's handle and grip. A good knife should rock back and forth smoothly, with minimal pressure needed to cut through tougher ingredients like meat. We paid close attention to weight — heavier knives tend to feel more substantial but can tire your hand during extended use, while lighter knives with larger handles offer more control, especially for making finer, quicker cuts.
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.
✔️ Knives in set: You’ll want a chef’s knife, paring knife and bread knife, at 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: The most common material is stainless steel, but it’s often combined with other materials that affect its hardness level 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 — not a friend of the Lab testers.
✔️ 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 then 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. Wider and thicker handles are usually more comfortable. Thinner handles are considered more advanced, but some have beveled bolsters to allow for a pinch grip, which helps you get a proper hold on the knife. Materials like wood, plastic or composite handles each offer different levels of grip and comfort.
✔️ Maintenance and sharpening tools: Sets with sharpening tools included are ideal, 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 want 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 good when cooking with others or if one is dirty.”
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?
Raena Loper is a contributing writer and analyst for Good Housekeeping and has worked closely with the Kitchen Appliances Lab to help conduct tests over the past few years. She's had the chance to use and test several of the picks listed on this list along with senior analysts in the Lab.
Perry Santanachote recently sliced the tip of her thumb off with a knife. Still, she knows what she's talking about! She's a contributing writer for Good Housekeeping and has been testing and writing about the best kitchen appliances and cookware for over 10 years. She has even more experience in the food industry, working as a recipe developer, food stylist and cook.
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she oversees all the testing that takes place related to kitchen gear. She conducted the most recent side-by-side knife sets test as well as the most recent test for 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.
Perry Santanachote (she/her) has more than 15 years of experience in service journalism, specializing in food and consumer goods. She tests and reports on kitchen appliances and cooking tools. She also evaluates food products and cleaning supplies. She’s an experienced writer, product tester and recipe developer who has worked in labs, test kitchens and media organizations, including Thrillist and Consumer Reports.
Raena Loper (she/her) is a fashion journalist and product analyst based in New Jersey whose work has appeared in Forbes, Good Housekeeping and O, The Oprah Magazine. Raena is a graduate from Montclair State University where she earned a degree in fashion studies as well as gender, sexuality and women's studies. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, cooking BBQ and spending time with family.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
The Best Ice Cream Makers
The Best Automatic Espresso Machines
The Best Smart Refrigerators
The Best Countertop Dishwashers
