The Best Knife Set

A good set of knives can last a while. In fact, you may buy a set when you move into your first apartment and find that you still have it when you’re ready to upgrade to your first home. But every knife has a shelf life, which means you’ll eventually have to trade that old set in for a new one.

There are many factors to consider when you’re shopping for knives. Many knife sets come in wood blocks fitted with slots perfectly shaped to fit each knife. Do you need a block? That depends. Some homeowners prefer to have their knives neatly tucked away in a drawer when not in use. Others prefer those magnetic strips that hang on a wall to hold the knives in place.

The benefit of a knife block is it turns your cutlery into an attractive part of your kitchen décor. You can find a wood type and color that perfectly matches your own kitchen, making it an enhancement. But beyond storing your knives, you’ll also need to consider the type and quality of the set you’re buying.

At the very least, you’ll likely need steak knives and perhaps a utility knife for your kitchen. But if you’re a true chef, there’s a wide range of knives you’ll need, including those that can help with peeling fruits and vegetables or cutting bread without tearing it. One nice upgrade is sharpening steel to keep your knives in peak condition for many years. Many knife sets also come with kitchen shears for the many times you’ll need them.

Of course, the quality of knives is also important. Look for well-known brands like J.A. Henckels and Wusthof, which have established themselves as leaders in their industry. When a manufacturer develops a reputation as having a commitment to excellence, you’ll know you’re getting a product that’s built to last.

• Chances are one of the top factors in choosing a knife set for your kitchen is appearance. If you’re looking for a light-colored wood block, the J.A. Henckels Premio 18-piece block set and the Chicago Cutlery 18-piece Insignia steel knife set are both worth considering. If a walnut-colored storage block is better suited to your décor, take a look at the Wusthof Classic Ikon 7-piece knife set. The Victorinox 4-piece knife set doesn’t come with a knife block, making it a better pick for families that prefer to keep their knives in drawers.
• You can’t go wrong with a classic, and the Wusthof has a look that blends with every type of décor. But the Chicago Cutlery set is popular as well, perhaps in part due to its versatility.
• Once you’ve gotten past the aesthetics, it’s time to look at the actual cutlery each set offers. The fullest range of knives comes with the J.A. Heckels and Chicago Cutlery sets. In each set, you’ll get a parer, utility knife, serrated bread knife, Santoku, chef’s knife, steak knives, shears and a sharpener. But if you only need the basics, the Wusthof Classic set includes a parer, utility knife, bread knife, shears and honing steel. However, you can buy additional items, like steak knives, to slide into the empty slots in the block.
• The Victorinox set is fairly basic, with no shears, honing steel or storage block. But you can buy plenty of other items to go with the set, so this may be just the start of your collection.
• Before you invest in a knife set, you likely want to make sure it will last. The J.A. Henckels set offers superb quality, but the Wusthof set is also durable, thanks to its tough handle and laser-tested edge.
• The lowest-priced set in the bunch is the Chicago Cutlery set, which is a great deal with 18 knives and a block included for just over $100. The Victorinox four-piece set is slightly more expensive than that, with the J.A. Henckels 18-piece set retailing for more than $200. The Wusthof set is the most expensive, in the $300-$400 range and only includes seven knives.