10 Best Knife Block Sets for Professional and Home Use

A single Chef’s Knife works as a conductor’s baton to run the kitchen orchestra. However, the knife block set itself is a choir that can turn any prep job in tune.

Choosing a single knife is daunting, so I know how formidable it will be to select a block full of different knives. To save you from this exhaustion, I have reviewed and picked the 10 best knife block sets for your kitchen this year.

Every essential factor like blade materials, handle, block material, types of knives, sharpness, and balance has been considered closely. I have also talked with some of the most veteran and famous chefs to know their opinion. Hey, don’t feel left out. A major portion of the opinions was from the home chefs, both men, and women. 

So one thing is very obvious, this is one of the most comprehensive best knife set reviews. And it will be your complete guide to select a high-quality knife set for the next get-together at home. 

How to choose a good knife set?

Very simple! Go over the buying guide, and I can guarantee you will pick the best knife set. No matter which corner of the world you are in, that guide will lead you to the most perfect set for your kitchen.

You need to consider knife types, block material, blade construction, made of the handle, bevel angle and sharpness, and weight while buying a knife set. There will be several options to pick from, but it’s your preference that matters.

The secret of any successful buy lies in aligning your preference with the available options. In the case of the knife block set, I have discussed every option for you with details. Now you have to match your preference with them.

Review of The Top 10 Knife Block Sets

01. Calphalon Classic Self-sharpening Knife Block Set

One of the best things about this high-end knife set is the labeled handles. You will get an 8-inches chef knife, a 6-inches utility knife, a 5-inches Santoku knife, and a 3.5-inches Paring knife in this Self-sharpening Knife Set. Each of the knives is labeled with engraved numbers at the back bolster.

Blonde rubberwood block is perfect for moisture control and keeps the knives and kitchen shear safe. The 45-degree angle of the knife slots saves space in your kitchen with a stunning rustic look.

Each of the knives is made through forging from high carbon stainless steel. So, you can be free of any tension about the durability and longevity of the blades. Despite the limited number of knives, no prep job in your kitchen cannot be executed with these super sixes.

SharpIn ceramic sharpener ensures honing of the edges each time you take out or put in the knife inside the wooden block. This way, the blades will always be ready to go no matter what cutting or slicing job is waiting ahead.

02. Mercer Culinary Genesis Knife Block Set

The see-through knife block from Mercer Culinary accommodates 5-knife with a bonus one. The vertical position of the knife holder will save space in your kitchen, and the futuristic look will add an extra dimension to the interior.

All five knives come with high-carbon German steel. This composition will give you flexibility, along with sheer longevity. More than 30-years of knife crafting from the house of Mercer Culinary ensure the long-time use of every knife.

Diversity and utility is the key to this high-end knife set. The number of knives may be limited, but they can take care of any kitchen workload. The combination of chefs, boning, bread, paring, and utility knives goes perfectly with the need for any personal or professional kitchen. If you need more-the a bonus serrated knife is there for you.

The forged blades of each knife offer a razor-sharp edge for any cutting or slicing. Full tang construction within the Santoprene handle ensures a balanced and firm grip. A partial bolster is sufficient to provide both safety and freedom to work. The bolster gives you the option to use the full potential of the blade.

03. ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Twin Signature Knife Block Set

This is one of the best Henckels knife blocks sets your kitchen can have. It comes total 19 pieces with 18-knives, and all of them are essential to run any kitchen smoothly. Stamped German blades with ergonomic polymer handles make each knife a masterpiece for every prep work.

Stamped blades may not sound as authentic as a forged one; however, they are not inferior to any high-end forged blade. Stamped from high carbon German blade ensures both durability and high edge retention.

Ice-hardened processes give the FRIODUR blade a difference from any stamped knife. Sharpness stays longer than any other knives, and the blade is resistant to any chipping or corrosion. Every cut with this hard blade is precise and clean.

Stain-resistant blades of the Twin Signature J.A. Henckels knife set are dishwasher safe. You can put them in the drum and forget any cleaning hassle. However, I strongly recommend using warm water and soap along with your hand.

Full tang made and polymer triple-rivets handle responsible for stability and balance. The handle offers a safe and firm grip while the full tang ensures proper balance while working.

04. Emojoy Chef Knife Block Set with Carving Fork

The rustic look of the Wedgewood handle is the most attractive feature of this 16-pieces knife set. This is one of the good knife block set with so many blade options at such an affordable price.

From an 8-inches chef knife to a 3.5-inches paring knife, kitchen scissors, and carving fork, you will get everything in the pakkawood block. A high carbon blade with additives like Chromium and Vanadium enhances the shine and sharpness. A 15-degrees bevel on each side eases any cutting and slicing.

Full tang construction with partial bolster balanced the knife for better performance. Laminated Wedgewood is durable and ergonomically designed for superior grip. However, the wood may trap the food smell for an extended period.

Pakkawood block is designed to save both the edge of the blades and space in your kitchen. The angled entry of the knives is ideal for easy access and stability. It also takes limited space in the kitchen.

Chopping herbs to cut frozen meat, you can handle any prep job with ease if you have this German steel knife set in the kitchen.

Don’t mistake the read of the Emojoy knife review that’s are affordable from others but durable.

05. Cangshan S1 Series German Steel Knife Block Set

Cangshan S1 is one of the best block set knives in my review. 17-knife in one walnut wood block fulfills almost all the cutting, slicing, and dicing needs of any kitchen. Each forged blade can do its job with the utmost accuracy and precision.

High carbon steel from Germany forged in Japan. What else can you look for from a knife set? Additives like Chromium and Molybdenum had enhanced the sharpness retention and shine of the blades. Besides, they have hardened the blade to HRC 58+ in the Rockwell Hardness rating.

The list is long. You will get a chef, bread, Santoku, boning, serrated, paring, and peeling knife along with a honing rod and a shear. Hey, don’t forget the 6 steak knives. This block will aid in both preparing and eating the food. However, a few users have found such a large number of steak knives as an unnecessary addition.

Full tang double bolster offers solid control. The full bolsters on the blade-tang transition ensure maximum safety of your fingers and a perfect balance between blades and handle. The ergonomic handle is slip-resistant, but they have durability issues. 

06. Nan Fang Brothers Kitchen Damascus Knife Set

If you are looking for the best Japanese knife block set, try this from the house of Nan Fang Brothers. Despite its recent introduction in the industry, this knife manufacturer already left an impressive impression both on the user’s mind and kitchen.

It includes only 6 knives. A chef, slicing, bread, Santoku, paring, and utility. You will also get a honing rod and kitchen scissors. The number of elements in the set may look modest, but all of them can be the workhorses of your kitchen.

Rock hard 67 pieces of Japanese steel are forged to create the stunning layered Damascus look. A combination of such a large number of steel pieces makes the blade extremely durable. Besides, the blade gets more edge retention and chip-off resistant abilities.

A triple-riveted laminated polymer handle on the full tang is the core of the knife’s precise balance and maneuverability. Safe storage on the oak-made block will ensure an extended service life for the knives. However, if anything goes wrong, you have a lifetime warranty from the house of Nan Fang Brothers. 

07. Cangshan V2 Series Forged Knife Block Set

Another great knife block set from the house of Cangshan. You know what you will get. High carbon forged German blade along with the ergonomic handle. The full tang single bolster is the only difference from the S1 series knives.

The sleek black look is the signature of the V2 series knives. You can see the full tang inside the curved handle. The chef, serrated utility, and paring knife share the same features. The blade may have a medium-hard rating on the Rockwell scale, but they can do all the hard work in the kitchen.

The manufacturing process under ULTRA6 heat treatment makes the knives different from any true European or Asian knives. The ultra-high heat infused the iron and other additives molecules to form a solid but intricate structure for the blade. This is the main reason behind the durability and hardness.

Later the blade is hardened with the ice-hardening process for longevity. Each blade is polished and shaped with hand by the master knife makers. Thus, you will get a combination of tradition and technology on every piece of steel. Because of the hardness, the blades lose their edge quickly.

08. Cangshan TC Series Swedish Knife Block Set

In the crowd of German steel knives, this is the only exception with Swedish Sandvik steel. The mixture of iron and other additives offers both hardness and sharpness for the blade. Despite a 59+ hardness rating, this tough blade can endure any hard job in the kitchen.

One of the best things about the Sandvik blade is it can retain sharpness 5-times more than any German blade. So, you have to use a weigh stone less than anything. All the credit goes to the Nitrogen content of the steel that maintains such quality.

Like any other Cangshan blade, this series is also handcrafted for better polishing and finish. The hollow handle may look unique, but it somehow reduces the balance and stability of the knives.

09. Imarku Professional Steak Knife Set

This is a unique set that I have included in my review of the best home kitchen knife set. It does not include any chef or paring knife; the set comes only with the steak knives. Yes, the function is limited, but it is one job with superior efficiency.

German forged blade with serration makes slicing the steaks like a breeze. It doesn’t matter if the stalk is medium or rare; you won’t feel the difference when you have this set in your kitchen.

A double-riveted pakkawood handle helps you perfectly grip it while enjoying the juiciest steak. The wood may retina the meaty smell for an extended time. If it bothers you too much, air dry the knives after each hand washes with warm water and soap.

10. Jun Yu Jiang Chen Knife Block Set

The super high price may set you off from this knife set; however, the investment is worthy if you can afford it. The premium quality Japanese steel will give you the most extended period with razor-sharp hardness and durability.

Double bolster full tang design holds the premium wood handle for better balance. The look of the entire set may look very modest, but they will stun you with the performance. The chef, nakiri, paring, bread, Santoku, boning, and utility knives fulfill your kitchen for any cutting or slicing job.

Japanese craftsmanship and traditional forging techniques make every blade a remarkable one for a longer life span. However, if things go wrong in any way, you are covered with the lifetime warranty from the house of Jun Yu Chen.

Buying Guide of Knife Block Set

Knife Variety

Diverse content in a knife block set, the better it will suit any kitchen. You already know what knives and kitchen tools include in any good block of the knife. It is better to get one that comes with all of them.

However, a diverse set has a higher price tag. It will be a tricky task to balance your requirement and budget. Interestingly, high-end knife sets like Calphalon or Mercer Culinary have only 5 to 6-items in the block.

Typical knife blocks have 9 to 17-items in them. The items cover all types of knives described in the last section. Only one exception in the review is the Imarku knife block. It only comes with a 1-item steak knife. 

Block Material

The typical block is made with wood like oak, rubberwood, or pakkawood. These are durable and absorb less moisture to keep the knife safe from any spotting or rusting. The wooden block is aesthetically pleasing and goes perfectly with any kitchen interior.

The rustic look that a wooden block offers enhances mental satisfaction before drawing any knife for the preparation. Woods are easy to carve and engrave. A few blocks in my review have a built-in ceramic sharpener in them. Thus, you are getting high-quality storage and instant sharpening.

Glass-walled see-through blocks are also available in the market. You can store the knife vertically in these blocks. The position limits the number and diversity of knives in glass blocks.

It will require a longer block frame and glass cover for a large number of knives. Typical glass-walled blocks come with 4 to 5-knives. 

The metal frame is typical for glass-walled blocks. You won’t get any built-in sharpener with any of these metal storage.

Blade Material

Stainless steel is the essential material for any best block set or meat handling blade set edge. In any case, not a wide range of prepares is the equivalent for blade cutting edges in highlights.

Tempered steel edges are the absolute best for ordinary employment. If meat is the essential thing in your menu, it is smarter to get a steel edge with a titanium cover.

You will discover two sorts of steel that are utilized in making meat cutting and cutting edges. The first is German, and the following is Japanese steel. This preparation is special in its adaptability, sturdiness, and hardness. Similarly, they are likewise utilized for various cutting, cutting, and cutting sports.

The best Japanese blades have single-sloped edges and are heavier in weight. Heavier cutting edges are a lot thicker with a bigger tightening to the ground. The treated steel utilized in these Asian blades contains just a reasonable measure of carbon with practically no to a couple of added substances.

Excellent German or high carbon Serbian Rorschach steel blades, then again, are lighter and more slender. They are significantly more adaptable than their Japanese partners.

Both the edges of the German edges are angled with low tightened holy messengers. The material of these blades contains higher carbon and added substances in treated steel. Higher carbon will transform the steel into a more adaptable and gentler one.

The honing and twisting of any German blade are simpler than any Japanese blade, on account of the delicate quality of the steel. Nonetheless, dainty prepare to lose their sparkle and sharpness speedier than the hard and heavier prepares. Along these lines, the Japanese sharp edges will have a high score here.

Material of Handle

We believe it’s all about the blade in the case of a good knife. However, it is not 100% true. The handle plays a vital role in making a knife truly great, but it never gets the proper spotlight. This modest-looking part of the blade is responsible for a safe grip, stability, and balance.

Two things should get the most focus while choosing a knife handle. Firstly, the shape and secondly, the material of the handle. The form ensures a better grip and prevents any accidental slippage. Ergonomic handles are designed to accommodate all the fingers on them for a firm grip.

A few knife sets come with a hollow handle. Yes, they are trendy and give a new edge to the knives. Nevertheless, you will never feel the same comfort and confidence as a traditional solid handle.

The next thing to consider is the handle material. Three ways a knife handle is made – wood, plastic, and polymer. Wood is the most traditional and gives a rustic look on the blade. However, they have some serious drawbacks. Unless laminated or layered, the wooden handle can crack. Moreover, they are not moisture-resistant, so discoloration and distortion can always be an issue. Last but not least, microspores on the wood trap moisture and smells of the foods.

Plastic is a better option than wood. They are durable, water-resistant, and there is no issue of trapping smells. You do not have to worry about any discoloration or distortion. However, plastic is brittle and can crack very easily.

In my opinion, the best option for the handle is a polymer. They are strong from the molecular level and can withstand any impact and dent. Water and fade-resistant polymers are easy to wash and dry. 

Blade Making Process

How the blade is made tells a lot about the knife. Besides, the process also determines the quality and, in some cases, the price of the knife set. From the beginning of the blade evolution, forging was the only way to make blades. Later stamping was introduced for convenience.

Forging:

Forging, as I said before, is the oldest way to make a blade. Renowned blade makers like J.A. Henckels or Mayobi still forge blades from steel.

This is a laborious and time-consuming process. Steel is made from the smelter and turns into a single piece. Veteran blade makers start pounding that small piece of steel with a hammer until it takes the shape of a knife blade.

Constant hammering infused the iron and other additives molecules to strengthen the steel. That’s why forged blades are much heavier and durable. The edge retention is also much better than the stamped blade.

Stamping:

This process is quick and effective for the mass production of knives. The blade is cut out from a steel sheet with a mold. Due to the lack of forging, the edges are less hardened and infused.

Stamping does not make the blade anyway lesser than the forged ones. Contrarily, stamped knives are more flexible and tough. Due to its lightweight nature working with a stamped blade is easier.

One of the best features of the stamped blade is its affordability. You can save a lot by getting a stamped knife set for your kitchen.

Balance and Weight

How about we review secondary school Physics and what Sir Isaac Newton said. More weight implies more force. It’s appropriate for everything, and meat cutting blades are the same.

Hefty blades give more force than any lightweight, sharp edges with the utilization of similar weight. Presently the inquiry is whether you need that much force or not.

Cutting or cutting a hamburger requires minimal additional power than any milder meat. By and by, the pink tissue is sensitive to grains and surfaces, so it should be taken care of carefully. Along these lines, you need harmony among weight and force.

We prescribe light-medium to medium-weight blades for hamburgers and venison. On the off chance that you don’t know about the weight, simply pick any blades with a 10 to 14-inch cutting edge. They will do the enchantment for you.

Super lightweight blades are anything but difficult to deal with, yet they won’t have the option to create the ideal outcome. Furthermore, they will be too delicate to even consider tackling hamburgers and bones.

Heavyweight blades, on the opposite, create a lot of power that can harm the fragile surface of the meat. Additionally, it can cut the bones into minuscule pieces that you won’t love to chomp while getting a charge out of the ham or steak.

Sharpness and Bevel Angle

Blade sharpness totally dampened on the bevel angle. The perfect angle will ensure a sharp edge, whereas if the pitch gets rounded, there will be no edge left to cut anything. Typically, knives come either single or double beveled.

Asian knives come with a single bevel, It means only one side of the blade is slanted to make an edge. Due to the one-sided bevel, the blade cuts thinly and precisely.

On the contrary, double bevel blades have slating on both sides. It makes the total angle much wider and also widens any cut. European chef knives come with a larger bevel angle that helps them to make sider cuts to disjoint meats from the bones.

A narrower bevel will give you a thin and precise cut, whereas the wider angle will offer wide-open cuts.

Bolster Bluff

A few of the best global knife block sets come with a built-in sharpening option. The Calphalon block set has a ceramic sharpener in each slot to keep the edge intact and razor-sharp.

Each time you store the knife, it gets an instant rub on the edge. The same thing happens when you take it out. So, before every use, you will get shining blades with intense sharpness.

You can use the option to sharpen the blade with multiple strokes in and out. It is essential to keep the blades ready to go, and this SharpIn technology will help you to uphold the edge.

Price

The more items in a set are supposed to have a higher price tag. Well, it is not true for any best knives block set. A set of 5 from Calphalon cost almost double that of a set of 16-knives from Emojoy.

The price of a knife set depends on the blade materials, manufacturing process, and handle types of the knife. High-quality knives from renowned brands will cost you higher even if they come at a limited number in a set.

Another factor that decides the price is the material of the block itself. Woods like oak, rubber, or pakkawood cost higher than any regular timber. The multipanel block will cost higher than a block machine made from a piece of wood.

Some FAQ About Top Cooking Knife Sets

Final Verdict

Once upon a time, finding the best knife block set was a hell of a job. But you have to admit that it is not anymore. At least after going over such a comprehensive and complete review, finding the best one is like a breeze or slicing through the juiciest ham.

You can pick the perfect knife set for you or your friend as a gift with ease. Besides, answering the question ‘what the best kitchen knife block sets are’ will sound more confident in your voice.

I have covered every possible aspect you need to consider for choosing and buying the right knife set for your kitchen. Now it’s your turn to hit the ‘check price’ button, purchase, and wait for the surprise.

Don’t wait till the next weekend. Order now and get organized with blades.

Luna L. Rusk

I am Luna L. Rusk, a passionate content writer. Always I provide accurate product reviews and information for quicker shopping. I love to cook for my family. In my leisure time, I love spending time with chefs for learning new cooking.