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Best Knife Set 2020: Top Picks That Still Hold Up Today
A good knife set is the foundation of every functional kitchen. You can get away with mediocre pots, but dull knives make every single meal prep more frustrating than it needs to be. The picks from a few years back that earned strong reputations still perform, and I've pulled together the options that continue to deliver real value.
This guide covers sets ranging from $19.99 to nearly $400, spanning block sets, bag-based sets, and everything in between. Whether you're outfitting a first apartment or replacing an aging set that's been through too many dishwasher cycles, there's something here for your situation.
My focus was on sets with verified reviews, practical blade counts, real steel quality, and handles that hold up over time.
Quick Picks
| Product | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Astercook 13pc with Blade Guards (B0D9B96TBX) | Best budget, anti-rust coating | $19.99 |
| Astercook 15pc with Block (B0C1YBPJ43) | Best block set under $40 | $39.89 |
| imarku G14 14pc (B0C6QKW4SM) | Best mid-range with built-in sharpener | $84.99 |
| Cuisinart 15pc Caskata (B0CCSWLGBW) | Best premium aesthetic | $110.78 |
| Ninja Foodi NeverDull 17pc (B09B7R3SY7) | Best for people who hate sharpening | $399.95 |
The Reviews
Cuisinart 15pc Caskata Collection Stainless Steel Knife Block Set
The Cuisinart Caskata collection is where function meets a genuinely distinctive aesthetic, with a floral pattern by Caskata etched into each blade.
Standout features: - Premium high-carbon German stainless steel blades for precision across every task - Strong bolster provides ideal weight and counterbalance for control - Sophisticated Caskata floral pattern on blades and block, a distinctive visual choice
At $110.78 with 297 reviews at 4.9 stars, this is the highest-rated set in the roundup. The hollow stainless steel handles reduce weight while maintaining balance. The German stainless steel blades hold an edge reasonably well and are easy to hone back into shape.
The Caskata floral pattern is unusual in the knife set world and either clicks with you or it doesn't. If you appreciate kitchen tools that also serve as visual statements, this delivers. If you want understated tools, the imarku or Astercook options are more traditional.
The 15-piece count gives you a full battery: chef knife, bread knife, slicing knife, santoku, utility, paring, steak knives, scissors, and a block. Cuisinart has strong brand support and this set comes with their typical quality assurance. One honest note: "high-carbon German stainless steel" covers a wide range of specific steels, and Cuisinart doesn't publish exact grades, which is typical for this price tier.
Pros: - 4.9 stars with 297 reviews, highest-rated set in this roundup - Distinctive Caskata floral design stands out from generic sets - Full 15-piece count covers every daily kitchen task
Cons: - Specific steel grade not published - Aesthetic appeal is subjective, not for everyone
Astercook 13 Pieces Kitchen Knives Set with Anti-Rust Coating
At $19.99, the Astercook 13-piece is the budget champion with the review volume to prove it works.
Standout features: - Anti-rust coating protects blades from oxidation, dishwasher-safe - Includes 6 individual blade guards for flexible storage without a block - 13-piece count: 8" chef, 8" slicer, 7" santoku, 8" bread, 5" utility, 3.5" paring, shears, 6 guards
With 4,439 reviews at 4.8 stars for under $20, this is remarkable. The anti-rust coating genuinely extends blade life, particularly if you're washing these in a dishwasher, which most budget buyers will. The blade guards are smart: they let you store knives in a drawer without a bulky block.
The steel is stainless rather than high-carbon German, which means slightly softer edges that dull faster. But at $19.99 the expectation calibration matters. For a first set, a student apartment, a vacation rental, or a backup set, this delivers far more than its price suggests.
The 13-piece count is practical. You get all the daily drivers without the filler pieces that pad out larger sets. If you want a block, look at the Astercook 15-piece. If storage space is tight, this with its blade guards is a smarter choice. See the Kitchen Knives section for more on choosing between block sets and guard-style storage.
Pros: - $19.99 with 4,439 reviews at 4.8 stars, exceptional budget value - Anti-rust coating and dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance - Blade guards enable flexible storage without a block
Cons: - Softer steel than German or Japanese options - Edges will require more frequent sharpening
Astercook 15 Pieces Knife Sets with Block and Built-in Sharpener
The step-up from the 13-piece adds a block with a built-in sharpener, which is a significant quality-of-life improvement.
Standout features: - Built-in knife sharpener in the block for one-handed convenience - Black non-stick, anti-rust coating across all blades - 15 pieces including 6 serrated steak knives, forged from 1.4116 German stainless steel
The 1.4116 German stainless steel grade is actually published here, which I appreciate. It's a decent mid-tier stainless steel that balances corrosion resistance with edge retention better than generic stainless. Combined with the anti-rust coating, these blades should look new for a long time.
The built-in sharpener changes the ownership equation. Knives that get sharpened regularly stay sharp. When sharpening requires finding a separate tool, people don't do it. Putting it in the block eliminates that friction entirely.
At $39.89 with 2,238 reviews at 4.8 stars, this is the set I'd recommend for most first-time buyers who want a complete, maintenance-friendly package. The steak knives add real everyday utility since you'll use them multiple times a week if you eat meat at home.
Pros: - 1.4116 German steel grade published, more transparency than most sets - Built-in sharpener in block removes the barrier to regular maintenance - 15-piece set with steak knives for complete table service
Cons: - Block takes up counter space - Anti-rust coating can eventually wear at edges with heavy use
ASETY 15 PCS Knife Set with Built-in Sharpener, Purple Design
A 15-piece set similar in structure to the Astercook but with a distinctive black-and-purple aesthetic.
Standout features: - 15-degree blade edge reduces friction for smoother cuts than standard 20-degree edges - Eye-catching black and purple design with gift-ready box - Curved ergonomic handles with anti-slip grip for comfort
The 15-degree edge is the mechanical standout here. Most budget sets ship with 20-25 degree edges. At 15 degrees, you're in Japanese knife territory for sharpness, which creates noticeably more efficient cuts through produce and proteins. The trade-off is that thinner edges need more careful honing.
With 1,351 reviews at 4.8 stars, this has solid backing. The gift box makes this a practical holiday or housewarming choice when you want something that looks impressive without spending $100+. At $39.99, it matches the Astercook block set in price but brings a different aesthetic and sharper edge geometry.
The purple design is polarizing. Some households love colorful kitchen tools; others find them distracting. If you're buying for a gift and unsure, the Astercook's more neutral black finish is safer.
Pros: - 15-degree blade edge sharper than most sets at this price - Attractive gift-ready box for gifting occasions - Comfortable curved handles with anti-slip design
Cons: - Distinctive purple design may not suit all kitchen aesthetics - Thinner edge requires more careful honing than 20-degree blades
Ninja K32017 Foodi NeverDull Premium Knife System, 17 Piece
Ninja's NeverDull system is a fundamentally different approach to knife sets: built-in sharpening technology designed to maintain factory sharpness for over 10 years.
Standout features: - NeverDull Technology built into the storage block for automatic professional sharpening - German stainless steel blades, rust-resistant with full tang construction - 17-piece set including everything a serious home kitchen needs
At $399.95, this is a significant investment. The value proposition is total cost of ownership over 10 years rather than up-front price. If you would otherwise spend money on a sharpening service or replacing dull knives every few years, Ninja's math on 10-year sharpness starts to make more sense.
With 1,025 reviews at 4.8 stars, the feedback is genuinely positive. People who buy this tend to stay bought in. The NeverDull technology ensures consistent 15-degree precision sharpening every time you return the knife to the block. You literally cannot neglect it into dullness.
For practical buyers, the honest question is: will you actually use a standalone sharpener regularly if you don't buy this? If the answer is no, the NeverDull system is worth serious consideration. If you're disciplined about maintenance, a $40 Astercook with occasional honing achieves similar results.
Pros: - NeverDull Technology maintains edges for 10+ years automatically - 17-piece count covers full kitchen and table service - German stainless steel with full tang for professional weight and feel
Cons: - $399.95 is a significant up-front investment - Requires commitment to Ninja's ecosystem for maintenance
FIKSHOT Premium Stainless Steel Knife Block Set
A 14-piece set built around one-piece construction and dishwasher durability.
Standout features: - Full steel one-piece forging, no seams where bacteria can accumulate - Dishwasher tested for durability, rust-resistant in humid kitchen environments - 14 pieces including chef, paring, santoku, bread, steak knives, scissors, and a sharpening rod
The one-piece forging design is worth noting. Traditional knife handles are attached to blades, and the seam is a weakness point and sanitation concern. Full steel one-piece eliminates both. At $49.99 with 406 reviews at 4.8 stars, this sits at a fair price for the build quality.
The inclusion of a sharpening rod separates this from cheaper sets. A sharpening rod doesn't sharpen (that's a whetstone's job), but it hones the edge alignment after each use, which extends the time between full sharpening sessions significantly.
The all-steel aesthetic is clean and modern but may feel cold compared to sets with wood block storage or pakkawood handles. It's a functional trade-off.
Pros: - One-piece forging eliminates weak seams and sanitation gaps - Dishwasher-tested durability for easy maintenance - Sharpening rod included for regular edge maintenance
Cons: - All-steel aesthetic may feel cold compared to wood handle options - 406 reviews is modest compared to top picks in this roundup
XCHIEF PRO Chef Knife Set with Bag, 8-Piece
A completely different format: 6 knives plus accessories in a portable canvas and leather bag rather than a block.
Standout features: - 6 high-carbon steel full tang knives: 8" chef, 7" santoku, 7" nakiri, 6.7" Serbian chef, 5.7" boning, 5" utility - Premium canvas and leather bag with two zippered pockets, accommodates knives plus accessories - Includes poultry shears and honing steel, complete professional-style kit
At $118.99, this is a specialty pick for people who cook outdoors, travel, or want a portable professional-style setup. The knife selection is notably different from a standard block set: including a Serbian chef knife and a dedicated nakiri instead of just stacking on steak knives.
The high carbon steel requires more maintenance than stainless (keep dry, oil occasionally) but delivers better cutting performance. The stonewashed and hammer finish helps reduce food sticking.
With 308 reviews at 4.8 stars, the review count is modest but positive. This fills a specific need. If you cook at home only and want a block set, look elsewhere. If you cook outdoors, cater events, or want to transport quality knives safely, this bag format changes the calculus entirely.
Pros: - Portable canvas and leather bag for outdoor and travel use - Specialized knife selection including Serbian chef and nakiri - Includes honing steel for on-the-go edge maintenance
Cons: - High carbon steel requires more maintenance than stainless - Bag storage less convenient for everyday kitchen access
KnifeSaga Phantom Iris X5 15-Piece Knife Block Set
KnifeSaga's Phantom Iris X5 makes ambitious claims around edge retention, backed by cryogenic tempering and a 10-degree cutting angle.
Standout features: - 10-degree cutting edge, sharper than virtually any other set in this roundup - Advanced cryogenic tempering and heat treatment for superior hardness and corrosion resistance - 100-day return policy and lifetime assurance from KnifeSaga
At $109.99 with 157 reviews at 4.8 stars, this is newer to market. The 10-degree edge is the sharpest in this lineup, designed for precision slicing rather than general-purpose chopping. That sharpness comes with an expectation: more frequent honing and careful cutting board selection (avoid glass or ceramic boards).
The cryogenic tempering process is legitimate metallurgy. Sub-zero treatment during hardening creates a more uniform crystalline structure in steel that resists both wear and impact better than conventionally tempered steel.
The lifetime assurance is a meaningful differentiator. Most knife sets offer limited warranties. If KnifeSaga stands behind this claim in practice, it changes the long-term value calculation significantly.
Pros: - 10-degree cutting edge, sharpest geometry in this roundup - Cryogenic tempering for superior steel structure - Lifetime assurance from the manufacturer
Cons: - 157 reviews is a small sample; long-term durability unproven - 10-degree edge requires more careful use and honing than standard angles
imarku G14 Japanese Knife Set 14pcs with Built-in Sharpener
imarku's G14 brings Japanese stainless steel and a built-in block sharpener at a strong mid-range price.
Standout features: - Japanese stainless steel blades optimized for sharpness and rust resistance - Built-in block sharpener for easy maintenance, non-slip grooves at handle end - 14 pieces including 6 steak knives, all in an ergonomic patented handle design
At $84.99 with 2,899 reviews at 4.7 stars, this is one of the most review-backed options in the mid-range tier. Imarku's patented handle with non-slip grooves addresses one of the persistent issues with low-cost knife sets: slippery handles when hands are wet or greasy.
The dishwasher-safe construction is honest in its advice: possible, but hand washing extends sharpness and life. That's true of every knife set.
For buyers who want a step up from basic budget sets without approaching $100+, the imarku G14 sits in a comfortable spot with real third-party validation from nearly 3,000 reviews. If you're comparing this to the Astercook 15-piece, the imarku's Japanese steel and review volume justify the $45 price difference.
Pros: - 2,899 reviews at 4.7 stars, strong third-party validation - Built-in block sharpener for maintenance convenience - Patented non-slip handle grooves for safety
Cons: - Japanese stainless steel softer than high-carbon Japanese steel - Block requires counter space
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Knife Set
Steel Quality The steel grade determines edge retention, ease of sharpening, and corrosion resistance. German 1.4116 is reliable and widely used in mid-range sets. Japanese stainless steel varies by grade but is generally harder than German options. High-carbon variants hold edges longer but require more care. If a brand doesn't specify the steel grade, that's information in itself.
Blade Count vs. Usefulness A 17-piece set sounds impressive but may include duplicate or low-use pieces. The three knives you actually use daily are: chef knife, paring knife, and serrated bread knife. Steak knives, santoku, and slicers add genuine utility. Fillet knives and carving forks are nice-to-haves. Count the knives you'll actually reach for, not the total number.
Handle Material Wood handles look beautiful but require drying and occasional oiling. Pakkawood and resin hybrids handle moisture better. Full steel one-piece handles are the most sanitary and durable. ABS polymer and PP handles are lightweight and maintenance-free. Choose based on your maintenance habits.
Storage Format A block occupies permanent counter real estate but keeps knives accessible. Guard-style storage like the Astercook 13-piece keeps knives in a drawer. Bag storage like the XCHIEF PRO enables portability. Think about where your kitchen knife storage actually works.
Built-in Sharpener Knives that get sharpened stay sharp. If you know you won't use a standalone sharpener, a set with a built-in sharpener in the block is worth the slight price premium. It removes the activation energy barrier to maintenance.
FAQ
How many knives do I actually need? Three knives handle 95% of kitchen tasks: an 8-inch chef knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, and an 8-inch serrated bread knife. Everything else is specialized convenience. Start there and add as you identify genuine gaps.
Are expensive knife sets worth it? For most home cooks, no. The $39-85 range delivers more than adequate performance for daily cooking. Professional cooks who use knives 8 hours a day benefit more from high-end steel. At home, even a $40 set maintained with a honing rod will serve you well for years.
Can I put these sets in the dishwasher? Most sets say dishwasher-safe but recommend hand washing. Dishwashers are hard on edges due to heat cycles and abrasive detergents. They're also hard on wood handles. If you hand wash, you'll keep the edges sharper longer and the handles looking better.
What's the difference between honing and sharpening? Honing with a steel rod realigns the edge without removing metal. Do this before each use or every few uses. Sharpening removes metal to create a new edge. Do this when honing no longer restores sharpness. With proper honing, most home cooks sharpen their knives only 1-2 times per year.
Should I buy a set or individual knives? Sets are better for building a full kitchen battery at once at lower total cost. Individual knives let you choose the exact steel and brand for each task. For most home cooks, a good mid-range set plus a high-quality individual chef knife (if the set's chef knife disappoints) is the practical path.
How do I store knives safely? Magnetic strips protect edges and keep knives accessible. Knife blocks work well but need occasional cleaning inside the slots. Blade guards enable drawer storage. Avoid loose drawer storage where blade-on-blade contact dulls edges.
Conclusion
For most home cooks, the Astercook 15-piece with built-in sharpener at $39.89 is the strongest overall recommendation. It has the review volume, practical steel grade, and built-in maintenance tool to deliver years of reliable service. If budget is the primary concern, the Astercook 13-piece at $19.99 is genuinely excellent for the price.
Moving up in budget, the imarku G14 at $84.99 delivers stronger third-party validation and Japanese steel quality. If you want to spend once and not think about it again, the Ninja NeverDull at $399.95 removes knife maintenance from your life for a decade.