Calphalon Contemporary Sharpin 14-Piece Knife Block Set Review

The Calphalon Contemporary Sharpin 14-piece knife block set is one of the more distinctive offerings in the mid-range kitchen knife market. The "SharpIn" designation refers to a built-in ceramic sharpening system integrated into the knife block slots, which is the main selling point that differentiates this set from a standard block.

Here's what you're actually getting, how the sharpening system works, and whether it's worth the price.

What's in the 14-Piece Set

A standard Calphalon SharpIn 14-piece set typically includes:

  • 3.5-inch paring knife
  • 5-inch serrated utility knife
  • 6-inch utility knife
  • 8-inch chef's knife
  • 8-inch bread knife
  • 6 steak knives
  • Kitchen shears
  • Knife block with built-in sharpening

That's a complete kitchen knife collection. The six steak knives are a significant portion of the count, which is worth noting when comparing piece counts across sets.

The SharpIn Block: How It Works

The SharpIn block incorporates ceramic sharpening elements built into the slots. Each time you insert or remove a knife, the blade makes brief contact with the ceramic element, providing continuous edge maintenance.

The practical benefit is meaningful. One of the most common reasons home cooks end up with dull knives is that sharpening feels like a separate chore that gets skipped. A self-sharpening block removes that barrier entirely. You just use the knives normally, and the block handles maintenance.

Limitations of Integrated Sharpeners

The ceramic elements in the SharpIn block are factory-set to a specific angle. The edge produced is functional but less refined than a dedicated whetstone session. If you're someone who appreciates the feel of a freshly whetstone-sharpened blade, the SharpIn system will produce a good working edge but not an exceptional one.

The system also works best when matched to the included knives. Using the block with knives from other brands may not produce the same results if the blade geometry doesn't match what the ceramic element expects.

Over time, the ceramic elements will wear. Replacement blocks or replacement elements may or may not be available depending on the model's production run.

The Steel

Calphalon uses high-carbon German stainless steel in their knife line, though they don't prominently publish the alloy designation. Based on performance and construction, the steel is consistent with mainstream German kitchen stainless in the 56-58 HRC range.

At this hardness, the steel is appropriate for the SharpIn system: soft enough that the ceramic element can maintain the edge through regular insertion and removal, hard enough to hold a working edge between sharpenings.

Knife Performance

The chef's knife, at 8 inches with a full-tang construction and ergonomic handle, is the workhorse of the set and it performs appropriately. The balance is slightly blade-forward, consistent with German-influenced design. The factory edge is sharp out of the box, and the block system maintains it at a usable level with regular use.

The steak knives are micro-serrated, which means they maintain their edge through the serration points and don't require the SharpIn system in the same way. The six included steak knives make this set particularly practical for households that regularly host dinner guests.

Calphalon SharpIn vs Competing Self-Sharpening Sets

The self-sharpening block concept is offered by a few brands:

Ninja NeverDull: Similar integrated sharpening concept, comparable pricing, slightly different knife lineup. Ninja's appliance reputation differs from Calphalon's cookware reputation, but the functional knife quality is comparable.

Wusthof Lexi self-sharpening block: Significantly more expensive, but the underlying knife quality is notably better (premium forged German steel). If you want the self-sharpening convenience with better knives, this is the step up.

Standard Henckels or Wusthof sets without sharpening: Better underlying knife quality, requires manual maintenance. The comparison is self-sharpening convenience vs better steel.

For more knife set comparisons, see Best Kitchen Knives and Top Kitchen Knives.

Who Benefits Most from the SharpIn Design

This set is particularly well-matched to:

Households where knives historically go unmaintained. If you've owned knives that gradually became dull because sharpening felt inconvenient, the SharpIn block changes that dynamic.

Families with multiple cooks. When several people use the knives, and not everyone will hone before cooking, the block provides passive maintenance.

Anyone who values convenience over optimal edge quality. The SharpIn produces a good working edge with zero effort. That trade-off is worth it for many home cooks.

Care and Maintenance

Despite the built-in sharpening, a few maintenance habits extend the set's life:

  • Hand wash the knives. The steel is described as dishwasher safe, but the SharpIn system works best with knives that are dried and stored promptly.
  • Clean the block periodically. Remove all knives, invert and shake out debris, wipe the exterior.
  • The ceramic sharpening elements are inside the block and are maintained by the manufacturer's design. Don't attempt to clean or adjust them.

FAQ

Does the built-in sharpener actually keep knives sharp? Yes, within its design parameters. It prevents the gradual dulling that comes from passive storage without maintenance. The edges produced are functional for everyday cooking. They're not as fine as a whetstone-finished edge, but they're consistently usable.

Can I use the Calphalon SharpIn block with knives from other brands? The ceramic elements are calibrated for the included knives. Other knives may fit in the slots but won't necessarily get the correct sharpening angle. Mixing brands in this system reduces its effectiveness.

How long does the SharpIn system last? The ceramic elements are durable but will eventually wear. Calphalon offers replacement blocks or elements in some configurations. Check availability for your specific model before committing.

Is the Calphalon Contemporary set better than a standard Wusthof or Henckels set? For the self-sharpening feature, Calphalon has an advantage for buyers who won't maintain knives manually. For underlying knife quality, Wusthof Classic and Henckels Professional use better steel and forged construction.

Conclusion

The Calphalon Contemporary SharpIn 14-piece knife block set is a well-designed solution to one of the most common knife problems: maintenance getting skipped. The steel is adequate, the selection is complete, and the six steak knives add genuine practical value. If convenience and self-maintaining edge quality matter more to you than maximum sharpness, this set is a practical choice at its price point.