Target Knife Block: What's Worth Buying and What to Skip

Target stocks knife blocks and knife block sets from a range of brands, mostly in the mid-range and budget categories. You'll find Cuisinart, Henckels, KitchenAid, OXO, and occasionally Wüsthof at certain locations. The selection is better than a typical grocery store but narrower than kitchen specialty stores or Amazon.

If you're looking for a knife block set at Target, this guide covers what they typically carry, how to evaluate what you find, and whether Target is actually the right place to buy versus alternatives.

What Target Typically Carries

Target's knife block inventory depends heavily on the specific store and current stock, but the consistent categories are:

Cuisinart sets: Cuisinart dominates the mid-range block set section at most Targets. Their 12-15 piece sets run $40-80, sometimes on sale for less. Reliable if uninspiring mid-range knives with decent block storage.

Henckels: Target carries Henckels International (the accessible line, not Zwilling's premium line) in 15-piece block sets around $60-100. These have the Henckels brand pedigree at approachable prices.

KitchenAid: Frequently on sale at Target, KitchenAid block sets land in the $50-90 range. Licensed products using German-style steel.

OXO Good Grips: OXO occasionally shows up at Target for individual knives and smaller sets. Their handle design is excellent, the steel is mid-range.

Budget options under $30: Generic-brand sets from Made By Design (Target's house brand) or similar. These are starter knives, not long-term investments.

What Target generally doesn't carry: Wüsthof Classic (occasionally, at select stores), MAC, Shun, or any Japanese-style premium knives. For those, you're looking at Williams-Sonoma, specialty kitchen stores, or Amazon.

How to Evaluate a Knife Block Set at Target

When you're standing in front of a Target knife display, here's how to assess what you're looking at:

Count actual knives, not pieces. A "15-piece set" often includes the block, shears, and a honing rod in that count. The actual knife count might be 8-10 blades. That's fine, just clarify what you're getting.

Check the steel description. German stainless steel or high-carbon stainless steel on the label indicates X50CrMoV15 or similar. Just "stainless steel" without further description suggests lower-grade steel.

Handle construction: Look for triple-riveted handles and full-tang construction. This is noted on the packaging for most quality sets.

Forged vs. Stamped: Forged knives have a bolster (the thicker band where the blade meets the handle). Stamped knives don't. Both can be quality tools, but forged is generally preferred for premium knives.

The Best Knife Block Set roundup covers all the major sets with actual performance data, which is more reliable than reading packaging in a store aisle.

The Best Option at Target by Budget

Under $50

Cuisinart's entry-level sets or Made By Design house brand. Functional, replaceable. Good if you need something immediately and don't want to spend more.

$50-100

This is where Target's selection is most useful. The Cuisinart 15-piece set, Henckels International sets, and KitchenAid options all fall here. Henckels has the strongest actual knife pedigree of the options you'll usually find.

At $60-80, the Henckels International set is the Target option I'd point most home cooks toward. Real German manufacturing heritage, consistent quality, replaceable individual pieces if one breaks.

Above $100

At $100+, you're better served by Amazon or a kitchen specialty store. Target's selection thins out at this price point, and you can get better-documented quality (Wüsthof Classic, MAC, Victorinox Fibrox Pro) from other sources for similar money.

Block Storage Options Separately from Sets

If you already have knives and need just a block, Target carries:

Bamboo knife blocks: Clean aesthetic, sustainable material, universal slot designs that accommodate most blade widths. Usually $25-45.

Magnetic knife strips: Target occasionally carries these. Better than blocks for ventilation and preventing edge damage from blade-to-block contact. Check the kitchen utensil section.

Universal blocks with bristles or flexible inserts: These accommodate any blade size or shape. Useful if you have knives of mixed brands or unusual sizes. Target's Made By Design line sometimes includes one.

The Best Knife Block guide covers standalone block options if that's what you're after.

When to Buy at Target vs. Amazon vs. Specialty Stores

Buy at Target when: - You need something today and don't want to wait for shipping - You're buying a Cuisinart, Henckels, or KitchenAid set that Target has on sale below Amazon's current price (this happens regularly) - You want to touch and feel the handles before buying

Buy on Amazon when: - You want a specific model that Target doesn't carry - You want to compare 15 options instead of 4 - The price is meaningfully lower (often 10-20% on identical sets)

Buy at a kitchen specialty store when: - You want premium brands (Wüsthof, Shun, MAC) with knowledgeable staff - You want to hold multiple options before deciding - You're spending $150+ and want certainty about the purchase

FAQ

Does Target sell Wüsthof knives?

Occasionally, at select Target stores or Target.com. Availability varies. You're more likely to find Wüsthof at Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table, or Amazon.

Are Target knife sets good quality?

Depends on which one. Henckels International and better Cuisinart sets are legitimate mid-range quality. Budget Target sets under $30 are functional but won't last as long. The Henckels and OXO options are the standouts in Target's typical selection.

Can I return a knife set to Target if I don't like it?

Yes. Target has a generous return policy (90 days for most items with a receipt, or linked to your Target Circle account). This makes it lower risk to try a set in person versus ordering online.

What's the best knife block set at Target?

For most home cooks, the Henckels International 15-piece set when it's in the $60-80 range. Real brand heritage, good steel, reliable construction. The Cuisinart sets are a step below but still functional, especially if on sale under $50.

Bottom Line

Target is a reasonable place to buy a knife block set if you're after mid-range brands at prices that are sometimes lower than Amazon. The Henckels International line is the best option in their typical selection. If you want premium brands or more variety, Amazon or a kitchen specialty store serves you better. Check the in-store sale price before assuming Target is cheaper.