The Ex Knife Set: What It Is and Whether It's Worth Buying
The Ex knife set is a novelty kitchen knife set designed to look like weapons a scorned ex might choose, typically featuring blades styled as axes, saws, or daggers stored in a silhouette-shaped block that looks like a human body. It's a gag gift first and a functional kitchen tool second. If you're asking whether it works as actual cookware, the honest answer is: barely, and only for basic tasks.
These sets have been sold under various brand names on Amazon for years, with prices ranging from $25 to $60. The concept is simple: a wooden block shaped like a person with outline-cut slots where the "wounds" would be, holding five to six knives of various sizes. They're popular as gifts for divorced friends, bachelor parties, or anyone with a dark sense of humor. Here's what you need to know before buying one as either a gift or a kitchen tool.
What Comes in the Set
Most Ex knife sets include five pieces:
- 8-inch chef's knife
- 7-inch bread knife
- 5-inch boning/utility knife
- 3.5-inch paring knife
- Spreading knife or cleaver-style knife
The wooden block is the main attraction. It's usually made from rubberwood or pine and features a human body silhouette with carved slots positioned to look like stab wounds. Some versions add red-stained wood around the slots for extra effect.
The Block's Practical Problem
Here's the issue with the novelty design: the slots are carved to fit the specific knives that come with the set. If you try to replace one blade with a different knife, it probably won't fit. Standard knife blocks allow you to store almost any blade in the slots. The Ex block is locked to its included knives.
Also, the slots are typically horizontal or angled in ways that make daily use slightly awkward. Reaching for a knife stored in a silhouette-shaped block is less ergonomic than a standard block with vertical or angled slots. It sounds minor, but if you're grabbing your chef's knife 15 times a week, it adds up.
Knife Quality: What to Expect
The knives themselves are usually stamped stainless steel with basic handles. The steel grade is rarely disclosed by manufacturers, but based on feel and performance testing, most fall in the 420-grade range, which is corrosion resistant but on the softer side.
Out of the box, the knives are adequately sharp for light kitchen tasks. You can slice bread, peel fruit, and dice soft vegetables without issue. Where the limitations show up is with:
- Harder vegetables like butternut squash or beets
- Breaking down whole chickens
- Any precision work requiring a thin, stiff blade
The blades tend to flex more than you'd want for confident cuts, and they dull faster than forged blades from proper kitchen knife brands.
For a gift that someone actually uses in the kitchen, you'd be better served by a mid-range set from a real brand. Our Best Kitchen Knives guide covers sets that are both gift-worthy and actually useful.
Who Should Buy This
The Ex knife set is the right purchase in specific situations:
Good for: - Gag gift for a recently divorced or newly single friend - Housewarming gift with a sense of humor - Party prop or kitchen decoration - Someone who already owns decent knives and just wants something fun on the counter
Not good for: - Anyone who relies on their knives daily for actual cooking - Someone outfitting a kitchen from scratch - A person serious about cooking who needs reliable tools
The set works as a conversation piece. The knives function at a basic level. Nobody is winning any cooking competitions with these, but they can handle simple tasks if that's all you need.
Price and Value Assessment
The Ex knife set typically costs between $30 and $55 on Amazon. For that price, you're buying the novelty block more than the knives. If you stripped away the gag concept and evaluated the knives alone, they'd be worth maybe $20.
That's fine for a gift, where the presentation and concept carry most of the value. But if you compare it to what $40 buys you from a real brand like Cuisinart or Ginsu, the functional gap is noticeable.
Alternatives if You Want Novelty Plus Functionality
Some themed knife sets actually deliver on both counts. The Dalstrong Shogun series uses dramatic Japanese styling with high-carbon steel that performs at a professional level. For something more approachable but still distinctive, Cangshan makes attractive sets in colors and finishes that stand out without sacrificing quality.
If the gag is the point and kitchen performance is secondary, the Ex set works fine. If you want something visually interesting that also performs well, spend a little more on a set with unique design and real blade quality.
Maintenance and Care
Even novelty knives deserve basic care if you're going to use them. Keep them out of the dishwasher (the wooden block especially can't handle moisture exposure), wash by hand with warm soapy water, and dry immediately.
The included block doesn't protect blade edges as well as a magnetic strip or quality wooden block with proper slot angles. If the knives dull quickly, a basic pull-through sharpener like the Presto 08810 can restore a functional edge.
Replacement is easier than repair with a set like this. When the knives wear out, you replace the set rather than sharpening or restoring the blades.
FAQ
Are the Ex knife set knives actually sharp? Out of the box, yes, they're adequately sharp for basic tasks. The sharpness doesn't last as long as knives made from higher-quality steel, and they're harder to sharpen back to their original edge once they dull.
What size is the Ex knife block? Most versions are approximately 12-14 inches tall and 5-6 inches wide, designed to fit the human silhouette comfortably. Check the specific product dimensions before buying if counter space is limited.
Can you buy replacement knives for the Ex knife set block? Generally no. The slots are cut specifically for the included knives. If you want to use the block as storage for different knives, they'll need to fit the same slot dimensions.
Is the Ex knife set a good housewarming gift? It depends entirely on the recipient's sense of humor and whether they actually need kitchen knives. For someone who already has good knives, it's a fun decoration. For someone outfitting their first kitchen, consider pairing it with a gift card to get something functional alongside the gag.
The Bottom Line
The Ex knife set delivers exactly what it promises: a conversation-starting kitchen display with knives that function at a basic level. It's a good gift for the right person and a poor choice as your primary kitchen knife set. The block is the product; the knives are included as props. Buy it with that understanding and you won't be disappointed.
If you also want to check out Top Kitchen Knives for options where both looks and performance matter, that guide covers sets across a wide range of budgets and styles.