9 Best Knife Sets to Have in Your Kitchen

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Composite of best knife sets — Photo:
Courtesy of Williams Sonoma, Messermeister, Amazon

Ask five friends to name their favorite kitchen knife set, and you'll likely get five different answers—knives are one of the most personal kitchen tools. Preference aside, quality knife sets have a few things in common: They need to feel good in your hand, but also be durable, functional, and stylish.

A set that meets these qualifications is typically an investment, but one that pays off quick: You'll use knives every day, which is why you should put your money towards the tools that make routine tasks, like slicing, chopping, and mincing, easier and quicker. And since there's so much variety out there, there's definitely a collection that meets your needs. Knife sets for home cooks come in different sizes—and even sets with the same number of pieces may contain different knives. Think about the knives you turn to most frequently now and make sure it—and any others you enjoy working with—are included in the set you choose.

"For me, the most important factor is whether the knife is comfortable in my hand—because that just makes chopping and slicing easier. So I want the knives to not be too heavy and to be evenly weighted," says Amy Palanjian, creator of Yummy Toddler Food and author of Dinnertime SOS and Busy Little Hands: Food Play!.

Not exactly sure which knives work for you? One way to find out is to go to a store in person to hold them; this way, you can prioritize sets with handles that are comfortable and ergonomic. Another is to shop off our expert-curated list, complete with knife sets we've vetted for comfort and quality: To get you started, here are our nine favorite knife sets we think you should have in your kitchen.

01 of 09

Wüsthof Gourmet Starter Knife Block, Set of 6

WÃ¼sthof Gourmet Starter Knife Block, Set of 6 — Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

An entry-level line from a reliable knife brand like Wüsthof will meet the needs of most home cooks. "They are reliable and well priced for the quality," Palanjian says. She really loves the kitchen scissors from this set and uses them to cut food for her kids frequently.

Price at time of publish: $195

Buy on Williams-Sonoma

02 of 09

HexClad Cookware 6 Piece Essential Knives Set

This set from Gordon Ramsey's recommended cookware brand costs a pretty penny, but the Damascus steel knives are made to last (and they come with a lifetime warranty).

Price at time of publish: $350

Buy on Amazon

03 of 09

Victorinox 8-Piece Knife Block Set

Victorinox is a brand known for its affordable and durable knives—and this basic knife set offers excellent value. It features carbon stainless-steel blades and comfortable handles and comes with a lifetime guarantee. The set is also available with seven knives or as a larger collection with 10 to 15 pieces.

Price at time of publish: $186

Buy on Amazon

04 of 09

HENCKELS Solution Razor-Sharp 3-Piece Kitchen Knife Set

If you're setting up your first kitchen, this inexpensive three-piece knife set is a great starter kit. The knives can go in the dishwasher or be washed by hand, and reviewers report the blades really keep their edge.

Price at time of publish: $35

Buy on Amazon

05 of 09

Yatoshi 5-Knife Block Set

We love the look and feel of this Japanese-style knife set. They are chic with beautiful Pakkawood handle that are ergonomic. Note that they do require some care: It's recommended to hand wash and dry them immediately after washing. And watch out for the blades—they're seriously sharp.

Price at time of publish: $273

Buy on Walmart

06 of 09

Shun Classic 5-Piece Starter Block Set

ShunÂ® Classic 5-Piece Starter Block Set — Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

This beautiful craftsman knife set is lightweight and durable. The knives are made from VG-Max steel and have elegant Pakkawood handles. They are a pricier option, but the knives are razor-sharp and the handles are comfortable, providing precise cutting performance and aesthetic appeal.

Price at time of publish: $400

Buy on Crate & Barrel

07 of 09

Made In The Knife Set

We're big fans of Made In's cookware, so we had to include their knives on our list of best knife sets. Crafted in France, each blade is made from a single rod of stainless steel and the handles are made from reclaimed olive wood.

They do require some care: The knives are hand-wash only and should be dried immediately after washing—plus you should occasionally oil the handles. But we think this beautiful set, which comes with a choice of handle colors, is worth the effort. It's also compact enough to fit in smaller kitchens and comes with the company's lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publish: $549

Buy on Madeincookware.com

08 of 09

Messermeister's Build Your Own Block Set

Build Your Own Knife Block — Courtesy of Messermeister

If you're not sure you need a knife set—or if you know you wouldn't use all the standard knives that come in a typical block—Messermeister's Build Your Own collection is a lovely option. The brand makes quality, affordable knives and with the build-your-own option, you can mix and match the knives that make the most sense for you.

Price at time of publish: Starting at $80

Buy on Messermeister.com

09 of 09

Shun Cutlery Kanso 3 Piece Starter Knife Set

This three-piece Japanese knife set is made of carbon steel, ensuring the edges will hold for a long time. It includes the knives most home chefs reach for again and again: an 8-inch chef's Knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, and a 6-inch utility knife.

Price at time of publish: $270

Buy on Amazon

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