Best High-End Knife Set Reviews

The Best high-end knife set will improve your cooking skill and make prepping your food a breeze. My best guess is you already know this, and you’re here to figure out the right kitchen knives to purchase to handle any culinary task or creativity.

The right knives in anyone’s hands – seasoned chef or home cook – let you slice and cut ingredients more swiftly with less mess and in a shorter period. Plus, the kitchen knife set comes with different essential knives for specific operations. Purchasing a high-end knife set can be a worthwhile investment and cost-effective option compared to buying them individually.

Without further ado, let’s consider some of the best kitchen knife sets on the market.

Top 7 Best High-End Knife Set Reviews by Consumer Reports

Enso HD 16 Piece Knife Set – VG10 Hammered Damascus Stainless Steel with Gray Ash Block

The Enso HD 16 Piece Knife Set won’t disappoint you if you love a visually appealing knife set. The sets of kitchen knives feature the ancient Japanese knife forging principles, which gives that distinct appeal.

This set includes 6-slot dark ash slim knife block, 9″ bread knife kitchen shears, 8″ Chef’s knife, 6.5″ Santoku, 6″ serrated utility knife, and 3.25″ paring knife. Each piece is made from premium Japanese VG10 37-layer stainless steel and cut to 12 degrees.

Thus, you get better edge retention and razor-sharp edges to deliver a precise cutting experience. On top of that, these knives feature a double bevel edge to allow easy use for both left and right-handed users. The black canvas micarta handle features three stainless steel rivets to guarantee secure and comfortable handling.

Pros:

• Lightweight and durable construction
• Super sharp edges for precise cutting
• Elegant design to add style to any kitchen
• Perfect balance
• 61 Rockwell Hardness rating

Cons:

• Food items tend to stick to the blades, especially vegetables

Wusthof Classic IKON Twenty-Two Piece Block Set

The Wusthof Classic IKON Twenty-Two Piece Block Set comes complete with 3 1/2″ Paring Knife, 5″ Boning Knife, 4 1/2″ Utility Knife, 5″ Serrated Utility Knife, 6″ Cook’s Knife,  5″ Hollow Edge Santoku,  Eight 4 1/2″ Steak Knives, 6″ Utility Knife, 7″ Hollow Edge Santoku, 8″ Bread Knife, 8″ Hollow Edge Carving Knife, 10″ Steel, Come-Apart Kitchen Shears, 8″ Cook’s Knife, and a 22-Slot Block.

These knives feel and look sturdy and would last nearly a lifetime. The manufacturer designed this set of knives to suit any cutlery demands, which is probably why it’s a go-to for most professional chefs. This 7-piece knife set is a perfect choice for anyone looking to try professional kitchen knives – it offers great value for the money.

Each piece is made of high carbon stainless steel and features the manufacturer’s precision edge technology for sharper edge and longer retention.

Pros:

• Full tang design
• Ergonomically balanced handle for better grip
• Tempered to 58⁰ Rockwell hardness test
• Three stainless steel rivets for secure handling

Cons:

• On the pricey side

Global 35th Anniversary Special Edition 7-Piece Knife Set Reviews

If you love Japanese knives, then the Global 35th Anniversary Special Edition 7-Piece Knife Set is worth considering. These knives are made from  Cromova 18 high carbon stainless steel and cut to 15-degrees for longer edge retention and a sharper cutting edge.

This premium set includes Cook’s Knife, Small Bread Knife, Vegetable Knife, Small Cook’s Knife, Utility Knife, Peeling Knife, and Stainless Steel Knife Block.

Aside from its stunning looks, its seamless construction and smooth contours ensure these knives do not trap dirt and food on the surfaces for proper hygiene.

Pros:

• Cromova 18 high carbon stainless steel construction
• One-piece design
• Better edge retention
• Outstanding cutting performance

Cons:

• Not dishwasher safe

Wusthof CLASSIC Eighteen Piece Block Set

Another spot, another set of knives from Wusthof, is the CLASSIC Eighteen Piece Block Set. Each piece features synthetic polypropylene handles that are heat, discoloration, and fading resistant. This best high-end knife set features a full-tang design and is made from High Carbon Stainless Steel that guarantees durability and balanced weight.

Even better, they sport the brand’s Precision Edge Technology which makes the blade sharper and retains its edge longer than the previous models. Thanks to its sturdy construction, Wusthof CLASSIC Eighteen Piece Block Set resists dulling and corrosion, which is something these German knives are well known for. Plus, a limited lifetime warranty to assure buyers of premium quality and an overall impressive cutting experience.

Pros:

• Full bolster for safety and balance
• Long edge retention
• Full-tang design
• Triple rivet for secure and safe handling

Cons:

• The scissors are not so great

Wusthof Classic Knives Cutlery Set with Storage Block

Similar to our fourth option, this Wusthof Classic Knives Cutlery Set with Storage Block is tempered to 58-degrees hardness and features the Precision Edge Technology for sharper blades and longer edge retention.

However, it comes with only 12 pieces – 8″ Cook’s Knife, 1/2″ Paring Knife, 1/2″ Steak Knives, 6″ Utility Knife, 9″ Steel, Come-Apart Kitchen Shears, 8″ Carving Knife, 8″ Bread Knife, and a 13-Slot Block. Each piece features synthetic polypropylene handles that won’t fade or discolor with time.

Another thing to love about these German knives is the full tang design with a decent balance and triple rivets for a secure grip.

Pros:

• Backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Durable construction
• Resistant to dulling and corrosion
• Forged from High Carbon Stainless Steel

Cons:

• The block set could be sturdier

Cangshan Thomas Keller Signature Collection Swedish Powder Steel Forged

The Cangshan Thomas Keller Signature Collection comes with 7 high-end knives and an 18″ walnut magnetic knife bar that adds elegance to any kitchen.

The triple-riveted handles feature an ergonomic design to guarantee better control and a comfortable grip. Like other premium sets of knives we’ve reviewed in this review, each piece in this collection features a full tang construction that yields optimum maneuverability.

The Cangshan Thomas Keller Signature Collection makes prepping your food swift and a breeze with a wide range of knives included. These knives are forged from  Swedish Damasteel RWL34 powdered steel, which guarantees corrosion resistance and tremendous edge strength.

Pros:

• Full-tang blade construction
• Bolster-free design
• Attractive walnut storage box
• Rockwell hardness rating of 61

Cons:

• The balance could be better

Shun Classic 10-piece Knife Block Set

Cladded with more than 60 layers of Damascus stainless steel and tailored with a VG-MAX core, these knives are robust and sharp. They are tempered to 61-degrees Rockwell hardness.

But what we love about these knives’ double bevel blades, which make them suitable for both left and right-handed users. The handles are made from pakkawood and feature a D-sharp to minimize hand fatigue.

Shun Classic 10-piece Knife Block Set includes 9-inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife,  8-inch Chef’s Knife, 4.5-inch Honesuki Knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, 7-inch Santoku Knife, kitchen shears, 5-inch Hollow Edge Nakiri Knife, 6-inch Utility Knife, 9-inch Honing Steel, and 13-slot Bamboo Knife Block.

Pros:

• Good value for money
• Quality sharpness
• Full-time warranty
• Japanese double-bevel blade for ambidexterity

Cons:

• On the pricey side
• Hand wash recommended

Things to Consider When Shopping for the Best High-End Knife Set

Construction

This is one factor you don’t want to ignore. How a knife is constructed determines its durability, balance, and weight. Basically, there are two types in terms of constructions – forged and stamped knives. Keep in mind you will find both types in inferior and high quality.

Nonetheless, you want to stick to a knife constructed with high-quality materials, regardless of the types you prefer. Forged knives are sturdier and have longer edge retention than their counterparts.

Forged cutleries are crafted from a solid, single stainless steel piece. They usually come with thicker blades and a full bolster to protect your pinky fingers. On the downside, they are heavier, unlike the stamped knives, which are lightweight with thinner blades.

Furthermore, there are two types of construction- full tang and partial tang. If you want a set of knives to last many years, then you should consider a full tang model with rivets.

Storage

If you are purchasing a set of knives, you need to consider the storage options. One of the ways to enhance the durability of your high-end knives is proper storage. Also, it helps prevent accidents as these knives are razor sharp. Plus, it’s a great way to maintain your knife’s sharpness for a more extended period.

There are different storage block options based on material – stainless steel, glass, and wood. Also, you opt for a stylish block to improve the visual appeal of your countertop.

Cooking style

You don’t want to splurge on a kitchen knife set with lots of pieces that you won’t use. If you are a steak lover, it’s best to opt for a set with lots of steak knives. The type of food you cook or items you prep should determine the best high-end knife set for you.

Conclusion

The right collection to purchase should be one with a wide range of knives that you need. Splurging on the best high-end knife set can be a worthwhile investment. They are razor-sharp, durable, and have longer edge retention.

We’ve reviewed the top 7 sets on the market. Now it’s up to make a choice. But whichever product you decide to go for, we’re confident it will take your culinary skills to the next level.