The 14 Best Knife Block Sets Worth Buying
A quality knife block set eliminates the effort and guesswork involved in researching and picking each blade one by one. All celebrated cutlery brands offer versions of a block set, from German-made Zwilling and Wüsthof to Japan's Global and Shun. What's more, the wooden, glass, and metal stands are not only a safer place to store our slicers but also a gorgeous statement on the countertop.
From blade materials to cost to personal cooking style, there are tons of factors to consider when selecting a block set. To help you find the right knife block set for your needs, we researched the top options, considering their size, versatility, ergonomics, storage, ease of use, cleanup, and overall value. With these features in mind, the Cuisinart 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set stood out as one of our favorites. Read on to discover the best knife block sets available.
Our Top Picks
- Best Rated: Cuisinart 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set
- Best Quality: Shun Classic 6-Piece Knife Block Set
- Best Value: Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set
- Best Affordable: AmazonBasics Premium 18-Piece Block Set
- Best Splurge: Kramer Damascus 7-Piece Block Set
- Best Durable: Zwilling J.A. Henckels Four Star 8-Piece Knife Block Set
- Best Looking: Cangshan Thomas Keller Signature Collection 3-Piece Tai Knife Block Set
- Best German Steel Set: Wüsthof Classic 7-Piece Slim Knife Block Set
- Best Japanese Steel Set: Global 6-Piece Block Set
- Best with Magnetic Block: Material The Trio of Knives
- Best with Built-In Sharpener: Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Cutlery Knife Block Set
- Best for Steak Knives: Laguiole Jean Dubost 6-Piece Steak Knife Block Set
- Best for Gifting: Material The Iconics
- Best for Small Kitchens: Zwilling J.A Henckels Pro 7-Piece In-Drawer Knife Set
What to look for when buying a block knife set
With block knife sets, it truly is what's on the inside that counts. That's why it's paramount to pick blades that you will actually use. Our test kitchen recipe testers and developers have prepared thousands of dishes and say the essentials are an 8-inch chef's knife, paring knife, serrated bread knife, and a boning knife. And if you have the room, they say a cleaver, utility knife, and santoku blade are nice to have, too.
When picking a block to hold your knives, you generally have three options. First is the classic upright block. By far the most popular style, it's designed with slots to store a variety of blades and comes in a range of materials and colors to complement your kitchen decor. However, one drawback of an upright block is that it can dull blades as you pull them in and out. That's why some home cooks prefer magnetic versions, which also have the benefit of displaying your premium tools.
Lastly, an in-drawer knife block is an excellent choice for anyone short on counter space. It's a safe and organized way to store a collection out of sight. Food & Wine Recipe Tester and Developer Anna Theoktisto says, "They're great for protecting your knives when not in use—the block prevents them from rubbing together or knocking into other utensils. This keeps your knives sharper longer and helps prevent denting the blade."
Ready to check out our top picks for chopping, slicing, and dicing? Scroll down to find your new collection of blades.
Best Rated: Cuisinart 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set
We love this set from Cuisinart for its overall value. The chic block comes in either black or white, and the knives are made with high-carbon stainless steel, making them durable and long-lasting.
Designed with hollow handles and precision-tapered ground blades, the knives are lightweight and easy to hold. Plus, their fully forged bodies are a breeze to clean. The sturdy, streamlined block contains 15 pieces, including six steak knives, kitchen shears, and a 7-inch Santoku knife. There's also a sharpener included to help you maintain them.
As a bonus, it is backed by Cuisinart's lifetime warranty. Overall, this set is versatile, durable, and well worth the cost.
To buy: $77 at amazon.com
Best Quality: Shun Classic 6-Piece Knife Block Set
Shun knives are renowned for their stunning design, as well as their surgical-level precision. The blades are handcrafted in Japan with VG-Max "super" steel, clad with 34 layers of stainless steel. The result is a durable, razor-sharp edge that gives cooks incredible control. This set's eight-slot wooden block includes Shun's celebrated chef's and santoku knives, as well as versatile kitchen shears and 9-inch honing steel.
To buy: $420 at williams-sonoma.com
Best Value: Mercer Culinary Genesis 6-Piece Forged Knife Block Set
Mercer-made knives are the perfect middle ground between price and quality. At just under $160, this set is a great deal for all the knives a home cook needs—an 8-inch chef's knife, a bread knife, a boning knife, a utility knife, and a 3.5-inch utility knife—inside a stylish wood and glass block.
The German-made blades are tough, easy to care for, and extraordinarily sharp. They're designed with a full tang and taper-ground edges for extra stability and feature easy-grip rubbered handles that won't slip when wet. Best of all, they sell for a fraction of what other sets cost.
To buy: $156 at amazon.com
Best Affordable: AmazonBasics Premium 18-Piece Block Set
For a budget-friendly set, check out AmazonBasics's Premium 18-piece knife block that breaks down to just over $3 per blade. But don't let the low price fool you; the knives are made from professional-quality stainless steel and feature a full bolster to protect fingers while slicing and dicing. The set boasts a wide variety of blades, like a 6-inch boning knife for breaking down poultry, a 7-inch Santoku for mincing, and eight micro-serrated table knives for slicing steaks.
To buy: $63 at amazon.com
Best Splurge: Kramer Damascus 7-Piece Knife Block Set
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line block set, this Bob Kramer and Zwilling collaboration is sure to impress. Designed by the first Master Bladesmith to specialize in kitchen cutlery and handcrafted in Seki, Japan, the collection is a true blend of Eastern and Western craftsmanship.
This set includes five knives, including a classic 8-inch chef's knife as well as a 10-inch honing steel. Each of the ice-hardened blades are formed from a powerful core of Japanese stainless steel that is then covered in 101 Damascus steel layers for compounded strength. That not only makes these knives durable and corrosion-resistant, but also razor-sharp and easy to maintain. Additionally, they feature comfortable black linen Micarta handles outfitted with Kramer's distinctive decorative pin.
To buy: $2,000 (originally $2,540) at williams-sonoma.com
Best Durable: Zwilling J.A. Henckels Four Star 8-Piece Knife Block Set
As one of the largest and oldest manufacturers of cutlery and cookware, Zwilling is famous for its classic designs and razor-sharp edges. Part of the brand's success comes from its proprietary Sigmaforge process, in which each blade is precision-forged from a single piece of ice-hardened stainless steel. The edges are exceptionally long-lasting, resisting corrosion and dulling.
This block set is part of Zwilling's Four-Star line, which was designed in collaboration with professional chefs to bring expert-level tools into home kitchens. The German-made knives also have virtually indestructible handles with just enough texture to guarantee a stable grip. It includes every blade you'd need in the kitchen, from an 8-inch bread knife for slicing crusty loaves to a 5.5-inch prep knife for precise cuts, as well as a beautiful beechwood block.
To buy: $250 at surlatable.com and amazon.com
Best Looking: Cangshan Thomas Keller Signature Collection 3-Piece Tai Knife Block Set
One drawback of many block sets is that the beautiful blades are sheathed inside solid wood. That's why this stunning award-winner from Cangshan caught our eye. The sleek stand is pared down to the bare essentials, giving teasing looks at the gorgeous blades inside.
But it's not just the block that makes this set stand out. The knives are stunners, too. Designed in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller, the high-alloy Swedish steel blades go through a multi-stage heating treatment to ensure stability and durable, keen edges. The set was also one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2020.
To buy: $200 (originally $300) at amazon.com
Best German Steel Set: Wüsthof Classic 7-Piece Slim Knife Block Set
For tough kitchen workhorses, grab German-forged steel. While slightly softer than its Japanese counterpart, it holds its edge longer and is easy to sharpen. That makes the Western-style knives ideal for heavy-duty tasks like splitting bone-in chicken breasts or hacking through a squash.
Wüsthof is our German go-to. For more than 200 years, the brand has produced durable and dependable cutlery, and this set is no exception. Outfitted with five hand-honed high-carbon steel blades and precisely balanced handles, the knives undergo the brand's unique sharpening process for an even longer-lasting edge. You can also choose five different block finishes, such as bamboo, acacia, and walnut.
To buy: $450 at amazon.com
Best Japanese Steel Set: Global 6-Piece Block Set
Japanese knives are typically thin and delicate, perfect for precise cuts that preserve and enhance a dish's flavor. That's why chefs around the world covet Global's Japanese-steel knives. This handcrafted set includes five blades, notably a 5.5-inch Nakiri knife designed to chop and slice vegetables, nestled inside a bamboo and stainless steel block.
Global's knives are constructed from a single piece of stainless steel, and the edges are sharpened with a 50/50 symmetrical bevel for extra-thin cuts. The hollow handles are dimpled for easy gripping and filled with sand to keep the knives balanced yet lightweight.
To buy: $400 (originally $645) at surlatable.com
Best with Magnetic Block: Material The Trio of Knives
Direct-to-retailer brand Material set out to create quality cookware that's also beautiful and affordable. Its Trio of Knives more than delivers. Made from resilient Japanese steel, the 8-inch chef's knife, 6-inch serrated knife, and almost-4-inch paring knife are razor-sharp for easy chopping, slicing, and dicing. The stain-resistant composite handles come in four different colors—Blue Grey, Almost Black, Blush, and Cool Neutral—and feature a matte finish for a little extra grip.
The brand's knife block exudes minimalism elegance, but it isn't just for looks. Outfitted with powerful magnets, the stand holds up to eight blades. Plus, it keeps knives within reach without dulling the tips.
To buy: $230 at materialkitchen.com
Best with Built-In Sharpener: Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Cutlery Knife Block Set
Sharp knives are not only easier to use, but they're also safer, too. A dull blade requires more effort to use, making it more likely you'll lose control, slip, and cut yourself. With this self-sharpening set from Calphalon, you don't have to worry about maintaining your blades. Built-in ceramic sharpeners automatically hone the set's straight-edge blades every time you take them in and out of the block. What's more, they have triple-riveted handles for a sturdy grip, while a full-tang construction certifies strength.
To buy: $142 (originally $200) at amazon.com
Best for Steak Knives: Laguiole Jean Dubost 6-Piece Steak Knife Block Set
Whether you're cutting into seared steak, roasted vegetables, or comforting baked pasta, a sharp table knife is essential. And the Dubost family has been crafting fine cutlery for generations. The French brand's timeless design is not only chic but comfortable to hold. What's more, each knife is hand-polished for an extra shine before heading out of the factory.
This stainless steel set comes in a beechwood box and features slightly curved blades with serrated edges to cut effortlessly through meat. It's the perfect buy for entertaining, or even as a holiday gift to your favorite steak lover.
To buy: $100 at williams-sonoma.com
Best for Gifting: Material The Iconics
For the perfect gift for anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, and holidays, opt for Material's Iconics set. The sleek wooden base holds three Japanese steel blades, as well as every cooking utensil a home cook could need: a wooden spoon, large metal spoon, slotted spoon, spatula, whisk, and pair of tongs. Plus, every tool is designed with Material's characteristic form-meets-function sensibility.
To buy: $245 at materialkitchen.com
Best for Small Kitchens: Zwilling J.A Henckels Pro 7-Piece In-Drawer Knife Set
Whether you're tight on kitchen space or just don't want to clutter your countertop, you might consider a set that tucks knives safely inside your drawers. The Zwilling J.A Henckels Pro In-Drawer Block Set is designed with a beechwood rack that rests flush inside your drawer, protecting four stainless steel blades from damaging your cabinets or hands without taking up valuable countertop space. It also makes it easy to see and grab the exact knife you need while chopping or mincing.
To buy: $350 (originally $400) at williams-sonoma.com