5 Best Kitchen Knife Sets Under $500

With all of the options available, it can be hard to find the right kitchen knife set! Maybe you're looking for a nice set to replace your cheap, dull college set, you're trying to find the perfect housewarming gift, or you just simply can’t decide. In this post, we’ll review the top 5 kitchen knife sets for under $500.

1. ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS TWIN SIGNATURE 19-PIECE KITCHEN KNIFE SET WITH BLOCK

Zwillings J.A. Henckels is an upscale partner of Henckels International and the Zwilling Special Formula German Steel has been perfected over the last 280 years. The Twin Signature Series kitchen knives are precision-stamped from a single piece of steel and each Friodur blade is ice-hardened to 57 Rockwell Hardness. Hand sharpened and polished with a 15-degree angle on each side (10-degree on Santoku’s), they are designed to resist stains, chips and retain sharpness.

Knife Set Includes:

• Steak knives (x8)
• 8″ bread knife
• 7″ Santoku hollow edge knife
• 4.5″ utility knife
• 5″ serrated utility knife
• 6″ utility knife
• 2.5″ peeler knife
• 4″ parer knife
• 8″ chef knife
• Kitchen shears
• 9″ sharpening steel
• Bamboo storage block

2. WÜSTHOF GOURMET 16-PIECE BLOCK KITCHEN KNIFE SET WITH BLOCK

Wüsthof has been crafting some of the highest-quality kitchen knives in the world for almost 200 years. They offer high-carbon stainless steel blades that are laser cut and precision stamped for razor-sharp edges. Their durable construction helps to resist corrosion and dulling. As the most reasonably priced of the Wüsthof forged knife sets, this large set of set of high quality knives includes every knife a chef needs, and makes a thoughtful housewarming or wedding gift.

Knife Set Includes:

• 4.5″ steak knives (x4)
• 8″ bread knife
• 8″ cook’s knife
• 5″ spreader
• 5″ hollow edge santoku knife
• 4.5″ utility knife
• 3″ spear point paring knife
• 2.75″ trimming knife
• 2.5″ peeling knife
• 2.5″ paring knife
• 9″ steel
• Come-apart kitchen shears
• 15-slot acacia block

3. CALPHALON CONTEMPORARY SELF-SHARPENING 20-PIECE KITCHEN KNIFE SET WITH BLOCK

Calphalon got its start selling premium cookware to restaurants and commercial kitchens. In 2002 they expanded their line and expertise in to cutlery. Each knife is crafted from premium materials with a fully forged blade of high-carbon, no-stain German steel. As well, each knife is conveniently labeled so no more guessing. While this set is a bit more expensive than the first 2, it features Sharp IN technology. Instead of a plain wooden block, this block has built-in sharpeners that automatically sharpen straight edge kitchen knives with every use. Calphalon also offers a full lifetime warranty on this set!

Knife Set Includes:

• Steak Knives (x8)
• 4.5″ Paring Knife
• 5″ Boning Knife
• 5″ Santoku
• 5.5″ Tomato/Bagel Knife
• 6″ Fork
• 6″ Utility Knife
• 7″ Santoku
• 8″ Slicer
• 8″ Chef’s Knife
• 8″ Bread Knife
• Kitchen Shears
• Sharpening Knife Block

4. DALSTRONG GLADIATOR SERIES COLOSSAL 18-PIECE KITCHEN KNIFE SET WITH BLOCK

Dalstrong provides outstanding craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, stunning design elements, and premium materials. Each knife is made of imported high-carbon ThyssenKrupp German steel at 56 Rockwell with a hand polished edge at 14-16 degrees per side. Precisely tempered and stain resistant, this high quality kitchen knife set is designed to last a lifetime. The handles feature an ergonomic shape and are triple riveted for even more durability. Lastly, this knife set cleans and sharpens easily for prolonged use!

Knife Set Includes:

• 5″ Straight Edge Steak Knives (x6)
• 9″ Carving/Slicer
• 9″ Bread Knife
• 8.5″ Kiritsuke Chef Knife
• 8″ Chef Knife
• 7″ Santoku Knife
• 7″ Nakiri Knife
• 6″ Boning Knife
• 6.5″ Utility Knife
• 6″ Serrated Utility Knife
• 3.5″ Paring Knife
• 2.75″ Bird’s Beak Paring Knife
• 10″ Gladiator Series Honing Steel
• Handmade Walnut Wood Block

5. CANGSHAN TS SERIES 17-PIECE KITCHEN KNIFE SET WITH BLOCK

The TS Series is sleek and slim kitchen knife set with a dynamic balance and sharp focus. Each high quality Cangshan knife is made of high alloy Swedish Steel at 60 Rockwell, creating the perfect mix of hardness and durability. They go through a 6 stage heat treatment to bring out the best qualities of each steel. Swedish steel is a little harder than German steel so it can hold a much sharper edge allowing for an effortless cut. The ergonomic handle provides an easy and comfortable grip and can withstand heavy kitchen use.

Knife Set Includes:

• 5″ steak knives (x6)
• 8″ chef’s knife
• 8″ bread knife
• 7″ santoku knife
• 6″ boning knife
• 5″ serrated utility knife
• 5″ tomato knife
• 3.5″ paring knife
• 2.75″ peeling knife
• 8″ honing steel
• Come apart 9″ shears
• walnut block

Buying a kitchen knife set can be a daunting task if you don’t know where to begin. Although kitchen knives have been around for a long time, there is still plenty of innovation in how knives are made to last longer, clean easier, and maintain sharpness. We hope this review of the top 5 knife sets under $500 helps with choosing the best knife set for you!

What are we missing here? Let us know in the comments and we’ll add it in!

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