In order to help you choose the best knife set for your needs we have provided an in-depth article on the best chef knife set. Make sure you also check out the best knife block set and the best knife set under 100 USD, to get a complete view of all that’s out there.
What is a Chef Knife Set?
A chef knife set is a set of knives that are specifically designed for professional chefs. Most chef knife sets contain all the essential kitchen knives a chef will require to carry out their duties successfully. Unlike other knife sets, a chef knife set comes with a knife roll instead of the usual knife block making them ideal for professional chefs who are always on the move.
What knives should it have?
A “all you need” chef knife set should have the following knives:
- A chef’s knife
- A paring knife
- A bread knife
- A slicing knife
- A boning knife
- A sharpening steel
- A knife roll for quick transportation of the knives
Top 3 Tips on How to Choose the Best!
Tip 1: Consider the Size of the Set
Like other knife sets, chef knife sets come in a wide range of sizes. To determine what size fits you the best, take into account your cooking habits and practices and consider the various pieces that come with the set that you are planning to buy. Check the tools offered in a given set and consider if you will use them. For most chefs, a standard knife set with the three or four basic knives is enough for most work.
Tip 2: Choose the Appropriate Storage Option
It is imperative that you store your knives properly to maintain their sharp edge. Most chef knife sets will come with a storage option. Generally, since most professional chefs like to carry their knives with them, it is advisable you go for a knife set that features a knife roll. A knife roll is a quick and safe way to transport and store your knives. It has separate slots inside, where you can place your knives and it can be zipped or rolled into a compact bag so you can carry them with you easily.
Tip 3: Take into Account Your Budget and Maintenance Needs
Most professional chefs will tell you that you don’t need to have 10 knives in your kitchen. You only need a paring knife, a bread knife and a chef’s knife and a slicing knife. More importantly, you don’t need to have pricey knives as they are made of the hardest steel and can be hard to keep sharp. For culinary students and beginner chefs, it is advisable you choose knives are easy to maintain but feel good in the hand.
The Best Chef Knife Sets for Professionals or Home Cooks
Best Overall Chef Knife set – Wusthof Classic 6-Piece Cook’s Set
If you are looking for a quality chef knife set with all the essential knives you need in a kitchen, then you should certainly try the Wusthof Classic 6-Piece Cook’s set. This cook’s set comes with a 4-inch paring knife, a 5-inch boning knife, an 8-inch bread knife, an 8-inch cook’s knife, a 9-inch carving and a 9-inch honing steel. Let’s review each of these 6-pieces that make up the Wusthof Classic 6-Piece Cook’s set.
Wusthof Classic 4-Inch Paring Knife
The Wusthof Classic 4-Inch Paring Knife is a vital knife in any modern kitchen. It can be used for various kitchen tasks, such as mincing shallots, slicing cheese, trimming meat fat, crushing garlic as well as peeling or paring vegetables. The Blade of the Wusthof Classic 4-Inch Paring Knife is precision forged from high carbon stainless steel for maximum durability, sharpness and excellent corrosion and rust resistance properties.
The blade is sharpened using the PEtec technology and then ice-hardened to a Rockwell hardness rating of 58 for maximum durability and excellent edge retention. The handle is firmly attached to the full tang using three stainless steel rivets. The steel from this knife extends all the way to the end of the handle to form what is known as the full tang. The ergonomic design of the handle allows it to fit comfortably into your hands and prevent slippage either to the side or further towards the blade.
Wusthof Classic 5-Inch Boning Knife
The Wusthof Classic 5-inch boning knife features a thin razor-sharp and flexible blade that makes it perfect for removing the skin and bones from meat and fish. The curved blade makes it easy to remove meat from the joints and bones.
Like other Wusthof Classic knives, the blade of the 5-inch boning knife is precision forged from high carbon steel and hardened to a Rockwell Hardness Rating of 58 for excellent edge retention. The cutting edge is sharpened using the Wusthof PEtec technology to achieve a razor-like sharpness. The knife comes with a full tang triple-riveted polypropylene handle for enhanced comfort and durability.
Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Bread Knife
The Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Bread Knife is ideal for slicing bread and sawing through hearty vegetables, such as butternut squash. It can also be used for creating perfectly thin slices of juicy tomatoes. The long 8-inch serrated blade allows you to cut via a round loaf or a full watermelon in single smooth slices. The serrations allow the blade to smoothly glide via crusty bread with minimal crumbs and without damaging the inside of the bread.
The blade of the Wusthof Classic 8-inch bread knife is precision-forged from a single piece of high carbon stainless for maximum longevity, strength and toughness. The blade has excellent rust and corrosion resistance properties. It protrudes to the handle to form what is called a full tang. The blade is then affixed to the black polypropylene handle using three metallic rivets for enhanced longevity and comfort. The knife feels well balanced and it is easy to control.
Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Chef Knife
The Wusthof Classic 8-inch Cook’s knife is ideal for nearly all kitchen tasks, from cutting, slicing, chopping, dicing and so much more. The knife is skillfully handcrafted using the Japanese style of blade making. It is made through a combination of modern and traditional Japanese blacksmithing designs.
The blade of the Wusthof Classic 8-inch Cook’s knife is precision-forged from a single piece of high carbon stainless. This makes it super strong and tough enough for all types of cutting actions. The handle is made with polypropylene for enhanced comfort, balance and resistance to fading. It is affixed to the blade using three metallic rivets for enhanced tightness and longevity.
Wusthof Classic 9-Inch Carving Knife
The Wusthof Classic 9-Inch Carving Knife is ideal for carving thin uniform slices from cooked poultry like chicken or turkey and to slice large roasts of meat. It can also be used to fillet very large fish. You can also use the Wusthof Classic 9-Inch Carving Knife for slicing the Sunday roast or to carve the Thanksgiving Turkey.
Wusthof 9-Inch Sharpening Steel Rod
The Wusthof 9-Inch Sharpening Steel Rod helps you to keep your blades sharp. Use it to hone your knives after every 2 to 4 uses to maintain a scalpel-like edge.
Pros and Cons of the Wusthof Classic 6-Piece Cook’s Set
Pros
- The set comes with all the essential knives needed by both beginner and experienced chefs
- Ultra-sharp knives ideal for different kitchen tasks
- Ergonomically designed polypropylene handle for maximum comfort
- All knives are covered by the Wusthof Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Comes with a considerably higher price than the Wusthof Pro Chef Knife Set
- Doesn’t come with a knife roll for quick storage and transportation of knives
Best Basic Chef Knife Set for Professionals – Wusthof Pro 5-Piece Starter Set
If you are looking for the Best Chef Knife Set and don’t want to break the bank, then you should certainly try the Wusthof Pro 5-Piece Starter Set. This knife set comes with all the basic items a professional chef or an experienced home cook needs in the kitchen. Let’s discuss each of the five pieces that make up the Wusthof Pro 5-Piece Starter Set.
Wusthof Pro 10-inch Chef’s Knife
The Wusthof Pro 10-inch Chef’s Knife is specially designed for the tough day to day demands of commercial kitchens. It is a good choice for a busy kitchen with a lot of foods to work on. The chef knife comes with a 10-inch blade making ideal for cutting even through pumpkins and watermelons with ease.
The blade is stamped out of high stainless steel and doesn’t wear out easily wear out. Its high corrosion resistance properties make it ideal for working on highly acidic foods. The width of the blade allows you to scoop up piles of chopped carrots effortlessly. In addition, if you have large hands, a wide blade ensures that your knuckles do not get pinched between the cutting board and handle when chopping up onions.
With a Rockwell Hardness rating of 56, you can rest assured that the blade will last a lifetime and maintain its ultra-sharpness for long. The blade is sharpened at a 14-degree angle on both sides for a razor-like sharpness and maximum cutting performance. It is curved slightly at the top to provide for a smooth rocking motion when prepping meals. This helps to prevent wrist strain and also enhances comfort when using the knife. The blade can also be used by beginner or inexperienced chefs as it is lightweight and easy to maneuver.
The Wusthof Pro 10-Inch Chef knife comes with a beautiful ergonomically designed Santoprene handle that boasts a Wusthof Logo on its side. The ergonomic design ensures that the handle has a nice and comfortable grip. The texture ensures that it does not slip out from your hands while in use.
Wusthof Pro 9-Inch Bread Knife
The Wusthof Pro 9-Inch Bread Knife can be used for slicing bread and sawing through hearty vegetables, such as butternut squash or creating perfectly thin slices of juicy tomatoes. The 9-inch blade allows you to cut via a full watermelon or a round loaf in a single smooth slice. The serrations allow the blade to smoothly glide via crusty bread with minimal crumbs and without damaging their inside.
Like other Wusthof Pro knives, the blade of the 9-Inch bread knife is precision stamped out of a high carbon stainless steel for maximum corrosion and rust resistance properties. It is then hardened to a Rockwell rating of 56 for enhanced longevity and durability. The blade is slightly curved at the tip to provide for rocking motion. It is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making ideal for use by beginner chefs.
The handle is made from high-quality Santoprene for maximum comfort and durability. There is a finger guard to ensure safe and pure comfort for all your cutting tasks. The handle boasts good texture to prevent it from slipping from your hands while in use. Even when completely saturated, the handle allows you to maintain a firm grip.
Additionally, the handle will not make your hands hurt or feel numb after prolonged use. Its ergonomic design ensures the needed comfort and prevents your wrist and palm from becoming painful. Apart from enhancing comfort, the non-slip feature makes sure that your knife is safe to worth with at all time.
Wusthof Pro 3.5 Inch Paring Knife
The Wusthof Pro 3.5 Inch Paring Knife can be used for a wide range of kitchen tasks, such as paring or peeling vegetables and fruits, mincing shallots, peeling and crushing garlic, de-seeding chillies and peppers, de-veining shrimp, trimming meat fat, filleting small fish and slicing cheese.
The blade of the Wusthof Pro Paring knife is precision stamped out of a high carbon German stainless steel for ultra-sharpness and enhanced durability. The blade is further ice-hardened to a Rockwell hardness rating of 56 for maximum longevity and excellent edge retention. The paring knife is sharpened to a 14 degrees angle on each side to produce a sharper, finer edge to allow for precision cutting.
Wusthof 9-inch Honing Steel
A sharp knife is safer than a dull knife. Therefore, it is vital to make sure that your Wusthof Pro Chef knives are sharp before using them. This explains why the 9-inch honing steel in this chef knife set is important.
Wusthof 8-Pocket Cordura Knife Roll
The Wusthof 8-Pocket Cordura Knife Roll provides an ideal way to transport your essential knives. The knife roll features 8-pockets for eight knives for various length knives. It is secured with Velcro at the handle and on the side for closure. There is an interior protective flap that zips open to reveal your knives.
Pros And Cons of the Wusthof Pro 5-Piece Starter Set
Pros
- The set contains the 3 basic knives every chef requires in the kitchen’
- The knives are precision stamped out of high carbon German stainless steel for maximum durability and incredible sharpness
- A sharpening rod is included to allow you to keep your knives sharp
- The knife roll makes it easy to transport your essential knives
- The knives are covered by Wusthof limited warranty
- Comes with a ridiculously affordable price
Cons
- Doesn’t contain all the essential knives, such as boning knives
- The 10-inch chef’s knife may not be ideal for people with smaller hands
Best High Quality Chef Knife Set – Wusthof Classic Ikon Starter Set
If you don’t like the strength offered by stamped knives, such as those offered in the Wusthof Pro Starter Set, then you should certainly try the Wusthof Classic Ikon Starter Set. Just like the Wusthof Pro Starter Set, the Wusthof Classic Ikon Starter Set comes with a paring knife, a bread knife and a chef’s knife. Let’s review each of these three pieces that make up this set in details
Wusthof Classic Ikon 3.5-Inch Paring Knife
Made in Germany, the Wusthof Classic Ikon 3.5-Inch Paring Knife is built for cutting performance. The handle is made from a synthetic material that is designed for kitchen use and easy to hold even when your hands are wet. A full tang and three metallic rivets give this paring knife great balance while the 3.5-inch blade slices easily via vegetables and fruits with ease.
The blade is precision forged from a single piece of high carbon German steel for enhanced durability, strength, toughness and excellent corrosion resistance properties. The bolster is specially designed to allow you to sharpen the entire blade length when necessary and still gives you excellent control of the knife blade.
The 3.5-inch carbon steel blade is not only easy to sharpen, but also retains its edge well. The blade is precision sharpened using the Wusthof PEtec technology making it 20% sharper than other standard blades on the market. The Wusthof Classic Ikon 3.5-Inch is ideal for mincing shallots, slicing cheese, trimming meat fat, crushing garlic as well as peeling or paring vegetables.
Wusthof Classic Ikon 8-Inch Bread Knife
The Wusthof Classic Ikon 8-Inch Bread Knife is an essential knife in any modern kitchen. Aside from slicing bread, you can use it to saw via hearty vegetables, such as butternut squash or create perfectly thin slices of juicy tomatoes. The knife comes with ultra-sharp serrations that allow the blade to glide via crusty bread with minimal crumbs and without damaging the inside. You can also use the knife on delicate fruits and vegetables or even use it to angel food cake.
The blade of the Wusthof Classic Ikon 8-Inch Bread Knife is precision forged from a single piece of high carbon stainless for maximum strength, rust resistance and long-lasting sharpness. It is sharpened using the Wusthof PEtec making it exquisitely sharp so you can accomplish those clean and smooth cuts with each stroke. Also, the blade is then ice-hardened to a Rockwell hardness rating of 58 degrees for maximum durability. The hardness provides for the needed resiliency for the high carbon steel and helps to prevent burrs from forming along the edges. It also makes sharpening easy and provides for better edge retention.
Wusthof Classic Ikon 8-Inch Chef Knife
The Wusthof Classic Ikon 8-Inch Chef Knife is a multifunctional kitchen knife that can be used for nearly all tasks in the kitchen. Its blade shape and size makes it ideal for dicing and mincing vegetables, carving turkey, trimming fat off steaks among other many tasks. Moreover, you can use the knife for opening cans and preparing sandwiches.
The blade is forged from single high carbon steel making it ideal for precision cutting. Its scalpel-like sharpness ensures that you only use little effort and force to cut via metals. The blade is sharpened using the Wusthof PEtec technology making it 20% sharper than other standard blades on the market. It is further ice-hardened to a Rockwell Hardness of 58 for added durability and enhanced edge retention.
The handle is affixed to the blade using three metallic rivets for enhanced durability and stability. The full tang and the three rivets ensure that the knife is well balanced. The ergonomically designed handle ensures that your wrist and palm doesn’t feel pain after prolonged use. The Wusthof Classic Ikon 8-inch Chef knife is certainly built to last and is a perfect option for both beginner and professional chefs.
Pros and Cons of Wusthof Classic Ikon Starter Set
Pros
- The set is made up of precision-forged knives for enhanced durability, strength and toughness
- The set contains the three basic knives used by every other professional chef
- Triple-riveted handles for enhanced toughness and durability
- Long-lasting kitchen knives
- All knives are covered by the Wusthof limited lifetime manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Does not come with a knife roll for transportation of knives
- Does not feature a Wusthof sharpening rod to keep your knives sharp
- The set does not contain all the essential knives needed by a professional chef
Best 2 Piece Chef Knife Set – ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Professional S 2-Piece Chef’s Set
The ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Professional S 2-Piece Chef’s Set comes with the two basic knives used by chefs: an 8-inch chef’s knife and a 4-inch paring knife.
ZWILLING J.A. Henckels 4-Inch Paring Knife
The J.A.Henckels 4-Inch Paring Knife is ideal for paring vegetables, peeling and crushing garlic, mincing shallots, filleting small fish, slicing cheese as well as deveining shrimp. The knife comes with a short sturdy blade that is extremely lightweight to allow for maximum control and maneuverability while in use. The blade of the J.A.Henckels 4-Inch Knife is precision using the Zwilling’s Sigma Forge process, resulting in an extremely sturdy and flexible blade.
The blade is further hardened using the Zwilling Friodur ice-hardening method which results in a harder, sharper blade that has excellent corrosion resistance and excellent elasticity. Precision lasers are used to sharpen the blade at the optimal cutting angle for maximum sharpness.
The handle is made from ABS resin and is triple riveted to the blade for enhanced longevity. The full tang and the three metallic rivets help to enhance the balance of the knife while the ergonomically designed handle ensures a comfortable grip.
ZWILLING J.A. Henckels 8-Inch Chef Knife
The Zwilling J.A. Henckels 8-Inch Chef knife is made of high quality German carbon no-stain steel. The blade is further hardened using the Zwilling Friodur ice-hardening method which results in a harder, sharper blade that has excellent corrosion resistance and excellent elasticity. Precision lasers are used to sharpen the blade at the optimal cutting angle for maximum sharpness.
The blade extends to the handle to form what is called a full tang. The blade is then affixed to the black polypropylene handle using three metallic rivets for enhanced longevity and comfort. The knife feels well balanced and it is easy to control.
The handle is made from polypropylene material and features full tang. The handle design provides a comfortable grip. You can use the knife for nearly all kitchen tasks, including dicing, chopping, slicing and deboning smaller cuts of meat.
Pros and Cons of the ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Professional S 2-Piece Chef’s Set
Pros
- The set comes with the two basic knives needed by every chef
- Ultra-sharp knives for precision cutting
- The handle design provides a comfortable grip
- Full tang and rivets ensure that the knives are well balanced
Cons
- The set doesn’t contain all the essential knives needed by a professional chef
- The set does not come with a knife for storage
Best Professional Japanese Chef Knife set – Shun Classic 8-Piece Student Set
If you are an aspiring chef or a beginner chef, then you need a knife set that has all the knives you need for your culinary class. The Shun Classic 8-Piece Student Set comes with all the essential kitchen knives used in class and reliable knife roll for easy transportation and storage. The knife set contains:
Shun Classic 3.5-Inch Paring Knife
The Shun Classic 3.5-Inch Paring knife is ideal for peeling fruits, paring vegetables, mincing shallots, crushing garlic, de-seeding peppers and chilies, trimming meat, filleting small fish and slicing cheese. The blade is forged from high carbon stainless. The blade is designed with 68 layers of Damascus cladding. The layers give the knife a striking Damascus appearance. The steel material further makes the knife resistant to rust and corrosion.
Shun Classic 6-Inch Utility
The Shun Classic 6-Inch Utility is forged using high carbon steel and sharpened to an ultra-sharp edge. You can use the Shun Classic 6-Inch Utility Knife for any kind of cutting tasks in the kitchen. The knife is handcrafted in Japan and features premium VG-MAX blade steel with 68 micro-layers of Damascus cladding. This ensures that the blades are strong, long lasting and resistant to rust.
Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef Knife
The Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef Knife is designed with about 34 Damascus layers on each side. The layers enhance the striking appearance of the knives. The design also makes the knives unique. The knife features a traditional D-shaped Pakkawood handle. The handle is properly riveted to make sure that they are intact.
It is perfect for a wide range of kitchen tasks, such as chopping, slicing and dicing due to its length. Its blade is wide to help keep your finger knuckles off the cutting surface. The wide blade provides the necessary support when transferring your cut food from the cutting board to a pan.
Shun Classic Boning/Fillet Knife
The Shun Classic Boning/Fillet Knife is ideal for boning fish and poultry. Its blade features a full tang that enhances exceptional knife balance and strength.
Shun Classic 9-inch Bread Knife
The Shun Classic 9-inch Bread Knife is specifically designed for slicing and cutting all types of bread, whether soft or hard. It is specifically made to maneuver via bread crusts of all types. It is made with low-frequency serrations that enable you to gently cut via your bread without crushing it.
Shun Classic Hollow Ground Slicing Knife
The Shun Classic Hollow Ground Slicing Knife has a long and narrow blade with a very sharp cutting edge. The knife allows you to cut even and thin slices, making your foods look more delicious. The hollow ground on the blade helps to prevent food from sticking on the blade while in use.
Shun Honing Steel
The Shun honing steel helps to keep your kitchen knives sharp. It is long enough so you can easily sharpen the entire length of your knives.
Shun Nylon Knife Roll
The Shun Nylon Knife roll provides you with ample space to store and transport your kitchen knives with ease.
Pros and Cons of the Shun Classic 8-Piece Student Set
Pros
- The set contains all the essential knives you need in class
- The knives a beautiful Damascus cladding layer
- Ultra sharp cutting edge
- Beautifully designed handles that are comfortable to hold for long
- Features a knife roll for quick transportation
- Comes with a sharpening rod to keep the knives sharp
Cons
- Comes with a considerably higher price, but this is due to amazing features of the knives that make up the set.
Best Inexpensive Japanese Style Chef Knife Set – Ross Henery Professional 9-Piece Chef Knife Set
If you are a professional chef looking for an inexpensive chef knife set, then you should certainly try the Ross Henery Professional 9-Piece Chef Knife Set.
Unboxing the Ross Henery Chef Knife Set
Ross Henery 10-Inch Carving Knife
The Ross Henery Carving Knife features a 10-inch long narrow blade. The knife is specifically designed for carving ham or a leg of lamb and poultry.
Ross Henery 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
The Ross Henery 8-Inch Chef’s Knife comes with a long, wide, slightly curved 8-inch blade for mincing, cutting, slicing and dicing all kind of foods.
Ross Henery 8-Inch Filleting Knife
The Ross Henery 8-Inch Filleting Knife is rigid and ideal for all kitchen recipes that require boning. It features a narrow, sharp and curved blade that easily maneuvers through bones. This makes it easier and faster to separate meat from a bone.
Ross Henery 8-Inch Bread Knife
In addition to slicing bread, the Ross Henery 8-Inch Bread Knife can be used for sawing via hearty vegetables or creating perfectly thin slices of juicy tomatoes. The 8-inch blade allows cutting through a full melon or a round loaf in a single smooth slice.
Ross Henery 7-Inch Cleaver
The Ross Henery 7-Inch Cleaver is largely used as a kitchen or butcher knife intended for hacking through bone.
Ross Henery 6-Inch Boning Knife
The Ross Henery 6-Inch Boning Knife comes with a thin sharp, flexible that is ideal for removing bones and skin from meat and finish.
Ross Henery 4-Inch Paring Knife
The Ross Henery 4-Inch Paring Knife can be used for tasks, such as filleting small fish, peeling fruits and vegetables, trimming meat fat, slicing cheese etc.
Ross Henery 12-Inch Sharpening Steel
The Ross Henery 12-Inch Honing Steel helps to keep all your kitchen knives sharp.
Ross Henery Knife Roll
The Ross Henery Knife Roll provides a safe and secure option for transportation and storing your kitchen knives.
Pros and Cons of the Ross Henery Professional 9-Piece Chef Knife Set
Pros
- Comes with all the essential knives needed by a professional chef
- The set retails at a ridiculously affordable prices
- A knife roll is included for quick transportation and storage
- 12-inch sharpening steel helps to keep your knives sharp
Cons
- Knives require repeated sharpening to maintain their ultra-sharp edge.
Best Budget Chef Knife Sets, Mercer Culinary and Victorinox
1. Mercer Culinary – Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-Piece Knife Roll Set
If you are looking for quality and affordable knife roll set, then you should check out the Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-Piece Knife Roll Set. The set comes with:
- An 8-inch pocket bag
- Paring knife
- Boning knife
- Santoku knife
- Bread knife
- Slicing knife
- Honing steel
- chef’s knife
The knives are made using the highest quality Japanese steel for easy blade maintenance and quick sharpening. The handles are ergonomically designed for enhanced comfort and durability. The handle material is a combination of Santoprene and polypropylene for enhanced durability and resistance to fading. There is a finger guard which makes the knives safe to use.
The Santoku knife has a hollow ground edge to help reduce friction between the foods and blade. The chef’s knife has an extra-wide blade to ensure that your knuckles do not get pinched between the cutting board and handle when chopping up onions. All the knives come with a limited lifetime warranty.
2. Victorinox – Victorinox Forschner 7-Piece Fibrox Deluxe Culinary Knife Roll Set
The Victorinox Forschner 7-Piece Fibrox Deluxe Culinary Knife Roll Set is another chef knife that is worth trying. The knife set comes with:
- 3 ¼ inch paring knife
- 6-inch boning knife
- 8-inch chef’s knife
- 10-inch Granton slicer
- 9-inch offset wavy bread knife
- 9-inch sharpening steel
- A back polyester knife roll bag
The knife is designed for both professional chefs and experienced home cooks. Each knife boasts a superbly comfortable ergonomic Fibrox pro handle. The blade of each knife is made for high carbon stainless steel for incredible sharpness and longer edge retention. The blades are stamped out of a cold-rolled steel and have bolsterless edges to allow you to use the entire blade and allow for easy sharpening.
The post Best Chef Knife Set For Professional Chefs or Home Cooks appeared first on All Knives.
In order to help you choose the best knife set for your needs we have provided an in-depth article on the best chef knife set. Make sure you also check out the best knife block set and the best knife set under 100 USD, to get a complete view of all that’s out there.
Contents
What is a Chef Knife Set?
A chef knife set is a set of knives that are specifically designed for professional chefs. Most chef knife sets contain all the essential kitchen knives a chef will require to carry out their duties successfully. Unlike other knife sets, a chef knife set comes with a knife roll instead of the usual knife block making them ideal for professional chefs who are always on the move.
What knives should it have?
A “all you need” chef knife set should have the following knives:
Top 3 Tips on How to Choose the Best!
Tip 1: Consider the Size of the Set
Like other knife sets, chef knife sets come in a wide range of sizes. To determine what size fits you the best, take into account your cooking habits and practices and consider the various pieces that come with the set that you are planning to buy. Check the tools offered in a given set and consider if you will use them. For most chefs, a standard knife set with the three or four basic knives is enough for most work.
Tip 2: Choose the Appropriate Storage Option
It is imperative that you store your knives properly to maintain their sharp edge. Most chef knife sets will come with a storage option. Generally, since most professional chefs like to carry their knives with them, it is advisable you go for a knife set that features a knife roll. A knife roll is a quick and safe way to transport and store your knives. It has separate slots inside, where you can place your knives and it can be zipped or rolled into a compact bag so you can carry them with you easily.
Tip 3: Take into Account Your Budget and Maintenance Needs
Most professional chefs will tell you that you don’t need to have 10 knives in your kitchen. You only need a paring knife, a bread knife and a chef’s knife and a slicing knife. More importantly, you don’t need to have pricey knives as they are made of the hardest steel and can be hard to keep sharp. For culinary students and beginner chefs, it is advisable you choose knives are easy to maintain but feel good in the hand.
The Best Chef Knife Sets for Professionals or Home Cooks
Best Overall Chef Knife set – Wusthof Classic 6-Piece Cook’s Set
If you are looking for a quality chef knife set with all the essential knives you need in a kitchen, then you should certainly try the Wusthof Classic 6-Piece Cook’s set. This cook’s set comes with a 4-inch paring knife, a 5-inch boning knife, an 8-inch bread knife, an 8-inch cook’s knife, a 9-inch carving and a 9-inch honing steel. Let’s review each of these 6-pieces that make up the Wusthof Classic 6-Piece Cook’s set.
Wusthof Classic 4-Inch Paring Knife
The Wusthof Classic 4-Inch Paring Knife is a vital knife in any modern kitchen. It can be used for various kitchen tasks, such as mincing shallots, slicing cheese, trimming meat fat, crushing garlic as well as peeling or paring vegetables. The Blade of the Wusthof Classic 4-Inch Paring Knife is precision forged from high carbon stainless steel for maximum durability, sharpness and excellent corrosion and rust resistance properties.
The blade is sharpened using the PEtec technology and then ice-hardened to a Rockwell hardness rating of 58 for maximum durability and excellent edge retention. The handle is firmly attached to the full tang using three stainless steel rivets. The steel from this knife extends all the way to the end of the handle to form what is known as the full tang. The ergonomic design of the handle allows it to fit comfortably into your hands and prevent slippage either to the side or further towards the blade.
Wusthof Classic 5-Inch Boning Knife
The Wusthof Classic 5-inch boning knife features a thin razor-sharp and flexible blade that makes it perfect for removing the skin and bones from meat and fish. The curved blade makes it easy to remove meat from the joints and bones.
Like other Wusthof Classic knives, the blade of the 5-inch boning knife is precision forged from high carbon steel and hardened to a Rockwell Hardness Rating of 58 for excellent edge retention. The cutting edge is sharpened using the Wusthof PEtec technology to achieve a razor-like sharpness. The knife comes with a full tang triple-riveted polypropylene handle for enhanced comfort and durability.
Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Bread Knife
The Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Bread Knife is ideal for slicing bread and sawing through hearty vegetables, such as butternut squash. It can also be used for creating perfectly thin slices of juicy tomatoes. The long 8-inch serrated blade allows you to cut via a round loaf or a full watermelon in single smooth slices. The serrations allow the blade to smoothly glide via crusty bread with minimal crumbs and without damaging the inside of the bread.
The blade of the Wusthof Classic 8-inch bread knife is precision-forged from a single piece of high carbon stainless for maximum longevity, strength and toughness. The blade has excellent rust and corrosion resistance properties. It protrudes to the handle to form what is called a full tang. The blade is then affixed to the black polypropylene handle using three metallic rivets for enhanced longevity and comfort. The knife feels well balanced and it is easy to control.
Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Chef Knife
The Wusthof Classic 8-inch Cook’s knife is ideal for nearly all kitchen tasks, from cutting, slicing, chopping, dicing and so much more. The knife is skillfully handcrafted using the Japanese style of blade making. It is made through a combination of modern and traditional Japanese blacksmithing designs.
The blade of the Wusthof Classic 8-inch Cook’s knife is precision-forged from a single piece of high carbon stainless. This makes it super strong and tough enough for all types of cutting actions. The handle is made with polypropylene for enhanced comfort, balance and resistance to fading. It is affixed to the blade using three metallic rivets for enhanced tightness and longevity.
Wusthof Classic 9-Inch Carving Knife
The Wusthof Classic 9-Inch Carving Knife is ideal for carving thin uniform slices from cooked poultry like chicken or turkey and to slice large roasts of meat. It can also be used to fillet very large fish. You can also use the Wusthof Classic 9-Inch Carving Knife for slicing the Sunday roast or to carve the Thanksgiving Turkey.
Wusthof 9-Inch Sharpening Steel Rod
The Wusthof 9-Inch Sharpening Steel Rod helps you to keep your blades sharp. Use it to hone your knives after every 2 to 4 uses to maintain a scalpel-like edge.
Pros and Cons of the Wusthof Classic 6-Piece Cook’s Set
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Best Basic Chef Knife Set for Professionals – Wusthof Pro 5-Piece Starter Set
If you are looking for the Best Chef Knife Set and don’t want to break the bank, then you should certainly try the Wusthof Pro 5-Piece Starter Set. This knife set comes with all the basic items a professional chef or an experienced home cook needs in the kitchen. Let’s discuss each of the five pieces that make up the Wusthof Pro 5-Piece Starter Set.
Wusthof Pro 10-inch Chef’s Knife
The Wusthof Pro 10-inch Chef’s Knife is specially designed for the tough day to day demands of commercial kitchens. It is a good choice for a busy kitchen with a lot of foods to work on. The chef knife comes with a 10-inch blade making ideal for cutting even through pumpkins and watermelons with ease.
The blade is stamped out of high stainless steel and doesn’t wear out easily wear out. Its high corrosion resistance properties make it ideal for working on highly acidic foods. The width of the blade allows you to scoop up piles of chopped carrots effortlessly. In addition, if you have large hands, a wide blade ensures that your knuckles do not get pinched between the cutting board and handle when chopping up onions.
With a Rockwell Hardness rating of 56, you can rest assured that the blade will last a lifetime and maintain its ultra-sharpness for long. The blade is sharpened at a 14-degree angle on both sides for a razor-like sharpness and maximum cutting performance. It is curved slightly at the top to provide for a smooth rocking motion when prepping meals. This helps to prevent wrist strain and also enhances comfort when using the knife. The blade can also be used by beginner or inexperienced chefs as it is lightweight and easy to maneuver.
The Wusthof Pro 10-Inch Chef knife comes with a beautiful ergonomically designed Santoprene handle that boasts a Wusthof Logo on its side. The ergonomic design ensures that the handle has a nice and comfortable grip. The texture ensures that it does not slip out from your hands while in use.
Wusthof Pro 9-Inch Bread Knife
The Wusthof Pro 9-Inch Bread Knife can be used for slicing bread and sawing through hearty vegetables, such as butternut squash or creating perfectly thin slices of juicy tomatoes. The 9-inch blade allows you to cut via a full watermelon or a round loaf in a single smooth slice. The serrations allow the blade to smoothly glide via crusty bread with minimal crumbs and without damaging their inside.
Like other Wusthof Pro knives, the blade of the 9-Inch bread knife is precision stamped out of a high carbon stainless steel for maximum corrosion and rust resistance properties. It is then hardened to a Rockwell rating of 56 for enhanced longevity and durability. The blade is slightly curved at the tip to provide for rocking motion. It is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making ideal for use by beginner chefs.
The handle is made from high-quality Santoprene for maximum comfort and durability. There is a finger guard to ensure safe and pure comfort for all your cutting tasks. The handle boasts good texture to prevent it from slipping from your hands while in use. Even when completely saturated, the handle allows you to maintain a firm grip.
Additionally, the handle will not make your hands hurt or feel numb after prolonged use. Its ergonomic design ensures the needed comfort and prevents your wrist and palm from becoming painful. Apart from enhancing comfort, the non-slip feature makes sure that your knife is safe to worth with at all time.
Wusthof Pro 3.5 Inch Paring Knife
The Wusthof Pro 3.5 Inch Paring Knife can be used for a wide range of kitchen tasks, such as paring or peeling vegetables and fruits, mincing shallots, peeling and crushing garlic, de-seeding chillies and peppers, de-veining shrimp, trimming meat fat, filleting small fish and slicing cheese.
The blade of the Wusthof Pro Paring knife is precision stamped out of a high carbon German stainless steel for ultra-sharpness and enhanced durability. The blade is further ice-hardened to a Rockwell hardness rating of 56 for maximum longevity and excellent edge retention. The paring knife is sharpened to a 14 degrees angle on each side to produce a sharper, finer edge to allow for precision cutting.
Wusthof 9-inch Honing Steel
A sharp knife is safer than a dull knife. Therefore, it is vital to make sure that your Wusthof Pro Chef knives are sharp before using them. This explains why the 9-inch honing steel in this chef knife set is important.Wusthof 8-Pocket Cordura Knife Roll
The Wusthof 8-Pocket Cordura Knife Roll provides an ideal way to transport your essential knives. The knife roll features 8-pockets for eight knives for various length knives. It is secured with Velcro at the handle and on the side for closure. There is an interior protective flap that zips open to reveal your knives.
Pros And Cons of the Wusthof Pro 5-Piece Starter Set
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Best High Quality Chef Knife Set – Wusthof Classic Ikon Starter Set
If you don’t like the strength offered by stamped knives, such as those offered in the Wusthof Pro Starter Set, then you should certainly try the Wusthof Classic Ikon Starter Set. Just like the Wusthof Pro Starter Set, the Wusthof Classic Ikon Starter Set comes with a paring knife, a bread knife and a chef’s knife. Let’s review each of these three pieces that make up this set in details
Wusthof Classic Ikon 3.5-Inch Paring Knife
Made in Germany, the Wusthof Classic Ikon 3.5-Inch Paring Knife is built for cutting performance. The handle is made from a synthetic material that is designed for kitchen use and easy to hold even when your hands are wet. A full tang and three metallic rivets give this paring knife great balance while the 3.5-inch blade slices easily via vegetables and fruits with ease.
The blade is precision forged from a single piece of high carbon German steel for enhanced durability, strength, toughness and excellent corrosion resistance properties. The bolster is specially designed to allow you to sharpen the entire blade length when necessary and still gives you excellent control of the knife blade.
The 3.5-inch carbon steel blade is not only easy to sharpen, but also retains its edge well. The blade is precision sharpened using the Wusthof PEtec technology making it 20% sharper than other standard blades on the market. The Wusthof Classic Ikon 3.5-Inch is ideal for mincing shallots, slicing cheese, trimming meat fat, crushing garlic as well as peeling or paring vegetables.
Wusthof Classic Ikon 8-Inch Bread Knife
The Wusthof Classic Ikon 8-Inch Bread Knife is an essential knife in any modern kitchen. Aside from slicing bread, you can use it to saw via hearty vegetables, such as butternut squash or create perfectly thin slices of juicy tomatoes. The knife comes with ultra-sharp serrations that allow the blade to glide via crusty bread with minimal crumbs and without damaging the inside. You can also use the knife on delicate fruits and vegetables or even use it to angel food cake.
The blade of the Wusthof Classic Ikon 8-Inch Bread Knife is precision forged from a single piece of high carbon stainless for maximum strength, rust resistance and long-lasting sharpness. It is sharpened using the Wusthof PEtec making it exquisitely sharp so you can accomplish those clean and smooth cuts with each stroke. Also, the blade is then ice-hardened to a Rockwell hardness rating of 58 degrees for maximum durability. The hardness provides for the needed resiliency for the high carbon steel and helps to prevent burrs from forming along the edges. It also makes sharpening easy and provides for better edge retention.
Wusthof Classic Ikon 8-Inch Chef Knife
The Wusthof Classic Ikon 8-Inch Chef Knife is a multifunctional kitchen knife that can be used for nearly all tasks in the kitchen. Its blade shape and size makes it ideal for dicing and mincing vegetables, carving turkey, trimming fat off steaks among other many tasks. Moreover, you can use the knife for opening cans and preparing sandwiches.
The blade is forged from single high carbon steel making it ideal for precision cutting. Its scalpel-like sharpness ensures that you only use little effort and force to cut via metals. The blade is sharpened using the Wusthof PEtec technology making it 20% sharper than other standard blades on the market. It is further ice-hardened to a Rockwell Hardness of 58 for added durability and enhanced edge retention.
The handle is affixed to the blade using three metallic rivets for enhanced durability and stability. The full tang and the three rivets ensure that the knife is well balanced. The ergonomically designed handle ensures that your wrist and palm doesn’t feel pain after prolonged use. The Wusthof Classic Ikon 8-inch Chef knife is certainly built to last and is a perfect option for both beginner and professional chefs.
Pros and Cons of Wusthof Classic Ikon Starter Set
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Best 2 Piece Chef Knife Set – ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Professional S 2-Piece Chef’s Set
The ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Professional S 2-Piece Chef’s Set comes with the two basic knives used by chefs: an 8-inch chef’s knife and a 4-inch paring knife.
ZWILLING J.A. Henckels 4-Inch Paring Knife
The J.A.Henckels 4-Inch Paring Knife is ideal for paring vegetables, peeling and crushing garlic, mincing shallots, filleting small fish, slicing cheese as well as deveining shrimp. The knife comes with a short sturdy blade that is extremely lightweight to allow for maximum control and maneuverability while in use. The blade of the J.A.Henckels 4-Inch Knife is precision using the Zwilling’s Sigma Forge process, resulting in an extremely sturdy and flexible blade.
The blade is further hardened using the Zwilling Friodur ice-hardening method which results in a harder, sharper blade that has excellent corrosion resistance and excellent elasticity. Precision lasers are used to sharpen the blade at the optimal cutting angle for maximum sharpness.
The handle is made from ABS resin and is triple riveted to the blade for enhanced longevity. The full tang and the three metallic rivets help to enhance the balance of the knife while the ergonomically designed handle ensures a comfortable grip.
ZWILLING J.A. Henckels 8-Inch Chef Knife
The Zwilling J.A. Henckels 8-Inch Chef knife is made of high quality German carbon no-stain steel. The blade is further hardened using the Zwilling Friodur ice-hardening method which results in a harder, sharper blade that has excellent corrosion resistance and excellent elasticity. Precision lasers are used to sharpen the blade at the optimal cutting angle for maximum sharpness.
The blade extends to the handle to form what is called a full tang. The blade is then affixed to the black polypropylene handle using three metallic rivets for enhanced longevity and comfort. The knife feels well balanced and it is easy to control.
The handle is made from polypropylene material and features full tang. The handle design provides a comfortable grip. You can use the knife for nearly all kitchen tasks, including dicing, chopping, slicing and deboning smaller cuts of meat.
Pros and Cons of the ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Professional S 2-Piece Chef’s Set
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Best Professional Japanese Chef Knife set – Shun Classic 8-Piece Student Set
If you are an aspiring chef or a beginner chef, then you need a knife set that has all the knives you need for your culinary class. The Shun Classic 8-Piece Student Set comes with all the essential kitchen knives used in class and reliable knife roll for easy transportation and storage. The knife set contains:
Shun Classic 3.5-Inch Paring Knife
The Shun Classic 3.5-Inch Paring knife is ideal for peeling fruits, paring vegetables, mincing shallots, crushing garlic, de-seeding peppers and chilies, trimming meat, filleting small fish and slicing cheese. The blade is forged from high carbon stainless. The blade is designed with 68 layers of Damascus cladding. The layers give the knife a striking Damascus appearance. The steel material further makes the knife resistant to rust and corrosion.
Shun Classic 6-Inch Utility
The Shun Classic 6-Inch Utility is forged using high carbon steel and sharpened to an ultra-sharp edge. You can use the Shun Classic 6-Inch Utility Knife for any kind of cutting tasks in the kitchen. The knife is handcrafted in Japan and features premium VG-MAX blade steel with 68 micro-layers of Damascus cladding. This ensures that the blades are strong, long lasting and resistant to rust.
Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef Knife
The Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef Knife is designed with about 34 Damascus layers on each side. The layers enhance the striking appearance of the knives. The design also makes the knives unique. The knife features a traditional D-shaped Pakkawood handle. The handle is properly riveted to make sure that they are intact.
It is perfect for a wide range of kitchen tasks, such as chopping, slicing and dicing due to its length. Its blade is wide to help keep your finger knuckles off the cutting surface. The wide blade provides the necessary support when transferring your cut food from the cutting board to a pan.
Shun Classic Boning/Fillet Knife
The Shun Classic Boning/Fillet Knife is ideal for boning fish and poultry. Its blade features a full tang that enhances exceptional knife balance and strength.
Shun Classic 9-inch Bread Knife
The Shun Classic 9-inch Bread Knife is specifically designed for slicing and cutting all types of bread, whether soft or hard. It is specifically made to maneuver via bread crusts of all types. It is made with low-frequency serrations that enable you to gently cut via your bread without crushing it.
Shun Classic Hollow Ground Slicing Knife
The Shun Classic Hollow Ground Slicing Knife has a long and narrow blade with a very sharp cutting edge. The knife allows you to cut even and thin slices, making your foods look more delicious. The hollow ground on the blade helps to prevent food from sticking on the blade while in use.
Shun Honing Steel
The Shun honing steel helps to keep your kitchen knives sharp. It is long enough so you can easily sharpen the entire length of your knives.
Shun Nylon Knife Roll
The Shun Nylon Knife roll provides you with ample space to store and transport your kitchen knives with ease.
Pros and Cons of the Shun Classic 8-Piece Student Set
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Best Inexpensive Japanese Style Chef Knife Set – Ross Henery Professional 9-Piece Chef Knife Set
If you are a professional chef looking for an inexpensive chef knife set, then you should certainly try the Ross Henery Professional 9-Piece Chef Knife Set.
Unboxing the Ross Henery Chef Knife Set
Ross Henery 10-Inch Carving Knife
The Ross Henery Carving Knife features a 10-inch long narrow blade. The knife is specifically designed for carving ham or a leg of lamb and poultry.
Ross Henery 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
The Ross Henery 8-Inch Chef’s Knife comes with a long, wide, slightly curved 8-inch blade for mincing, cutting, slicing and dicing all kind of foods.
Ross Henery 8-Inch Filleting Knife
The Ross Henery 8-Inch Filleting Knife is rigid and ideal for all kitchen recipes that require boning. It features a narrow, sharp and curved blade that easily maneuvers through bones. This makes it easier and faster to separate meat from a bone.
Ross Henery 8-Inch Bread Knife
In addition to slicing bread, the Ross Henery 8-Inch Bread Knife can be used for sawing via hearty vegetables or creating perfectly thin slices of juicy tomatoes. The 8-inch blade allows cutting through a full melon or a round loaf in a single smooth slice.
Ross Henery 7-Inch Cleaver
The Ross Henery 7-Inch Cleaver is largely used as a kitchen or butcher knife intended for hacking through bone.Ross Henery 6-Inch Boning Knife
The Ross Henery 6-Inch Boning Knife comes with a thin sharp, flexible that is ideal for removing bones and skin from meat and finish.
Ross Henery 4-Inch Paring Knife
The Ross Henery 4-Inch Paring Knife can be used for tasks, such as filleting small fish, peeling fruits and vegetables, trimming meat fat, slicing cheese etc.
Ross Henery 12-Inch Sharpening Steel
The Ross Henery 12-Inch Honing Steel helps to keep all your kitchen knives sharp.
Ross Henery Knife Roll
The Ross Henery Knife Roll provides a safe and secure option for transportation and storing your kitchen knives.
Pros and Cons of the Ross Henery Professional 9-Piece Chef Knife Set
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Best Budget Chef Knife Sets, Mercer Culinary and Victorinox
1. Mercer Culinary – Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-Piece Knife Roll Set
If you are looking for quality and affordable knife roll set, then you should check out the Mercer Culinary Millennia 8-Piece Knife Roll Set. The set comes with:
The knives are made using the highest quality Japanese steel for easy blade maintenance and quick sharpening. The handles are ergonomically designed for enhanced comfort and durability. The handle material is a combination of Santoprene and polypropylene for enhanced durability and resistance to fading. There is a finger guard which makes the knives safe to use.
The Santoku knife has a hollow ground edge to help reduce friction between the foods and blade. The chef’s knife has an extra-wide blade to ensure that your knuckles do not get pinched between the cutting board and handle when chopping up onions. All the knives come with a limited lifetime warranty.
2. Victorinox – Victorinox Forschner 7-Piece Fibrox Deluxe Culinary Knife Roll Set
The Victorinox Forschner 7-Piece Fibrox Deluxe Culinary Knife Roll Set is another chef knife that is worth trying. The knife set comes with:
The knife is designed for both professional chefs and experienced home cooks. Each knife boasts a superbly comfortable ergonomic Fibrox pro handle. The blade of each knife is made for high carbon stainless steel for incredible sharpness and longer edge retention. The blades are stamped out of a cold-rolled steel and have bolsterless edges to allow you to use the entire blade and allow for easy sharpening.