Each set reviewed here is a best-selling product from that reputed brand. This means they have been being sold in the market for the last few years and 80 to 90% of consumers of these products have given a 100% satisfied rating.
You can easily check the quality of the product before buying as each product has hundreds of customer feedback. Also, when I tested these products, I got the same quality as advertised.
Besides, the customer support of these expensive product brands is also great. If there is any problem after purchase, you can exchange it or return it if you don’t like it.
Best Knife Set Under $500 – Comparison Table
- Ninja K32017 Best-Selling Kitchen Knife Block Set with Built-in Sharpener – 17-Piece
- HOSHANHO 16-Piece Japanese High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Set with Block
- DALSTRONG Best-Budget Kitchen Knife Set with Block – 18 Piece
- Zwilling TWIN Signature Premium-Quality Kitchen Knife Block Set – 19 Piece
- Wusthof Gourmet High-End Kitchen Knife Set with Block – 16 Piece
- Calphalon High-Quality Self-Sharpening Kitchen Knife Block Set – 20 Piece
- Cangshan S1 Series Luxury Kitchen Knife Set with Block – 23 Piece
Best Knife Set Under $500
1. Ninja K32017 17-Piece Kitchen Knife Set – Best-Selling, Premium German Steel Blade, Wear-Resistant Stainless Steel Handle, Plastic Block with Built-in Sharpener, Essential Knives for Every Day Use
The package arrived promptly in a sturdy box. Unboxing was satisfying; everything was secure, spotless, and pristine. On my counter, the knives and block look sleek, premium, and truly stunning.
17-Piece Knife Set Includes: 8″ Chef Knife, 8″ Bread Knife, 7″ Santoku Knife, 8″ Slicing Knife, 6″ Boning Knife, 5″ Utility Knife, 3.5″ Paring Knife, Eight 4.5″ Non-Serrated Steak Knives, Kitchen Shears, and Knife Block with Built-In Sharpener.
Blade: The German stainless steel blades arrived razor-sharp, though the paring knife was slightly dull. Each piece has a nice heft, substantial but not flimsy.
Cutting Performance: After months of rigorous testing, the Chef’s and Santoku knives remain my workhorses. They glide through sweet potatoes, carrots, and rib bones without “sawing.” Onions and garlic are easy, tomatoes are effortless, and limes are no challenge.
The slicing knife handles thick meats and cheese like butter, while the bread knife slices soft and crusty loaves without tearing. I use the utility and paring knives for delicate trimming; they remain precise with minimal pressure. Most impressive are the non-serrated steak knives, which glide through juicy cuts with a simple back-and-forth motion.
Edge Retention: After three months of daily use, the edges hold well. The built-in sharpener works for quick touch-ups, and a 1000/6000 grit whetstone works perfectly for deeper maintenance.
Handle: The full-tang, riveted stainless steel handles feel durable and smooth. While the larger knives felt handle-heavy at first, and I usually prefer a forward balance, the weight felt natural after a month. They fit both my and my wife’s hands perfectly. The ergonomic grip remains secure and comfortable during long prep sessions, even with wet hands.
Block: The block is plastic and lightweight, but every knife slides in smoothly. The suction cups work great on flat, clean counters, though they may struggle on textured tile.
Built-in Sharpener: The built-in sharpener is a huge selling point; the sharpening wheel engages the blade at the perfect angle in seconds.
Maintenance: These are hand-wash only. I prefer this anyway, as “dishwasher safe” claims are rarely true for quality steel.
Pros
- Comprehensive set for all kitchen needs
- Excellent edge retention and easy to sharpen
- Ergonomic, full-tang handles with a secure grip
- Built-in sharpening system is incredibly convenient
- 10-year limited warranty; great value for the price
- An absolute steal for the quality provided
Cons
- Kitchen shears come apart a bit too easily
- The plastic block design could be more premium
- Not dishwasher safe (requires hand-drying)
2. HOSHANHO 16-Piece Kitchen Knife Set – Heavy-Duty, Japanese High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade, High-Density Pakkawood Handle, Wood Block, Covers Essential Knives for a home kitchen
The set arrived promptly and securely packaged in a durable cardboard box. Each knife was individually wrapped in plastic and paper, ensuring they arrived in pristine condition. Out of the box, they were stunning and razor-sharp, with no dents or scratches to be found. It’s a comprehensive collection that covers every essential task for a home chef.
Blade: Crafted from Japanese 10Cr15CoMoV High Carbon Stainless Steel, the blades feature a 58 HRC hardness and a sharp 15-degree angle. The knives have a satisfying weight, and the “watermark” on the edge looks great. Most importantly, the edges are incredibly sharp right out of the box.
Cutting Performance: The chef and santoku knives have a nice curvature, perfect for a rocking motion. I used them in culinary school for everything from chopping herbs and vegetables to slicing dense meats and chicken joints. I can slice tomatoes and sweet potatoes paper-thin. The santoku and carving knives have dimples that effectively prevent food from sticking. While the bread knife teeth could be denser for hard loaves, the fillet knife is perfectly sized and glides through fish like butter.
The utility knife moves through fruit with minimal effort, though it’s slightly large and can be tricky for delicate work. However, the paring knife is perfect and cuts well. The serrated steak knives are substantial and razor-sharp, slicing through steak with ease. The heavy-duty kitchen shears and high-quality sharpener are excellent additions, making it easy to maintain the set.
Edge Retention: The harder steel holds an edge well. After 15 weeks of testing and frequent use, they still haven’t required a tune-up. To maintain that factory edge, I recommend using a high-quality 1000/6000 grit whetstone.
Handle: The handles are made of high-density pakkawood with a smooth finish. There are no sharp edges where the tang meets the bolster, so nothing catches or irritates my palm. The steak knives have a nice heft, and the entire set feels wonderfully weighted.
The handles feature a rounded choil for the index finger and a slightly bulbous shape that feels secure even with wet hands. They are well-balanced, providing great leverage and comfort that reduces hand fatigue during extended prep sessions.
Wood Block: Despite the large number of knives, the block has a simple, compact design that fits seamlessly on my countertop. The knives must be placed in their designated slots to fit properly, but once arranged, the organization is perfect.
Maintenance: Due to the knives’ hard Japanese steel and wooden handles, they should not be placed in the dishwasher. I always hand-wash and towel-dry mine, so maintenance hasn’t been an issue for me.
Pros
- Impressive knife selection
- Beautiful “watermark” blade aesthetics
- Weight feels great in the hand
- Ergonomic handles for a solid grip
- Perfectly balanced, full-tang build
- Compact, attractive wood block
- Exceptional value for the price
- Warranty provides peace of mind
Cons
- Steak knives are a bit heavy
- Bread knife serrations are wide
- Requires hand-washing only
3. Dalstrong Gladiator Series Colossal 18-Pc German HC Steel Kitchen Knife Set with Block
18-Pc Dalstrong knife set includes – 7″ nakiri knife, 9″ carving/slicer, 6″ boning knife, 6.5″ utility knife, 8″ chef knife, 6″ serrated utility knife, 9″ bread knife, 3.5″ paring knife, 8.5″ kiritsuke chef knife, 7″ santoku knife, 2.75″ bird’s beak paring knife, six 5″ straight edge steak knives, 10″ gladiator series sharpening steel, and beautiful hand-made brown color walnut wood block.
All the knives in this Gladiator series set are made from a single piece of premium quality German high-carbon stainless steel (HRC 56-58). Each blade is precisely forged which helps it maintain its durability and a razor-sharp cutting edge for a long time.
They arrived scary sharp straight out of the box, so be careful. All the blades are hand-sharpened to a 16-18° angle on both sides. Blade, spine, bolster, and end cap – all have stunning hand-polished satin finish. Using the knives, I have been able to cut a variety of food ingredients perfectly and effortlessly.
The triple-rivet handles are made from premium quality ABS Polymer. There are no unfinished or sharp edges/lines or loose parts in the fittings of the handles. The handles are perfectly polished and smooth yet provide adequate grip.
Each knife handle is full tang and well balanced. The ergonomic design makes it easy to hold and maneuver. The handles feel heavy and sturdy to me. Also, the size of the handle is perfect which fits my big hands easily.
It came to me in very good packing condition. Each knife was individually wrapped in cardboard with a plastic tip protector. The set is divided into three separate boxes. Overall they require some space on your counter, so if you are short on counter space, measure that before purchasing.
Since the knives are made of high carbon steel and are not dishwasher safe, always hand wash and dry with a towel or paper towel if you need years of service from them.
Pros
- Blades are cool, shining, and super sharp
- Steel goes through cryogenic tempering
- Takes a razor-sharp edge with a little effort
- Full tang, bolster, and end cap – built to last
- The fit and finish of the handle is excellent
- Handles are very comfortable to hold and use
- Risk-free lifetime 100% money-back warranty
- It was packaged nicely and arrived safely
- Considering the quality, it is well worth the money
- Top-notch customer service that cannot be beat
Cons
- No shears are provided in the set
- No identification labels on slots or end caps
4. Zwilling J.A. Henckels TWIN Signature 19-Piece German steel Kitchen Knife Block Set
Henckels TWIN Signature knife set includes – 8″ chef’s knife, 2.5″ peeling knife, 4.5″ utility knife, 5″ serrated utility knife, 4″ paring/utility knife, 6″ utility/sandwich knife, 7″ hollow edge santoku knife, 8″ bread knife, eight 4.5″ non-serrated steak knives, kitchen shears, 9″ honing steel, and attractive bamboo block.
The blades are constructed from a single piece of German-made high-carbon stainless steel (HRC 57-59). The blades also have a hand-polished finish by master artisans. The blades are extremely sharp and cut through a variety of things with ease.
The blade alloy goes through Zwilling’s Friodur ice-hardening method which makes the blade sharper, and stronger and keeps the sharp edge longer. Non-stain steel has a special formula to protect it from chips or stains.
The tang part goes through the entire polymer-based handle to accomplish it as a full-tang knife. The ergonomically designed triple-revolved handles ensure a non-slip grip and hassle-free use in the daily chores of the kitchen.
Although the set is dishwasher-safe, the manufacturer always recommends hand washing and hand drying as long as possible after use.
Pros
- Premium quality German steel blade
- Blade are perfectly sharp straight out of the box
- The blades hold the edge much longer
- Knives feel very balanced and comfortable
- Handles are appropriate for almost all sizes of hands
- All blades are full tang
- Easy to clean and requires very low maintenance
- The set is dishwasher-safe
- Extra slot for a meat cleaver
- The set is skillfully made in German
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not forged
- I wish knives were a bit heavier
- No bolster, annoying to hold the chef knife
5. Wusthof Gourmet 16-Piece German HC Steel Kitchen Knife Set with Block
Wusthof Gourmet knife set includes – 5″ spreader, 2.5″ paring knife, 3″ paring knife, 8″ chef’s knife, 2.25″ peeling knife, 4.5″ utility knife, 8″ bread knife, 5″ hollow-edge santoku, 2.75″ trimming knife, four 4.5″ plain edge steak knives, kitchen shears, 9″ honing steel and 15-slot storage wood block.
German high carbon stainless steel (HRC 58-60) blades are stain-free so that it does not rust or stain easily. Cuts or slices really well. Watch that blade, it’s really sharp! The ultra-sharp forged knives hold a very nice edge for a long time.
These knives have synthetic material – Polyoxymethylene (POM) made handle which is triple-riveted high-impact for durability and comfortable grip. The wester-style handles are easy to grip and comfortable to hold.
For any care, they need to be hand-washed with warm water and dried immediately.
Pros
- The set includes everything you want
- High-quality German steel blades
- All knives are full-tang and well-balanced
- Handles are comfortable for a big hand
- Made in Solingen Germany
- Lifetime warranty against any manufacturing defects
Cons
- Most of the knives are small size
- Handles are in classic style
- In some slots, the knife does not fit perfectly
6. Calphalon Contemporary Self-Sharpening 20-Piece HC German Steel Kitchen Knife Block Set
Calphalon knife set includes – 8″ chef’s knife, 4.5″ paring knife, 6″ carving fork, 5″ boning knife, 5″ santoku knife, 7″ santoku knife, 5.5″ tomato/bagel knife, 6″ utility knife, 8″ slicer, 8″ bread knife, 8 semi-serrated steak knives, kitchen shears, and built-in self-sharpening maple wood block.
Each knife in the set except the steak knives is fully forged from a single piece of ultra-premium high-carbon German stainless steel. High-quality stamped Asian steel is used for the steak knives. Moreover, this type of non-staining German steel has been developed to be completely corrosion and rust-proof to ensure lifetime service.
Non-slip Poly-Resin handles are ergonomically contoured for pinch grip as well as perfectly fit in your hand. Also, Full tang structure with bolster and end cap – all these features give durability and perfect balance.
The built-in ceramic self-sharpening system sharpens the blade every time you pull the knife (only straight edge knives).
The manufacturer recommends hand washing only, dishwasher detergent will dull your knives and damage surfaces.
Pros
- Premium quality self-sharpening knife set
- All knives are one solid piece of metal
- Out of the box, they are pretty sharp
- Full-tang design ensures greater dexterity
- Handles are beautiful & easier to hold
- Convenient built-in self-sharpening system
- Warranty for the full lifetime
- Identification label on the end-cap
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Carbon steel blade needs regular care
7. Cangshan S1 Series 23-Piece Full Forged German Steel Kitchen Knife Block Set
Cangshan S1 knife set includes – 8″ chef’s knife, 8″ bread knife, 5″ serrated utility knife, 5″ straight edge utility knife, 6″ boning knife, 7″ santoku knife, 7″ nakiri knife, 6″ carving fork, 9″ carving knife, 5″ tomato knife, 2.75″ peeling knife, 3.5″ paring knife, eight 5″ fine edge steak knives, two 9″ shears, 8″ honing steel, and a brown color stunning walnut wood block.
The knives are made of stain-resistant and fully forged high-carbon German X50CrMoV15 stainless steel (HRC 58-60). Moreover, the core steel has passed through a precise ULTRA6 heat treatment technique that enhances its strength with improved edge retention ability. The blades are extremely razor-sharp with hand sharpening at a 16-degree angle on each side.
The luxurious creamy white color handles are handcrafted from hard imitation ivory which has USPTO patented design for an ergonomic and fatigue-free grip. The full tang structure, shining bolster, and end-cap – all these features not only provide essential balance but also protect the user finger from the sharp edges.
Due to the carbon content, you must take regular care of these knives which means just hand washing and drying these knives instantly.
Pros
- All-in-one complete kitchen knife set
- Beautiful and luxurious style with the latest design
- Forged & heat treatment HC German steel knives
- Handles are smooth and eye-catchy
- All knives are full tang
- Lifetime warranty against any defects in workmanship
- NSF Certified
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Handles have a cracking issue
- Handle is so smooth, expected grip is not available
FAQs About the Best Kitchen Knife Set Under $500
Question: Are expensive knife sets worth it?
Answer: Expensive knife sets are definitely worth buying if you choose the right one. This type of set is mainly for serious chefs who prefer precision and ease of cutting.
These sets include almost all types of kitchen knives; blades are made from premium quality steel with good edge retention; take razor-sharp edges with little honing; and no need for frequent sharpening.
Also, they are as luxurious to look at as they are to use with a balanced feel and good control.
Question: How long does a premium kitchen knife set last?
Answer: The lifespan of a premium set depends on usage and maintenance. With proper care, including regular sharpening, hand washing, wiping, and proper storing after use, they can last a lifetime. However, heavy use, abuse, or improper care may reduce their longevity.
If you are a heavy user it might last a decade. Generally, premium kitchen knife sets for the moderate user can endure for decades if well-maintained.
Question: What is the best brand of luxury kitchen knife set?
Answer: Determining the best brand for a luxury kitchen knife set is subjective and depends on individual preferences. In terms of design, I prefer the Cangshan brand and for quality and craftsmanship, I prefer the Dalstrong and Wusthof brands.
Overall if I had to name a brand I would choose Dalstrong because every product of this brand has high-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship and their warranty service is better than other brands.
Question: How to care for a high-end kitchen knife set?
Answer: A high-end kitchen knife set will only remain high-end if it’s given the proper care, concentration, and consideration that it requires. Appropriate care and maintenance are crucial to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. Here’s a comprehensive guide –
Cutting Surface: Always use a proper cutting board made of wood, bamboo, or plastic. Blacklist any cutting boards made of metal, glass, porcelain or granite. This will preserve the knife’s edge.
Cleaning: Never let knives sit dirty on the counter; immediately hand wash and dry them, using warm water, soap, and non-abrasive materials. Avoid dishwashers completely.
Storing: Always use an appropriate knife block. Schedule time to sanitize their storage container at least once a month.
Oiling: Maybe you’re going on vacation or won’t be using the knife for a few weeks, in that case, apply a coating of food-grade oil to the blade to prevent rust. If rust does appear, treat it with white vinegar.
Sharpening: Sharpen the knives regularly as needed. The blades of high-end sets are very sensitive, so use only a good-quality sharpening stone for sharpening. It is better not to use an electric sharpener or sharpening steel. Also, it is better not to sharpen these knives by any unskilled person.
Always strive to keep any knife in the best condition possible; temporary neglect can easily become permanent damage.
Question: Why does the blade rust when not in use?
Answer: A set consists of different types of knives. There are some knives that are used occasionally. High-carbon blades are more prone to oxidation or rusting if not used and cared for regularly. So the knives in the set that are not used regularly must be kept in blocks with oil coating.
Question: How to remove rust from kitchen knives?
Answer: Mix baking soda with water to make a thick paste and cover the rusted area thoroughly with the paste or you can also use vinegar. Leave for one hour for baking soda and several hours for vinegar.
Then scour the coat with steel wool or a wire brush and hopefully, that will remove the rust from your kitchen knife. After removing the rust wash your knife with water and dry quickly.
You can read my article for more details on this: How to Remove Rust from Kitchen Knives?
Question: How to clean a wood block?
Answer: If exposed to moisture, wood blocks are nurseries for mold and bacteria, which is why it’s crucial to disinfect them once a month.
Using a vacuum cleaner or bottle brush, remove the crumbs or debris from the slots, then wipe down the exterior with a damp, soapy rag.
Then apply a cleaning solution (either diluted bleach, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide) to sanitize the block, using the bottle brush for the slots.
Wipe clean and leave upside-down and overnight to dry.