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.
What Are the Best Kitchen Cutlery Sets Under $500?
- 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 Sets Under $500
1. 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.
Unfortunately, I found cracks in the handles of two knives (bread and santoku). I emailed Dalstrong customer service and they replaced both knives within a few days. I have seen some reviews of people who found one or more knives missing after receiving the set and after complaining the manufacturer sent back the missing items. I’ve also seen some people find problems with several knives in their set, so Dalstrong changed the entire set.
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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Kitchen Knife Set Under $500 (FAQ)
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.