I researched over 27 self-sharpening knife sets and extensively tested 14 of them for weeks or months. I’ve only included the ones that performed best across multiple criteria. These hands-on reviews highlight real-world performance and quality to help you choose confidently and wisely.
My selection of the best self-sharpening kitchen knife sets was guided by:
- Reputable brands offer strong value and reliable customer support.
- Backed by lifetime warranties and responsive support teams.
- Includes versatile knives for all common kitchen tasks.
- High-quality steel blades ensure long-lasting cutting performance.
- Ergonomic, full-tang handles provide comfort and balance.
- Compact wooden block saves space and organizes efficiently.
- Trusted by hundreds of users, with over 80% giving top ratings.
What’s the Best Self-Sharpening Knife Set?
Best Self Sharpening Knife Set
1. Calphalon Classic 15-Piece Precision-Forged High Carbon Stainless Steel Knives – Top Self-Sharpening Knife Set
15-Piece Knife Set Includes: 8″ chef’s knife, 6″ utility knife, 6″ serrated utility knife, 4.5″ paring knife, 7″ santoku knife, eight 5″ serrated steak knives, one kitchen shears, self-sharpening blonde rubberwood knife block.
Blade: All the knives in this set are made from precision-forged high carbon stainless steel, except for the eight steak knives, which are crafted from stamped steel. Let me inform you, forged blades are significantly better than stamped ones. Precision forging increases the steel’s strength and hardness, which allows the blade to sharpen more easily and retain its edge for a longer time.
From my personal experience, I’ve found Calphalon’s steel to be far more corrosion-resistant than most other high carbon steels on the market. This also helps prevent blade discoloration over time.
Handle: The heavy-duty, triple-riveted handles feature a full-tang design for added strength and balance. The handle scales are made from poly-resin, offering both comfort and a secure pinch grip. The ergonomically contoured, decently sized handles fit comfortably in hands of all sizes.
Maintaince: These knives must be hand-washed and dried immediately after use. Do not put them in the dishwasher, as doing so may cause rust.
Pros
- Blades never stained, even after heavy use
- Comfortable handles that feel solid in hand
- Knife labels make grabbing the right one easy
- Full tang gives a solid, balanced feel
- Bolster design adds safety and great balance
- Block sharpens straight-edge knives effortlessly
- Impressive quality, especially for the low price
- Lifetime warranty adds peace of mind
Cons
- No bread knife included in the set
2. J.A. Henckels International 20-Piece German Forged Stainless Steel Self-Sharpening Knife Set with Block
This all-around functional set includes everything I need daily – from chopping vegetables and slicing meat to easily cutting crusty bread and delicate items like tomatoes. It even comes with a nimble paring knife that’s perfect for peeling and coring fruits.
20-Piece Knife Set Includes: 8″ chef’s knife, 5.5″ boning knife, 8″ bread knife, 3″ paring knife, 4″ paring knife, 6″ utility knife, 5″ serrated utility knife, 5.5″ prep knife, 7″ hollow edge santoku knife, 8″ carving knife, eight 4.5″ forged serrated steak knives, one kitchen shears, and 19-slot wood block with built-in self-sharpener.
Blade: Each blade in the set is crafted from high-quality, German-forged stainless steel with a durable satin finish. This premium steel is widely used in the medical field due to its excellent rust resistance and its ability to hold a sharp edge for a long time.
Handle: The luxurious-looking handles are made from lightweight, hollow stainless steel. They feature a fingerprint-resistant sandblasted texture, which offers a secure grip while maintaining a sleek, polished look.
Additionally, the fully forged shiny bolster and logo-embossed end cap enhance durability and help maintain perfect balance between the blade and the handle.
Self-Sharpening: One of my favorite features is the built-in ceramic sharpening rods in each slot. They’re set at the right angle to sharpen the fine-edge knives automatically each time you insert or remove a knife.
Maintenance: Although the set is technically dishwasher-safe, Henckels recommends hand-washing and drying the knives immediately after each use to preserve their sharpness and condition.
Pros
- Top rated self sharpening knife set
- Covers all my daily kitchen needs
- Blades never rust, even after months
- I love that it’s dishwasher safe
- Handles feel balanced and look premium
- Beautiful walnut block adds countertop elegance
- Built-in sharpener keeps knives razor-sharp
- Labeled slots make organizing super simple
- Warranty gives me long-term peace of mind
Cons
- A bit large for limited counter space
3. Chicago Cutlery Insignia2 18-Piece Forged High Carbon Stainless Steel In-Block Sharpener Kitchen Knife Set
18-Piece Knife Set Includes: 8″ chef’s knife, 7″ Santoku knife, 7″ serrated bread knife, 5″ boning knife, 5.5″ utility knife, 8″ slicer knife, two (3″ and 3.5″) parer knife, and eight 4.5″ forged non-serrated steak knives, one kitchen shears and wooden block with built-in self-sharpener.
Blade: The blades in this Chicago Cutlery set are made from forged high-carbon stainless steel and sharpened to a 13-degree angle on both sides. They feel slightly heavier than other knife sets I’ve used, which actually gives a sense of sturdiness. The blade hardness is impressive, after two months of regular use, the sharpness has barely changed.
Handle: The triple-riveted handles are fitted with ergonomic polymer scales that provide a comfortable and secure grip. The quality feels extremely durable. The slightly curved square handles aren’t slippery, are easy to hold, and feel solid in my hand during use.
Balance: The forged bolsters and full-tang construction give these knives a well-balanced feel. This design helps apply more force through the handle when cutting tougher ingredients, making prep work smoother and more efficient.
Self-Sharpening: The built-in ceramic sharpeners work well to restore the edge of plain-edge knives every time you remove or replace them in the block. The block itself is made of durable wood and is very easy to maintain.
Maintenance: The manufacturer recommends hand-washing only. Also, avoid using the built-in sharpeners on serrated knives, as they’re designed exclusively for straight-edge blades.
Pros
- Hefty forged blades feel strong and reliable
- Razor-sharp right out of the box
- Perfect balance felt at the bolster
- Handles feel rock-solid and well-constructed
- Built-in sharpener keeps edges razor-sharp
- Great value for a complete 18-piece set
- Lifetime warranty adds peace of mind
Cons
- The set is not dishwasher safe
- Steak knife slots could be more precise
4. Calphalon Classic 15-Piece Forged High Carbon Stainless Steel Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set
15-Piece Knife Set Includes: 8″ chef’s knife, 6″ utility knife, 3.5″ paring knife, 7″ santoku knife, 8″ bread knife, eight 5″ half-serrated steak knives, one kitchen shears, integrated self-sharpening system, and gray color woodblock.
Blade: The blades are made from premium high-carbon stainless steel, while stamped steel is used only for the steak knives. Each knife is precisely forged by skilled craftsmen, making them easy to sharpen and resistant to dulling over time.
Handle: The handles are crafted from hollow stainless steel, making them lightweight yet sturdy. They’re contoured for a secure grip and designed to reduce hand fatigue during extended use.
Self-Sharpening: One of the standout features of the Calphalon Classic set is its built-in self-sharpening system, which automatically sharpens non-serrated knives every time you take them out of the block.
Maintenance: For care and maintenance, simply hand-wash the knives and dry them immediately with a towel to preserve their condition.
Pros
- Best rated self sharpening knife set
- Luxurious with modern style and design
- Full tang design for solid construction
- Handles are labeled for easy identification
- Forged bolster & end cap for counterbalance
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- HC steel needs regular maintenance
5. HENCKELS J.A. International Graphite 20-Piece German Stainless Steel Self-Sharpening Cutlery Block Set
20-Piece Knife Set Includes: 8″ chef’s knife, 7″ santoku knife, 8″ bread knife, 6″ utility knife, 5″ serrated utility knife, 3″ paring knife, 4″ paring knife, 5.5″ prep knife, 5.5″ boning knife, 8″ carving knife, eight 4.5″ steak knives, kitchen shears, and self-sharpening knife block.
Blade: The blades are fully forged from high-quality German stainless steel, which resists corrosion and is easy to maintain. When it comes to durability and edge retention, German knives are truly a top choice.
The fine-edge blades are satin-finished and carefully honed for long-lasting sharpness, delivering clean, precise cuts. If the serrated steak knives are used properly, their sharpness can remain intact for years without the need for sharpening.
Handle: With a seamless transition from blade to handle, the HENCKELS set features fully forged construction for excellent balance. The ergonomically contoured stainless steel handles are comfortable to hold and reduce hand fatigue, making long prep sessions much easier. They’re also very easy to clean.
Self-Sharpening: One of the most satisfying features is the self-sharpening knife block. Each slot for the larger knives has a built-in sharpener that automatically sharpens the blade every time you insert or remove it. This ensures your knives are always ready to perform without any extra effort.
Maintenance: Although the set is dishwasher-safe, the manufacturer recommends hand washing with warm water and mild detergent, followed by immediate rinsing and drying for best results.
Pros
- Complete set covers all kitchen tasks
- Blades resist stains, rust, and wear
- Lightweight handles feel secure and comfy
- Full tang design gives great balance
- Built-in sharpener keeps knives ready always
- Dishwasher safe, super easy to clean
- Labeled slots help stay well organized
- Backed by limited lifetime product warranty
Cons
- Set is large for small kitchen spaces
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Best Self Sharpening Knife Set
Question: What is a self-sharpening knife set?
Answer: A self-sharpening knife set includes knives stored in a block with built-in sharpeners that automatically hone the blades each time you insert or remove a knife, keeping them sharp. Some knife blocks feature individual sharpeners in each plain-edge knife slot, while others include a single main sharpener slot used to maintain all the plain-edge knives in the set.
Question: How does a self-sharpening knife set work?
Answer: Each time you slide a knife in or out of the block, it passes through a built-in sharpener, usually ceramic or tungsten, automatically honing the blade to maintain its cutting edge.
Question: Do I still need to sharpen the knives manually?
Answer: Manual sharpening is rarely needed, as the built-in sharpeners maintain the edge. However, occasional manually or professional sharpening might be beneficial over time for restoring the blade’s original factory sharpness.
Question: Is it worth buying a self-sharpening knife block?
Answer: Yes, it’s worth it for convenience, safety, and consistently sharp knives without extra effort. It’s especially useful for home cooks who don’t regularly sharpen knives manually or professionally.
Question: Are self-sharpening knife blocks safe for the blades in the long run?
Answer: Yes, if used properly. High-quality blocks use gentle honing systems that preserve blade life, though overuse or poor materials can cause uneven wear or gradual dulling over many years.
Question: What are the pros and cons of a self-sharpening knife set?
Answer: Pros include convenience, consistent sharpness, and low maintenance. Cons may include limited sharpening angles, potential wear over time, and inability to sharpen serrated or specialty blades properly inside the block.
Question: Can self-sharpening knife blocks wear out over time?
Answer: Yes, the sharpening inserts inside the block can wear down after years of use, reducing effectiveness. Replacing the block or inserts may be needed to maintain sharpening performance long-term.