When it comes to knife sets for your kitchen, there are hundreds of models and brands out there which can make the buying decision overwhelming.
But we’ve found the knife sets that are a cut above the rest. And guess what, you won’t have to spend big for them either. All of these Knife Sets are available for less than $100 (chopping and slicing just a whole lot easier and cheaper).
Let’s dig right into them.
Best Knife Sets Under $100 Reviewed
1: Cangshan V2 Series 1022520
- Hand crafted full tang knives forged from fine grained, German X50CrMoV15 Steel for incredible durability, stain resistance and exceptional edge retention. USPTO Patented Design.
- Each blade goes through an (ultra6) stage heat treatment ensuring every blade maintains its strength and function.
- Set Includes: 8" chef's knife, 5" serrated utility knife, 3.5" paring knife, 9" all metal detachable shears and solid acacia wood block that houses each knife perfectly.
- Designed to help you accomplish a variety of cutting tasks with ease and confidence, this set includes the most common kitchen knives, as well as some specialty knives for more advanced prep work.
- NSF International Certified. Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer defects. Wash knives with warm water and a little detergent, rinse carefully and dry with a towel.
If you’re the type to go for quality over quantity, then you should consider purchasing the Cangshan V2 Series 5-Piece Starter Kitchen Knife Set. With this premium set, you get the following items:
- 8-inch chef knife
- 5-inch serrated utility knife
- 3.5-inch paring knife
- 1 x pair of shears
- 1 x acacia wooden block
Made from X50Cr15Mov German steel, these knives are extremely sharp and very comfortable to maneuver with. The blades are ice-hardened, which in turn, ensure their long-lasting sharpness.
On top of all these, this set is the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certified, and the company offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.
The fact of the matter is that this set has only five inclusions. One of which is a pair of scissors. It also doesn’t have a steak knife, so that’s something you should take into account. Given the premium quality knives this set offers, it is still definitely a sound kitchen investment.
Pros:
- Made of premium quality steel
- Durable
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Steak knife not included
- 5 inclusions only
2: Cuisinart C77WTR-15P
- SET INCLUDES: 8-inch Chef Knife, 8-inch Slicing Knife, 7-inch Santoku Knife, 5.5-inch Utility Knife, 3.5-inch Paring Knife, 2.75-inch Bird's Beak Paring Knife, 4.5-inch Steak Knives (6), 8-inch Sharpening Steel, All-Purpose Household Shears and Wooden Block
- SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE: Cuisinart’s Classic Forged Triple Rivet Cutlery possesses superior high-carbon stainless steel blades for precision and accuracy
- TOTAL CONTROL: Durable extra-wide safety bolster for perfect stability and control
- WELL BUILT: Stainless steel rivets to secure the full-tang blade to the ergonomically designed handle
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: Cuisinart Cutlery is warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship under normal home use from the date of original purchase throughout the original purchaser’s lifetime. Please see Product Documentation below
Looking to maximize your knife set budget? You should check out the Cuisinart C77WTR-15P Classic White 15 Piece Knife Set. Through this steal of a deal, you get the following inclusions:
- 8-inch chef knife
- 8-inch slicing knife
- 7-inch santoku knife
- 5.5-inch utility knife
- 3.5-inch paring knives
- 2.75-inch bird’s beak paring knife
- 4.5-inch steak knives
- 8-inch sharpening steel
- 1 x pair of kitchen shears
- 1 x wooden knife storage block
All the pieces in this set are made of superior high-carbon stainless steel blades for cutting precision, and they have a durable extra-wide safety bolster for user control and usage stability.
Plus, this set has a very stylish design, so your guests will surely be impressed. The makers also offer a lifetime warranty so you can contact them in case of any defects.
It should be noted, however, that some pieces of this set are quite flimsy so if you’re looking for professional-grade quality knives, this may not be the best bet for you.
This cutlery is also not dishwasher-safe as well. Looking at the picture, it’s an amazing steal for those who want to make the most out of their knife set budget.
Pros:
- 15 pieces
- Lifetime warranty
- Stylish design
- Comes with a wooden block
Cons:
- Some pieces are flimsy
- Not dishwasher safe
Next Read: 7 Best Santoku Knives for 2022
3: J.A. Henckels International Statement Knife Block Set
- ULTRA-SHARP BLADES: Superior professional-level sharpness that ensures precision cutting.
- STAYS SHARP LONGER: Professional, satin-finished blade boasts precision cutting and is finely honed for long-lasting sharpness.
- EFFORTLESS CUTTING: Enjoy easy meal prep with minimal effort with this lightweight, easy-to-use knife.
- SET INCLUDES: 3 and 4-inch Paring, 5-inch Serrated Utility, 7-inch Hollow Edge Santoku, 8-inch Chef's Knife, 8-inch Bread Knife, 4 x 4.5-inch Steak Knives, Kitchen Shears, 9-inch Sharpening Steel and Black Hardwood Knife Block.
- QUICK CLEAN UP: No-fuss cleanup, in the dishwasher or by hand. Stain and rust-free blades.
A classic-looking knife set with a hefty number of inclusions, the J.A. Henckels International Statement 12 Piece Knife Set is a practical lad or gal’s best friend. Through the purchase of this set, you get the following items:
- 3-inch paring knife
- 7-inch hollow edge santoku knife
- 8-inch bread knife
- 8-inch chef’s knife
- 6 x 4.5-inch steak knives
- 9-inch sharpening steel
- Hardwood knife block
All this set’s inclusions are durable with a full tang triple-rivet handle and have great balance, which makes this a sweet deal. This knife set has everything every good kitchen needs, and it looks expensive, too. Plus, this knife set has a lifetime limited manufacturer warranty
The knife block of this set doesn’t look as attractive as the other blocks in the list though. Plus, the blades are stamped, and not forged, which is not really ideal. All things considered, this set is still a great kitchen investment one should take note of.
Pros:
- 12 pieces
- Looks expensive
- Lifetime limited manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- The knife block isn’t attractive
- Blades are stamped, not forged
4: Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Knife Set
- Included Components: 8" Chef Knife, 8" Slicing and Carving Knife, 7" Santoku Knife, 5" Boning Knife, 4.5" Utility Knife, (6) Steak Knives, 3.5" Paring Knife, Kitchen Shears, Wood Storage block
- Easy To Maintain: Backed by our exclusive scalloped serration, Ginsu’s forever sharp knives make chopping, slicing, and dicing effortless. No maintenance is needed. And with a mirror polished finish, these knives are easier than ever to clean-- just place them in the dishwasher
- Modern Design: Ginsu Kiso’s colorful handles will add the perfect pop of color on your countertop or dinner table, and the sleek wood block is an easy way to keep your knife set organized and looking sharp. The overall elegance of this set will look perfect in your home!
- Comfort: The full tang, triple-rivet handles are ergonomically engineered to give you a comfortable and safe cutting experience
- Exceptional Value: Ginsu knives and knife block sets are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty
The Japanese are well known for their blades outside and inside the kitchen, and the Ginsu Gourmet Chikara Series Forged 8-Piece Japanese Steel Knife Set is a budget offering from the Land of the Rising Sun that holds its own really well. With this set, you get the following:
- 8-inch chef knife
- 7-inch Santoku knife
- 5-inch utility knife
- 5-inch serrated utility knife
- 3.5-inch paring knife
- 1 x honing rod
- Kitchen shears
- 1 x bamboo knife storage block
All pieces from this set are made of premium Japanese steel, razor-sharp, and stay that way for a long time.
They’re all expertly balanced, and very comfortable to handle so even newbies in the kitchen won’t have a hard time with these blades. The makers of this set also offer a lifetime limited warranty as a testament to their quality products.
On the flip side, this set doesn’t have a steak knife, so you’ll have to buy one if you’re looking to cook some. This set only has five knives, too. Given the quality products offered by this set, it’s still a great choice for slicing and dicing partners in the kitchen.
Pros:
- Made of premium Japanese steel
- Expertly balanced
- Very sharp
Cons:
- 8 inclusions only
- No steak knife
5: Chicago Cutlery Fusion High Carbon Stainless Steel Knife Block Set
- ALL IN ONE: Essentials 15-piece set includes 3-inch peeling, 3-1/2-inch paring, 4-1/2-inch serrated fruit, 4-3/4-inch serrated utility, 5-inch Santoku, 7-inch Santoku, 8-inch scallopped bread knives, shears, six serrated steak knives, and wood block.
- CONVENIENCE: Cutlery set provides comfortable placing of kitchen tools for you to grab seamlessly.
- RELIABLE: Full metal tang provides added strength, balance, and control.
- HIGH CARBON STAINLESS STEEL: High-carbon stainless steel creates stronger, harder blades to resist stains, rust and pitting.
- LONG-LASTING SHARPNESS: Signature 26-Degree taper grind edge for optimum sharpness, precise cutting and easy sharpening.
If you’re looking for a bang for your buck, this set is definitely going to satisfy you. With the 12-piece Chicago Cutlery Fusion High-Carbon Stainless Steel Knife Block Set, you get the following essential tools:
- 8-inch chef knife
- 8-inch bread knife
- 7-inch slicing knife
- 5-inch utility knife
- 3.25-inch paring knife
- 6 x 4.25-inch steak knives
- A golden-brown stained wooden block
What a deal, right? All pieces are beautifully balanced and made strong and durable to resist stains, rust, and pitting. They also have a sturdy, non-slip grip so you can use them anytime, anywhere. What’s awesome about this set is it comes with a wooden block so storing your knives safely is a breeze.
On the other hand, this set doesn’t come with a sharpening tool so that’s an added cost on your end. Given the number of knives you get to enjoy with this set, it’s a small price to pay for such a great deal.
Pros:
- Comes with a wooden block for easy storage of knives
- Well balanced
- Non-slip grip
- 12 pieces
Cons:
- No sharpener included
More on Knives: Our Picks for the Best Ceramic Knives
6: AmazonBasics Premium 18-Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set
- 9-piece countertop knife set with 7 knives and a knife sharpener all stored in a wood block for safety
- Knives include: 8-inch Chef's knife, 7-inch Santoku knife, 8-inch slicing knife, 8-inch serrated bread knife, 6-inch boning knife, 5-inch utility knife, and 3.5-inch paring knife
- High carbon stainless-steel blades for precision results and lasting sharpness
- Traditional, full tang, triple-riveted ergonomic knife handles offer pleasant weight for better balance and control
- Hand wash only
Amazon is a popular e-commerce website, but did you know they sell essentials such as knife sets, too? The AmazonBasics Premium 18-Piece Kitchen Knife Block Set offers an outstanding deal with the following kitchen essential inclusions:
- 8-inch chef’s knife
- 7-inch Santoku knife
- 8-inch slicing knife
- 8-inch bread knife
- 5.5-inch utility knife
- 6-inch boning knife
- 3.5-inch paring knife
- 8 x 4.5-inch steak knives
- 8-inch kitchen shears
- 8-inch sharpener
- Rubber-wood storage block
This super-affordable set contains everything you need to slice, dice, mince, and many more in the kitchen.
All the blades are made of professional-quality steel and are guaranteed to display reliable cutting performance. Each knife is equipped with an ergonomically designed handle for comfortable and secure maneuvering, so this knife set is a great steal.
There are claims that these knives need to be sharpened regularly for stellar performance. The kitchen shears are said to be not of excellent quality as well. Overall, this set is still a superb deal every frugal shopper should consider.
Pros:
- 18 pieces
- Professional-quality steel
- Ergonomically designed handle
Cons:
- Needs to be sharpened regularly
- Kitchen shears not great
7: Victorinox Swiss Classic 5-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
- Premium Steak Knives: Enjoy perfectly cut steaks every time with these sharp, durable blades; these meat knives offer excellent control
- Elegant Cooking Knives: Add a touch of style to your dining table with the beautiful black handles and ergonomic design of these steak knives
- Comfortable, Sharp Kitchen Knives: Prep meals without wrist fatigue thanks to the comfortable grip of these steak knives
- Quality Home Essentials: Elevate your kitchen utensils with this elegant and sturdy knife set, perfect for any home kitchen
- Swiss-Made Quality Home Essentials: Since 1884, Victorinox has been expertly crafting kitchen utensils designed for professionals
The Swiss may be known for their pocket knives, but their kitchen cutlery is of excellent quality, too. The Victorinox Swiss Classic 5-Piece Kitchen Knife Set is a very formidable kitchen knife set that comes with the following items:
- A paring knife (wavy edge)
- A paring knife (straight edge, pointed tip)
- Tomato and table knife (wavy edge)
- Carving knife
- Bread knife
This knife set boasts of first-class quality materials, which is good news for those who don’t want to compromise the quality of their cutting in the kitchen.
These knives are dishwasher safe, but it’s recommended to hand wash them for better care. The makers of this knife set also offer a lifetime warranty, which goes to show how confident they are of their kitchen tools.
The elephant in the room is that this set only has five inclusions. The knife set also doesn’t have a wooden block so you have to store the knives individually. If we’re talking quality over quantity though, you should still keep this knife set in your shopping list.
Pros:
- First-class quality materials
- Dishwasher safe
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Five pieces only
- No wooden block
8: Emojoy Knife Set, 15-Piece Kitchen Knife Set
With its elegant rosewood design, the Emojoy 15-piece Kitchen Knife set may look expensive, but it’s a total bargain. This German knife set boasts of the following inclusions:
- 8-inch chef knife
- 8-inch slicing knife
- 8-inch santoku knife
- 8-inch bread knife
- 5-inch utility knife
- 3.5-inch paring knife,
- A pair of kitchen scissors
- Knife sharpener
- 6 x 4.5-inch steak knives
Made from premium German steel, this cutlery is sharp, easy to maintain, has superior edge retention, and is very easy to sharpen.
Their gorgeous Pakkawood handles are also dense and durable, making them formidable tools even for those starting in the kitchen. With full confidence in the products, the makers of this knife are ready to offer a 100% refund with no time limit in case you aren’t impressed with the set.
This knife set is not dishwasher safe, so it can be a bit of a chore to maintain. The handle also comes in one color only, so if you’re not pleased with its design, this may not be the one for you.
Overall, this kitchen knife set is still a spectacular deal you should consider to purchase.
Pros:
- Premium quality materials
- Easy to maintain
- Elegant design
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
- Handle with one color option only
#9: McCook MC24 14 Pieces Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Sets
- EXCLUSIVE BUILT-IN SHARPENER - Stainless steel knife block set with built-in sharpener is amazing. It saves you from having to honing blades on a sharpening steel.
- CRAFTSMANSHIP - Full tang with stainless steel endcap and secured by triple rivets, this kitchen knife set is made to last for years. The ergonomically designed handle provides a comfortable grip, no more loose or fallen handle.
- PREMIUM KITCHEN KNIFE SET - Tarnish-resistant and durable, this high carbon stainless steel cutlery set is of restaurant and culinary school knife set quality.
- VALUE SET - 15 pieces knife set includes: 8" chef knife, 8" slicing knife, 5" santoku knife, 5.5" serrated utility knife, 4.5" fine edge utility knife, 3" paring knife, 6pcs 4.5" serrated steak knives, 2 pcs kitchen shears and hard wood knife block with built-in sharpener
- EASY TO STORAGE - All knives store safely in the rubberwood knife block with built-in sharpener for space efficient storage
Looking for a splash of color in the kitchen? Then consider the McCook MC24 14 Pieces Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Set, which comes in black, stainless steel, red and purple handles, on your knife set shopping radar. This budget-friendly kitchen knife set has the following inclusions:
- 8-inch chef knife
- 8-inch slicing knife
- 5-inch santoku knife
- 5-inch serrated utility knife
- 4.75-inch utility knife
- 3-inch paring knife
- 6 x 4.5-inch serrated steak knife
- Kitchen shears
- Knife block with built-in sharpener
This ultra-value kitchen knife block set offers tarnish-resistant and durable high carbon stainless steel blades that are easy to sharpen for your precise cutting needs.
Each knife has an ergonomically designed handle for your comfort in handling. To top it all off, the brand offers a full refund or replacement if you’re not happy with your set.
On the other hand, the inclusions of this set are not dishwasher-safe, so cleaning them can be a bit laborious. Given the value for money this kitchen knife set offers though, the work will have been worth it.
Pros:
- Very durable
- Comes with 14 knives
- Full refund or replacement
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
Next Read:
#10: Cuisinart C55-12PCER1 12-Piece Knife Set
- High-Quality Stainless Steel Blades
- Ceramic Coating for Easy Non-Stick Slicing
- Color Coding Helps You to Reduce the Risk of Cross-Contamination During Food Preparation
- 8" Chef Knife is a multipurpose knife for mincing and slicing vegetables. The 7" Santoku Knife is perfect multipurpose knife for dicing and mincing
- Lifetime Warranty
If you’re looking for a kitchen knife set that’s anything but basic, then the Cuisinart 12-Piece Ceramic Coated Color Knife Set with Blade Guards might just be the set you’re looking for. This colorful knife set comes with the following knives that come with their own blade guards:
- 8-inch chef knife
- 8-inch slicing knife
- 8-inch bread knife
- 7-inch santoku knife
- 6.5-inch utility knife
- 3.5-inch paring Knife
Made from high-quality stainless steel blades, these knives boast of special ceramic coating to make slicing more convenient, and for longer blade retention.
The nonstick coating is color-coded so it’s impossible to mix up the knives. Plus, each knife has its own blade guard to keep the family (and pets) safe.
Although this set does say it comes with 12 pieces, it only comes with 6 knives. They also don’t come with a block and steel sharpener, so those are additional costs. Given the great quality pieces, you stand to gain with this set, it’s still a pretty formidable kitchen knife set.
Pros:
- Color-coded knives
- Comes with individual guards
Cons:
- 6 knives only
Also Read: The 10 Best Electric Knife Sharpeners
Best Knife Set Under $100: Buyer’s Guide
As detailed above, you don’t necessarily need to invest a ton in order to purchase a good-quality knife set. You can find great options under $100.
There are a lot of cheaper options in the market, and they all have their strengths and setbacks. However, the question is how do you choose the right knife set for you?
Before you buy a knife set, you should keep a list of non-negotiables as it will impact your productivity in the long run. You’re looking to maximize your tight budget after all. Here are factors to consider when purchasing a budget-friendly knife set:
Core knives inclusion
A good quality knife set includes three basic knives experts agree every kitchen should have: a chef or Santoku knife paring knife, and a serrated bread knife.
Having honing steel and a pair of shears would be great as well, as they will be used a lot in the long run. Some inclusions, such as steak knives, are just added bonuses.
Knife maintenance
How do you clean, store, and maintain the sharpness of the knives’ blade? If taken care of well, your knives should last in your kitchen a long time.
Most knife sets come with their own block for easy storage, while some would require individual storage. Some knife sets come with their own honing tool, too.
Your cooking style
What do you normally cook in your kitchen? This will help you determine what kind of knives you need specifically.
For instance, if you’re on a plant-based diet, you don’t really need a boning knife in your arsenal. If you’re the type to grill up some steaks often, steak knives would be handy.
Quality
The quality of the materials would determine the longevity of the knife set, so you should definitely scour for a knife set made of durable materials that do not rust easily. You’re looking for cutlery you can use in the kitchen in the long haul, after all.
Weight and balance
Some cooks prefer wielding heavier cutlery, while some prefer lightweight knives. There is no ‘right’ weight and balance. This factor is subjective, so what do you like to work with personally?
Even if you’re working on a tight budget, you need to bear in mind that you’re looking for kitchen partners you can use for a long time. Otherwise, you’ll end up having to buy new knives, so you need to choose your knife set wisely.
There are non-negotiables you should look for when shopping for a knife set, while there are subjective factors, so it all boils down to what your personal preferences are. What kind of cook are you?
Before You Make The Cut
Investing in a good knife set will impact the quality of dishes you’ll be able to whip up in your kitchen so you need to choose your tools well.
While you don’t need to invest a ton to get a nice set of knives, you still need to scrutinize your options with care, as ideally, these would be your partner for all your cooking needs in the long run.
At the end of the day, you get what you pay for so it really boils down to what’s important to you.
